New Jersey added 3,800 construction jobs in December, posting a 2.4% gain over November, according to Associated General Contractors of America. New Jersey led the 32 states that added jobs in December. Ohio lost the most in the month, 4,100 jobs, down 1.7% compared to November.
Compared to December 2022, 35 states added jobs. Texas led the group, adding 32,800 construction jobs, up 4.2% year over year. New York lost the most jobs, 15,600, in December compared to December 2022, or 3.9%.
“Construction demand remains strong in many parts of the country, especially for infrastructure, manufacturing, and data center projects,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, CEO. “But a paucity of qualified workers is holding back further employment gains and impacting project schedules and budgets.”
States adding the most jobs in December
Compared to November:
- New Jersey: 3,800 jobs, up 2.4%
- Pennsylvania: 3,700 jobs, 1.4%
- Michigan: 3,300 jobs, 1.8%
- Texas: 2,500 jobs, 0.3%
- South Dakota: 1,200 jobs, 4.1%
Compared to December 2022:
- Texas: 32,800 jobs, up 4.2%
- California: 25,900 jobs, 2.8%
- Arizona: 11,900, 6.2%
- Minnesota: 10,900 jobs, 8.3%
- Kentucky: 10,100 jobs, 12.2%
- South Dakota: 5,200 jobs, 20.8%
States losing the most jobs in December
Compared to November:
- Ohio: -4,100 jobs, -1.7%
- New York: -3,500 jobs, -0.9%
- Kentucky: -1,700 jobs, -1.8%
- South Carolina: -1,300 jobs, -1.2%
Compared to December 2022:
- New York: -15,600 jobs, -3.9
- Colorado: -4,400 jobs, -2.4
- North Carolina: -3,700 jobs, -1.5
- Washington: -2,700 jobs, -1.1%
