Hardware Retailing The Industry's Source for Insights and Information
Nonfarm payroll employment was largely unchanged across the U.S. on a monthly basis in September 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) Eye on Housing.
29 states and the District of Columbia saw nonfarm payroll employment increases in September compared to August 2025, which saw a decrease in 20 states. Total nonfarm payroll employment nationwide increased by 119,000 in September, following significant downward revisions to the previous two months’ numbers, including job losses in August. Monthly job growth has averaged 76,000, down from the 168,000 monthly average gain for 2024.
Construction sector jobs data showed that 31 states and the District of Columbia reported an increase in September compared to August, while 17 states lost construction jobs. Texas added the most construction jobs in September, totaling 4,300 jobs, while Florida lost 4,400 jobs. The construction industry added a net 19,000 jobs overall in September compared to August. Percentage-wise, Michigan reported the highest increase at 2.1% while Mississippi reported the largest decline at 4.9%.
Construction jobs increased by 38,000 year over year, up 0.5% from September 2024. Year over year, Texas added 16,400 construction jobs, the largest gain, and New York lost 16,900 construction jobs, the most significant decrease. In percentage terms, New Mexico had the highest annual growth rate in the construction sector at 12.4%. During this period, New Jersey reported the largest decline of 6.0%.
