State Employment Data Shows Mixed September Labor Market
Based on a study by the National Association of Home Builders, U.S. nonfarm payroll employment rose by 29,000 positions in September following an August increase of 133,000 jobs. State-level employment data for September continued to reflect a mixed labor market with job gains and losses split across the country, Hardware Retailing reported.
Payroll Gains And Losses Across States
Nonfarm payroll employment increased in 23 states and the District of Columbia in September compared to August. Month-over-month employment gains were led by New York with an increase of 19,600 jobs, followed by New Jersey up 14,900 jobs, and South Carolina up 12,500 jobs.
In contrast, 25 states recorded losses that collectively shed 100,100 jobs. Wisconsin posted the largest decline by shedding 13,700 jobs. In percentage terms, South Carolina recorded the strongest increase at 0.5%, while Wisconsin experienced the largest decrease at 0.4% between August and September.
Construction Sector Performance
Construction employment, which includes 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 and four states plus the District of Columbia reported no change.
Oregon recorded the largest monthly construction gain by adding 2,000 jobs, while Wisconsin recorded the largest loss by shedding 3,300 jobs. Overall, the construction sector added a net 11,000 jobs nationwide in September. In percentage terms, Rhode Island recorded the strongest monthly increase at 2.2%, while Alaska experienced the steepest decline at 3.3%.
Year-Over-Year Construction Trends
Nationwide, construction employment grew by 109,000 positions over the year, representing a 1.3% increase. Across the country, Louisiana topped all states with a gain of 18,800 construction positions, whereas Georgia suffered the biggest drop at 4,900 positions.
Louisiana posted the strongest annual growth in construction employment at 13.9%, while Alaska experienced the largest annual decline at 5.3%.
September Employment Frequently Asked Questions
Which state recorded the largest monthly employment gain in September?
New York led all states with a month-over-month employment gain of 19,600 jobs.
How many jobs did the U.S. construction sector add nationally in September?
The construction sector added a net 11,000 jobs nationwide in September.
Which state experienced the steepest percentage decline in construction employment year-over-year?
Alaska experienced the largest annual decline in construction employment at 5.3%.