The Continued Growth of Women In Construction

 
As we celebrate Women in Construction Week with this year’s theme, “Keys To The Future,” it’s important to highlight the ongoing progress of women within the industry. The number of women in construction continues to grow annually, marking a significant shift. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), although women currently constitute only 10.8% of construction workers in the United States, this number is higher than ever.
 
In fact, the rate of women in construction in the US has increased by 2% since 2010, when women accounted for only 8.9% of the labor force. Notably, 40% of women in construction now hold leadership roles. As demand for skilled workers in construction and engineering grows, so does the need for and recruitment of qualified females.
 
While many industries still grapple with a significant pay gap between genders, with women typically earning 81.1% of what their male counterparts do, the construction sector offers a more equitable landscape. According to the BLS, women in construction tend to earn approximately 99.1% of what men make in the field. This aspect, coupled with the industry’s lucrative career opportunities and anticipated growth, underscores the potential for women to thrive within construction. The sector is estimated to expand by 4% from 2021 to 2031, creating around 168,500 new jobs.
 
Although the majority of women in construction currently occupy office roles, increasing the visibility of women on job sites—complete with hard hats—works to reshape the narrative. Increased representation normalizes the presence of women in construction, thereby expanding opportunities for individuals and current students alike.
 
As companies increasingly recognize the benefits of fostering diversity within their teams, including the active inclusion of women, they contribute to promoting an inclusive environment within the construction industry. This inclusivity not only enriches the industry with diverse perspectives but also challenges the perception of it being male-dominated. Therefore, it’s essential for women to feel supported and valued within the industry.
 
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has outlined strategies for companies to support women in construction, including:

 
•         Support: Encouraging women through internal and external resources such as networking opportunities, internal support systems, job growth initiatives, and involvement in local organizations.

 

•         Education: Ensuring that training and educational opportunities are accessible and inclusive to all individuals regardless of gender.

 

•         Community: Providing avenues for internal support groups and engaging activities tailored to women while integrating them into traditionally male-dominated activities.

 
Some of our favorite support groups and resources for women in construction include: 

 
•       Women In Construction Week (WIC Week™): WIC Week celebrates and promotes the role of women in the construction industry through special panels, events, education, and more held across the country.

 

•       National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC): NAWIC, the founder of Women in Construction Week, boasts over 115 chapters nationwide, offering ongoing support for women in construction through professional development, education, networking, leadership training, and public service opportunities.

 

•       Women Construction Owners and Executives (WCOE): WCOE is a national association representing women business owners and policy-making executives in the construction industry. With a three-decade legacy, WCOE serves as the voice of women-owned construction companies, providing business connections, education, and advocacy for issues impacting the industry.

 

•       Professional Women In Construction (PWC) National: PWC is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting, advancing, and connecting women while promoting diversity within the architecture, engineering, construction (AEC), and related industries. Founded in 1980, PWC advocates for collective strength and presence within the industry.

 
As the numbers and statistics alone tell the story of growth and opportunity, we hope educational institutions continue to expand and enhance their offerings, encouraging young women to explore careers in the construction industry. With a collective stride, we can help women in construction grow at an even faster pace.