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When you think of a male-dominated industry, construction might be one of the first that comes to mind. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024), of all the people working in construction, women comprise only 11.2%. However, in a recent report from the U.S. Department of Commerce, in 2024, construction employment grew by 133,000 – 18,000 of which was accounted for by women. This means that about 1 in 7 jobs have gone to women, helping to maintain the share of women in construction at just over 14%1.
Several factors explain this enormous gender gap. These include unconscious gender bias, a lack of adequate training, and negative perceptions of women working in construction. Despite these barriers, women continue to build their path in the industry. Furthermore, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the construction industry will grow by 4% between 2021 and 2031. With this fast and steady growth, companies are actively recruiting qualified women to leverage their skills within the industry2.
As new construction industry jobs are expected to add 439,000 new workers in 2025, companies are looking to recruit more women than ever before to bring their skill sets into the field3. When you think about it, women use the spaces, so they should be building them too.
Women can take on any role in the construction industry. There has been a growing demand for women in this industry as organizations recognize the potential benefits that women can bring. These benefits include increased productivity, creativity, innovation, and improved communication and collaboration skills4. Additionally, having women in the construction industry contributes to a more diverse workforce. This cultivates a more inclusive environment, increasing employee retention and satisfaction. Ultimately, having women in construction can positively impact the industry. Ideally, this will create more opportunities for both men and women and younger generations to follow in their footsteps.
Today, 13% of construction firms are owned by women. There was a 64% growth rate reported for construction firms with women owners from 2014 to 2019, and 9% of women-owned firms achieved revenues greater than $500,000.
To enter a field like construction, women must have access to resources that address their specific needs in the industry. Fortunately, companies and associations are increasing their efforts to promote women within their organizations and, moreover, educate young women about the benefits of working in the industry.
Women’s Organizations. Nationally recognized groups like the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) and Women Construction Owners & Executives USA provide mentorship, marketing and networking opportunities to help women new to the construction industry.
Construction Courses. Construction companies in certain parts of the U.S. collaborate with the local community to offer courses and boot camp programs for young girls and women interested in the industry. Equally, many cities also offer apprenticeship programs that strive to recruit women, thus preparing them for exams and training them with job-specific skills.
Construction Forums and Conferences. A number of conferences are held to celebrate and discuss the topic of women in construction. These include:
Although more diverse representation in the construction industry isn’t a reality today, a report by McKinsey & Co. reveals that the most gender-diverse companies are 25% more likely to achieve above-average profitability than companies with less diversity. In fact, that report found that construction companies with more women in executive line roles than staff roles experienced above-average financial performance compared to companies that didn’t. When 30% or more of executive-level positions were filled by women, those companies had a 48% likelihood of outperforming their least diverse competitors5.
Although more diversity brings about more success, Randstad found that women executives are more likely to occupy staff roles (14%) than line roles (7%). This starkly contrasts men in executive roles, with 33% operating as staff executives and 46% as line executives6.
There is still much work to be done to fully include women in construction. To increase recruitment and improve retention, companies need to acknowledge and remove gender bias from their work culture and develop training programs and local mentorship groups specific to women’s needs. They also need to include more women in the hiring process and encourage women to become role models for other women. Schools, colleges, and educational programs need to highlight the value of construction jobs for women and young girls so that they can see the industry as a viable career path.
Other obstacles that need to be dealt with specifically in the construction industry include:
The current labor shortage in the construction industry presents an opportunity to hire even more women in construction jobs. Despite many advancements in construction technology, many companies are hesitant to embrace them for a variety of reasons, including a staff shortage. Hiring and training women in the IT departments of construction companies can help with the staff shortage and improve companies’ diversity.
Although there are obstacles for women entering construction, diversity is a proven asset in driving profitability. In addition, it is a key component in solving the construction industry’s labor shortage. With more and more groundbreaking women chipping away at gender norms and leveling the playing field, the industry is taking more significant steps to become a more diverse and inclusive space for future generations.
At Forge, we presently employ many women executives spearheading the industry movement in the construction world.
View our women in construction playlist
References
1. U.S. Department of Commerce. (2024, November 5). Retrieved from commerce.gov: https://www.commerce.gov/bureaus-and-offices/ousea/spotlight-women-construction-industry
2. Bigrentz. (2024, February 24). Retrieved from bigrentz.com: https://www.bigrentz.com/blog/women-construction
3. ABC.org. (2025, January 24). Retrieved from ABC: https://www.abc.org/News-Media/News-Releases/abc-construction-industry-must-attract-439000-workers-in-2025#:~:text=WASHINGTON%2C%20Jan.,by%20Associated%20Builders%20and%20Contractors.
4. The Constructor. (n.d.). Retrieved from theconstructor.org: https://theconstructor.org/others/women-in-construction-breaking-barriers-and-building-futures/570899/
5. McKinsey & Company. (2020, May 19). Retrieved from McKinsey.com: https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/diversity-and-inclusion/diversity-wins-how-inclusion-matters
6. Academy of Self-Reliance. (2020). Retrieved from acade3myosr.com: https://academyosr.com/feature-women-in-construction-2020/
