US Metro Construction Jobs Fall in 161 Areas as Houston Adds 12,100
Updated
Updated · ColoradoBiz · Jun 26
US Metro Construction Jobs Fall in 161 Areas as Houston Adds 12,100
1 articles · Updated · ColoradoBiz · Jun 26
Summary
161 of 360 U.S. metro areas lost construction jobs between May 2025 and May 2026, while 152 posted gains and 47 were unchanged, AGC’s analysis of federal data showed.
Higher material costs, slower demand in some sectors and uncertainty over future infrastructure spending are making it harder for contractors to add workers, the group said.
Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands added the most jobs at 12,100, followed by St. Louis with 10,500, while Baton Rouge gained 8,400 and posted the fastest growth rate at 18%.
Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario lost the most jobs at 6,100, and Lawton, Oklahoma, recorded the steepest percentage decline at 21%.
AGC warned fewer metros may see job growth later in 2026 if Congress does not renew federal highway and transit funding legislation before the current law expires in September.