Number of Women in Construction Edges Higher
The number of women employed in the construction industry in the United States grew slightly in 2020, rising to around 1.17 million workers. The number reflects about 10.9% of the construction workforce, up from 10.3% in 2019, a recent NAHB analysis of labor force statistics from the Current Population Survey (CPS) showed.
While the upward movement is positive, the construction industry as a whole faces an ongoing labor shortage. Bringing additional women into the construction labor force represents an opportunity to fill many of those vacancies – an important goal for the industry.
In addition, the majority of women in the industry are involved in administrative support, management, or business and financial operations, with the highest numbers – about 69% - in sales and office occupations. Only about 6% were involved in construction and maintenance occupations, where workers are needed most.
The overall construction industry lost 587,000 jobs in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic hit the economy, but recovery has been fairly steady since, as home building and related construction activities play an increasingly important role in the broader economy.
NAHB Economist Na Zhao provides more analysis in this Eye on Housing post.
This week, NAHB’s Professional Women in Building (PWB) Council celebrates PWB Week 2021, recognizing the important contributions of women in residential construction and the work that is being done to promote, train, advance and add more women to the industry. Visit nahb.org/pwbweek to find tips and tools for getting the most out of the week.
PWB Week 2021 is sponsored by Lowe’s For Pros
Latest from NAHBNow
Jul 25, 2025
NAHB's Student Chapters Helped Give Her Confidence to Pivot CareersZhetique Gunn's early exposure to building and problem-solving has led to national recognition and a city-level impact as an urban planner in Washington, D.C.
Jul 24, 2025
Federal Court Upholds New York State Gas BanThe federal court for the Northern District of New York on July 23 upheld New York state’s “gas ban” legislation. New York’s legislation is the first statewide law that restricts natural gas use in new buildings, effectively banning gas stoves and other fossil fuel appliances in most new construction starting in 2026.
Latest Economic News
Jul 25, 2025
Market Share of 5,000+ Square Foot New Homes Started Declines in 2024In 2024, there were 24,000 homes that exceeded 5,000 square feet, equating to a 2.3% market share of all new homes started. Both the number and market share for 5,000+ square foot homes experienced declines from 2023, according to the annual data from the Census Bureau’s Survey of Construction (SOC).
Jul 24, 2025
New Home Sales Hold Steady at a Relatively Tepid LevelChallenging affordability conditions, elevated interest rates and economic uncertainty continue to act as headwinds on the housing sector as many potential buyers continue to stay on the sidelines.
Jul 23, 2025
Existing Home Sales Retreat to 9-Month LowExisting home sales fell to 9-month low in June as home prices hit another monthly record high, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Sluggish pace of sales suggest that higher mortgage rates and elevated home prices are continuing to sideline buyers, despite improved inventory conditions.