Chicago Construction News staff writer
Illinois recorded one of the strongest construction employment gains in the country at the start of 2026, adding thousands of jobs and ranking near the top nationally for both monthly and annual growth, according to new federal data analyzed by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC).
The state added 13,500 construction jobs from December 2025 to January 2026—the largest monthly increase in the U.S.—representing a 5.7 per cent gain. Illinois also ranked among the top states for percentage growth over the past year, adding 14,000 jobs between January 2025 and January 2026, a 5.9 per cent increase.
Industry officials say the gains highlight continued demand for infrastructure, industrial and energy-related construction work, even as labour shortages remain a concern.
“January was a good month for construction employment in many states despite harsh weather in much of the country,” said Ken Simonson, chief economist with the AGC. He added that future growth will depend heavily on the availability of skilled workers, particularly for major projects such as data centres and power infrastructure.
Illinois’ monthly performance placed it ahead of Texas and Missouri, which also saw strong gains but at lower levels. West Virginia recorded the fastest percentage growth in January at 5.9 per cent, followed closely by Illinois and Missouri.
Nationally, construction employment increased in 40 states and the District of Columbia from December to January, while 38 states added jobs over the full year.
Despite the overall gains, several states posted losses over the 12-month period, led by California, which shed 15,400 construction jobs. Oregon, Florida and Arizona also saw declines.
Industry groups, including the AGC, continue to urge policymakers to expand workforce training and address labour shortages. The association says demand for skilled trades workers—particularly electricians and technicians needed for large-scale energy and data centre projects—remains a key constraint on growth.
“Contractors are eager to employ workers with the skills to execute needed projects,” said AGC CEO Jeffrey D. Shoaf. “Government must do more to fill the pipeline of potential hires.”
He called for increased investment in career and technical education, expanded training programs, and policies that allow employers to recruit qualified workers from abroad when domestic labour is insufficient.
For Illinois, however, the latest figures suggest a strong start to the year, with construction employment momentum outpacing most of the country as major projects continue to drive hiring across the state.
