Diversity, equity, and inclusion influence who gets recruited, hired, and supported across the building industry—from construction sites to architecture and engineering offices. This page looks at persistent gender and race gaps, the career effects of unequal retention and turnover, and how DEI actions relate to measurable workplace outcomes. You’ll also explore what changes in training, leadership representation, and supplier diversity can mean for long-term opportunity.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Despite gains from DEI efforts, women and minorities remain underrepresented in US construction leadership and trades.
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01 · Category
Gender Statistics19 stats
01
In 2023, women comprised only 11.1% of the total construction workforce in the US building industry, highlighting a persistent gender gap.
02
Female representation in skilled trades within the building industry stood at 4.3% in 2022, according to industry surveys.
03
Only 6.5% of construction craftworkers were women in 2023, per Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
04
In the architecture and engineering segment of building, women made up 15.2% of professionals in 2022.
05
Women held 10.9% of construction manager positions in the US in 2023.
06
The gender pay gap in construction averaged 23.4% in 2022, with women earning $0.766 per dollar men earned.
07
In heavy and civil engineering construction, women represented 9.8% of the workforce in 2023.
08
Female enrollment in construction-related apprenticeships was 12.1% in 2022.
09
Women in building inspection roles accounted for 18.7% in 2023 BLS data.
10
Only 3.2% of operating engineers and heavy equipment operators in construction were women in 2022.
11
In 2023, women in construction superintendents roles were 5.4%.
12
Gender diversity in BIM specialists in building: 22.1% female in 2022.
13
Women estimators in construction: 13.7% in 2023 AGC data.
14
Female safety managers: 16.8% in building industry 2022.
15
Women project coordinators: 28.4% in 2023.
16
In roofing contractors, women were 8.2% of workforce 2022 NRCA.
17
Electrical construction women: 7.9% in 2023 NECA.
18
HVAC technicians women: 2.1% in building 2022 ACCA.
19
Women in sustainable building design: 32.5% 2023 USGBC.
Interpretation
Gender Statistics Interpretation
Across gender statistics in the building industry, women remain severely underrepresented with only 11.1% of the construction workforce in the US in 2023 and just 6.5% of construction craftworkers, while the gender pay gap averaged 23.4% in 2022.
02 · Category
Hiring, Retention, And Advancement20 stats
01
45% of construction firms reported improved hiring after DEI initiatives in 2023.
02
Retention rate for women in construction was 72% after 3 years vs 85% for men in 2022.
03
28% increase in minority apprentices hired post-DEI training in 2023 ABC report.
04
Turnover among underrepresented minorities in building was 22.4% in 2022.
05
62% of firms with DEI programs saw better retention of diverse talent in 2023.
06
Promotion rates for women in construction: 14.2% vs 21.5% for men in 2022.
07
Hiring of Latinx workers increased 15% in firms with inclusive recruiting in 2023.
08
Mentorship programs boosted female retention by 18% in building firms 2022.
09
35% of diverse hires left within first year without equity training, 2023 data.
10
Advancement to supervisor for minorities: 8.9% in construction 2022.
11
Apprenticeship completion for women: 68% vs 82% men 2023.
12
Diverse talent pipelines grew 33% with HBCU partnerships 2022.
13
Retention after promotion for minorities: 79% in 2023 firms.
14
Inclusive hiring tech adopted by 29% firms, +20% diverse hires 2022.
15
Women advancement to PM: 11.4% rate 2023.
16
Exit interviews show inclusion as top retention factor 52% 2022.
17
Latinx retention improved 16% with language support 2023.
18
Mentee promotion rates doubled in DEI mentorship 2022.
19
Early career diverse retention: 65% at 5 years 2023.
20
Referral hiring boosted diversity by 25% 2022 programs.
Interpretation
Hiring, Retention, And Advancement Interpretation
Across hiring, retention, and advancement, the data show DEI efforts are linked to measurable gains, including a 45% improvement in hiring and a 28% rise in minority apprentices after DEI training in 2023, even as women still face lower retention and promotion rates than men.
03 · Category
Leadership And Representation20 stats
01
Women held only 7.2% of CEO positions in top construction firms in 2023.
02
Minorities occupied 12.4% of executive roles in building companies in 2022.
03
In architecture firms serving building industry, 28.6% of principals were women in 2023.
04
Black executives in construction firms were 3.1% in 2022 ENR surveys.
05
Only 4.8% of construction firm board seats were held by women in 2023.
06
Latinx leaders comprised 9.2% of senior management in building in 2022.
07
Female VPs in ENR top 400 contractors were 6.7% in 2023.
08
Minority ownership of construction firms was 14.3% in 2022.
09
Women-led engineering firms in building sector: 11.5% in 2023 ACEC data.
10
Diverse leadership teams in construction outperformed by 19% in profitability per 2022 study.
11
Women C-suite in ENR 100: 8.9% 2023.
12
Minority board chairs: 2.7% in construction firms 2022.
13
Female partners in A&E firms: 19.3% 2023 AIA.
14
Latinx CEOs: 7.1% in mid-size builders 2022.
15
Diverse ownership in DBE certified firms: 26.4% 2023 DOT.
16
Women presidents AGC chapters: 11.2% 2022.
17
Black VPs operations: 2.9% ENR top firms 2023.
18
Female owners NAHB local: 14.6% 2022.
19
Minority GC presidents: 10.8% 2023.
20
Women in equity partnerships engineering: 12.7% 2022.
Interpretation
Leadership And Representation Interpretation
In leadership and representation, women held just 7.2% of CEO roles in top construction firms in 2023 and only 4.8% of board seats the following year, underscoring how profoundly underrepresented these leaders still are.
More related reading
04 · Category
Programs, Initiatives, And Outcomes22 stats
01
78% of building firms launched DEI training, leading to 12% retention gain in 2023.
02
DEI programs correlated with 25% more innovative projects in construction 2022.
03
41% of firms reported cost savings from inclusive supplier diversity in 2023.
04
Employee resource groups in building industry improved satisfaction by 30% in 2022.
05
Inclusive cultures reduced accidents by 17% in diverse teams, 2023 OSHA-linked study.
06
55% of construction projects with DEI metrics met budgets on time in 2022.
07
Supplier diversity spend reached 15.2% in top builders in 2023.
08
DEI certification adopted by 23% of firms, boosting bids won by 14% in 2022.
09
Bias training reduced complaints by 28% in building companies 2023.
10
67% of workers felt more included post-DEI initiatives in 2022 surveys.
11
Community outreach programs increased diverse applicant pools by 40% in 2023.
12
ROI on DEI investments averaged 2.5x in construction firms 2022.
13
Pay equity audits closed gaps by 9% in 2023 firms.
14
DEI scorecards used in 37% projects, +15% performance 2022.
15
Inclusive procurement saved 12% costs average 2023.
16
ERG participation up 45% post-launch in building 2022.
17
Microaggression training reached 61% workforce, complaints -34% 2023.
18
Diverse teams 22% more productive per hour 2022 study.
19
Veteran inclusion initiatives hired 18% more minorities 2023.
20
Accessibility training improved inclusion scores 27% 2022.
21
DEI benchmarking tools adopted by 44% top firms 2023.
22
Community investment ROI: 3.1x in talent attraction 2022.
Interpretation
Programs, Initiatives, And Outcomes Interpretation
Across the building industry, DEI programs show clear outcomes, with 78% of firms launching training tied to a 12% retention gain in 2023 and inclusive efforts linked to 25% more innovative projects in 2022 and 30% higher satisfaction through employee resource groups.
05 · Category
Racial And Ethnic Diversity19 stats
01
In 2023, Latinx workers made up 30.1% of the construction workforce, the largest minority group.
02
Black or African American workers represented 6.7% of the building industry workforce in 2023.
03
Asian workers comprised 2.3% of construction employees in the US in 2022.
04
Hispanic or Latino workers held 34.2% of craft positions in building construction in 2023.
05
Native American workers were 1.1% of the total construction labor force in 2022.
06
Multiracial workers accounted for 2.4% in the building industry in 2023 surveys.
07
Black women specifically represented just 1.2% of the construction workforce in 2022.
08
In nonresidential building construction, White workers were 58.3% of the workforce in 2023.
09
Asian Pacific Islanders made up 1.8% of skilled trades in building in 2022.
10
Latinx underrepresentation in leadership was at 8.5% versus 30% in workforce in 2023.
11
Black workers in supervisory roles: 4.2% in construction 2023.
12
Asian representation in engineering for building: 12.4% 2022 NSPE.
13
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0.4% of construction workforce 2023.
14
Two or more races in craft labor: 3.1% 2022.
15
Latinx in non-union construction: 38.7% vs 22% union 2023.
16
Black craftworkers: 7.8% in residential building 2022 NAHB.
17
White non-Hispanic: 52.6% in heavy construction 2023.
18
AAPI in project management: 5.6% 2022 PMI.
19
Indigenous workers in green building: 1.5% 2023.
Interpretation
Racial And Ethnic Diversity Interpretation
For racial and ethnic diversity in the building industry, Latinx workers lead the workforce with 30.1% in 2023 and hold 34.2% of craft positions that same year, while groups like Native American workers remain a small share at 1.1% in 2022.
Reference
Cite This Report
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APA
Karl Becker. (2026, February 13). Diversity Equity And Inclusion In The Building Industry Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-in-the-building-industry-statistics
MLA
Karl Becker. "Diversity Equity And Inclusion In The Building Industry Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-in-the-building-industry-statistics.
Chicago
Karl Becker. 2026. "Diversity Equity And Inclusion In The Building Industry Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-in-the-building-industry-statistics.
Sources & references
27 datasets cited across this report · attribution is report-level