Construction Employment Rises in 39 States Over Last 12 Months

Words: Dan Kamys

According to analysis of Labor Department data released by the Associated General Contractors of America, 39 states added construction jobs between July 2015 and July 2016, while construction employment increased in only 23 states and the District of Columbia between June and July . Association officials said construction employment likely declined in many states as firms have growing difficulty locating qualified workers to hire.

California added the most construction jobs (29,100 jobs, 4.0%) between July 2015 and July 2016. Other states adding a high number of new construction jobs for the past 12 months include Florida, Colorado and Iowa. Iowa added the highest percentage of new construction jobs during the past year, followed by Hawaii (12.9%, 4,500 jobs), Idaho and Colorado. Kansas lost the highest number of construction jobs (-4,400 jobs, -7.3%) for the year. Other states that lost jobs for the year include North Dakota, Alabama, Kentucky, Wyoming and Maine. Construction employment was unchanged for the year in the District of Columbia. Texas added the most construction jobs between June and July (7,800 jobs, 1.1%). Other states adding a high number of construction jobs for the month include Pennsylvania, Florida, Tennessee and Colorado. Idaho added the highest percentage of construction jobs during the past month (4.6%, 1,900 jobs), followed by New Hampshire, Arkansas and Mississippi. Construction employment declined in 27 states during the past month and held steady in Alaska.  Ohio shed more construction jobs than any other state (-3,600 jobs, -1.7%), followed by New Jersey, New York, Illinois and Louisiana. Delaware lost the highest percentage of construction jobs between June and July (-2.3%, -500 jobs), followed by New Jersey, Kentucky and Wyoming. For complete details and the full analysis, visit www.acg.org.  
Tomorrow: Vote MASONRY STRONG In The Truist Inspire Awards
November 2025

After months of preparation, thousands of registrations, and unprecedented support from across the masonry industry, we're less than 24 hours away from the Truist Inspire Awards live voting event.

Read More
Non-Stop Scaffolding Continues Gold Partnership in the 2026 Masonry Alliance Program
November 2025

The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) is pleased to announce that Non-Stop Scaffolding will continue their Gold partnership in the 2026 Masonry Alliance Program.

Industry News
Read More
MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Episode 32 Recap: Richard O'Connor, President at Taylor Concrete Products
November 2025

On this episode of the MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Richard O'Connor sits down with Justin in Indianapolis to talk about new advancements being made in masonry, as well as how he got started in this industry.

Justin Stengel
The MASONRY STRONG Podcast
Read More
2026 Masonry Alliance Program Spots Now Open To All Suppliers
November 2025

The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) has officially opened all remaining spots for its 2026 Masonry Alliance Program (MAP) to the public. Following the renewal period for current partners, a limited number of positions are now available.

Read More