Construction Employment on the Rise Since June 2016 Words: Dan KamysBut Half of the States Shed Jobs Between May and June 2016 According to analysis of U.S. Labor Department data released by the Associated General Contractors of America, construction employment increased in 39 states between June 2015 and June 2016, but half the states shed construction jobs between May and June. Hawaii added the highest percentage of new construction jobs during the past year (15.9%, 6,700 jobs), followed by Iowa, Colorado and Oklahoma. Iowa and Oklahoma set new records for construction employment. California added the most construction jobs (32,300 jobs, 4.5%) between June 2015 and June 2016, followed by Florida, Colorado and Washington. Construction employment declined over the past 12 months in 11 states and the District of Columbia. North Dakota lost the highest percentage and number of construction jobs for the year (-12.4%, -4,300 jobs). Other states with large job losses include Kansas and Alabama. Large percentage losses occurred in Wyoming (-6.6%, -1,500 jobs), Maine and Kansas. Twenty-three states and D.C. added construction jobs between May and June, 25 states lost jobs, and employment was unchanged in Illinois and Vermont. Pennsylvania added the most (3,400 jobs, 1.5%), followed by Arizona, Colorado, Indiana, Iowa and Wisconsin. Delaware added the highest percentage of construction jobs during the past month (3.4%, 700 jobs), followed by New Hampshire, Iowa and Arizona. Texas shed more construction jobs in June than any other state (-2,800 jobs, -0.4%), followed by California. Maine lost the highest percentage of construction jobs between May and June (-4.7%, -1,200 jobs), followed by North Dakota. For complete details, visit AGC of America's website.