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Increase of Women in the Construction Industry Amid Labor Shortages

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News Summary

The construction industry is witnessing a notable rise in female employees, now comprising 11.5% of the sector’s payroll according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This increase comes amid significant labor shortages, prompting companies to prioritize women’s recruitment for growth. Women’s presence in office roles remains high, but their representation in technical positions is still low. The gender pay gap in construction is also narrower compared to the national average, highlighting progress toward equity. Government initiatives aim to further boost women’s participation in this essential sector, shaping the industry’s future.

Increase of Women in the Construction Industry Amid Labor Shortages

The construction industry, known for its historically male-dominated workforce, is beginning to see a notable rise in the number of female employees. Based on the latest findings from the U.S. Census Bureau, women now represent 11.5% of payroll employees in this sector, marking a gradual increase from previous years.

The construction field is currently grappling with a significant labor shortage, with predictions indicating a deficit of more than half a million workers in the near future. As hiring challenges intensify, companies are recognizing that recruiting women is no longer an option but a necessity for industry growth and to keep up with the demand for construction labor.

A Historic Perspective

Prior to 2016, women’s representation in construction hovered around 9%. From 2003 to 2015, the percentage of women in this trade fluctuated between 8.9% and 9.5%. However, significant strides have been made since then. By the year 2022, female employment in construction had risen to 11.1%, further climbing to 11.5% in 2023. This increase equates to approximately 1.3 million women working within the construction sector, compared to over 10 million men.

Where Are Women Working?

Interestingly, a significant number of women in construction find themselves in office and administrative roles, making up nearly 80% of those positions. Moreover, they hold a comparatively higher concentration of roles in professional, sales, and management than in other sectors. However, the representation of women in construction and extraction roles remains low, with just 4.1% in these positions and 4.5% in transportation roles. The figures drop further in maintenance and repair jobs, with women accounting for only 2.0% of the workforce, and a mere 3.5% in production roles.

Earnings and Gender Pay Gap

The median annual wage for full-time female construction workers is reported at $54,044, which is notably higher than the median wage of $52,458 for women across all industries. Male counterparts in the construction field earn a median wage of $56,805—less than their industry counterparts, who average $64,705 across all sectors. The gender pay gap in construction is considerably narrower at 4.9% in comparison to the national average of 18.9%.

State and Local Variations

Geographically, the representation of women in construction varies widely. Alaska leads with the highest percentage at 13.8%, closely followed by Hawaii at 13.4%. Other states such as Washington (12.7%), Oregon (12.5%), Florida (13.3%), and Maryland (12.4%) boast female construction representation above the national average.

In metropolitan areas, notable highlights include Jacksonville, FL, showing an impressive 17.4% of female construction employment, followed by Orlando, FL, at 16.1%, and New Orleans, LA, at 14.4%. In contrast, several locales in Texas, California, and the Northeast report female representation in construction roles below 9.5%. Among the major U.S. metropolitan areas, McAllen, TX, presents an alarming low, with only 6.7% female representation in construction.

The Path Forward

The government’s efforts, primarily through initiatives like the Department of Labor’s Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations (WANTO) grant program, have aimed to generate millions in resources to enhance women’s participation in the construction workforce. As the industry faces unprecedented labor shortages, expanding opportunities and improving representation for women will be crucial in shaping the future of construction.

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