New York Construction Report staff writer
A recent survey conducted by the New York chapter of Professional Women in Construction (PWC NY) sheds light on the significant benefits that women in construction experience, while also suggesting strategies to overcome barriers and increase awareness of opportunities in the industry.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, although women make up 46.9% of the overall workforce, they represent only 10.8% of the construction workforce. Despite this underrepresentation, construction remains one of the most gender-equal fields in terms of pay, with women earning 95% of what their male counterparts make—substantially higher than the average 81% gender pay gap across all industries. In fact, female construction managers earn an average of $97,180 annually.
“Today there are only 1.3 million women employed in the construction industry, despite its being ranked as the number one paying industry for women,” said Regina Rivera, PWC NY Executive Director. “Although progress has been made over the years, PWC NY created this survey of its members in hopes of encouraging more women to choose construction as a career path, by learning from the experiences of those surveyed, and sharing the benefits and advantages they prioritized.”
PWC NY conducted the survey to identify the reasons for the gender disparity and explore solutions for attracting more women to the sector. The survey found that the construction industry’s higher pay scale and greater advancement opportunities were the primary factors drawing women to the field.
Women respondents emphasized the satisfaction of contributing to the development of a building from start to finish, taking pride in delivering tangible results that require problem-solving and creativity. Additionally, they appreciated the opportunities for career growth and the fulfillment of being pioneers for other women in the industry.
Professional development, job security, and substantial benefits also ranked highly as key motivators for women seeking careers in construction.
However, a significant barrier to women entering construction is a lack of awareness about the professional opportunities available in the field. Many women may not realize the wide range of roles in construction or the benefits the industry offers. To address this, PWC NY suggests that targeted education, including seminars and job fairs focusing on skills that women excel in, such as communication, attention to detail, and organization, could be key in attracting more women to the field. Also, highlighting the work-life balance possibilities in construction roles could further entice women to consider this career path.
The stereotypical image of construction as a male-dominated industry continues to discourage many women from pursuing opportunities in the field. By increasing education and visibility around the variety of professional roles available and emphasizing the supportive, rewarding environment construction offers, PWC NY believes more women will be encouraged to take part in this growing sector.
Professional Women in Construction, a nonprofit organization founded in 1980, connects women in the fields of architecture, engineering, construction, and related industries. The New York chapter, established by eight women who sought to support one another in advancing their careers, continues to offer resources such as leadership programs, networking opportunities, mentorships, and scholarships to help women succeed in the industry.
With the results of this survey, PWC NY aims to spark further dialogue and action on how to better engage women in the construction sector, a field that has long been underutilized by women despite offering vast career and financial rewards.
