U.S. employment data shows construction and state-level job gains

New federal data indicates varied employment trends across the United States for July. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, construction employment increased in 28 states and the District of Columbia during the month. On a year-over-year basis, 36 states and D.C. saw gains. Texas led in total job additions with 17,500 new construction roles, followed by Louisiana, North Carolina, Ohio, and Illinois. However, officials warned that uncertainty regarding tariffs, highway funding, and data center development could impact future growth.

Separately, the Joint Economic Committee reported that unemployment fell in 29 states in July, including Arizona. Arizona added 2,300 net payroll jobs, maintaining an unemployment rate of 4.9 percent. While Arizona's private sector added 1,900 jobs in July, its labor force participation rate declined to 60.1 percent.