The government shutdown caused the first-ever two-month gap in job statistics since the 1960s.
Private sector data shows 42,000 new jobs, but layoffs are rising, especially in small and medium-sized businesses.
Construction wages are estimated at $40.28 per hour in October, with weekly pay averaging $1,570 for 39 hours of work.
Due to the recent Federal government shutdown, the Bureau of Labor Statistics has been unable to publish job statistics for both September and October. This marks the first time the country has missed reporting two consecutive months of jobs data since records first began in the 1960s.
However, alternative data sources from the private sector suggest a mixed, or even weakening, jobs picture for the nation. While private sector jobs increased by 42,000 according to ADP and as reported by The Wall Street Journal, payroll data from other sources point to an increasing number of layoffs.
Notably, small and medium-sized businesses, which hire around three out of every four workers, reported a decline in employment. The Bureau of Labor Statistics did not report hourly wage data for September. However, earlier monthly data collected during 2025 had been very consistent in pointing to annual wage growth of approximately 4%.
Based on this long-term trend and the most recent available construction wage reading of $40.00 per hour for August, we estimate an average hourly wage of $40.28 for October.
Additionally, the weekly hours worked have remained within a very narrow range since April, between 39.1 hours and 38.9 hours. Using a median value of 39 hours of work per week would result in an average weekly construction pay of $1,570.
Change in Level of U.S. Construction Employment. Month to Month (M-M) Change in 000’s — Total & by Categories — October 2025. Image: ConstructConnect Construction Economy Snapshot
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