A new report from Fixr analyzing the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows the number of women in construction has climbed for 10 consecutive years, growing from 939,000 in 2016 to 1.36 million in 2025—a 45% increase, according to Construction Executive. In 2025 alone, women made up 11.3% of the construction workforce as 22,000 women entered the industry.
Management, professional and related occupations employ the largest segment of women at 506,000, which is 37% of the female construction workforce. Thirty-six percent of women in the construction industry—498,000 women—work in sales and office occupations. However, the presence of women in field and technical roles has increased; women in service occupations rose 47%, and women in production, transportation and material moving rose 27%.
Still, when Construction Executive interviewed 12 women currently working and leading in the industry, 10 of the 12 women said they have experienced discrimination on the job and nine of 12 said there still is a gender pay gap in the construction industry.
Construction Executive shares the following insights from those interviewees regarding how to attract and retain women.
- Early exposure: Reach out to female middle school and high school students through trade programs, apprenticeships and site visits.
- Visible role models: Ensure women are being represented at the leadership level so girls and women considering the industry can see what is possible. Providing mentors and sponsors also can be crucial.
- Flexible work policies: Where possible, expand hybrid and remote options to help provide balance for workers as they manage personal responsibilities.
- Cultural modernization: Companies that ensure proper personal protective equipment sizing, job-site facilities and workplace norms show they genuinely want women to be included.
