CONCORD, N.H., July 30, 2025 — New Hampshire continues to be a national leader in construction employment, boasting one of the lowest construction unemployment rates in the country for June 2025, according to a state-by-state analysis released today by Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC).

New Hampshire recorded a 1.3% not seasonally adjusted construction unemployment rate in June—the third-lowest rate in the nation, behind only South Dakota (0.8%) and North Dakota (1.2%), and tied with Montana and Oklahoma for a spot in the top five.

“This report confirms what we’re seeing on the ground in New Hampshire—our construction sector remains strong,” said Josh Reap, President & CEO of ABC NH/VT. “With workforce development programs like apprenticeship training and outreach to the next generation of builders, we’re working to ensure that growth continues.”

According to ABC’s analysis, every state in the country posted a construction unemployment rate below 10% in June. Nationally, the rate stood at 3.4%, with New Hampshire coming in at nearly two full percentage points lower.

This was New Hampshire’s third-lowest June construction unemployment rate on record, reinforcing the state's resilience and ongoing demand for skilled tradespeople.

Estimated state construction unemployment rates were lower than their pre-pandemic level in three-quarters of states. As of June 2025, 37 states had lower construction unemployment rates compared to June 2019 while 12 states had higher rates, and one state (Kansas) had the same rate.

“While June state construction unemployment rates continue to indicate a relatively healthy level of construction employment, uneasiness that the economy might weaken over the remainder of this year and into 2026 is producing some hesitancy among builders and developers about proceeding with new projects,” said Bernard Markstein, president and chief economist of Markstein Advisors, who conducted the analysis for ABC.

“The impact of tariffs on building materials is already showing up in some prices. Meanwhile, uncertainty surrounding the level of tariffs on building materials going forward and how long they will be in place hangs over the industry. Further, the industry continues to face elevated interest rates and higher labor costs. Although most builders are loath to lay off workers at present, they are more cautious in their hiring.”

Context Behind the Numbers

While construction employment remains solid across the U.S., economists caution that inflation, tariffs on materials, and high interest rates continue to shape the industry’s outlook.

“Although most builders are loath to lay off workers at present, they are more cautious in their hiring,” said Bernard Markstein, president and chief economist of Markstein Advisors, who conducted the analysis for ABC.

Strong Workforce, Strong Future

Despite broader economic uncertainties, New Hampshire’s consistently low unemployment rate in construction speaks to its vibrant construction economy and ongoing investments in workforce development.

“New Hampshire’s builders are hiring—and training—the next generation,” said Reap. “With continued public and private support, we’ll keep moving this industry forward.”

To view national and state-by-state charts of construction unemployment, visit: https://www.abc.org/News-Media/News-Releases

Click here to view graphs of U.S. and state overall unemployment rates (Tab 1) and construction unemployment rates (Tab 2) showing the impact of the pandemic, including a graphing tool that creates a chart for multiple states.

To better understand the basis for calculating unemployment rates and what they measure, check out the Background on State Construction Unemployment Rates.

ABC NH/VT represents 270 firms in Northern New England. Founded on the merit shop philosophy, ABC NH/VT is a chapter of the national Associated Builders & Contractors, and has the mission of helping members develop people, win work and deliver that work safely, ethically, profitably and for the betterment of the communities in which ABC and its members work. ABC's membership represents all specialties within the U.S. construction industry and is comprised primarily of firms that perform work in the industrial and commercial sectors.