She Nails It: Women's Rising Blueprint in Construction
March is here, and it's not just about spring awakenings and the suspenseful countdown to daylight savings. It's Women's History Month, and at She Built This City, we're donning our hard hats to celebrate the indomitable spirit of women in construction and trades—a field that, much like a well-constructed building, has a solid foundation yet is always a work in progress.
Now, let's drill down to some concrete facts that highlight just how impactful women have been in reshaping the skyline of the construction industry. Let's delve into some concrete facts about women in construction. In 2021, over 314,000 women worked in trades, marking a 32.1% increase in five years. This transformation highlights significant progress in the industry.
But that's not all. While women in construction are earning about $0.86 for every dollar men make—closer to equity than the overall population—it's still not a good situation for women in the industry. In the U.S., women typically earn around 81.1% of what men do. With female construction managers averaging a salary of $97,000 a year, it's evident that breaking ceilings—glass or otherwise—is just another day at the office.
Despite these advances, women represent only a slim 11% of the entire construction industry, a figure that can hardly be called representative. Yet, from the blueprints of diversity and inclusion, women-owned construction firms have seen a 64% growth from 2014 to 2019, showcasing the resilience and innovation women bring to the table—or should we say, the workbench.
As we hammer home the importance of diversity in construction, let's remember the scaffolding that supports these achievements—organizations, and initiatives dedicated to elevating women in the field, from mentorship and networking opportunities provided by groups like the National Association of Black Women in Construction to educational resources and training programs aimed at preparing women for success in this growing industry.
The construction site may still have its share of barriers, but as more women take the helm, from operating heavy machinery to leading multi-million-dollar projects, the landscape is undeniably changing. It's a transformation that not only strengthens the industry but also builds a more inclusive and equitable future for everyone.
So, here's to the women who build, who create, who innovate, and who lead. May your hard hats be sturdy, your blueprints inspired, and your achievements monumental. Happy Women's History Month to all the women making history, one brick at a time because United We Spark!
