A new survey by the New York chapter of Professional Women in Construction (PWC NY) sheds light on the benefits and challenges women face in the construction industry. The findings suggest that despite being a male-dominated sector, construction offers significant advantages, including higher salaries, career growth, and job security. The survey also explores ways to encourage more women to enter the field and close the gender gap.

Women in Construction: A Growing Presence

While women make up 46.9% of the total workforce in the U.S., they represent only 10.8% of the construction industry, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Despite this underrepresentation, construction boasts one of the lowest gender pay gaps—women in the field earn approximately 95% of what their male counterparts make, compared to an 81% pay gap across all industries. Additionally, female construction managers earn an average annual salary of $97,180.

To better understand the reasons behind this disparity and identify strategies for increasing female participation, PWC NY conducted a survey among its members.

Key Findings from the Survey

“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. 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,” says Regina Rivera, PWC NY Executive Director.

According to the survey, the top reasons women choose to work in construction include:

• Higher pay and advancement opportunities – Competitive salaries and promotion potential make the industry attractive.
• Professional development – Women value the ability to acquire new skills and grow in their careers.
• Strong benefits and job security – Construction provides stability and substantial benefits, making it a rewarding long-term career.

Many survey respondents highlighted the satisfaction of contributing to a building project from start to finish, taking pride in tangible results that require problem-solving and creativity. Others expressed appreciation for opportunities to grow professionally and for the sense of accomplishment in paving the way for future generations of women in the field.

Barriers and Solutions

Despite the advantages, several challenges remain. The survey found that one of the primary barriers for women in construction is a lack of awareness about the diverse job opportunities in the industry. Traditional stereotypes and misconceptions also deter women from considering construction careers.

To break these barriers, respondents suggested:

• Increasing education and outreach – Schools, colleges, and career programs should actively promote construction as a viable career path for women.
• Hosting women-focused job fairs and seminars – Events that emphasize communication, organization, and detail-oriented skills—qualities many women naturally excel at—could encourage more participation.
• Highlighting work-life balance – Construction companies need to showcase flexible career paths that accommodate family and personal commitments.

About Professional Women in Construction

Professional Women in Construction is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and advancing women in architecture, engineering, construction, and related fields. Established in 1980 in New York by eight women determined to break barriers in the industry, PWC has grown into a nationwide network offering mentorship programs, scholarships, networking opportunities, and industry insights.

As the industry evolves, initiatives like PWC NY’s survey provide valuable insights into how construction can become more inclusive. With the right efforts, women can continue to thrive in a field that offers competitive pay, professional growth, and the chance to shape the world—one building at a time.

Originally reported by Window + Door.