KEY POINTS
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February’s reading of an 11,000 jobs loss in the construction sector was worse than the typical historical February reading of a gain of around 10,000 jobs.
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Nonresidential job gains since the start of 4Q2025 have performed considerably better relative to residential job activity.
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Construction workers earned a 26% weekly pay premium over the private sector.
February’s reading of an 11,000 jobs loss in the construction sector was worse than the typical historical February reading of a gain of around 10,000 jobs.
Among construction job subsegments, sub-trades residential, down 10,000, and civil construction jobs, down 7,000, both fell considerably relative to their monthly readings over the last year. Those losses were partially offset by 4,000 jobs gained in nonresidential building and 2,000 jobs gained in residential building.
Overall, nonresidential construction job gains since the start of 4Q2025 have performed considerably better relative to residential job activity.
The average construction wage in February rose to $40.70/hr. Total private sector wages increased over the same period, ending at $37.32/hr. The difference in hours worked has widened considerably in recent months, with total average construction hours now at 39.6 hours, an increase of 0.8 hours from a year ago.
Total private sector hours in February averaged 34.3 hours, up only 0.1 hours from a year ago. As a result, construction employees averaged $1,612 in total weekly pay, while their private-sector peers averaged $1,280. The collective difference of $332 represents a 26% weekly pay premium for those in the construction field.
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