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State-level employment levels remained relatively stable year-over-year at the end of 2025, ranging from a 4.2% decline to a 1.8% gain, according to an analysis by the NAHB Eye on Housing. Construction employment showed greater fluctuations, with declines of up to 9.3% in some states and gains of nearly 9.0% in others.
In December, nonfarm payroll employment increased in 22 states and the District of Columbia compared to November, while 27 states saw declines. Monthly, Texas saw the most job gains (+19,700), followed by New York (+19,100) and Illinois (+11,800). A total of 53,200 jobs were lost across 27 states, with Indiana posting the largest decline (-7,700). In percentage terms, Montana saw the strongest increase (+0.4%), while Kansas saw the largest decrease (-0.3%) between November and December.
December nonfarm employment increased in total by 584,000 jobs nationwide on a year-over-year basis, representing a 0.4% gain relative to December 2024. Massachusetts gained 1,300 jobs year-over-year and Texas gained 132,500. 16 states and the District of Columbia collectively lost 115,300 jobs over the last year, with the District of Columbia experiencing the largest decline (-32,400).
In percentage terms, job growth ranged from 0.1% in Georgia to 1.8% in Missouri. Declines ranged from 0.1% in California, Kansas and Connecticut to 0.8% in New Hampshire. The District of Columbia recorded a substantially larger decline of 4.2%.
Construction employment showed mixed results in December, with 20 states and the District of Columbia adding construction jobs and 26 states losing construction jobs, while four states reported no change. Arizona posted the most gains with 3,900 jobs added, while Minnesota recorded the largest loss of 9,900 construction jobs.
Year-over-year, U.S. construction employment increased by 14,000 jobs, up 0.2% from December 2024. Texas led in adding construction jobs, with 15,700 added, while California lost 19,800 construction jobs.
