When thinking about the construction field, you might imagine workers at a job site or skilled tradespeople putting the finishing touches on a new home. You are likely to picture men in these roles, not necessarily due to bias on your part. Only 11% of workers in the construction industry are considered female, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
However, 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 ample opportunities for women in this field beyond traditional office roles. Learn about the benefits of working in construction, the best construction jobs for women, how much you can earn, and the qualifications you need to get a job.
Why Work in Construction?
If you are a woman interested in a construction career, you have a unique opportunity to break a new barrier. There are still relatively few women in construction, despite demographic changes in the industry.
There are many reasons to step ahead of the trend, including the following:
Higher Wages
The average annual wage for all construction jobs is $48,210, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which is higher than the median of $45,760 for all jobs.
The gender wage gap is also smaller in construction jobs. The median weekly earnings for women across all industries were equal to 83% of men’s earnings in 2021, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In construction jobs, women earned 87.5 cents for every dollar earned by men in 2020.
On-the-job Training
Many construction jobs require only on-the-job training or vocational training. Few require a four-year college degree, making construction jobs less costly to train for than other occupations.
CareerOneStop offers information about vocational training and licensing and certification requirements.
Union Jobs
More than 17% of workers in construction jobs were union members in 2021, compared to 10.3% of all wage and salary workers. Union jobs are more likely to offer employer-related health coverage and guaranteed pensions compared to non-union jobs, with medical benefits available to 95% of union workers in the private sector. They also pay more. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, non-union workers earned a median weekly wage of $975 in 2021, which is only 83% of the median wage of union workers, which was $1,169.
The Best Construction Jobs for Women
Do you enjoy working with your hands, solving problems, and experiencing the satisfaction that comes with building something? If you are physically strong, skilled, and ready to work hard, you might find your next job in the construction industry.
Carpenter
Carpenters build and repair wooden structures, including houses, buildings, scaffolding, and concrete forms for bridges. Depending on their specialization, carpenters may focus on building and renovating homes, furniture making, hardwood flooring, and more.
To excel in this job, you need manual dexterity, physical strength, problem-solving skills, business acumen, and math skills. Carpenters typically have a high school diploma or equivalent and are trained on the job or through vocational training programs.
Median annual salary: $48,260
Construction Equipment Operator
These workers operate machinery that moves heavy materials at construction sites and mines. Operators may learn on the job or at a trade school, or through a vocational training program that typically lasts three to four years.
Depending on state requirements, construction equipment operators may need a commercial driver’s license or a special license to operate a crane, excavator, bulldozer, or front loader.
Median annual salary: $48,290
Manager
Construction
Construction managers oversee construction projects from start to finish, preparing cost estimates, creating work schedules, explaining contracts, hiring subcontractors, providing progress reports, and ensuring compliance with building regulations. It’s a great job for someone with problem-solving, leadership, analytical, and communication skills.
This is the highest-paying job on our list and requires more education than other construction jobs. To obtain this position, you will likely need a bachelor’s degree in construction, engineering, or a related field, along with prior experience in construction. You may also need to obtain a license, depending on state requirements.
Median annual salary: $98,890
Elevator Installer and Repairer
These workers install, repair, and maintain elevators, escalators, and moving walkways. Elevator installers and repairers must be detail-oriented, mechanically inclined, and physically strong – and not afraid of heights.
This job typically requires participation in a four-year apprenticeship program and obtaining a license from the state in which you work. However, you can start your training with a high school diploma or equivalent, making this a uniquely high-paying construction job that does not require a college degree.
Median annual salary: $97,860
Electrician
Electricians install, repair, and maintain wiring in homes, office buildings, and other places where electrical systems exist. To be successful in this job, you need troubleshooting skills, critical thinking, and excellent customer service. It is also important to have good color vision to distinguish between different colored wires.
To obtain this position, you are expected to participate in a four or five-year apprenticeship program. You will also need to pass an exam to obtain your license and may also need to participate in continuing education.
Median annual salary: $60,040
Plumber
Plumbers install and repair water and gas pipes in homes and other buildings. To succeed in this role, you need troubleshooting skills, mechanical skills, and communication, along with physical strength. Expect to work irregular hours: because repair work is often urgent, plumbers frequently work evenings and weekends.
To become a plumber, you will likely need to complete a four or five-year apprenticeship. You may also need to obtain a license, including a special license if you plan to work on gas lines.
Median annual salary: $59,880
Solar Panel Installer
These workers install and maintain solar panels on homes and businesses. Solar panel installers design system configurations, install support structures, and test systems. They may also be required to connect panels to the electrical grid, although some states require electricians to perform this work instead.
To become a solar panel installer, you will need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with up to a year of on-the-job training. Some states may also require a license.
Median annual salary: $47,670
How to Get the Job
Evaluate your skills Look at the skills required for the jobs that interest you and match them with your skill set.
Understand the requirements CareerOneStop provides information about job requirements, including training courses, certifications, and training.
Gain experience Many construction jobs offer on-the-job training.
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Sources
The Balance uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts in our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and ensure the accuracy, reliability, and quality of our content.
Office
U.S. Labor Statistics. “Current Population Survey Labor Force Statistics.”
Fixr. “How Women Are Rising in the Construction Field in a Male-Dominated Industry.”
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Construction and Extraction Occupations.”
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “In 2021, the median earnings for women were 83.1 percent of the median for men.”
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Highlights of Women’s Earnings in 2020 Table 2.”
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Union Members – 2021,” page 7.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Employee Benefits in the United States – March 2021.”
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Union Members – 2021,” page 1.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Carpenters.”
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Construction Equipment Operators.”
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Construction Managers.”
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Elevator Installers and Repairers.”
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Electricians.”
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters.”
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Solar Photovoltaic Installers.”
Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/construction-jobs-for-women-5409497
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