While construction builds our physical world, its workforce demographics tell a story of exclusion, with women representing only 11.1% of the industry and stark underrepresentation persisting across every level from the site to the C-suite.
Key Takeaways
- In 2023, women comprised only 11.1% of the total construction workforce in the US building industry, highlighting a persistent gender gap.
- Female representation in skilled trades within the building industry stood at 4.3% in 2022, according to industry surveys.
- Only 6.5% of construction craftworkers were women in 2023, per Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
- In 2023, Latinx workers made up 30.1% of the construction workforce, the largest minority group.
- Black or African American workers represented 6.7% of the building industry workforce in 2023.
- Asian workers comprised 2.3% of construction employees in the US in 2022.
- Women held only 7.2% of CEO positions in top construction firms in 2023.
- Minorities occupied 12.4% of executive roles in building companies in 2022.
- In architecture firms serving building industry, 28.6% of principals were women in 2023.
- 45% of construction firms reported improved hiring after DEI initiatives in 2023.
- Retention rate for women in construction was 72% after 3 years vs 85% for men in 2022.
- 28% increase in minority apprentices hired post-DEI training in 2023 ABC report.
- 78% of building firms launched DEI training, leading to 12% retention gain in 2023.
- DEI programs correlated with 25% more innovative projects in construction 2022.
- 41% of firms reported cost savings from inclusive supplier diversity in 2023.
The building industry has major diversity gaps but inclusive practices are proving beneficial.
Gender Statistics
1In 2023, women comprised only 11.1% of the total construction workforce in the US building industry, highlighting a persistent gender gap.
Verified2Female representation in skilled trades within the building industry stood at 4.3% in 2022, according to industry surveys.
Verified3Only 6.5% of construction craftworkers were women in 2023, per Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Verified4In the architecture and engineering segment of building, women made up 15.2% of professionals in 2022.
Directional5Women held 10.9% of construction manager positions in the US in 2023.
Single source6The gender pay gap in construction averaged 23.4% in 2022, with women earning $0.766 per dollar men earned.
Verified7In heavy and civil engineering construction, women represented 9.8% of the workforce in 2023.
Verified8Female enrollment in construction-related apprenticeships was 12.1% in 2022.
Verified9Women in building inspection roles accounted for 18.7% in 2023 BLS data.
Directional10Only 3.2% of operating engineers and heavy equipment operators in construction were women in 2022.
Single source11In 2023, women in construction superintendents roles were 5.4%.
Verified12Gender diversity in BIM specialists in building: 22.1% female in 2022.
Verified13Women estimators in construction: 13.7% in 2023 AGC data.
Verified14Female safety managers: 16.8% in building industry 2022.
Directional15Women project coordinators: 28.4% in 2023.
Single source16In roofing contractors, women were 8.2% of workforce 2022 NRCA.
Verified17Electrical construction women: 7.9% in 2023 NECA.
Verified18HVAC technicians women: 2.1% in building 2022 ACCA.
Verified19Women in sustainable building design: 32.5% 2023 USGBC.
DirectionalGender Statistics Interpretation
If this is the industry's idea of building a diverse foundation, the blueprint is still desperately missing some critical female-shaped pieces.
Hiring, Retention, and Advancement
145% of construction firms reported improved hiring after DEI initiatives in 2023.
Verified2Retention rate for women in construction was 72% after 3 years vs 85% for men in 2022.
Verified328% increase in minority apprentices hired post-DEI training in 2023 ABC report.
Verified4Turnover among underrepresented minorities in building was 22.4% in 2022.
Directional562% of firms with DEI programs saw better retention of diverse talent in 2023.
Single source6Promotion rates for women in construction: 14.2% vs 21.5% for men in 2022.
Verified7Hiring of Latinx workers increased 15% in firms with inclusive recruiting in 2023.
Verified8Mentorship programs boosted female retention by 18% in building firms 2022.
Verified935% of diverse hires left within first year without equity training, 2023 data.
Directional10Advancement to supervisor for minorities: 8.9% in construction 2022.
Single source11Apprenticeship completion for women: 68% vs 82% men 2023.
Verified12Diverse talent pipelines grew 33% with HBCU partnerships 2022.
Verified13Retention after promotion for minorities: 79% in 2023 firms.
Verified14Inclusive hiring tech adopted by 29% firms, +20% diverse hires 2022.
Directional15Women advancement to PM: 11.4% rate 2023.
Single source16Exit interviews show inclusion as top retention factor 52% 2022.
Verified17Latinx retention improved 16% with language support 2023.
Verified18Mentee promotion rates doubled in DEI mentorship 2022.
Verified19Early career diverse retention: 65% at 5 years 2023.
Directional20Referral hiring boosted diversity by 25% 2022 programs.
Single sourceHiring, Retention, and Advancement Interpretation
While DEI initiatives are clearly making construction a more welcoming place to hire from, the industry still has a long way to go before it can call itself a truly equitable place to build a career, as the data shows we're better at getting diverse talent in the door than at ensuring they have the support and opportunity to thrive once they're inside.
Leadership and Representation
1Women held only 7.2% of CEO positions in top construction firms in 2023.
Verified2Minorities occupied 12.4% of executive roles in building companies in 2022.
Verified3In architecture firms serving building industry, 28.6% of principals were women in 2023.
Verified4Black executives in construction firms were 3.1% in 2022 ENR surveys.
Directional5Only 4.8% of construction firm board seats were held by women in 2023.
Single source6Latinx leaders comprised 9.2% of senior management in building in 2022.
Verified7Female VPs in ENR top 400 contractors were 6.7% in 2023.
Verified8Minority ownership of construction firms was 14.3% in 2022.
Verified9Women-led engineering firms in building sector: 11.5% in 2023 ACEC data.
Directional10Diverse leadership teams in construction outperformed by 19% in profitability per 2022 study.
Single source11Women C-suite in ENR 100: 8.9% 2023.
Verified12Minority board chairs: 2.7% in construction firms 2022.
Verified13Female partners in A&E firms: 19.3% 2023 AIA.
Verified14Latinx CEOs: 7.1% in mid-size builders 2022.
Directional15Diverse ownership in DBE certified firms: 26.4% 2023 DOT.
Single source16Women presidents AGC chapters: 11.2% 2022.
Verified17Black VPs operations: 2.9% ENR top firms 2023.
Verified18Female owners NAHB local: 14.6% 2022.
Verified19Minority GC presidents: 10.8% 2023.
Directional20Women in equity partnerships engineering: 12.7% 2022.
Single sourceLeadership and Representation Interpretation
If this industry’s leadership were a house, its foundation of diversity would be condemned for being dangerously uneven, which is a shame because, ironically, the data shows that a more equitable structure would make the whole place far more profitable.
Programs, Initiatives, and Outcomes
178% of building firms launched DEI training, leading to 12% retention gain in 2023.
Verified2DEI programs correlated with 25% more innovative projects in construction 2022.
Verified341% of firms reported cost savings from inclusive supplier diversity in 2023.
Verified4Employee resource groups in building industry improved satisfaction by 30% in 2022.
Directional5Inclusive cultures reduced accidents by 17% in diverse teams, 2023 OSHA-linked study.
Single source655% of construction projects with DEI metrics met budgets on time in 2022.
Verified7Supplier diversity spend reached 15.2% in top builders in 2023.
Verified8DEI certification adopted by 23% of firms, boosting bids won by 14% in 2022.
Verified9Bias training reduced complaints by 28% in building companies 2023.
Directional1067% of workers felt more included post-DEI initiatives in 2022 surveys.
Single source11Community outreach programs increased diverse applicant pools by 40% in 2023.
Verified12ROI on DEI investments averaged 2.5x in construction firms 2022.
Verified13Pay equity audits closed gaps by 9% in 2023 firms.
Verified14DEI scorecards used in 37% projects, +15% performance 2022.
Directional15Inclusive procurement saved 12% costs average 2023.
Single source16ERG participation up 45% post-launch in building 2022.
Verified17Microaggression training reached 61% workforce, complaints -34% 2023.
Verified18Diverse teams 22% more productive per hour 2022 study.
Verified19Veteran inclusion initiatives hired 18% more minorities 2023.
Directional20Accessibility training improved inclusion scores 27% 2022.
Single source21DEI benchmarking tools adopted by 44% top firms 2023.
Verified22Community investment ROI: 3.1x in talent attraction 2022.
VerifiedPrograms, Initiatives, and Outcomes Interpretation
The data makes it clear: investing in diversity, equity, and inclusion isn't just the right thing to do; it's a concrete strategy that builds safer, smarter, more profitable, and frankly, better-run companies.
Racial and Ethnic Diversity
1In 2023, Latinx workers made up 30.1% of the construction workforce, the largest minority group.
Verified2Black or African American workers represented 6.7% of the building industry workforce in 2023.
Verified3Asian workers comprised 2.3% of construction employees in the US in 2022.
Verified4Hispanic or Latino workers held 34.2% of craft positions in building construction in 2023.
Directional5Native American workers were 1.1% of the total construction labor force in 2022.
Single source6Multiracial workers accounted for 2.4% in the building industry in 2023 surveys.
Verified7Black women specifically represented just 1.2% of the construction workforce in 2022.
Verified8In nonresidential building construction, White workers were 58.3% of the workforce in 2023.
Verified9Asian Pacific Islanders made up 1.8% of skilled trades in building in 2022.
Directional10Latinx underrepresentation in leadership was at 8.5% versus 30% in workforce in 2023.
Single source11Black workers in supervisory roles: 4.2% in construction 2023.
Verified12Asian representation in engineering for building: 12.4% 2022 NSPE.
Verified13Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0.4% of construction workforce 2023.
Verified14Two or more races in craft labor: 3.1% 2022.
Directional15Latinx in non-union construction: 38.7% vs 22% union 2023.
Single source16Black craftworkers: 7.8% in residential building 2022 NAHB.
Verified17White non-Hispanic: 52.6% in heavy construction 2023.
Verified18AAPI in project management: 5.6% 2022 PMI.
Verified19Indigenous workers in green building: 1.5% 2023.
DirectionalRacial and Ethnic Diversity Interpretation
While the construction industry has built a workforce where over a third are Latinx, particularly in craft roles, the industry's leadership structure remains overwhelmingly white, revealing a concrete ceiling that proves diversity in the field doesn't equate to equity in the office.
Sources & References
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