Women in Construction: Women Continue to Make Gains in the Industry
The construction industry remains one dominated by men. But a new analysis of industry numbers shows that a growing number of women are entering in this field, too. The latest numbers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the number of women in the construction industry jumped by 52.9% from 2013 to 2022. Women working in construction and engineering is on the increase! In 2013, there were 840,000 women in construction. But in 2022, that number had risen to 1.28 million. 37% of new entrants into the construction industry that came from higher education are women.
Most women in the construction industry are working in the management, professional and sales side of the business. Women are still significantly outnumbered by men in the construction industry, though. The only area in which women outnumber men in the construction field is in sales and office jobs. In this part of the industry, women hold 72.2% of the jobs. Misconceptions about gender-specific roles are gradually diminishing with a growing number of women choosing a career in construction and engineering.
There are thousands of exceptionally talented female construction workers who are changing how women in construction are perceived. While both men and women working in construction face many of the same risks, there are some unique issues that are of greater concern to women. In addition to the primary safety and health hazards faced by all construction workers, there are safety and health issues specific to female construction workers. These safety and health hazards in construction create barriers to women entering and remaining in the field.
Women are respected for the work they do and have great opportunities to grow their careers in this field. This is a good time for women to enter the construction industry, whether as a tradesperson, construction manager, team member, architect, engineer, executive, consultant or professional. The construction industry needs women because the industry is facing a skills shortage, and women bring a wide range of skills that benefit employers and enrich the construction industry. With so many rewards and benefits of working in the industry, there is plenty of room for career progression and skill development, so it is an industry well worth looking into.
During the month of March which is Women's History Month, construction firms of all sizes and types are encouraged to participate in Women in Construction Week to show their support for their female employees. The goal is to celebrate the different journeys women have taken toward the same goal which is to strengthen and amplify the success of women in the construction industry.
