State-Level Employment Situation: May 2026

In May 2026, nonfarm payroll employment increased in 38 states with a net gain of 172,000 jobs nationally, while construction employment added 17,000 jobs with 23 states recording gains, though performance varied considerably across states. Over the 12-month period ending in May 2026, total nonfarm employment rose by 503,000 jobs nationally (0.3% gain), with construction employment increasing by 68,000 jobs (0.8% gain), though 19 states and D.C. experienced employment declines, and state unemployment rates ranged from 2.1% in South Dakota to 6.1% in D.C.