According to an analysis by the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of the Carolinas, construction employment in September 2026 sent a focused message, not a broad-market one. The construction sector added 11,000 jobs last month, matching the industry’s recent pattern of modest but steady hiring. Residential construction growth remained softer, while nonresidential specialty trade contractors added 12,000 jobs.
According to Redfin data, in August 2026, home prices in North Carolina were down only a slight 0.41% compared to last year, selling for a median price of $373,465. Meanwhile, in August 2026, home prices in South Carolina were down only 0.13% compared to last year, selling for a median price of $348,549. In the midst of a softer housing economy in 2026, the Carolinas have been performing relatively well compared to other markets.
The September 2026 BLS employment report shows a construction labor market that is still growing, but selectively. Total U.S. construction employment reached about 8.36 million in September.
