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
Jul 21, 2025
NAHB Mourns Passing of Rick HermanNAHB mourns the passing of Rick Herman, longtime Executive Officer of the Rochester Home Builders Association (RHBA) in New York. Rick joined RHBA 30 years ago and served as a tireless advocate for members in Rochester and around the state.
Jul 18, 2025
Metals and Equipment Drove Material Prices Higher in JuneResidential building material prices rose in June, driven primarily by higher construction machinery and equipment part prices, based on data from the most recent Producer Price Index (PPI). Metal commodities also experienced significant increases, following recently implemented tariffs on steel and aluminum.
Latest Economic News
Jul 21, 2025
Use of Private Water and Sewer Systems in New Single-Family HomesThe share of new single-family homes built with individual septic systems declined slightly in 2024 compared to the previous year, while the share of homes served by private wells remained steady.
Jul 21, 2025
Sales of Lower-Priced New Single-Family Homes Declined Over the Past Five YearsFrom 2020 to 2024, sales of lower-priced new homes declined significantly as the market moved toward higher-priced segments. Rising construction costs—driven by inflation, supply chain disruptions, and labor shortages—as well as higher regulatory costs, made it increasingly difficult for builders to construct affordable homes.
Jul 18, 2025
State-Level Employment Situation: June 2025Nonfarm payroll employment increased in 27 states in June compared to the previous month, while employment decreased in 23 states and the District of Columbia. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nationwide total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 147,000 in June following a gain of 144,000 jobs in May.