For decades, blue-collar and skilled trades careers were considered male-dominated fields. But that’s changing—fast. A growing number of women are entering professions like construction, electrical work, plumbing, and manufacturing, redefining the traditional image of the American tradesperson.
As a specialized staffing firm serving construction, engineering, and manufacturing sectors, DAVRON has seen firsthand how this trend is reshaping the workforce. Not only is it helping address labor shortages, but it’s also expanding opportunities for women seeking rewarding, hands-on careers without the burden of student debt.
👷‍♀️ Women in the Trades: What the Numbers Say
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and supporting research:
- In 2023, about 1.3 million women worked in the U.S. construction industry—10.8% of the workforce—up from 9.3% in 2002.
- However, only 4% of women in construction held labor-based or trade-specific roles. Most worked in office or management capacities.
- Women in construction and extraction roles increased by 28.3% between 2018 and 2023, totaling 363,651 individuals.
- In manufacturing, women now hold about 8% of shop-floor blue-collar roles, up from just 2% a few decades ago.
These trends highlight a slow but steady transformation in the gender makeup of trades-related professions.
🔧 Why More Women Are Choosing Blue-Collar Careers
1. Labor Demand and Workforce Shortages
The construction and skilled trades industries are facing a historic worker shortage. Projections suggest the U.S. could be short more than 2 million tradespeople by 2030. Companies are increasingly recruiting women to fill the gap and diversify their workforce.
2. Financial Benefits Without Student Debt
With average trades salaries rivaling or surpassing many white-collar roles, these careers are becoming attractive alternatives to four-year degrees. According to BLS data:
- Electricians earned a median salary of $60,240 in 2023.
- Plumbers earned a median salary of $59,880.
Many women are now seeing trades as a smart, stable financial decision.
3. Shifting Cultural Perceptions
Younger generations, especially Gen Z, are embracing trade careers as independent, flexible, and meaningful work. The outdated notion that blue-collar jobs are “just for men” is being challenged across social and digital platforms.
4. Government and Industry Initiatives
Several major programs are working to increase female participation in trades:
- The U.S. Department of Commerce’s “Million Women in Construction” initiative aims to double women in the construction workforce over the next 10 years.
- Female apprenticeships in construction have risen 55.5% since 2018, providing structured, hands-on pathways for career development.
⚠️ Challenges Still Facing Women in the Trades
Despite the progress, there are barriers that still need to be addressed:
- Lack of inclusive equipment: Safety gear is often designed for men, limiting comfort and functionality for women.
- Workplace bias: Gender-based discrimination and lack of mentorship opportunities persist in some environments.
- Retention: Recruitment is only part of the battle—supportive policies, culture, and leadership pathways are needed to retain women in trades long-term.
đź”® Looking Ahead
Women are breaking new ground in industries long dominated by men—and the numbers show it’s only the beginning. As companies like those DAVRON serves face urgent hiring needs in construction, engineering, and manufacturing, embracing gender diversity in blue-collar jobs will be key to future success.
Whether you’re a company seeking top talent or a woman exploring a new career path, the trades are open for business—and for everyone.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Electricians (2023): https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/electricians.htm
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Plumbers (2023): https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/plumbers-pipefitters-and-steamfitters.htm
- NAHB – Women in Construction Hit Record High in 2023: https://www.nahb.org/blog/2024/09/women-in-construction-reached-record-high-in-2023
- IWPR – Women in Construction Quick Figure 2024: https://iwpr.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Women-in-Construction-Quick-Figure-2024-update.pdf
- U.S. Department of Commerce – Harnessing the Talents of Women: https://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2024/07/harnessing-talents-women-growing-trades-workforce
- Zipdo – Skilled Trades Labor Shortage Statistics: https://zipdo.co/skilled-trades-statistics
- GetJobber – Blue Collar Report 2024: https://www.getjobber.com/reports/blue-collar-report-2024
- Business Standard – Women in Manufacturing and Blue-Collar Jobs: https://www.business-standard.com/economy/news/number-of-women-in-blue-collar-jobs-increasing-across-manufacturing-sector-123102000012_1.html