NewsBusinessWorkforce Construction Jobs Declined in October as Residential Contractors Shed 16.4K Workers

By Scott Judy

Graphic by ENR Art Dept.

Construction employment declined by 3,000 jobs during October, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics monthly jobs report.

November 6, 2026

The construction industry saw an estimated overall decline of 3,000 jobs during October, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with nonresidential contractors collectively cutting 16,400 positions last month.

The steepest decline in jobs came from residential specialty trade contractors, with a reported drop of 15,200 positions.…