Construction Jobs Fall in September
The number of open construction sector jobs trended lower in September, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS). The data indicate the demand for construction labor market remains weaker than a year ago.
Elements of the construction sector slowed in prior months as tight Federal Reserve policy persisted. The number of open construction sector jobs fell from a revised 328,000 in August to a softer 288,000 in September. This September reading was lower than last September's number of 422,000 open, unfilled construction jobs.
The number of open jobs for the overall economy declined from 7.86 million to 7.44 million in September. This is notably smaller than the 9.31 million estimate reported a year ago and a clear sign of a softening aggregate labor market.
Previous NAHB analysis indicated that this number had to fall below 8 million on a sustained basis for the Fed to feel more comfortable about labor market conditions and their potential impacts on inflation. With estimates now remaining near 8 million for national job openings, the Fed has begun a credit easing cycle should continue lowering rates.
NAHB Chief Economist Dr. Robert Dietz provides additional details in this Eye on Housing post.
Latest from NAHBNow
Sustainability and Green Building
Aug 28, 2026
NGBS: An Alternative Energy Code Compliance Option
As energy efficiency mandates are becoming more difficult and costly to meet, the National Green Building Standard (NGBS) is emerging as an attractive alternative. Alternative code compliance options - like NGBS Green - are beneficial to local jurisdictions and builders alike, as they provide compliance flexibility without compromising energy performance, and can streamline permitting processes and timelines.
Membership Recruitment and Retention
Aug 27, 2026
Fall Recruitment Competition Set to Begin Sept. 1
Builder and Associate members will work to recruit as many new members as they can by Nov. 30. Winners can earn prizes including LG laundry products and 2027 International Builders' Show perks.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Aug 28, 2026
Multifamily Absorption Rate Remains Below 50%
The percentage of new apartment units that were absorbed within three months after completion was down five percentage points in the first quarter, according to the Census Bureau’s latest release of the Survey of Market Absorption of New Multifamily Units (SOMA).
Economics
Aug 27, 2026
Small Decline for Single-Family Home Size
New single-family home size had been falling since 2015 in response to declining affordability conditions. An exception occurred in 2021, when new home size increased as interest rates reached historic lows.
Economics
Aug 26, 2026
PCE Inflation Remains Sticky
The latest report shows the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge remains sticky in July, complicating the Fed’s path to its long-term 2% target. Meanwhile, consumer spending remains resilient but is showing signs of slowing, with real consumer spending unchanged in July. Households are pulling back on spending amid persistent inflation.