While it used to be true that construction was a male-dominated field, more and more women are joining each year. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are more than one million women employed in construction, representing over 14% of the workforce. (This is up from 10.8% in 2023!)
That’s because construction doesn’t just offer great wages and job growth opportunities—it’s also an inclusive and welcoming environment for people of all genders. Learn more about all the great benefits construction provides, and how to kickstart your own career.
Why Should Women Consider a Career in Construction?
1. Great Benefits (Including Maternity Leave)
On top of the equal wages, most construction roles also offer great employee benefits, including (but not limited to):
- Paid time off
- Vacation and sick days
- Medical, dental, and health insurance
- 401(k) or pension plans (often with employer matching)
- Overtime pay
- Annuity funds (typically found in union contracts)
- Safety incentive programs
- Housing stipends for out-of-town projects
- Maternity leave*
*While federal law dictates that all eligible workers have access to up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected time off, most unions have their own maternity leave policy. For example, the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA) recently introduced a policy that pays its members on maternity leave $800 a week for at least 12 weeks.
2. Job Security
Did you know that the construction industry employs around 8 million people and builds nearly 2.1 trillion dollars worth of structures every year? It’s a highly-demanded, skill-required industry that’s not going anywhere.
In fact, according to the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), the construction industry needs to bring in 456,000 new workers in 2027 to meet the steadily rising spending growth. Women represent an untapped talent pool that can help fill (and then stay in) those much-needed roles!
3. Unique Roles & Leadership Opportunities
The construction industry has a wide variety of positions available across trade, management, and office roles! While the number of choices may seem overwhelming, it allows you to find your niche.
Some examples of jobs include:
- Project Manager
- Sourcing Specialist
- HR Representative
- Estimator
- Carpenter
- Electrician
- Welder
- Heavy Equipment Operator
- Site Supervisor
Currently, among women in the construction industry:
- 44% are in professional or management roles
- 28% are in sales or office roles
- 21% are in service-related roles
- 6% are in production or transportation roles
- 1% are in natural resource, maintenance, and construction trade roles
There is no such thing as the “right” job for a woman in construction. Skilled trades such as welders and carpenters have seen a rise in women’s representation, and as of 2025, women also hold over 20% of leadership positions in construction companies.
4. Higher Education Not Required
Most career fields these days require the completion of some form of higher education, such as a college degree or a master’s certificate. However, that is not always the case with construction. If you’re interested in pursuing a specialization, such as electrical, plumbing, or HVAC, you’ll likely have to go to trade school, which lasts anywhere from a few months to two years and only costs a couple of thousand dollars.
Otherwise, you can simply get a start in the industry as a general laborer and learn the job via an apprenticeship or entry-level position. Both are paid roles that allow you to study the ins and outs of construction through everyday on-site exposure. You’ll get to join the workforce right away without being burdened by the over $30,000 in debt the average student loan borrower has.
5. Helpful Organizations & Grants
There are a lot of organizations available for women in construction to network and grow their careers. For example, the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) is one of the largest groups in the U.S., with chapters all across the country. They even hold a well-known Women in Construction Week every March!
The U.S. Department of Labor has even created grant programs like the Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations (WANTO) to make it easier for women to enter the industry. In just the past year, the program has donated over 5 million dollars to increase women’s participation in apprenticeships!
How to Start Your Career in Construction
If you’re a woman who is considering starting a career in construction, there are a few steps you need to take:
- Consider what career path you want: There are so many different roles in construction! Determine whether you’re interested in being a laborer or taking an office role. The great thing about construction is if you realize it’s not a good fit, you can always change roles.
- Get the necessary education or training: As mentioned, although general laborer jobs don’t require any higher education, you usually need at least a high school diploma. Specific trades, such as carpentry, require you to finish a certificate program. Managerial or engineering roles will require a four-year degree.
- Complete safety certification : You must complete the OSHA 10 Construction course, which goes over jobsite rules. If you’re planning to operate heavy machinery, you’ll need a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
- Explore networking opportunities: Groups like NAWIC, Professional Women in Construction, and local trade unions will have mentorship opportunities, job boards, and networking events. Creating relationships, especially with other women in the industry, can make it easier to navigate your career.
Start Your Construction Career Today
If you’re interested in beginning a career in construction, check out our job listings or contact us today with any questions. We are always looking for talented individuals to join our team, regardless of gender, and are committed to providing all our employees equal access to the equipment, resources, and training they need to succeed.
