by Olevia Sharbaugh Starkey, Economist at Dodge Construction Network
Now hiring, just not advertising.
Construction job openings edged down 1% in April to 248,000, following a sharper 12% decline in March. Compared to the same period last year, openings are down 24%, underscoring a sustained cooling in labor demand within the sector. In contrast, the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (#JOLTS) report indicates a slight rebound in total U.S. job openings, rising to 7.4 million from 7.2 million in March. This uptick was unexpected but does little to alter the broader narrative of a cooling labor market, as it represents a 3% decline from April of last year and a 25% decline from April 2023.
Hiring in the construction sector rose sharply by 14% in April, reaching 348,000—the highest level since May of last year and a 6% increase year-over-year. While notable, this rebound follows a revised March estimate of 306,000, the lowest hiring figure since April 2020, making the uptick less unexpected in context. Total U.S. hires also experienced an increase in April, rising 3% to 5.6 million, the same level they were at one year ago.
Despite some encouraging signs in the broader labor market, the construction sector remains stagnant. Persistent uncertainty surrounding tariff policy continues to cast a long shadow, elevating downside risks and prompting firms to exercise caution in their strategic decisions. Make sure to follow Dodge to stay up to date as these stories develop.
Data Source: https://www.bls.gov/jlt/