Construction hiring made up nearly a quarter of all new jobs added in January, reinforcing the sector’s role as a central driver of U.S. economic growth, according to new federal data.
The latest report from the U.S. Department of Labor shows the U.S. economy added 130,000 jobs in January, with 33,000 of those positions coming from the construction industry alone.
In response, Megan Tanel, President & CEO of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), issued the following statement:
“As the U.S. economy added 130,000 jobs in January, the construction industry accounted for 33,000 of those new positions, nearly one in four jobs created nationwide.
“Construction continues to be a powerful engine of economic growth. Strong hiring reflects sustained infrastructure investment, private development activity and long-term confidence in the build environment.
“With hiring accelerating, contractors are increasingly investing in advanced equipment, digital tools and workforce development strategies to scale efficiently and safely. This news comes just as we are preparing for CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026, North America’s largest construction trade show, where industry leaders will gather to promote automation, the next generation of jobsite technology and address workforce growth.
“We continue to see a clear connection between economic momentum and innovation. As demand grows, the industry is responding with smarter equipment and new training pathways to ensure projects stay on track, in budget and with safety as a top priority.”
Industry analysts point to a combination of public infrastructure spending, private commercial development and ongoing residential demand as key contributors to January’s hiring surge. Federal infrastructure programs and state-level transportation initiatives have created a steady pipeline of projects, supporting employment across heavy construction, specialty trades and equipment manufacturing.
At the same time, many contractors report increased backlogs extending well into 2026. This visibility has encouraged firms to expand payrolls while also investing in machinery upgrades and workforce training programs to address persistent labor shortages.
AEM, which represents more than 1,100 equipment manufacturers and service providers, has consistently highlighted the link between economic growth and equipment demand. As projects scale, contractors often modernize fleets and adopt digital systems to boost productivity and improve jobsite safety.
The positive jobs report arrives just weeks before CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026, scheduled for March 3–7 in Las Vegas. The trade show, owned and managed by AEM, is widely regarded as North America’s largest construction industry gathering.
This year’s event is expected to spotlight automation, artificial intelligence-powered equipment, electrification, alternative fuels and digital jobsite management tools. Workforce development will also be a central theme, with exhibitors and industry leaders emphasizing training pathways aimed at attracting younger workers and upskilling current employees.
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As contractors face increasing pressure to deliver projects on time and within budget, technology adoption has become a competitive necessity rather than an optional upgrade. From telematics-enabled fleet management to autonomous equipment testing, the industry is moving toward smarter, data-driven operations.
With construction responsible for nearly one in four new jobs added in January, industry leaders argue that sustained hiring, combined with innovation and policy support, positions the sector as a stabilizing force within the broader U.S. economy.
Interviews with Tanel leading up to or during the show are available via awilson@laughlin.com.
Originally reported by Association of Equipment Manufacturer.
