The construction industry added 33,000 jobs in January, according to an analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data by Associated Builders and Contractors. Year over year, industry employment increased by 44,000 jobs, or 0.5%.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Associated Builders and Contractors
Nonresidential construction accounted for 27,900 of January’s gains. Nonresidential specialty trade added 25,100 jobs, and nonresidential building added 3,600, while heavy and civil engineering lost 800 positions. The construction unemployment rate stood at 6.9% in January, compared with 4.3% across all industries.
ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu said residential construction has been the weakest segment, with employment down 43,600 jobs over the past year. Despite slower growth in 2025, he noted contractor confidence in sales and staffing remains positive, according to ABC’s Construction Confidence Index.
