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State-level employment data for September continued to show a mixed labor market, with job gains and losses split across the country, according to an analysis from the National Association of Home Builders. In September, nonfarm payroll employment increased in 23 states and the District of Columbia (D.C.) compared to August, and total U.S. nonfarm payroll employment increased by 29,000 jobs in September, following a gain of 133,000 jobs in August.
On a month-over-month basis, employment gains were led by New York (+19,600), followed by New Jersey (+14,900) and South Carolina (+12,500). In contrast, the 25 states that recorded losses collectively shed 100,100 jobs, with Wisconsin posting the largest decline (-13,700). In percentage terms, South Carolina recorded the strongest increase (+0.5%), while Wisconsin experienced the largest decrease (-0.4%) between August and September.
Construction employment, including both residential and non-residential construction, posted a net gain in September. Twenty-five states added construction jobs compared to August, while 21 states lost jobs; four states and D.C. reported no change. Oregon recorded the largest monthly gain (+2,000), while Wisconsin recorded the largest loss (-3,300). Overall, the construction sector added a net 11,000 jobs nationwide in September. In percentage terms, Rhode Island recorded the strongest monthly increase (+2.2%), while Alaska experienced the steepest decline (-3.3%).
Year-over-year, construction employment increased by 109,000 jobs nationwide, a 1.3% gain from September 2025. Louisiana led all states with an increase of 18,800 construction jobs, while Georgia recorded the largest loss (-4,900). In percentage terms, Louisiana posted the strongest annual growth in construction employment (+13.9%), while Alaska experienced the largest decline (-5.3%).
