State-by-State Employment Data for April
Nonfarm employment increased in 38 states and the District of Columbia in April compared to the previous month, while 11 states saw a decrease. Alaska reported no change during this time. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nationwide total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 175,000 in April, following a gain of 315,000 jobs in March.
Across the nation, construction sector jobs data — which includes both residential and non-residential construction — showed that 28 states reported an increase in April compared to March, while 19 states and the District of Columbia lost construction sector jobs. The three remaining states — Mississippi, Rhode Island and South Carolina — reported no change on a month-over-month basis.
Overall, the construction industry added a net 9,000 jobs in April compared to the previous month.
Year over year, construction sector jobs in the U.S. increased by 258,000, which is a 3.2% increase compared to the April 2023 level. Texas added the most jobs (30,500) of any state, while New York lost 7,100 construction sector jobs. In percentage terms, Alaska had the highest annual growth rate in the construction sector at 18%, while Maryland reported the largest decline of 4%.
Danushka Nanayakkara-Skillington, NAHB assistant vice president for forecasting and analysis, provides more insights in this Eye on Housing post.
Latest from NAHBNow
Awards | Membership | Associate Members Committee
Sep 08, 2026
How Winning an Associate Award Can Benefit You and Your Business
Every year, NAHB honors its top two Associate members for their achievements and essential work in the field with two awards: Associate of the Year and Associate Advocate of BUILD-PAC.
Economics
Sep 08, 2026
How Are Rising Costs Impacting the Cost of Single-Family Homes?
The housing industry is experiencing elevated costs across the board — from land to labor and building materials. NAHB’s Economics team is in the process of measuring how these rising costs impact the cost to build single-family homes. And we need your help.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Sep 08, 2026
Single-Family Home Construction Time Declines in 2025
Building a new single-family home took less time in 2025 compared to the previous three years. On average, it now takes 8.8 months from start to finish. That time includes 1.4 months for authorization to start construction and another 7.4 months to finish construction.
Economics
Sep 07, 2026
Shorter Apartment Construction Time in 2025
The average time needed to complete construction of a multifamily building after obtaining authorization edged down in 2025, according to the 2025 Survey of Construction (SOC) from the Census Bureau.
Economics
Sep 04, 2026
Beating Expectations: U.S. Economy Adds 162,000 Jobs in August
The U.S. labor market rebounded in August, with nonfarm payrolls increasing by 162,000 and upward revisions adding 55,000 jobs to June and July. The unemployment rate held steady at 4.1%, as both employment and the labor force participation rate rose over the month.