Nonfarm Payroll Employment Increased in 37 States in August
Nationwide nonfarm payroll employment increased by 315,000 across 37 states in August following a total gain of 526,000 jobs in July, but not all regions are seeing equal employment growth, NAHB Eye on Housing reports. Month-over-month employment data was strongest in states like Kentucky, New York, and Florida, which gained 26,700, 25,600, and 20,700 jobs, respectively.
On the contrary, the District of Columbia lost a total of 35,400 jobs in August, and 13 other states recorded similar losses on a monthly basis. Overall, 5.8 million jobs have been recovered since the COVID-19 pandemic-induced recession, and despite regional declines in August, every state is recording employment gains year-over-year.
Across the 48 states which reported construction sector jobs data—which includes both residential as well as non-residential construction— 30 states reported an increase in August compared to July, while 15 lost construction sector jobs. Maryland, Maine, and Nevada reported no change. Arizona added 5,300 construction jobs while Minnesota lost 1,900 jobs. Overall, the construction industry added a net 16,000 jobs in August compared to the previous month.