Regional Construction Trends: Where the Jobs Are Growing Fastest

Key Takeaways

41 states added construction jobs in the past year, showing nationwide growth
Texas leads with 32,200 new jobs, making it the top state for raw job numbers
Alaska saw 20.3% growth, the highest percentage increase anywhere
380,100 new jobs expected by 2033 across the industry
349,000 job openings per month show massive demand for workers
Getting trained now positions you for the best opportunities
Location matters for your earning potential and job security

Construction jobs are growing fast in most U.S. states right now. 41 states and D.C. added construction jobs between November 2023 and November 2024.

That’s good news if you’re thinking about this career. But some areas are way hotter than others. Knowing where jobs are booming can change your whole career path.

Let me break down what’s happening region by region.

Which States Are Adding the Most Construction Jobs?

Texas wins by a mile.

The Lone Star State added 32,200 construction jobs in one year. That’s a 3.9% jump.

Why Texas? A few big reasons:

Population boom driving housing demand
Major infrastructure projects underway
Business-friendly policies attracting companies
Energy sector expansion

California also keeps growing. The state added 21,000 construction jobs recently. That’s a 2.3% increase.

Ohio surprised many people. They added 17,700 jobs with 7.5% growth. The Midwest is quietly becoming a construction hotspot. Manufacturing plants and data centers need builders.

If you want steady work, check the labor market data for your target area.

Where Is Growth Happening the Fastest?

Raw numbers tell one story. Percentages tell another.

Alaska leads all states with 20.3% growth. That’s 3,600 new jobs.

Smaller states often show bigger percentage gains. They start from a lower base.

But that growth still means real opportunity.

States seeing major percentage jumps include:

Alaska (infrastructure and energy projects)
Several Mountain West states
Parts of the Southeast
Industrial Midwest regions

High percentage growth often means less competition for jobs. Fewer workers chase each opening.

It can also mean higher wages. Employers pay more when they’re desperate.

What’s Driving All This Construction Growth?

Several forces are pushing this boom.

Infrastructure spending is huge right now. Federal money is flowing into roads, bridges, and utilities.
Manufacturing is coming back. New factories need builders. Then they need workers to expand them.
Housing demand stays strong. People keep moving to growing cities. Homes don’t build themselves.
Energy projects are everywhere. Solar farms, wind turbines, and traditional energy all need construction crews.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 4.7% growth in construction through 2033. That means about 380,100 new jobs.

Total industry employment should hit 8.4 million workers by then.

This isn’t a short-term spike. It’s sustained growth.

How Bad Is the Worker Shortage?

Here’s what makes this interesting for job seekers. The industry averaged 349,000 job openings per month in 2023.

Read that again. Over 349,000 unfilled positions every single month. Companies can’t find enough workers. That’s true for entry-level jobs and skilled positions.

Job Type	Demand Level	Training Needed
Heavy equipment operators	Very high	4-8 weeks
Crane operators	Extremely high	8-12 weeks
CDL drivers	High	4-6 weeks
Rigging/signalpersons	High	2-4 weeks

The shortage means faster hiring. It means better pay. It means more job security.

Getting proper training makes you stand out even more.

Which Specializations Are Most In Demand?

Not all construction jobs are equal.

Some specializations command higher pay. Others offer more flexibility.

Crane operators are desperately needed. Tower cranes especially. Tower crane training opens doors to major projects.
Mobile crane operators work everywhere. From small jobs to massive sites. The mobile crane training pathway leads to diverse opportunities.
Heavy equipment operators form the backbone of any project. Excavators, bulldozers, loaders—someone has to run them.
CDL holders keep materials moving. Every construction site needs supplies delivered. Truck driver training pairs well with equipment skills.
Rigging and signalpersons work closely with crane operators. It’s a great entry point. Rigging training can start your career fast.

Want to know more about which path fits you? Read about which specializations pay the most.

Should You Relocate for Better Opportunities?

This depends on your situation.

Moving to Texas or Alaska might boost your career. But it’s a big decision.

Consider these factors:

Cost of living in the new area
Housing availability and prices
Family considerations
Long-term job stability
Weather and lifestyle preferences

Some people chase the hottest markets. Others find great jobs closer to home. The good news? Jobs are growing almost everywhere. 41 states added positions last year. You might not need to move at all.

Check the job market trends for 2025 and beyond to plan your next move.

How Can You Position Yourself for These Jobs?

Training matters more than location.

A certified operator can find work almost anywhere. An untrained worker struggles everywhere.

Here’s what employers want:

Proper certifications from accredited programs
Hands-on experience with real equipment
Safety knowledge that protects everyone
Reliability and professionalism

Programs with strong credentials prepare you better.

Look for training that includes employment assistance. Good schools help you get hired.

What About Veterans and Career Changers?

Veterans often thrive in this industry. Military training builds skills that transfer directly. Discipline, attention to detail, and equipment familiarity all help.

Veterans excel as crane operators for good reasons.

Career changers also do well. You don’t need a college degree. You don’t need years of experience. Starting a heavy equipment career after 40 is totally possible.

The industry welcomes motivated workers of all backgrounds.

What Does This Mean for Pay?

Growing demand pushes wages up. When companies compete for workers, pay rises. Benefits improve. Working conditions get better.

Regional variation matters though. Texas might have more jobs. But California might pay more per hour. Factor in cost of living. A $30/hour job in Ohio might stretch further than $35/hour in California.

Benefits packages vary by employer too. Health insurance, retirement plans, and perks add up.

What This Means for You

The construction industry is hiring. Lots of places need workers.

Your best move? Get trained properly. Get certified. Then go where the jobs are. Texas offers the most raw opportunity. Alaska has the fastest growth rate. But almost every state is adding positions. The 349,000 monthly job openings won’t fill themselves.

Someone’s going to take those jobs. It might as well be you. Ready to start? Apply for training and take the first step.