Careers in construction have near-equal pay

A recent study shows working women are experiencing the worst effects of the recession because the industries they tend to work in are hit harder by the effects of the pandemic. Five million women have lost or left their jobs in the past year. In December 2020 alone, the U.S. economy lost 140,000 jobs previously held by women. There is no better time for women to consider a career in construction, where workforce shortages are a constant concern and new talent is in demand to rebuild our economy and crumbling infrastructure.

National construction employment was only 3 percent below its pre-pandemic peak in February 2020, and in Florida, the construction unemployment rate is 1 percent. While women in the U.S. workforce earn an average of 81.1 percent of what their male counterparts make, the gender pay gap in the construction sector is almost nonexistent, with women earning an average of 99.1 percent compared to men.

In Florida, the annual salary for entry level construction workers is roughly $42,000, while experienced skilled workers are averaging over $65,000. Associated Builders and Contractors is committed to recruiting and upskilling women so we can continue to develop a diverse and inclusive construction industry. Join us in celebrating all the career opportunities for women in construction during Women in Construction Week, March 7-13. Steve Cona, Tampa