Construction employment jumps by 33,000 jobs in January 2026

PlumbingHeating & CoolingRadiant & Hydronics Construction employment jumps by 33,000 jobs in January 2026 January employment data highlight specialty trade hiring even as construction material prices trend upward. By Natalie Forster, Editorial Director Photo by Mikael Blomkvist / Pexels March 2, 2026 The construction industry opened 2026 with one of its strongest hiring months in more than two years, according to new federal employment data.The latest report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows the construction sector added 33,000 jobs in January, bringing total construction employment to more than 8.3 million workers nationwide. The gain represents one of the largest monthly increases since mid-2023 and was driven largely by hiring among nonresidential specialty trade contractors.Construction’s performance stood out in the broader January jobs report. The U.S. economy added 130,000 total jobs during the month, with construction accounting for roughly one-quarter of that growth, according to national coverage from Reuters and CBS News reviewing the BLS data.PHCP-PVF distributors can expect the hiring surge signals continued project activity in commercial and industrial markets. Nonresidential specialty trades have been a key driver of employment gains, reflecting ongoing demand tied to infrastructure, manufacturing expansion and large-scale commercial development.At the same time, the industry is navigating renewed material cost pressures.New analysis from the As...