As the U.S. approaches 2026, construction and manufacturing continue to be two of the nation’s most influential job-creating sectors. Federal infrastructure spending, reshoring initiatives, semiconductor investments, and large-scale manufacturing expansions are reshaping where economic growth is happening. The result: a clear migration of projects—and workers—toward high-growth Sun Belt and Mountain West states.
This 2026 outlook highlights the states gaining momentum fastest in construction and manufacturing employment, and what businesses, workers, and policymakers should expect in the year ahead.
2026 Economic Tailwinds Driving Growth
Several accelerators will influence both sectors in 2026:
- The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) continues releasing multi-year funding for roads, bridges, broadband, and public works.
- Massive private-sector construction tied to EV plants, battery manufacturing, solar production, and chip fabrication continues ramping up.
- Corporate reshoring and nearshoring are boosting demand for advanced manufacturing labor.
- Population migration toward the South and Mountain West is expanding commercial, residential, and industrial construction needs.
Together, these trends position several states for standout job growth in 2026.
Top States for Construction Job Growth in 2026
1. Texas — The Epicenter of Large-Scale Construction
Texas heads into 2026 with one of the largest pipelines of commercial, industrial, and transportation projects in the country.
Why Texas leads in 2026:
- Mega-projects in semiconductor fabrication and EV production
- Rapid population growth fueling residential demand
- Expansion of highways, ports, and energy infrastructure
Expect Texas to remain a national leader in both total job creation and wage competitiveness.
2. Florida — Residential & Infrastructure Demand Remains Elevated
Florida’s explosive population growth and ongoing climate-resilience investments continue to drive construction demand.
2026 drivers:
- Coastal hardening and flood-mitigation projects
- High residential building needs
- Tourism-driven commercial development
Labor shortages could remain a challenge, keeping wages high.
3. Ohio — Manufacturing Resurgence Boosts Construction
Ohio enters 2026 benefiting from the U.S. semiconductor boom.
Key forces:
- Intel’s multi-billion-dollar chip plants
- Supporting industrial parks and suppliers
- Highway and utilities upgrades
Construction firms in the state report strong backlogs extending well into 2027.
4. Michigan — Industrial Reinvestment Continues
EV-battery plants and automotive reinvestment are accelerating construction activity.
Expect strong heavy-industrial, warehousing, and infrastructure demand throughout 2026.
5. Nevada & Arizona — Fastest Percentage Growth
Smaller populations mean these states show some of the country’s highest percentage growth.
Growth drivers:
- Warehousing and distribution tied to Sun Belt migration
- Solar and clean-energy infrastructure
- Massive industrial development around Phoenix and Reno
Top States for Manufacturing Job Growth in 2026
1. Georgia — The South’s Manufacturing Powerhouse
Georgia continues to attract EV facilities, battery plants, aerospace projects, and advanced manufacturing operations.
Why Georgia stands out in 2026:
- Major EV/battery hubs (Hyundai, Rivian suppliers)
- Expanding logistics infrastructure
- Strong workforce-development programs
Expect double-digit growth in advanced manufacturing roles.
2. Texas — Diversified Manufacturing Strength
From electronics to aerospace to energy-tech production, Texas will add the most manufacturing jobs in absolute numbers.
2026 strongholds:
- Semiconductor fabrication
- Electronics assembly
- Aerospace and defense manufacturing
Its low-tax environment and central location keep attracting investment.
3. Utah & Idaho — Quietly Becoming Manufacturing Magnets
These states are emerging national leaders in percentage growth for manufacturing employment.
Expect strong hiring in:
- Electronics and circuit manufacturing
- Outdoor-industry physical goods
- Specialty metals and components
Affordable operating costs and business-friendly regulations are major advantages.
4. Arizona — Semiconductor Growth Redefines the Landscape
With multiple chip fabs under construction or expansion, Arizona is set for one of the strongest multi-year manufacturing booms in the country.
2026 will see increases across engineering, operations, logistics, and skilled trades.
5. North Carolina — Life Sciences & Clean Energy Expansion
Manufacturing growth in:
- Pharmaceuticals
- Biotech components
- Solar equipment
- Heavy-equipment production
Expect steady job creation supported by strong research universities and talent pipelines.
Top 10 Fastest-Growing States for Construction & Manufacturing Jobs
Combined projected net new jobs across construction + manufacturing sectors in 2026
Rank | State | Projected Net New Jobs | Key Drivers |
1 | Texas | +52,000 to +63,000 | Semiconductors, EV manufacturing, energy infrastructure, population growth |
2 | Georgia | +28,000 to +35,000 | EV/battery megaprojects, aerospace, logistics |
3 | Florida | +24,000 to +30,000 | Housing demand, coastal resilience, commercial development |
4 | Ohio | +20,000 to +26,000 | Intel chip projects, industrial parks, utilities upgrades |
5 | Arizona | +18,000 to +24,000 | Semiconductor fabs, solar manufacturing, warehousing |
6 | Michigan | +14,000 to +18,000 | EV battery production, automotive reinvestment |
7 | Utah | +10,000 to +13,000 | High-tech manufacturing, strong in-migration |
8 | North Carolina | +9,000 to +12,000 | Biotech, pharmaceuticals, clean-energy manufacturing |
9 | Idaho | +7,000 to +10,000 | Electronics, semiconductor suppliers |
10 | Nevada | +6,000 to +9,000 | Solar projects, warehousing, tourism-related construction |
Key Trends to Watch in 2026
Persistent Skilled-Labor Shortages
Both sectors face high demand for electricians, welders, machinists, and millwrights.
Wage Growth Remains Elevated
States with the largest shortages—Texas, Florida, Nevada, Arizona—will see rising wages in 2026.
Automation & AI Integration
Manufacturers will accelerate adoption of robotics, predictive maintenance, and digital-workflow solutions.
Supply-Chain Localization
Reshoring trends will keep pushing manufacturing investment toward mid-sized and Southern states.
What It Means for Businesses and Workers
For Job Seekers
2026 is shaping up to be one of the strongest job markets in decades for trades and industrial careers—especially in Texas, Georgia, Florida, Arizona, Ohio, and Utah.
For Employers
Retention, training, and competitive compensation will be essential as labor shortages intensify.
For Policymakers
Expanding apprenticeship programs and technical education will be critical to sustaining growth.
FAQ
Which state will create the most total jobs in 2026?
Texas is expected to lead in overall construction and manufacturing job creation.
Which states will grow fastest percentage-wise?
Nevada, Utah, Idaho, and Arizona continue to top the charts in percentage gains.
Which industries are driving the most growth?
Semiconductor fabrication, EV/battery production, clean energy infrastructure, and residential/commercial construction.
Is the labor shortage expected to ease in 2026?
Not significantly—demand is still outpacing the skilled-labor supply.