Job openings in the construction sector fell by 3,000 in April, with 248,000 positions unfilled at month’s end, according to new data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s down roughly 24% compared to the same time last year. While the number is nearly flat from March, it reflects a broader trend of slowed labor movement across the industry.
Hiring, quits and layoffs all remained historically low, signaling that construction firms are holding tightly to skilled workers amid economic uncertainty. Experts point to the high value of experienced labor and a cautious hiring approach driven by fears of a potential downturn.
“The labor market churn in construction is exceptionally slow,” said Anirban Basu, chief economist at Associated Builders and Contractors. “Openings are down 45% since the peak in December 2023.”
Despite the dip, many contractors remain optimistic. Data from ABC shows two-thirds of members plan to boost hiring within the next six months.