Construction job openings plummet to decade low

Construction job openings plunged to their lowest level in nearly a decade last month, while worker departures surged 62%, signaling deepening trouble for the embattled industry.

The US construction industry had just 188,000 job openings in August—down 38% from both July and August 2024, according to Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) analysis of federal data. ABC chief economist Anirban Basu called it the lowest rate in nearly a decade, signaling sector contraction.

Meanwhile, workers quitting construction jobs surged to 146,000 in August, up 62% from July and 15% year-over-year.

The numbers follow an Associated General Contractors of America survey showing 45% of firms face labor shortage delays, with 28% affected by Trump administration immigration enforcement since January.

“The precipitous decline in job openings aligns with other indicators like construction spending and employment, both of which have fallen recently,” Basu said, noting the industry is “currently contracting” despite contractor optimism for the next six months.