Construction Job Data Improves in November
Nonfarm payroll employment increased in 38 states and the District of Columbia in November compared to the previous month, while it decreased in 12 states. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nationwide total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 227,000 in November, following a meager gain of 32,000 jobs in October.
On a month-over-month basis, employment data was most favorable in Florida, which added 61,500 jobs, rebounding from the hurricanes that hit the sunshine state in October. Washington came in second (+30,900), followed by North Carolina (+15,000).
A total of 20,300 jobs were lost across 12 states, with Colorado reporting the steepest job losses at 3,900. In percentage terms, employment increased the highest in Washington at 0.9%, while Vermont saw the biggest decline at 0.3% between October and November.

Construction sector jobs data — which includes both residential and non-residential construction — showed that 23 states and the District of Columbia reported an increase in November compared to October, while 23 states lost construction sector jobs. The four remaining states reported no change on a month-over-month basis.
Florida added the most month over month, with an increase of 7,600 construction jobs, while Indiana lost 3,400 jobs. In percentage terms, Minnesota reported the highest increase at 2.1%, and Indiana reported the largest decline at 2%.
Year over year, construction sector jobs in the U.S. increased by 211,000 — a 2.6% increase. Texas added 32,200 jobs, which was the largest gain of any state, while California lost 11,500 construction sector jobs. In percentage terms, Alaska had the highest annual growth rate in the construction sector at 20.3%. Over this period, Maryland reported the largest decline of 2.3%.
Danushka Nanayakkara-Skillington, NAHB assistant vice president for forecasting and analysis, provides more in this Eye on Housing post.
Latest from NAHBNow
May 09, 2025
How CertainTeed One Precision Assemblies Accelerates Construction with Factory-Built PrecisionWith the demand for housing in today’s fast-paced construction environment, time is money — and quality is everything. That’s why more developers, general contractors, and home builders are turning to offsite construction solutions like CertainTeed One Precision Assemblies.
May 08, 2025
How an NAHB Student Chapter Alumnus Found His Residential Construction PassionLawrence Thompson III's eye for design and architecture led him to NAHB's Student Competition. Now the project manager is working a full-time job that fits his skills and passions.
Latest Economic News
May 09, 2025
Consumer Credit Slows in the First Quarter of 2025Consumer credit continued to rise in early 2025, but the pace of growth has slowed. Student loan balances rose year-over-year as borrowers resumed payments following the end of pandemic-era relief. However, growth remains modest.
May 08, 2025
Multifamily Developer Confidence Falls in the First QuarterMultifamily developers are starting the year in a cautious state, according to Q1 2025 results from the Multifamily Market Survey (MMS) released today by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). The MMS produces two separate indices.
May 07, 2025
Fed Remains on Pause with Rising UncertaintyThe Federal Reserve remained on pause with respect to rate cuts at the conclusion of its May meeting, maintaining the federal funds rate in the 4.25% to 4.5% range. Characterizing current market conditions, the central bank noted that the “unemployment rate has stabilized at a low level in recent months, and labor market conditions remain solid.” However, the Fed noted that “inflation remains somewhat elevated.”