Construction a Positive Career Move for Female Workers

“Construction is often overlooked as a career opportunity by women. Yet, the industry offers female construction workers a wide range of jobs and one of the lowest gender pay gaps. The industry is rebounding towards pre-pandemic workforce levels and is expected to grow as a result of the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, too.” (National Association for Women in Construction’s online article of March 20, 2023)

Opportunities in Construction Work

As in the CONUS, Guam has numerous construction-related job opportunities for women. According to the 2020 Census, 54% of Guam’s working adult population were women. By December 2022, the Guam Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor and Statistics (GDOL/BLS) reported 10,820 (17%) of workers were in construction. Of the total number of construction workers, only 890 (8.2%) were women in construction. That means that less than 2% of working women in Guam are with the local construction industry.

Compare Guam’s number to the national average of 13% of women employed in construction (USDOL Bureau of Labor & Statistics), and the top three states holding the highest share of women in construction-industry jobs are: Washington, D.C. (17.6%), Arizona (15.6%) and Texas (14.5%).

In a study by Construction Coverage, Minneapolis, Minnesota, was the top city generating 1,300 women construction workers or 19.1% female employment share. Close second was Seattle, WA, with 2,700 female construction workers or 17.6% of the workforce. Third was San Francisco, CA, with almost 3,000 female construction workers or a 17% employment share. Furthermore, opportunities and rates of women in construction appear to increase in Southern and Western cities. For example, in Sandy Springs, GA,

By Dr. Sam Mabini Young, BOD

women make up almost 31% of that city’s construction workforce.

Opportunities

in Increased Livelihoods Guam’s military buildup equates to the increasing developments of urban areas happening in the CONUS, which boosts the volume of construction job opportunities and access to higher pay and related benefits. Although it is not surprising that stateside construction jobs usually pay higher (i.e. Alaska boasts the highest median annual wage of $61,614 for women in construction, and Vermont with $54,340/annum), Guam’s construction jobs still pay comparably higher than other industries.

According to GDOL/BLS December 2022 employment report, Guam’s average annual earnings for women in construction is $36,500. Though, it appears that majority of female workers in Guam are employed in other industries. To recognize the significant financial implications of job choice, consider how local women were primarily employed in the following top five sectors, with average annual earnings in parenthesis: Hotel/Lodging ($19,338); Retail ($19,697); Printing/Publishing ($24,108); Finance/Insurance ($29,923); and other Services ($28,196).

Although women could benefit professionally and economically by joining the construction industry, many women continue to miss the great opportunities. There are rewarding construction-related professional, administrative, or office positions available. These include jobs such as project management, human resources, procurement, administrative support or sales. Many women also train for highly skilled trades positions that come with incredibly competitive salaries, such as those in electrical, plumbing, carpentry, welding, metal work, heavy equipment operation, and others.

More work is needed to attract and educate women about the construction field, as well as improve wage equity.

According to recent USDOL BLS data, women in construction earn on average 95.5 percent of men’s earnings. This is still better than the 82.9% of overall earning of women to men’s income. The work continues, and opportunities abound.

Career development for female construction workers

Whether you are in Guam or in the North, South, East or West of CONUS, a small town or metropolitan, NAWIC provides opportunities for connection, education, and leadership development for female construction workers. Guam NAWIC continue to support and encourage local women to take part in the growing job opportunities in construction that can further their economic and professional development.

NAWIC Resources:

• The Annual Conference held in August features professional and personal development sessions, opportunities to learn about the latest trends and cutting-edge technology, and networking with professionals from all over the country. Learn more about the 2023 Many Paths, One Mission conference here.

• The NAWIC Education Foundation provides professional certification programs for career advancement, as well as programs to introduce the next generation to the construction industry. Learn more here.

• A wealth of education resources are available on the website at nawic.org.

• Local chapter membership provides additional opportunities for professional development as well as support, mentorship, and networking. Find a chapter near you here.

About NAWIC

The National Association of Women in Construction is the leading association for women builders with more than 5,000 members and 118 chapters across the US and affiliates world-wide. NAWIC provides members with community, mentorship, networking, leadership and educational opportunities. For more information, visit nawic.org.