Women are breaking into fields once dominated by men, and construction is one of the strongest examples. Since the late 20th century, thousands of women have entered the industry, proving their skills and making their mark in a traditionally male space.
The numbers tell the story. From 2023 to 2024, the construction workforce added 56,000 women, bringing the total to 1,343,000, or 11.2 percent of the industry. Over the past decade, the number of women in construction has grown by 45 percent, and 39 percent now hold leadership roles.
This momentum shows that opportunities in construction are expanding, but there’s still room for more women to step in. With strong demand for skilled managers and a narrowing wage gap, the industry is opening doors like never before.
NMU Women in Construction Events
Northern Michigan University has been part of this momentum. Since 2017, NMU has hosted Women in Construction events, giving students and professionals a place to connect, learn, and build confidence in the field. These events highlight the growing presence of women in construction and offer support for those ready to launch or advance their careers.
Kate Havel, operations specialist and event coordinator for the construction management program, explained the importance of creating these opportunities: “We have the physical strength to do this just as much as men. 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 the connections with alumni who are looking to hire more females. It’s a win-win situation.”
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.
Attitudes Toward Women in Construction Are Changing
Women in construction are gaining recognition and support across the industry. The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) began in 1953 with 16 women in Fort Worth, Texas. Today, it has thousands of members and more than 115 chapters nationwide. This growth shows how many women are finding their place in construction careers.
Media outlets are covering the change, too. WPTV in West Palm Beach spoke with Nekita Whyte, an assistant operations manager in South Florida. She noted that women still make up about one in 30 workers on a job site, but attitudes are shifting. “When I walk onto a job site, I don’t feel there is a surprise that I am there,” Whyte said. “I feel that there is respect. I am not ostracized or left out of any conversations. My opinion is considered, and I am supported.”
Construction Manager Salary
Construction management is a career that pays well and offers long-term stability. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual salary of $106,980 for construction managers. Pay varies by employer, location, and project type, but it remains one of the strongest-paying careers in the construction field.
The outlook is equally promising. Employment is projected to grow by 9 percent over the next decade, driven by demand for new housing, infrastructure improvements, and commercial projects. Salaries have also risen steadily, climbing from about $90,000 in 2012 to well into six figures today.
For women working in construction, this growth is especially encouraging. The industry is opening more leadership roles and offering opportunities where pay is strong and advancement is real. U.S. News ranks construction management as the second-best job in the construction industry, reflecting both the earning potential and the steady demand for skilled leaders.
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.
