An analysis of Labor Department data by the Associated General Contractors of America found that construction employment rose in half the states while decreasing in half from October 2010 to October 2011.

The even split between gains and losses reflects the accelerating improvement in apartment and private nonresidential construction, offset by a declining public market and stalled single-family sector.

North Dakota came in No. 1 among states that recorded construction employment gains, adding 19 percent, or 4,100 jobs. Oklahoma ranked second with 8.1 percent, or 5,500 jobs. Georgia experienced the steepest decline in percentage terms with a 9.5 percent decrease, losing 13,800 jobs.