As a woman working in the construction industry, it may seem like the “glass ceiling” is actually made of concrete. The more women enter the industry – whether through the trades, or in an administrative or office position – the more their ambition to become one of the growing number of women leading in construction will become evident.

It takes effort, and a desire to put in the work both personally and professionally, but becoming a woman leading in the construction industry is an achievable goal. It’s also necessary to the industry itself, which needs more leaders with each passing year.

The case for becoming one of the women leading in the construction industry

According to a data report released by Fixr in February, 2025, nearly all sectors of the construction industry experienced growth in female representation. Management, professional, and related occupations rose by 10,000 women between 2023 and 2024. While that’s encouraging, it’s simply not enough. Women leading in construction are still in the minority in the industry.

Now, however, is the right time to change that.

The construction industry remains a cornerstone of economic growth, with a steady demand for skilled labor. The American Council for Construction Education, citing a 2024 Associated Contractors General of America, wrote:

 70% – 89% of contractors struggled to fill open positions in 2024.

While salaried positions are a little bit easier to fill, still 81% of firms were hard pressed to find qualified project managers and supervisors and 70% found quality control personnel difficult to find.

 Citing the most recent ACS (American Community Survey) the Council continued to make the case for leadership careers in the construction industry.

“Overall, 1 in 5 construction workers are 55 or older….It’s highly probable that many higher paying leadership jobs will be available in the coming years. A smaller talent pool means more opportunity for those who have the ambition to find their place in the construction industry.”

If balancing representation in the construction industry isn’t quite enough motivation, what about a significant increase in pay? According to U.S. News & World report, in 2023 the median salary of a construction manager was $104,900. Construction manager also ranks #2 in “Best Construction Jobs,” according to the publication.

While jobs like construction manager generally require a college degree – especially at larger firms – with such significant needs in the industry, and armed with the confidence of leadership training, women can encourage their employers to provide flexible schedules and even tuition reimbursement in order to earn the necessary degree.

A great way to become one of the many women leading in construction: NAWIC’s Leadership Academy

The NAWIC Leadership Academy is a purpose-driven program created to address the persistent barriers that hinder women’s advancement in the construction industry.

Despite increasing participation in the workforce (at the end of 2024 just over 14-percent of the construction industry workforce were women, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics) women continue to face a double-bind. They are expected to be confident and assertive, yet are penalized when they act this way. Because of these and other challenges NAWIC created the Leadership Academy. The Academy offers a transformative experience that empowers participants to embrace their authentic leadership style, overcome outdated perceptions, and position themselves for meaningful advancement.

Built on NAWIC’s 70-plus years of advocacy, the Leadership Academy is a catalyst for change. It provides the practical leadership skills and strategic mindset needed to thrive in today’s industry, while also offering a powerful network of peers. For those committed to becoming a woman leading in construction, the NAWIC Leadership Academy is not just a program—it’s a movement that prepares women to lead with impact and authenticity in a space that needs their voices now more than ever.

Unlike traditional professional development programs, the Leadership Academy goes beyond mentorship. It focuses on equipping women with the tools, confidence, and visibility typically afforded through sponsorship—something men in the industry more readily receive. Participants learn how to communicate their value, influence others, and navigate complex organizational dynamics. By highlighting and developing the transformational leadership style that many women naturally bring to the table, the Academy helps women validate the effectiveness of this leadership style. Once women leading in construction have shown their leadership style to be effective, their work is more easily recognized and rewarded.

Becoming part of the sisterhood of women leading in construction

Sara Blakely, the former fax machine salesperson turned high-net-worth business mogul and the inventor of Spanx, said, “Don’t be intimidated by what you don’t know. That can be your greatest strength and ensure that you do things differently from everyone else.”

If signing up for Leadership Academy isn’t the right move quite yet, use ambition as a springboard and reach out to NAWIC chapter leadership, fellow NAWIC members, or women in leadership positions in your own workplace. One conversation, one step towards the goal of becoming a leader in the construction industry, is a great start.

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Source: NAWIC

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