NEW YORK — A new survey by the New York chapter of Professional Women in Construction (PWC-NY) reveals that women employed in the construction industry find numerous advantages to working in the sector, but there are still significant barriers to female participation. The survey offers insights into the benefits of construction careers for women and suggests ways to increase female representation in the field.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, while women make up 46.9% of the total workforce, they represent only 10.8% of the construction workforce. This discrepancy highlights a gender gap that persists despite the industry offering some of the best pay and career growth opportunities for women.

"Women are grossly underrepresented, in spite of the fact that it has one of the lowest gender pay gaps with women earning 95% of their male counterparts (compared to an average of 81% gender gap for all industries), and the salary of a female construction manager averaging $97,180 annually," the release stated. This significant gap between female participation and potential rewards in the industry prompted PWC-NY to conduct the survey to better understand the factors contributing to this underrepresentation and identify solutions for attracting more women to construction careers.

Survey Findings: Pay, Advancement, and Job Satisfaction

The survey uncovered that women are drawn to the construction industry primarily due to its higher pay scales and advancement opportunities. Professional development, substantial benefits, and job security also ranked highly among the factors that make the field attractive.

Women surveyed also expressed a deep sense of job satisfaction derived from their work. Many highlighted the gratification of contributing to the creation of buildings from start to finish, taking pride in tangible outcomes that required problem-solving and creativity. The opportunity for personal and professional growth, coupled with the chance to serve as a trailblazer for future generations of women, was a key motivator.

"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, Executive Director of PWC-NY. "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."

Addressing the Barriers: Lack of Awareness and Education

While the benefits of construction careers are clear, the survey also identified the main barrier preventing greater female participation: a lack of awareness about professional opportunities in the field. Many women are unaware of the career paths available to them in construction, and as a result, may not consider it as a viable option.

To address this issue, the survey suggests that education plays a critical role in encouraging more women to pursue construction careers. The report recommends the creation of seminars and job fairs that highlight skills women naturally excel at, such as communication, attention to detail, and organizational abilities. These events should also emphasize the work-life balance opportunities within the construction industry, which can often be a deciding factor for women entering or remaining in the workforce.

"We believe that by showcasing the skills women bring to the industry and promoting the work-life flexibility, we can spark greater interest in the construction sector," the report added.

PWC-NY’s Role in Supporting Women in Construction

Founded in 1980 by eight women in New York, PWC-NY has long been a champion for women in the fields of architecture, engineering, and construction. The non-profit organization supports women by connecting them with mentors, providing professional development opportunities, and helping to build a stronger network of female leaders in the industry.

The survey results reflect PWC-NY’s ongoing efforts to promote gender diversity and help women access the numerous benefits the construction industry has to offer. The organization is committed to ensuring that more women are equipped with the tools and knowledge to succeed in a sector that holds tremendous potential for career growth.

"We’re working to change the narrative and encourage women to consider construction not just as a job but as a lifelong career," said Rivera. "With the right support and opportunities, women can make lasting, impactful contributions to this thriving industry."

Looking Ahead: The Future of Women in Construction

As PWC-NY continues to lead the charge for greater female representation in construction, the survey serves as a stepping stone toward fostering a more inclusive and diverse workforce. By encouraging women to pursue careers in construction and dismantling the barriers that prevent them from entering the field, PWC-NY aims to create a lasting impact that benefits both women and the industry as a whole.

For more information about PWC-NY, upcoming events, and the survey findings, visit their website.

About Professional Women in Construction (PWC-NY)

Professional Women in Construction (PWC-NY) is a non-profit organization that supports and connects women in the fields of architecture, engineering, construction, and related industries. Established in 1980, PWC-NY provides networking, mentoring, and professional development opportunities to help women advance their careers and businesses in the construction industry. The organization strives to increase diversity and inclusion in the sector by encouraging more women to pursue careers in construction.

Originally reported by DCN By Construct Connect.