Construction employment rose in 32 states and the District of Columbia over the past year, while 26 states and D.C. added jobs between October and November, according to an analysis of new federal data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that the mixed pattern of gains and losses is consistent with the results of their 2026 Construction Hiring and Business Outlook, which they will release on Thursday.
“Soaring demand for data centers, power, and selected other segments is adding to construction employment in some states,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “But uncertainty over tariffs and other policy shifts is causing many owners elsewhere to hold back on projects, leading contractors to trim their headcount.”
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