Best Construction Jobs for Women
It seems that everyone is hiring these days. Even though women make up about 10-15% of the building industry’s workforce, construction jobs for women offer some of the best career opportunities. With a low gender pay gap, a broad range of occupations, and a hot job market, female construction workers are discovering new paths to success.
Gender pay gap, a growing industry, and a hot job market
What makes a construction job a good opportunity? On average women in construction earn 94.3% compared to men, one of the lowest gender pay gaps. Across all industries, women earn only 81% as much as men. Although the construction industry is male-dominated, female construction workers are paid as much as men. And construction wages are rising.
Job availability is another reason construction jobs are good opportunities for women. Industry growth and a workforce shortage following the COVID-19 pandemic have caused an increase in the number of construction jobs available. A changing attitude towards women in the industry means more women are being hired, too. There are now more than a million women in construction roles.
The variety of construction jobs for women
The construction industry encompasses a wide range of occupations and allied professions. More than labor and skilled trades jobs, construction jobs for women also include project management, estimating, marketing, administration, and executive leadership, and careers in related fields, such as finance, insurance, and law. Here are just a few:
- Plumber
- Electrician
- Carpenter
- Welder
- Bulldozer Operator
- Heavy Equipment Operator
- Construction Site Supervisor
- Estimator
- Virtual Design & Construction Technician
- Project Manager
- Sourcing Specialist
- Director of Safety and Compliance
- Marketing Specialist
- HR Representative
- Project Accountant
Training opportunities
There are many paths to get started in the industry. On-the-job training is offered for many construction jobs. Women seeking work in the skilled trades may complete a trade program or an apprenticeship. Certification programs are another way to advance your construction career. The NAWIC Education Foundation offers instruction for professional certifications, including Construction Bookkeeping Technician (CBT), Construction Document Technician (CDT), Construction Industry Specialist (CIS), Construction Industry Technician (CIT), Estimating and Scheduling Practitioner (ESP). For those interested in construction management, colleges and universities across the country offer American Council for Construction Education (ACCE) accredited degree programs (Associate, Bachelor’s, and Master’s.)
Top jobs
According to the US News and World Report Best Construction Jobs of 2022, the top 3 construction jobs are Construction Manager, Electrician, and Solar Photovoltaic Installer.
- Construction Manager Construction managers plan, coordinate, budget, and supervise construction projects from start to finish. Median salary in 2021 was $98,890 per year. A Bachelor’s degree is generally required. The number of construction manager jobs is expected to grow by 8% in the next decade. [US Bureau of Labor Statistics]
- Electrician Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical power, communications, lighting, and control systems. Median salary in 2021 was $60,040 per year. A high school diploma or equivalent and an apprenticeship are required. The number of electrician jobs is expected to grow by 7% in the next decade. [US Bureau of Labor Statistics]
- Solar Photovoltaic Installer Solar photovoltaic (PV) installers assemble, set up, and maintain rooftop or other systems that convert sunlight into energy. Median salary in 2021 was $47,670 per year. A high school diploma or equivalent and on-the-job training are typically required. The number of solar photovoltaic installer jobs is expected to grow by 27% in the next decade. [US Bureau of Labor Statistics]
NAWIC
The National Association of Women in Construction is the leading women’s construction association with more than 115 chapters in the United States and affiliate organizations worldwide. To support the growing number of women in construction, NAWIC provides community, mentorship, networking, leadership opportunities, and education for its members. Career resources include the latest construction job openings and professional development courses and workshops.
