December State-Level Employment: Growth in 42 States, Declines in 7

In December, nonfarm payroll employment increased in 42 states and the District of Columbia, while decreasing in seven states.

Wyoming reported no changes during this time. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, countrywide total nonfarm payroll employment climbed by 256,000 in December, following a 212,000-job gain in November.

Texas had the most favorable monthly employment figures, adding 37,500 jobs.

Florida was second (+18,000), followed by California (+15,000). A total of 8,000 jobs were lost across seven states, with Oregon reporting the highest job loss at 3,700.

Missouri had the highest percentage growth in employment, at 0.4%, while Vermont had the most drop, at 0.2%, between November and December.

In the year ending in December, 2.2 million jobs were added to the labor market in 48 states and the District of Columbia.

This is a 1.4% rise above the December 2023 figure. West Virginia reported no changes, and South Dakota shed 1,000 jobs.

The job growth ranged from 2,000 jobs in Maine to 284,200 jobs in Texas. Job growth rates ranged from 3.6% in Idaho to 0.3% in Maine. South Dakota experienced a 0.2% drop.

Across the country, construction sector job data—which includes both residential and non-residential construction—showed that 26 states reported a gain in December compared to November, while 20 states lost construction sector jobs.

The remaining four states and the District of Columbia reported no change month over month. Washington saw the greatest rise, adding 4,000 construction jobs, whilst New York lost 4,400 jobs.

Overall, the construction industry created 8,000 positions in December, compared to the previous month.

In percentage terms, South Dakota had the most gain at 1.9%, while Mississippi had the worst decrease at 2.2%.

Year over year, construction sector jobs in the United States increased by 196,000, a 2.4% increase from December 2023.

Texas created the most jobs (31,500), while California lost 12,400 in the construction industry.

Alaska had the highest yearly growth rate in the construction sector (18.9%).

West Virginia experienced the biggest loss of 3.4% throughout this time period.

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