Construction employment increased in 32 states in January compared to January 2019, according to an analysis of government data by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC). The 12-month, year-over-year (YOY) increase in employment on a state level represents a continued decrease since October 2019, when 41 states added construction jobs on a YOY basis.

AGC officials said the January government data was likely collected well before the coronavirus began to impact the economy and the industry. Construction employment levels are likely to decline beginning in March as the ongoing pandemic continues to impact the economy.

The AGC also reported 32 states added construction jobs from December 2019 to January 2020. The month-to-month construction employment changes are in line with the last four monthly data reports, but again likely do not reflect the effects of coronavirus.

“The construction industry began 2020 with widespread employment gains, although fewer states had increases than in 2019,” Ken Simonson, AGC's chief economist, said in a public statement. “Exceptionally mild winter weather in many states probably added to January construction employment totals.”

Between January 2019 and January 2020, Texas, Florida, and California added the highest number of construction jobs. Utah, New Mexico, and North Dakota added the highest percentage of construction jobs on a YOY basis, according to the AGC. Kansas and Louisiana lost the most construction jobs during the 12-month period and West Virginia lost the highest percentage of construction jobs between January 2019 and January 2020.

On a month-to-month basis, New York, Pennsylvania, and Florida added the most construction jobs in pure numbers, while New Hampshire, Delaware, and Arkansas added the highest percentage of construction jobs, according to the AGC. Washington state lost the largest number and the highest percentage of construction jobs between December 2019 and January 2020.

AGC officials said the coronavirus is likely to have a significant impact on the construction industry and construction employment in government reports in February and March and moving forward.