US construction sector sees 14,000 more job openings in June

The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) reported that the U.S. construction industry had 305,000 open positions at the end of June, an increase of 14,000 from the previous month and 81,000 (36%) more than a year earlier. The figures come from the Labor Department’s Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS).

ABC chief economist Anirban Basu noted that the rise in openings occurs alongside a decline in residential and non‑residential construction spending, suggesting the surge may reflect a tightening labor market rather than robust growth. He pointed to an aging workforce, with many experienced workers retiring, and the departure of undocumented laborers as key drivers of the higher vacancy count.

The broader labor market showed 7.4 million total job openings, 5.3 million hires and 5.4 million separations in June, indicating mixed hiring trends across sectors.