WSJ Tech News Briefing · Friday, August 7, 2026
The construction sector added 22,000 jobs in July, largely driven by the demand for skilled labor in data center construction. This growth is a bright spot in the jobs report, occurring even as overall US construction spending is decreasing.
“And the data center boom prevented hiring from slowing further, providing a rare bright spot in Friday's jobs report.”
“The construction sector added 22,000 roles in July, with non-residential contractors and non-residential specialty trade contractors driving the gains.”
“While overall US construction spending is declining, investments in data centers and all the skilled laborers such as electricians they require are ballooning.”