Construction Employment Grows in Half of U.S. Metros Despite Industry Headwinds
New federal data reveals contrasting trends in local construction job markets, as demand for key projects fuels growth in some regions while others struggle with labor shortages and policy uncertainty.
Construction employment increased in 184 of 360 U.S. metro areas between April 2024 and April 2025, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC). Despite gains in over half the country, overall growth was tempered by persistent labor shortages and economic uncertainty, the association said Wednesday.
“Demand for infrastructure, public facilities, and data centers is helping boost construction employment in many parts of the country,” said Macrina Wilkins, AGC senior research associate. “But that demand has not been enough to offset labor shortages and broader economic uncertainty in many other parts of the country.”
The largest job gains were recorded in Arlington-Alexandria-Reston, Va.-W.Va. (+7,700 jobs, +9%), followed by Dallas-Plano-Irving, Texas (+5,300, +3%); Cincinnati, Ohio-Ky.-Ind. (+4,800, +9%); Miami-Miami Beach-Kendall, Fla. (+4,300, +7%); and Washington, D.C.-Md. (+3,800, +8%). Las Cruces, N.M. led in percentage growth at 19% (+800 jobs), followed by New Orleans-Metairie, La. (+15%), Paducah, Ky.-Ill. (+13%), Owensboro, Ky. (+13%), and Canton-Massillon, Ohio (+12%).
Construction employment declined in 120 metro areas and remained flat in 56. The greatest losses occurred in Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, Calif. (-6,000 jobs, -5%), Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale, Calif. (-5,900, -4%), and New York City (-5,400, -4%). Monroe, Mich. saw the largest percentage drop at -20% (-500 jobs), with Fairbanks, Alaska; Tacoma, Wash.; Lake Charles, La.; and Elizabethtown, Ky. also reporting steep declines.
AGC officials pointed to uncertainty around tariffs and future tax policy as contributing factors, though recent trade decisions and legislative developments have eased some pressure.
“Some of the uncertainties impacting construction demand in April have been addressed even as demand for certain types of projects remains strong,” said AGC CEO Jeffrey D. Shoaf. “Federal officials can help boost future construction employment growth by investing in construction education and training programs and establishing more lawful pathways for people to enter the country to work in construction.”
View the full metro employment data and top 10 rankings here.
