Texas added 30,100 construction jobs in a year, leading the U.S. What happens next may depend on solving a worker shortage.
DALLAS — Texas added more construction jobs than any other state over the past year, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released by the Associated General Contractors of America.
Between January 2025 and January 2026, Texas gained 30,100 construction jobs — a 3.4% increase — the largest numeric jump in the nation. The growth outpaced other top states, including Missouri, Illinois and North Carolina.
California lost the most construction jobs from January 2025 to January 2026, down 15,400 jobs, or 1.7%, followed by Florida, which lost 8,800 jobs, or 1.3%, according to the data.
Nationwide, construction employment increased in 38 states during that 12-month period, while 11 states lost jobs and one remained unchanged.
“January was a good month for construction employment in many states despite harsh weather in much of the country,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “However, continued employment gains will depend on having enough workers with the right skills, especially to build data centers and power projects.”
For North Texas, the gains reflect continued demand for large-scale development, including infrastructure, commercial construction, and energy-related projects — sectors that have driven job growth across the state.
Month to month, Texas also saw strong gains. The state added 11,800 construction jobs from December to January, ranking second nationally for job growth during that period, behind Illinois.
Industry leaders say the challenge now is sustaining that momentum.
“Contractors are eager to employ workers with the skills to execute needed projects but government must do more to fill the pipeline of potential hires,” said Jeffrey D. Shoaf, CEO of the Associated General Contractors of America. “The federal government should increase support for state, local, and industry efforts to provide workers with the right skills.”
The state-level gains align with broader national trends. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ March jobs report, construction employment increased by 26,000 jobs nationwide for the month, contributing to the overall growth of 178,000 jobs.
Association officials emphasized that continued expansion will depend heavily on workforce development efforts, particularly in skilled trades like electrical work tied to data centers and power projects.
While states like California and Oregon reported job losses over the past year, Texas continues to stand out as a leader in construction employment growth — a trend with direct implications for fast-growing regions like North Texas.
