Construction hiring slowed to a historic low in February 2026. The numbers come from Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC). ABC analyzed data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
The report uses the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey, also called JOLTS. JOLTS counts any unfilled position where an employer is actively recruiting.
Job Openings Drop in February
The construction industry had 202,000 job openings at the end of February. That is down 28,000 from January. It is also down 53,000 compared to February last year.
What the Data Shows
ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu shared his take on the numbers.
“Construction hiring fell to the slowest rate on record in February,” Basu said. “Contractors chose not to lay off workers. Workers also chose not to leave their jobs.”
He called February 2026 a historic month. It had the least labor force movement since BLS started tracking this data in December 2000.
Looking Ahead
Basu noted that the data only covers February. At that time, the Strait of Hormuz was open. Oil prices stayed below $100 per barrel.
“Hiring is unlikely to rebound in the near future,” Basu said. Contractors still feel optimistic about staffing, according to ABC’s Construction Confidence Index. But current trends suggest caution.
Earlier this year, ABC reported that construction materials prices rose 2.8% due to tariffs — adding more pressure on contractors.
About ABC
Associated Builders and Contractors is a national construction trade association. ABC started in 1950. It now has 67 chapters and more than 24,000 members.
ABC helps members develop their teams, win work, and deliver projects safely and profitably. Learn more at abc.org.
For industry data including the Construction Backlog Indicator and Construction Confidence Index, visit abc.org/economics.
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