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
IBS
Oct 30, 2026
From Mr. Wonderful to Counting Crows, IBS 2027 Brings Out the Stars
The NAHB International Builders’ Show® (IBS) always features leading experts and luminaries from the housing and real estate industry. The sheer size of the event also attracts talent from other walks of life.
Membership
Oct 30, 2026
Chairman's Update: Apply Now to Serve on a Council or Committee
In his latest update, NAHB Chairman Bill Owens highlights the value of serving on a committee or council, and how members can apply.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Oct 30, 2026
Housing’s Share of the Economy Falls Again as It Continues to Face Headwinds
Housing’s share of the economy was 15.7% in the third quarter of 2026, according to the latest estimates of GDP produced by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. This share is down from 15.8% in the second quarter and down from 16.0% a year ago. Residential construction, measured by residential fixed investment, fell for the sixth time over the past eight quarters.
Economics
Oct 29, 2026
PCE Inflation Accelerated in September
The Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge accelerated in September after holding at 3.0% for three consecutive months, complicating the Fed’s path to its 2% target. Consumer spending continued to be pushed up by elevated energy prices rather than income growth, driving the personal saving rate to the lowest level in nearly four years.
Economics
Oct 29, 2026
U.S. Economy Accelerated in the Third Quarter of 2026
The U.S. economy grew at a faster pace in the third quarter of 2026, supported by stronger consumer spending, robust business investment, and increased government spending. However, residential investment remained a weak spot, highlighting the continued challenges facing the housing sector amid elevated borrowing costs.