Forty states and Washington, D.C., added construction jobs in January, according to Associated General Contractors of America. Thirty-eight states added construction jobs during the past year.
“January was a good month for construction employment in many states despite harsh weather in much of the country,” said AGC Chief Economist Ken Simonson. “However, continued employment gains will depend on having enough workers with the right skills, especially to build data centers and power projects.”
Illinois added the most construction jobs from December 2025 to January—13,500—and West Virginia had the largest percentage increase of construction jobs for the month—5.9%. From January 2025 to January, Texas added the most construction jobs—30,100—and West Virginia had the largest percentage increase—15%.
Idaho lost the largest number of construction jobs (-3,400) for the month and had the largest percentage decline (-4.4%). During the past 12 months, California lost the most construction jobs (-15,400) and Oregon had the largest percentage decline (-3.4%).
