State-by-State Employment Data for February
Nonfarm payroll employment increased in 43 states and the District of Columbia in February compared to the previous month, while seven states saw a decrease. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nationwide total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 275,000 in February, following a gain of 229,000 jobs in January.
Across the nation, construction sector jobs data — which includes both residential and non-residential construction — showed that 31 states reported an increase in February compared to January, while 17 states lost construction sector jobs. The remaining three ‐ South Carolina, Vermont and the District of Columbia — reported no change on a month-over-month basis.
Overall, the construction industry added a net 23,000 jobs in February compared to the previous month. Texas added the most construction jobs (7,800), while California lost 9,600 jobs. In percentage terms, Alaska reported the highest increase at 4.9% and Minnesota reported the largest decline at 2.3%.
Year over year, construction sector jobs in the U.S. increased by 215,000, which is a 2.7% increase compared to the February 2023 level. Texas added 32,200 jobs, which was the largest gain of any state, while New York lost 19,000 construction sector jobs. In percentage terms, Alaska had the highest annual growth rate in the construction sector at 15.6%. Over this period, North Dakota reported the largest decline of 5.7%.
Danushka Nanayakkara-Skillington, NAHB assistant vice president for forecasting and analysis, provides more details on the overall job market in this Eye on Housing post.
Latest from NAHBNow
Environmental Issues | Advocacy
Sep 15, 2026
NAHB Provides Agency Official Inside Look to Inform Changes to Stormwater Permitting
NAHB members and staff provided a tour of several residential subdivisions in Northern Virginia to an official from the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Office of Advocacy. The tour offered an opportunity to show the official how NAHB members comply with construction stormwater requirements and to discuss the federal construction general permit (CGP) for stormwater discharges from active residential land development and construction sites.
Associate Members Committee | IBS
Sep 14, 2026
Associate Members Share Their Top Networking, IBS Advice
We spoke with three Associate members about their best tips on how to network with peers virtually throughout the year, and how to network in-person at key events such as the International Builders’ Show.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Sep 10, 2026
Existing Home Sales Fall despite Improved Inventory
Existing home sales fell for the third consecutive month as record-high home prices and elevated mortgage rates weighed on buyers. Mortgage rates resumed an upward trend after the July ceasefire ended.
Economics
Sep 10, 2026
Energy Prices Rise Again in August
Residential building material prices, excluding energy, rose 0.2% in August and were up 5.1% from a year ago. Energy prices rose sharply in August, as prices for energy inputs to residential construction rose 6.6% over the month.
Economics
Sep 09, 2026
Mortgage Applications Decline for Sixth Straight Month in August
Mortgage application activity continued to decline in August as elevated US treasury yields pushed mortgage rates higher. The Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) Market Composite Index, a measure of total mortgage application volume, declined 3.2% month-over-month in August on a seasonally adjusted basis, marking the sixth consecutive monthly decline.