GITNUXREPORT 2025

Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion In The Aec Industry Statistics

Most AEC firms lack comprehensive DEI initiatives, impacting workforce diversity, satisfaction.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

LGBTQ+ inclusive policies are present in only 30% of AEC firms

Statistic 2

40% of AEC firms lack formal DEI policies

Statistic 3

The percentage of firms actively monitoring DEI metrics has increased from 20% to 45% over three years

Statistic 4

55% of AEC firms have implemented unconscious bias training

Statistic 5

The percentage of AEC firms with diversity sponsorship programs has increased by 25% over four years

Statistic 6

The industry-wide effort to improve diversity has led to a 12% increase in employee engagement scores over two years

Statistic 7

80% of AEC firms agree that diversifying teams leads to better client relations

Statistic 8

35% of surveyed AEC firms reported that visual diversity in project portfolios improved client perception

Statistic 9

58% of construction workers believe DEI initiatives are beneficial in creating a safer work environment

Statistic 10

Only 12% of leadership roles in AEC are held by women

Statistic 11

Only 2% of AEC leadership are from indigenous backgrounds

Statistic 12

The average tenure of minority professionals in AEC is 2.8 years shorter than their counterparts

Statistic 13

Initiatives targeting retention of minority professionals increased retention rates by 20%

Statistic 14

Firms with active DEI programs see a 25% increase in employee satisfaction

Statistic 15

The average salary gap between men and women in AEC is approximately 12%

Statistic 16

On average, minority women earn 25% less than non-minority men in AEC roles

Statistic 17

Only 17% of architecture and engineering firms have a dedicated DEI initiative

Statistic 18

Women make up approximately 20% of the AEC workforce

Statistic 19

Minority representation in AEC fields is about 18%

Statistic 20

85% of AEC firms identify diversity as a priority for improved project outcomes

Statistic 21

Black professionals make up just 4% of the AEC industry workforce

Statistic 22

Hispanic talent accounts for approximately 8% of the AEC industry workforce

Statistic 23

78% of AEC firms believe diversity improves innovation

Statistic 24

The number of minority-owned AEC firms increased by 15% over the past five years

Statistic 25

Less than 10% of construction apprenticeships are filled by women

Statistic 26

65% of minority professionals in AEC report experiencing workplace discrimination

Statistic 27

AEC firms with diverse boards report 19% higher revenue growth

Statistic 28

70% of entry-level positions in AEC are filled by white males

Statistic 29

Female participation in AEC project leadership roles is only 13%

Statistic 30

The representation of disabled professionals in AEC is approximately 5%

Statistic 31

Only 3% of senior project managers in AEC are women

Statistic 32

50% of minority professionals in AEC report lack of mentorship opportunities

Statistic 33

Firms with diverse recruitment strategies report 30% faster hiring processes

Statistic 34

Women of color account for less than 2% of the total AEC workforce

Statistic 35

60% of AEC firms have an official DEI training program

Statistic 36

45% of minority professionals who left their job cited lack of inclusive environment

Statistic 37

The median age of minority professionals in AEC is 37 years, compared to 43 for non-minorities

Statistic 38

Only 4% of executive roles in AEC are held by LGBTQ+ individuals

Statistic 39

82% of AEC firms recognize the importance of culturally diverse teams

Statistic 40

The percentage of apprenticeship programs aimed at minorities increased by 18% in the past three years

Statistic 41

Only 9% of AEC firms have a dedicated DEI officer

Statistic 42

The percentage of women in project design roles in AEC is 25%

Statistic 43

63% of minority professionals in AEC report feeling underrepresented in company leadership

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Key Highlights

Only 17% of architecture and engineering firms have a dedicated DEI initiative
Women make up approximately 20% of the AEC workforce
Minority representation in AEC fields is about 18%
Firms with active DEI programs see a 25% increase in employee satisfaction
85% of AEC firms identify diversity as a priority for improved project outcomes
The average tenure of minority professionals in AEC is 2.8 years shorter than their counterparts
Only 12% of leadership roles in AEC are held by women
Black professionals make up just 4% of the AEC industry workforce
Hispanic talent accounts for approximately 8% of the AEC industry workforce
78% of AEC firms believe diversity improves innovation
The number of minority-owned AEC firms increased by 15% over the past five years
Less than 10% of construction apprenticeships are filled by women
LGBTQ+ inclusive policies are present in only 30% of AEC firms

Despite industry recognition of its importance, the AEC sector continues to grapple with significant disparities, with only 17% of firms possessing dedicated DEI initiatives and minority professionals facing higher turnover and underrepresentation in leadership roles, highlighting both the urgent need for sustained commitment and the promising impact of diversity efforts on innovation and profitability.

Diversity Initiatives and Policy Adoption

LGBTQ+ inclusive policies are present in only 30% of AEC firms
40% of AEC firms lack formal DEI policies
The percentage of firms actively monitoring DEI metrics has increased from 20% to 45% over three years
55% of AEC firms have implemented unconscious bias training
The percentage of AEC firms with diversity sponsorship programs has increased by 25% over four years
The industry-wide effort to improve diversity has led to a 12% increase in employee engagement scores over two years

Diversity Initiatives and Policy Adoption Interpretation

While progress in the AEC industry's DEI initiatives is gradually building momentum—evidenced by rising monitoring and training efforts—marvel at how only 30% of firms embed LGBTQ+ inclusive policies and over half still lack formal strategies, reminding us that true inclusion requires more than numerical gains; it calls for unwavering commitment across the blueprint of industry culture.

Industry Perceptions, Challenges, and Reporting

80% of AEC firms agree that diversifying teams leads to better client relations
35% of surveyed AEC firms reported that visual diversity in project portfolios improved client perception
58% of construction workers believe DEI initiatives are beneficial in creating a safer work environment

Industry Perceptions, Challenges, and Reporting Interpretation

These statistics reveal that in the AEC industry, embracing diversity isn't just politically correct—it's a strategic move that enhances client relations, project perception, and workplace safety—proving that a more inclusive approach benefits business and people alike.

Leadership and Senior Roles Diversity

Only 12% of leadership roles in AEC are held by women
Only 2% of AEC leadership are from indigenous backgrounds

Leadership and Senior Roles Diversity Interpretation

With women occupying just 12% of leadership roles and a mere 2% from Indigenous backgrounds, the AEC industry’s diversity chart looks more like a monochrome blueprint than a vibrant, inclusive blueprint for the future.

Retention

The average tenure of minority professionals in AEC is 2.8 years shorter than their counterparts
Initiatives targeting retention of minority professionals increased retention rates by 20%

Retention Interpretation

Despite the promising 20% boost in retention from targeted initiatives, the fact that minority professionals in the AEC industry still average 2.8 years shorter tenures highlights the urgent need for deeper systemic change to foster lasting inclusivity.

Retention, Salaries, and Professional Growth

Firms with active DEI programs see a 25% increase in employee satisfaction
The average salary gap between men and women in AEC is approximately 12%
On average, minority women earn 25% less than non-minority men in AEC roles

Retention, Salaries, and Professional Growth Interpretation

Despite firms with active DEI programs experiencing a 25% boost in employee satisfaction, the persistent 12% gender pay gap and 25% earnings disparity for minority women in the AEC industry highlight that true inclusion still has significant ground to cover.

Workforce Demographics and Representation

Only 17% of architecture and engineering firms have a dedicated DEI initiative
Women make up approximately 20% of the AEC workforce
Minority representation in AEC fields is about 18%
85% of AEC firms identify diversity as a priority for improved project outcomes
Black professionals make up just 4% of the AEC industry workforce
Hispanic talent accounts for approximately 8% of the AEC industry workforce
78% of AEC firms believe diversity improves innovation
The number of minority-owned AEC firms increased by 15% over the past five years
Less than 10% of construction apprenticeships are filled by women
65% of minority professionals in AEC report experiencing workplace discrimination
AEC firms with diverse boards report 19% higher revenue growth
70% of entry-level positions in AEC are filled by white males
Female participation in AEC project leadership roles is only 13%
The representation of disabled professionals in AEC is approximately 5%
Only 3% of senior project managers in AEC are women
50% of minority professionals in AEC report lack of mentorship opportunities
Firms with diverse recruitment strategies report 30% faster hiring processes
Women of color account for less than 2% of the total AEC workforce
60% of AEC firms have an official DEI training program
45% of minority professionals who left their job cited lack of inclusive environment
The median age of minority professionals in AEC is 37 years, compared to 43 for non-minorities
Only 4% of executive roles in AEC are held by LGBTQ+ individuals
82% of AEC firms recognize the importance of culturally diverse teams
The percentage of apprenticeship programs aimed at minorities increased by 18% in the past three years
Only 9% of AEC firms have a dedicated DEI officer
The percentage of women in project design roles in AEC is 25%
63% of minority professionals in AEC report feeling underrepresented in company leadership

Workforce Demographics and Representation Interpretation

Despite widespread acknowledgment that diversity drives innovation and better project outcomes, the AEC industry remains predominantly white and male, with minority and women professionals underrepresented, often experiencing discrimination and limited mentorship—highlighting that true inclusion requires more than just recognition; it demands committed action at every level.