The construction industry lost 11,000 jobs on net in December, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. On a year-over-year basis, industry employment grew by 14,000 jobs, an increase of 0.2%.

Associated Builders and Contractors reported that its Construction Backlog Indicator rose to 8.2 months in December, according to an ABC member survey conducted Dec. 22 to Jan. 7. The reading is up 0.1 months since November but down 0.1 months from December 2024.

Construction input prices increased 0.6% in November compared to the previous month, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Producer Price Index data. Nonresidential construction input prices also increased 0.6% for the month.

The construction industry needs to attract an estimated 349,000 net new workers in 2026 to meet demand for construction services, according to a proprietary model developed by Associated Builders and Contractors. In 2027, the industry will need to bring in 456,000 new workers to meet demand as construction spending growth is poised to resume for the first time in years.

The construction industry lost 11,000 jobs on net in December, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. On a year-over-year basis, industry employment grew by 14,000 jobs, an increase of 0.2%.

As we begin the new year, we are ready to start a new chapter. But at the same time, we need to remain informed and maintain focus on ongoing challenges. Among the most recent are that President Biden’s project labor agreement (PLA) mandate is still in place at the federal level and Gov. Healey has issued an executive order directing state agencies to consider PLAs, rigid state construction ratios impede hiring, and signs point to a slowing economy.  In uncertain times like these, it’s more important than ever to be part of a strong community that understands and is unified in supporting you.

The construction industry added 19,000 jobs on net in September, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. On a year-over-year basis, industry employment has grown by 38,000 jobs, an increase of 0.5%.

Construction input prices increased 0.2% in September compared to the previous month, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Producer Price Index data. Nonresidential construction input prices also increased 0.2% for the month.

Construction projects often involve work performed by subcontractors. While this makes sense given the varying expertise and equipment required, it can create some difficult issues from an insurance perspective if things go awry.

National nonresidential construction spending decreased 0.2% in August, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis U.S. Census Bureau data. On a seasonally adjusted annualized basis, nonresidential spending totaled $1.24 trillion.