Can women work in construction?
In short, the answer is yes. Construction offers the opportunity to join an in-demand industry where you can steadily advance and thrive. Surprisingly, women make up only a small fraction of the construction workforce. Once you discover the benefits for women in construction, you’ll wonder why more aren’t taking advantage of the opportunities it provides.
What Does it Mean to Work in Construction?
Construction is a broad term with a lot of options to explore. Essentially, it involves working in the sector of the economy that deals with our buildings, structures, roads, and bridges. Depending on your strengths and interests, you can engage in planning, designing, or the hands-on process of building itself. You might find yourself working for a large corporation or a small one-person operation in the private or public sector.
To find your ideal path, it’s best to reflect on your strengths and do some research. Fortunately, the construction industry has a large variety of different roles and careers, depending on your interests. Here are a few examples of potential jobs in the construction industry:
- Architect
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Drywaller
- Painter
- Carpenter
- Electrician
- Plumber
- Welder
- Mason
- Heavy Equipment Operator
- HVAC Technician
- Building Inspector
- Landscaper
That’s a lot of options! Clearly, a job in the construction industry can lead you down many different pathways.
Now that we’ve gone over the basics, let’s get into why women should work in construction.
1. Construction is a Meritocracy
The construction industry boasts one of the country’s smallest gender pay gaps. Here, your performance and skill are what truly matters. For women entering construction, focus on developing your expertise, demonstrating confidence, and completing your assigned tasks. You’ll quickly see that your paycheck reflects your dedication and capabilities.
2. High Demand for New Workers
Looking for job security? You’re on the right track. The construction industry keeps expanding, yet there’s a shortage of skilled workers. With fewer newcomers entering the field and an aging workforce heading to retirement, the gap in labor keeps widening. Women have a unique opportunity to fill this gap, securing their futures and paving the way for future generations of women.
3. Opportunity for Self-Employment
If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur eager to take charge, the construction industry offers an enticing opportunity to be your own boss. Picture the freedom and independence of being in control of your schedule and making all the important decisions. Plus, as you refine your skills and master your trade, you can command higher rates for your services, leading to increased income potential.
4. Achieve Financial Stability
Construction offers a higher earning potential than many other industries. According to the National Association of Home Builders, the median income for construction workers is higher than the national average by a significant amount. Construction wages are also rising faster than national wages, with specialized trades facing the highest increase every year.
In construction, your journey up the income ladder is based on your performance and skills, not your gender or the school you graduated from. That means, regardless of your background, you can build a great living by working in construction.
5. Actively Breakdown Stereotypes
Be a trailblazer! With only 11% of the construction industry made up of women, you can pave the way for change in this vital field. By showing up with confidence and competence, you can help change perceptions and challenge the idea that construction is only for men.
Serve as a mentor and role model, proving that women are equally capable and strong. When someone questions if women belong in construction, your success will answer with a resounding yes!
6. Earn Physical Strength
Working in a physically demanding job creates the opportunity to empower yourself. As you tackle tasks that require resilience and endurance, you’ll build up new levels of strength. This brings a sense of achievement and determination, breaking barriers for you and other women.
Gaining physical strength and self-reliance are among the many perks for women in construction that go beyond the job site, offering benefits in everyday life.
7. Experience Job Satisfaction
Picture taking a step back and admiring a newly constructed building or renovated kitchen, knowing you contributed to its creation. You’ll experience a true sense of pride knowing you helped transform an idea into a finished product.
Plus, you get to refine and enhance your skills along the journey. Construction is all about continuous learning and adaptation as you become better at what you do. With opportunities to consistently learn and become more efficient, you’ll find that the construction industry is anything but dull.
8. Faster Entry and Bigger Returns
Many trades in the construction industry don’t require the lengthy and expensive education of a four-year program. This means you can enter the workforce sooner and begin earning a solid income more quickly.
Additionally, most trades pay you as you learn, with the potential for higher pay post-training. This enables you to save time, increase your earnings, and bypass student debt. Working in construction empowers you to take charge of your education and skill development on your own terms.
9. It’s a Down-to-Earth Industry
Say farewell to those dry-clean-only suits, the heels that pinch, and the lengthy process of doing your hair and makeup every day (unless you’re totally into it, of course). Embracing the functionality of the construction site means cutting down your morning routine and ditching the need to dress up.
Here’s the beauty: you get to focus on being your true self and establishing a reputation as a powerhouse.
10. Explore Numerous Paths to Advance
The construction industry is often called the “great equalizer” because it offers pathways for success regardless of your background, education, race, or gender.
According to the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), 44% of women in the industry hold managerial positions, showcasing ample opportunities for career growth. With opportunities for skill development and specialization, you can discover your strengths and pursue various roles, whether in project management, leadership, technical expertise, or even entrepreneurship. The construction industry offers an expansive range of avenues for growth.
Concluding Thoughts: The Case for Why Women Should Work in Construction
The construction industry’s doors are wide open. The opportunity is ready and waiting for a new generation of women to lay down the foundation for successful careers.
In a largely male-dominated field, the question still lingers: Can women work in construction? With more women earning their place in the industry and finding success, the answer becomes more and more clear. Their empowerment, diversity, and innovation are changing the story and creating a more welcoming future for the construction industry.
Citations:
1. https://hbi.org/wp-content/uploads/Fall-2022-Construction-Labor-Market-Report.pdf
2. https://www.nawic.org/statistics
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