Nevada lost a net 3,800 jobs in August, a decline fueled primarily by steep reductions in the construction industry, according to new data released Thursday by the Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation (DETR).
The construction sector alone shed 4,400 jobs in August, offsetting modest gains elsewhere. Construction typically accounts for about 7% of the state’s nonfarm employment base, highlighting its critical role in Nevada’s labor market.
National figures show the sector struggling as well. The U.S. Department of Labor reported that construction employment fell by 7,000 jobs nationwide during the same period.
The Design Build Institute of America pointed to multiple pressures weighing on the industry: “Many point to immigration policies impacting construction sites, tariffs causing a rise in construction costs and overall economic uncertainty, which makes companies feel less confident in making investments,” the organization said in response to the August national jobs report.
Despite the statewide losses, Nevada did see pockets of growth. Education and Health Services added 1,300 jobs in August, reflecting continued demand in healthcare and related fields.
At the same time, the state’s unemployment rate edged down slightly—from 5.4% in July to 5.3% in August. DETR said the decline was not the result of more hiring, but instead tied to individuals leaving the labor force. Nevada’s jobless rate remains among the highest in the nation, trailing only California and the District of Columbia as of July, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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Nationally, the unemployment rate ticked up from 4.2% to 4.3% in August, suggesting a cooling but not collapsing labor market.
“The August report shows a job market that is largely stationary,” Chief Economist David Schmidt said in a release. He noted that private sector employment in Nevada fell by more than 6,000 jobs during the month, but the state has not seen a corresponding surge in unemployment claims.
Overall, Nevada reported 1,570,100 nonfarm jobs in August, unchanged compared with the same month a year ago—an indication that hiring momentum has flattened after several years of recovery and growth.
Job changes also varied by region. The Las Vegas metro area posted the sharpest decline, with 4,300 fewer jobs than in July. Reno lost 400 jobs, while Carson City was a bright spot, adding about 300 positions.
Economists said the latest figures underscore Nevada’s continued reliance on cyclical industries like construction and hospitality, which are more vulnerable to broader economic uncertainty. The losses come as higher interest rates, supply chain challenges, and immigration-related workforce constraints weigh heavily on contractors across the state.
Originally reported by Dana Gentry in Nevada Current.
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