The Stat That Should Make You Pay Attention
The construction industry is hemorrhaging talent. With 339,000 open positions and 89% of construction firms struggling to fill roles, the industry must attract 439,000 new workers in 2025 just to keep pace with demand.
Here’s the twist: Women make up only 11.2% of the construction workforce—the lowest representation of any major industry. That means construction companies are overlooking nearly half the potential workforce while simultaneously facing crippling labor shortages.
But this crisis is your opportunity. While corporate America grapples with layoffs, construction is raising wages, offering paid training, and investing millions in programs specifically designed to bring women into trades. The question isn’t whether construction needs women—the data proves they do. The real question is: Are you ready for $60,000-$80,000+ annually, free training, and benefits from day one, all without a four-year degree?
The Numbers Behind the Opportunity
According to the Associated Builders and Contractors, construction needs 439,000 workers this year alone. Meanwhile, 61% of firms experience project delays specifically due to labor shortages, costing billions in lost productivity.
Women’s participation has increased 45% over the last decade, reaching 1.34 million workers in 2024—but that’s still only 11.2% of the workforce. In skilled trades specifically, women represent just 4.3% of workers.
States leading the charge include Washington D.C. (17.6%), Alaska (14.9%), and Arizona (15.6%). These numbers prove that with the right programs and culture, women’s representation can nearly double the national average.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 4% industry growth through 2031, translating to approximately 168,500 new jobs annually. This isn’t temporary—it’s a sustained transformation driven by infrastructure investments exceeding $1 trillion.
Show Me the Money
Let’s talk real numbers. According to 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data, women in construction earn:
Skilled Trades (No Degree Required):
- Electricians: $72,820/year median
- Plumbers: $62,820/year
- Carpenters: $59,890/year
- Elevator Installers: $108,130/year (highest-paid trade)
Management Roles:
- Construction Managers: $97,180/year average for women
- Architectural & Engineering Managers: $153,510/year
- Project Managers: $70,000-$90,000/year
Union apprenticeships typically pay $15-25/hour while training, with progressive increases over 3-4 years depending on trade and location. Compare this to graduating with $80,000-$120,000 in student debt and entry-level salaries of $35,000-$45,000.
The financial advantage is substantial. By age 30, someone who chose an apprenticeship over college could be ahead by $100,000-$150,000+ after accounting for student debt avoided and higher earnings potential throughout their twenties.
The Pay Gap Reality:
While the national gender pay gap means women earn 82 cents per dollar that men earn, construction women earn 95.5 cents per dollar—one of the smallest gaps in any industry. For construction managers specifically, women make 98.7 cents on the dollar.
Why? Union wage scales, transparent pay structures, and skills-based compensation leave less room for negotiation bias. The pay gap narrowed by 16.8% from 2023 to 2024 alone—faster progress than nearly any other industry.
According to research, women in construction trades earn 30% more than their counterparts in traditionally female-dominated occupations like education or healthcare support.
The Reality: Challenges and Solutions
Let’s be honest about the barriers. According to the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, 26.5% of women report experiencing gender-based harassment, and 47.7% feel treated differently than male coworkers.
But here’s what’s changing:
California invested $26 million through the ERiCA Grant specifically to recruit women into construction, including childcare support for apprentices. The Department of Labor’s WANTO program allocates millions annually to organizations supporting women in apprenticeships and nontraditional occupations.
The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) offers networking, mentorship, and professional development through local chapters nationwide. Companies like Ganneston Construction, a woman-owned business in Maine, are partnering with schools and labor departments to create pipelines for the next generation.
Your Path Forward: Take Action This Week
Find Apprenticeships: Visit Apprenticeship.gov to search registered programs in your state. In 2023, there were 10,257 women apprentices nationwide—still only 4.7% of the total, meaning massive room for growth.
Connect With Support Organizations:
- NAWIC – Local chapters for networking and mentorship
- Tradeswomen Inc. – Career fairs and pre-apprenticeship training
- Local union halls (IBEW for electrical, UA for plumbing, UBC for carpentry)
Pre-Apprenticeship Programs: These 2-16 week programs prepare you for formal apprenticeships with basic skills training. Many are free and specifically designed to support women entering trades.
What You Need to Start: High school diploma or GED, basic math and reading skills, and willingness to learn. That’s it. Tools and training are provided. Physical requirements vary by trade, and many are less demanding than assumed.
The Case for Acting Now
Construction needs 439,000 workers this year. Women represent only 11.2% of the workforce. The gap is your opportunity.
While other industries talk about diversity, construction is investing millions. The Department of Commerce reports construction has the highest average hourly earnings ($27) for workers without a bachelor’s degree, 19% higher than in education and health services, where most women without degrees currently work.
The Math is Simple:
- Zero student debt vs. $80,000+ in loans
- $60,000-$80,000+ salary after training vs. $35,000-$45,000 entry-level office jobs
- 4.5% pay gap vs. 18% national average
- Full benefits, including pensions, are nearly extinct elsewhere
The Support is Real: Organizations, programs, and woman-owned companies are actively creating pathways. Women now represent the highest share of construction personnel in 20 years and climbing.
The construction industry’s labor crisis isn’t asking for sympathy—it’s offering opportunity. High pay, zero debt, tangible skills, and an industry that actually needs you.
What will you build?
