Women are actively pushing for equal pay and breaking into fields once dominated by men. A remarkable success story is the rise of women in construction. Starting in the late 20th century, thousands of women began entering this field, steadily making their mark and proving their capabilities in an industry that was once overwhelmingly male.
The trend of women entering the construction industry has continued into the first two decades of the 21st century, but there’s still significant potential for more women to join. Women currently make up only 9.9 percent of the construction workforce, despite the industry’s much smaller gender pay gap compared to the average U.S. career field. The opportunity is there, and the industry is ready for more women to step in and make their mark.
“We have the physical strength to do this just as much as men.” Kate Havel, operations specialist and event coordinator for the construction management program, said at the event. “There’s a need in the industry to diversify and to get more females involved. We have the program for them here at Northern and then we have the connections with the alumni that are looking to hire more females. It’s a win-win situation.”
Since 2017, NMU has hosted 13 Women in Construction Events. NMU Global will continue to host NMU Women in Construction Day events to offer information, insight, and support to women who want to launch a career in construction.
Smaller Pay Gap Between Men and Women
Women appreciate the fairness in the pay structure. A key statistic shows that the pay gap in construction is much smaller than in other industries. While women in the U.S. typically earn 83.7 percent of what men make in the same job, women in construction earn about 95.5 percent of what their male counterparts make.
According to statistics from the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), about 1,173,000 women work in construction, slightly less than 10 percent of the construction industry workforce. The number of women dropped significantly during and after the Great Recession. However, their numbers have steadily increased in the years since.
Women in Construction are Respected on Job Sites
There’s plenty of anecdotal evidence about the growing number of women in construction. The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) provides one example. Started by 16 women in Fort Worth, Texas, in the 1950s, the organization now has thousands of members in 115 chapters across the country.
Media is covering the trend, as well. WPTV in West Palm Beach spoke with Nekita Whyte, an assistant operations manager for a South Florida construction business, in an article with the headline: “Attitudes Changing Toward Women in Construction.”
While noting that there is only about one woman for every 30 men on a typical job site, Whyte added, “When I walk onto a job site, I don’t feel there is a surprise that I am there. I feel that there is a respect that I am there. I am not ostracized or left out of any conversations. My opinion is considered and I am supported.”
Construction Manager Salary
A big advantage of a career in construction management is the impressive salary. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that construction managers earn a median annual salary of $101,480, with top professionals making over $169,070, depending on location, work type, and employer.
The trend in salaries also has risen significantly in the past 10 years, from a median salary of about $90,000 in 2012. Not surprisingly, U.S. News ranks construction manager as the No. 2 job in the construction field.
NMU Global Construction Management Degree Program
The NMU Global Campus construction management program provides strong support for all students, especially women entering this growing field. This affordable, 100% online degree is designed to fit into the busy lives of working professionals. Admission requires seven years of industry experience, three professional recommendations, and a prior learning assessment.
Students can transfer up to 90 credits, helping them progress faster. Graduates are ready to lead in construction, managing budgets, timelines, and project quality. For women, this program offers access to a high-demand field with competitive salaries for their skills.
