BUSINESS

Nationwide Census Shows Women Represent Small Construction Share

PUBLISHED Mar 2, 2026, 5:19 PM ET

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Nationwide Census Shows Women Represent Small Construction Share

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 18

Center 100%

Sources: 18

United States. New U.S. Census Bureau data show 11.7% of payroll employees in the construction industry are women, while the sector faces an estimated 349,000-worker shortage. The Department of Labor's Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations (WANTO) grant program has awarded millions in recent years to increase female participation. Construction Coverage analysis indicates a steady, gradual rise in women’s share of construction employment across states. Local outlets reported state-by-state rankings this week highlighting variation from low-ranking states to top performers. Government data and grant announcements underpin these findings. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

By James Porter | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Historically: Construction remained predominantly male with low female workforce share.
Recent: U.S. Census Bureau released workforce data showing women at 11.7% of construction payrolls.
Recent years: Department of Labor allocated WANTO grants worth millions to boost women’s participation.
Recent reporting: Analysts identified an approximate 349,000-worker shortage in construction.
This week: Local outlets published state-by-state rankings using Construction Coverage and Census analysis.

News Intelligence

The construction industry's worker shortage could affect your community. Projects may take longer or cost more. If you know women interested in construction, encourage them to explore opportunities. The WANTO grants could provide training and support.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 18
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 18

Who Benefited

Employers, construction firms, workforce training programs and state economies benefit from expanded female recruitment that helps fill labor shortages and sustain construction activity.

Who Impacted

Women remain underrepresented in construction payrolls and face structural barriers; the industry suffers productivity and capacity losses from ongoing worker shortages.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 18
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 18
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 100%, Right 0%

Who Benefited

Employers, construction firms, workforce training programs and state economies benefit from expanded female recruitment that helps fill labor shortages and sustain construction activity.

Who Impacted

Women remain underrepresented in construction payrolls and face structural barriers; the industry suffers productivity and capacity losses from ongoing worker shortages.