The construction sector is changing — and women in construction are at the forefront. From job sites to corporate offices, women are increasing their presence in a field long dominated by men. That progress reached a milestone in August 2025, when women accounted for 14.5% of all construction workers, the highest percentage on record. By December, this figure was 14.4%, indicating a lasting change in hiring patterns that started during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Growth of the Female Construction Workforce
Since January 2020, the female construction workforce has grown more than 21%, compared to less than 8% for men. Even in 2025, when overall industry hiring slowed, women filled 12,000 of the 14,000 construction jobs added that year.
Much of this growth comes from office and support roles rather than traditional trades, but the trend shows women steadily gaining ground. Industry employment data counts anyone working for a construction firm, from marketing professionals to onsite carpenters.
Much of this growth comes from office and support roles rather than traditional trades, but the trend shows women steadily gaining ground. Industry employment data counts anyone working for a construction firm, from marketing professionals to onsite carpenters.
Challenges for Women in Trades
Despite overall progress, women in trades remain underrepresented. Many core trades, especially those tied to new home construction, lost jobs in 2025. Framing contractors laid off 9,200 workers, drywall contractors lost 7,600, and total employment in residential specialty trades decreased by 40,000.
Front-line trades remain predominantly male. Occupational data from 2024, the most recent available, show that women make up only 4.3% of construction and extraction roles, including less than 5% of carpenters and under 3% of electricians and bricklayers. Even roles with the highest percentage of women, such as painters (10.8%) and building inspectors (11.5%), fall short of the industry’s overall female workforce share.
Women Leading the Way in Construction
Joyce Farris, Managing Director of CBIZ CPAs, who has specialized in the construction industry since the early 1980s, has seen this shift firsthand.
“Over the past four decades, I’ve personally seen the growth of women not only in construction bookkeeping, but also in C-suite and ownership roles. The number of women who own construction companies has steadily grown.”
She highlights supplier diversity programs, mentorship networks, and advances in construction technology as key drivers of change.
“Policy initiatives and procurement opportunities opened doors, while mentorship networks and trade associations helped build skills and credibility. As more women leaders demonstrated strong performance in safety, quality and client relationships, they created visible pathways for others to follow.”
Still, challenges remain.
“Access to financing and large contracts can be uneven, and bias hasn’t disappeared. But the long-term trend points to a more inclusive and dynamic construction sector where women-owned firms play an increasingly significant role.”
She also highlights the significance of mentorship in developing the next generation of leaders.
“Having women mentors creates a powerful pipeline. Visible role models, practical guidance and credible advocacy help emerging professionals navigate jobsite dynamics, procurement processes and paths to ownership.”
Building the Future: Career Opportunities for Women in Construction
Progress has been steady, even if slow. In 2010, women held only 2.6% of positions in construction and extraction. Over the past five years, the share increased from 3.5% to 4.3%, reflecting consistent and meaningful progress.
Looking ahead, construction career opportunities for women are expected to increase, especially in white-collar roles. Higher college enrollment among women and a lack of experienced female mentors in the trades suggest that representation in traditional field positions may remain below 5% in the near future.
Connect with a member of the CBIZ construction team to learn more about how women are shaping the future of construction.
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