Construction Job Growth Stalls in Most Metro Areas

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According to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America, just under half of metro areas added construction jobs between December 2024 and December 2025. Association officials noted that construction job growth has stalled in many parts of the country due to contractor worries about weak demand and ongoing challenges finding enough workers to hire.

Why it matters

The stagnant construction job growth highlights the broader economic challenges facing the industry, including slowing demand for many types of construction projects and persistent labor shortages. These trends could have ripple effects on local economies that rely heavily on construction activity.

The details

The analysis found that 176 metro areas, or 49%, added construction jobs during the period, led by gains in Washington D.C., Kansas City, and Arlington-Alexandria-Reston. However, 129 metro areas saw construction employment decline, with the largest losses in Las Vegas, New York City, and Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario. Association officials said contractors have dampened expectations for most construction market segments compared to last year and continue to struggle to find enough qualified workers to hire.

• Between December 2024 and December 2025

What they’re saying

What’s next

Association officials urged Congress to pass a new surface transportation bill before the current law expires and to take steps to address workforce shortages in the construction industry.