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
Workforce Development
Oct 01, 2026
Promote the Trades During Careers in Construction Month
Every October, NAHB and the residential construction industry celebrate Careers in Construction Month, a time to raise awareness of the rewarding opportunities available in the skilled trades.
Technology | Design | Business Management | Education
Sep 30, 2026
Top 5 Tech Trends That Will Shape Housing in 2027
Technology has quickly evolved from an optional upgrade to a core part of a home’s infrastructure. Communications expert and NAHB member Katye McGregor Bennett shares which technologies and trends stood out the most at the recent CEDIA Expo, and what builders should keep an eye on in 2027.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Sep 30, 2026
PCE Inflation Remains Elevated
The Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge remained elevated in August, complicating the Fed’s path to its 2% target. Core PCE held at 3.0% year-over-year for the third consecutive month. Though the reading came in lower than expected, it’s not necessarily a sign of disinflation.
Economics
Sep 29, 2026
Consumer Confidence Fell in September
Consumer confidence in September plunged to the lowest level since April 2014 as consumers grew more pessimistic about current conditions and the economic outlook.
Economics
Sep 29, 2026
August Construction Job Openings
The number of open positions in the construction sector fell back in August per the Bureau of Labor Statistics Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS). The current level of open jobs is down from three years ago due to declines in construction activity, particularly in housing.