Construction employment declined by 11,000 positions in December, with modest decreases in both residential and nonresidential sectors, according to an analysis of new government data the Associated General Contractors of America released today. Association officials noted that the new employment figures reflect the same contractor concerns identified in the group’s newly-released 2026 Construction Hiring & Business Outlook.
“Nonresidential construction employment expanded modestly in 2025 but was held back by unwillingness of many owners to commit to projects in the light of ongoing policy turmoil,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Based on our recent survey, it appears 2026 will also present only limited opportunities for growth.”
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