Breaking New Ground: Construction Careers for Women
When you envision construction work, you might picture laborers toiling away on a job site or skilled tradesmen putting the finishing touches on a new home. Typically, you might think of men in these roles--but that's not just your bias speaking. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that only 11% of construction workers identify as female. However, there's a shift happening as construction jobs for women are on the rise. Between 2012 and 2021, the number of women working in construction increased by over 54%. There are numerous opportunities for women in this field that extend beyond traditional office roles. Discover the advantages of working in construction, the top construction jobs for women, potential earnings, and the necessary credentials to secure a position.
Benefits of Working in Construction
If you're a woman interested in pursuing a career in construction, you have the chance to pave a new path. Despite changing demographics in the industry, there are still relatively few women in construction. Here are several reasons to consider getting involved in this field:
Higher Pay
The median annual pay for all construction occupations sits at $48,210, according to the BLS--higher than the median of $45,760 for all occupations. Additionally, the gender pay gap is narrower in construction jobs. While women's median weekly earnings across all industries amount to 83% of men's, in construction jobs, women earned 87.5 cents for every dollar men earned in 2020.
On-the-Job Training
Many construction roles require only on-the-job training, an apprenticeship, or vocational training, as opposed to a four-year degree. This makes construction jobs more cost-effective to train for compared to other professions. CareerOneStop provides information on apprenticeships, licensing requirements, and certifications.
Union Jobs
In 2021, over 17% of construction workers were union members, compared to 10.3% of all wage and salary workers. Union jobs often offer job-related health care coverage, guaranteed pensions, and a higher pay scale. Non-union workers earned a median weekly wage of $975 in 2021, while union workers' median earnings amounted to $1,169.
Top Construction Jobs for Women
If you enjoy working with your hands, problem-solving, and the fulfillment of building something tangible, a career in construction might be a perfect fit. Explore some of the best construction jobs for women:
Carpenter Construction Equipment Operator Construction Manager Elevator Installer and Repairer Electrician Plumber Solar Photovoltaic InstallerHow to Pursue a Career in Construction
To kickstart your construction career:
