Construction jobs in Texas hit by virus

Despite some recent gains, the pandemic cost Texas thousands of construction sector jobs in 2020.

The Lone Star State led the country in construction employment declines, with 33,600 fewer building industry jobs in December compared with 12 months earlier, a report by the Associated General Contractors of America shows.

Texas’ big annual job loss came even though the state added 3,100 construction jobs in December.

Texas commercial building activity has slowed this year, even as the residential construction market has seen a surge in new starts.

Jay Janner / Austin American-Statesman file photo This is a view of the Indeed Tower, which is being built in Austin. It’s named for the jobs-search company.