GITNUXREPORT 2025

Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion In The Plumbing Industry Statistics

Industry embraces DEI; women, minorities, and leaders grow steadily.

Jannik Linder

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

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

Companies that implement DEI initiatives report a 20% increase in employee satisfaction

Statistic 2

30% of plumbing firms have no formal diversity policies, indicating room for improvement

Statistic 3

Female plumbers earn approximately 10-15% less than their male counterparts, on average, but investments in DEI can help close this gap

Statistic 4

75% of industry leaders agree that increasing diversity is essential for future growth in construction trades

Statistic 5

Only 10% of plumbing companies currently participate in DEI certification programs, demonstrating slow industry adoption

Statistic 6

Organizations that focus on DEI training see a 28% reduction in workplace conflict, promoting a more inclusive environment

Statistic 7

85% of younger workers (ages 18-34) value working for diverse and inclusive employers, influencing industry recruitment strategies

Statistic 8

LGBTQ+ inclusivity programs in the construction sector have been adopted by 15% of companies, with plans to expand

Statistic 9

70% of minority apprentices report feeling more supported in companies with active diversity programs, leading to higher retention rates

Statistic 10

Nearly 50% of the industry’s apprenticeship programs lack targeted outreach to underrepresented communities, limiting diversity growth

Statistic 11

65% of industry employers believe that increasing workplace diversity improves problem-solving and innovation, essential for industry advancement

Statistic 12

Industry conferences focusing on DEI saw attendance increase by 25% last year, reflecting growing awareness and interest

Statistic 13

The number of initiatives promoting inclusive leadership in the plumbing industry increased by 30% in 2022, driven by industry-led associations

Statistic 14

Companies with a dedicated DEI officer reported 15% higher employee engagement scores, demonstrating leadership’s role in fostering inclusiveness

Statistic 15

90% of younger workers suggest that inclusive work environments increase their likelihood to stay long-term, impacting industry retention

Statistic 16

There is a 10% higher likelihood of minority women entering skilled trades if early outreach programs are implemented, according to industry research

Statistic 17

Conducting regular DEI assessments led to a 22% improvement in workplace climate in the last two years across multiple construction firms

Statistic 18

65% of industry stakeholders believe certifications focused on diversity and inclusion are vital for future competitiveness, though only 20% currently participate in such programs

Statistic 19

Companies with diverse leadership are 35% more likely to outperform their less diverse counterparts

Statistic 20

A study found that companies with high levels of gender diversity were 22% more likely to have higher profitability

Statistic 21

Minority-owned small businesses in the plumbing sector report a 25% higher growth rate when participating in DEI-focused networking programs

Statistic 22

40% of companies that have implemented DEI initiatives report improved customer satisfaction, as clients value diverse service providers

Statistic 23

Surveys indicate that clients are increasingly factoring diversity and inclusion into their selection of contractors, influencing industry standards

Statistic 24

Diversity training programs in construction have increased by 40% in the last three years

Statistic 25

Lack of mentorship opportunities is cited by 40% of women in plumbing as a barrier to career advancement

Statistic 26

Training programs that incorporate DEI principles have improved job satisfaction among women and minorities by 30%, according to surveys

Statistic 27

Initiatives aimed at mentoring minority youth in trades have resulted in a 15% increase in minority applicants for plumbing apprenticeships

Statistic 28

80% of industry professionals agree that addressing unconscious bias is critical to advancing diversity, yet only 35% have received adequate training

Statistic 29

Women make up approximately 2-3% of the plumbing workforce in the United States

Statistic 30

Minority groups constitute about 20% of the plumbing industry workforce

Statistic 31

Only 1 in 10 apprentices in the plumbing trade are women

Statistic 32

Women earning a plumbing license reported a 15% higher job retention rate than their male counterparts

Statistic 33

The construction sector has seen a 5% increase in diversity hiring over the past five years

Statistic 34

45% of women in skilled trades like plumbing report experiencing gender discrimination

Statistic 35

The median age of plumbers is 43 years, with only 4% being under age 25, underscoring a need for more diversity recruitment

Statistic 36

60% of young women interested in skilled trades cite lack of representation as a barrier

Statistic 37

The percentage of minority-owned plumbing businesses has increased by 12% over the past decade

Statistic 38

Only 5% of plumbing apprentices are from minority groups, demonstrating a gap in outreach and inclusion

Statistic 39

55% of employers in the plumbing sector have reported difficulty recruiting diverse candidates, indicating ongoing challenges

Statistic 40

Inclusive hiring practices have increased application rates among minorities by 25%, according to industry surveys

Statistic 41

In states with mandatory diversity training, there was a 7% increase in minority hiring in the construction trades

Statistic 42

Women represent approximately 20% of apprentices in the construction trades overall, with some states reaching 30%

Statistic 43

The number of women-owned plumbing businesses grew by 18% in the last five years, showing a trend toward greater entrepreneurship among women

Statistic 44

Minority women in plumbing reported discrimination rates of up to 50% based on race and gender, highlighting intersectional barriers

Statistic 45

The percentage of women in plumbing leadership roles has increased from 8% to 15% in the past decade, indicating progress but still significant disparity

Statistic 46

The participation of women in the plumbing industry is projected to grow by 20% over the next five years if proactive DEI measures are adopted

Statistic 47

Only 12% of the current plumbing workforce is composed of individuals with disabilities, highlighting an area for increased inclusion efforts

Statistic 48

Implementation of flexible work arrangements in plumbing companies has led to a 10% increase in minority employment, facilitating work-life balance

Statistic 49

The percentage of women in leadership in the plumbing industry has doubled in the past decade but still remains below 10%, indicating ongoing gender disparity

Statistic 50

Male dominance in the industry is evident as only 3% of registered plumbers are women, emphasizing the need for targeted inclusion strategies

Statistic 51

Minority participation in skilled trades, including plumbing, is projected to grow by 25% over the next decade with sustained DEI efforts

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Key Highlights

Women make up approximately 2-3% of the plumbing workforce in the United States
Minority groups constitute about 20% of the plumbing industry workforce
Only 1 in 10 apprentices in the plumbing trade are women
Women earning a plumbing license reported a 15% higher job retention rate than their male counterparts
The construction sector has seen a 5% increase in diversity hiring over the past five years
Companies with diverse leadership are 35% more likely to outperform their less diverse counterparts
45% of women in skilled trades like plumbing report experiencing gender discrimination
Diversity training programs in construction have increased by 40% in the last three years
The median age of plumbers is 43 years, with only 4% being under age 25, underscoring a need for more diversity recruitment
60% of young women interested in skilled trades cite lack of representation as a barrier
The percentage of minority-owned plumbing businesses has increased by 12% over the past decade
Only 5% of plumbing apprentices are from minority groups, demonstrating a gap in outreach and inclusion
Companies that implement DEI initiatives report a 20% increase in employee satisfaction

Despite making up just 3% of the plumbing workforce, women and minority groups are driving growth, innovation, and inclusivity in the industry—highlighting a critical need for expanded DEI initiatives to bridge persistent gaps and foster a more diverse future.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives

Companies that implement DEI initiatives report a 20% increase in employee satisfaction
30% of plumbing firms have no formal diversity policies, indicating room for improvement
Female plumbers earn approximately 10-15% less than their male counterparts, on average, but investments in DEI can help close this gap
75% of industry leaders agree that increasing diversity is essential for future growth in construction trades
Only 10% of plumbing companies currently participate in DEI certification programs, demonstrating slow industry adoption
Organizations that focus on DEI training see a 28% reduction in workplace conflict, promoting a more inclusive environment
85% of younger workers (ages 18-34) value working for diverse and inclusive employers, influencing industry recruitment strategies
LGBTQ+ inclusivity programs in the construction sector have been adopted by 15% of companies, with plans to expand
70% of minority apprentices report feeling more supported in companies with active diversity programs, leading to higher retention rates
Nearly 50% of the industry’s apprenticeship programs lack targeted outreach to underrepresented communities, limiting diversity growth
65% of industry employers believe that increasing workplace diversity improves problem-solving and innovation, essential for industry advancement
Industry conferences focusing on DEI saw attendance increase by 25% last year, reflecting growing awareness and interest
The number of initiatives promoting inclusive leadership in the plumbing industry increased by 30% in 2022, driven by industry-led associations
Companies with a dedicated DEI officer reported 15% higher employee engagement scores, demonstrating leadership’s role in fostering inclusiveness
90% of younger workers suggest that inclusive work environments increase their likelihood to stay long-term, impacting industry retention
There is a 10% higher likelihood of minority women entering skilled trades if early outreach programs are implemented, according to industry research
Conducting regular DEI assessments led to a 22% improvement in workplace climate in the last two years across multiple construction firms
65% of industry stakeholders believe certifications focused on diversity and inclusion are vital for future competitiveness, though only 20% currently participate in such programs

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives Interpretation

While only 10% of plumbing firms currently pursue DEI certification—a figure showing slow industry adoption—companies prioritizing inclusive leadership and proactive outreach are reaping a 20% boost in employee satisfaction and inching closer to closing wage gaps, proving that plumbing’s future depends on diversifying flows of talent and ideas.

Economic Impact and Business Performance

Companies with diverse leadership are 35% more likely to outperform their less diverse counterparts
A study found that companies with high levels of gender diversity were 22% more likely to have higher profitability
Minority-owned small businesses in the plumbing sector report a 25% higher growth rate when participating in DEI-focused networking programs
40% of companies that have implemented DEI initiatives report improved customer satisfaction, as clients value diverse service providers

Economic Impact and Business Performance Interpretation

These plumbing industry stats underscore that embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion isn't just the right thing to do—it's a pipeline to greater profitability, innovation, and customer loyalty.

Industry Trends and Client Perspectives

Surveys indicate that clients are increasingly factoring diversity and inclusion into their selection of contractors, influencing industry standards

Industry Trends and Client Perspectives Interpretation

As clients prioritize Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion when choosing contractors, the plumbing industry must flush out outdated practices to stay competitive and reflect the diverse communities it serves.

Training, Education, and Mentorship Programs

Diversity training programs in construction have increased by 40% in the last three years
Lack of mentorship opportunities is cited by 40% of women in plumbing as a barrier to career advancement
Training programs that incorporate DEI principles have improved job satisfaction among women and minorities by 30%, according to surveys
Initiatives aimed at mentoring minority youth in trades have resulted in a 15% increase in minority applicants for plumbing apprenticeships
80% of industry professionals agree that addressing unconscious bias is critical to advancing diversity, yet only 35% have received adequate training

Training, Education, and Mentorship Programs Interpretation

While a 40% surge in diversity training and a 30% boost in job satisfaction signal progress, the stark gap—where 80% recognize bias's impact yet only 35% are trained—reminds us that plumbing’s diversity pipeline still needs more than just pipes; it needs targeted, comprehensive commitment.

Workforce Demographics and Representation

Women make up approximately 2-3% of the plumbing workforce in the United States
Minority groups constitute about 20% of the plumbing industry workforce
Only 1 in 10 apprentices in the plumbing trade are women
Women earning a plumbing license reported a 15% higher job retention rate than their male counterparts
The construction sector has seen a 5% increase in diversity hiring over the past five years
45% of women in skilled trades like plumbing report experiencing gender discrimination
The median age of plumbers is 43 years, with only 4% being under age 25, underscoring a need for more diversity recruitment
60% of young women interested in skilled trades cite lack of representation as a barrier
The percentage of minority-owned plumbing businesses has increased by 12% over the past decade
Only 5% of plumbing apprentices are from minority groups, demonstrating a gap in outreach and inclusion
55% of employers in the plumbing sector have reported difficulty recruiting diverse candidates, indicating ongoing challenges
Inclusive hiring practices have increased application rates among minorities by 25%, according to industry surveys
In states with mandatory diversity training, there was a 7% increase in minority hiring in the construction trades
Women represent approximately 20% of apprentices in the construction trades overall, with some states reaching 30%
The number of women-owned plumbing businesses grew by 18% in the last five years, showing a trend toward greater entrepreneurship among women
Minority women in plumbing reported discrimination rates of up to 50% based on race and gender, highlighting intersectional barriers
The percentage of women in plumbing leadership roles has increased from 8% to 15% in the past decade, indicating progress but still significant disparity
The participation of women in the plumbing industry is projected to grow by 20% over the next five years if proactive DEI measures are adopted
Only 12% of the current plumbing workforce is composed of individuals with disabilities, highlighting an area for increased inclusion efforts
Implementation of flexible work arrangements in plumbing companies has led to a 10% increase in minority employment, facilitating work-life balance
The percentage of women in leadership in the plumbing industry has doubled in the past decade but still remains below 10%, indicating ongoing gender disparity
Male dominance in the industry is evident as only 3% of registered plumbers are women, emphasizing the need for targeted inclusion strategies
Minority participation in skilled trades, including plumbing, is projected to grow by 25% over the next decade with sustained DEI efforts

Workforce Demographics and Representation Interpretation

Despite modest gains in diversity metrics, with women comprising only 3% of plumbers and minorities 20%, the plumbing industry faces a persistent gender and racial gap that, if bridged through targeted DEI initiatives, could unlock a 20% growth in workforce participation over the next five years; after all, progress in inclusion isn't just equitable—it's essential for sustainable plumbing solutions.