Similar to tech, construction is a notoriously male-dominated industry. Out of more than 10 million construction workers in the U.S., around 1 million are female. Women working in construction trades average at about 3.4%, meaning there’s approximately one woman to every 20 men in construction – making it a perfect time for more women to get involved in working construction today.
Why Women are Flocking to Construction
Just one year ago, there was a spike in the number of working women in the U.S. For the first time in history, women had more nonfarm payrolls than men. However, the COVID-19 pandemic hit hard and left about five million women jobless. In December of last year, the U.S. faced a loss of 140,000 jobs — all held by women. The women’s labor force rate is at its lowest since the ‘80s, making the construction industry an appealing opportunity for some.
For years, construction has struggled with a severe employee shortage. However, the demand is still there. To keep up with projects, contractors need to hire hundreds of thousands of employees this year alone. So, contractors are actively searching for women to join the construction industry, and women are gladly hopping on board.
So, why are women interested in construction? It’s no secret that the gender pay gap in the U.S. has been a constant issue for far too long, with women earning about 81.1% of what their male coworkers make. In construction, women earn about 99.1% of what men do.
With fewer barriers, competitive salaries, multiple career paths, and abundant leadership opportunities–not to mention almost endless financial prosperity–it is no surprise that so many women are entering the industry.
So, whether you’re a woman who is studying, looking to reenter the workforce, or interested in a career change, consider joining construction — it’s an industry where you won’t just build but also grow. If you’re ready to get started, check out our online courses for licensing, exam prep, and certifications. You can invest in your career today!
