Construction Job Gains: Arlington, Anniston, and Las Cruces Lead the Way

The construction industry has seen a significant shift in employment trends over the past year, with some metro areas experiencing substantial job gains while others face declines. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, construction employment increased in 192 out of 360 metro areas between March 2024 and March 2025. However, this growth represents a slowing trend compared to the previous year, with only 53% of metro areas adding construction jobs. This deceleration is attributed to tariff uncertainty and tight labor markets, which are impacting the demand for construction projects.

Arlington-Alexandria-Reston, Va.-W.V., Anniston-Oxford, Ala., and Las Cruces, N.M., stand out as leaders in both the number and percentage of yearly job gains. Arlington-Alexandria-Reston added the most construction jobs, with 5,400 new positions, representing a 6% increase. Boise City, Idaho, followed closely with 4,000 new jobs, a 11% increase. Cincinnati, Ohio-Ky.-Ind., New Orleans-Metairie, La., and Dallas-Plano-Irving, Texas, also saw significant job gains, with increases ranging from 2% to 16%.

Anniston-Oxford, Ala., and Las Cruces, N.M., experienced the largest percentage gains, with both areas adding 17% more construction jobs. New Orleans-Metairie, Bowling Green, Ky., and Jackson, Mich., also saw substantial percentage increases, with gains of 15%, 15%, and 13%, respectively.

On the other end of the spectrum, Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale, Calif., and Monroe, Mich., trailed in construction job gains. Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale experienced the largest job loss, with 8,800 fewer construction jobs, a 6% decrease. Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, Calif., Anaheim-Santa Ana-Irvine, Calif., Oakland-Fremont-Berkeley, Calif., and Seattle-Bellevue-Kent, Wash., also saw significant job losses, with decreases ranging from 5% to 6%.

Monroe, Mich., experienced the largest percentage decrease, with a 17% drop in construction jobs. Lawton, Okla., Elizabethtown, Ky., Johnstown, Pa., and Bellingham, Wash., also saw substantial percentage decreases, with losses ranging from 11% to 14%.

The construction industry faces two main challenges: labor shortages and the potential impacts of higher tariffs on construction costs and demand. Association officials are working with Congress and the administration to boost investments in construction education and training programs and to provide more lawful pathways for people to enter the country and work in the sector. They are also hopeful that the administration will take steps to limit the impacts of tariffs on key construction components.

“Encouraging more people to pursue high-paying careers in construction and taking steps to limit tariffs’ impacts on construction will provide the kind of certainty many developers are looking for,” said Jeffrey D. Shoaf, the association’s chief executive officer. “The demand appears to be there; it is just that quite a bit of it is waiting for the right signals to move forward with planned projects.”

In conclusion, while some metro areas are experiencing significant construction job gains, others are facing declines. The construction industry must address labor shortages and tariff uncertainties to ensure continued growth and success. By investing in workforce development and promoting the benefits of construction careers, the industry can attract more workers and replicate the successes seen in areas like Arlington-Alexandria-Reston, Va.-W.V., Anniston-Oxford, Ala., and Las Cruces, N.M.