Governor Josh Stein has declared March 1-7 as Women in Construction Week to acknowledge the role of women in building and maintaining communities, infrastructure, and the economy. The construction sector remains largely male-dominated, but recent years have seen more women entering these professions and narrowing the gender wage gap.
“I want to extend my gratitude to the female architects, engineers, designers, and contractors who strengthen the industry and help us build for the future,” said Governor Josh Stein. “It takes so many people working together to keep construction projects moving and our state’s infrastructure strong.”
Data from the Institute for Women’s Policy Research shows that from 2015 to 2024, there was a 77.3% increase in women joining the construction field.
“I am exceedingly encouraged by the number of women who continue to influence and enhance the construction industry,” said NC Department of Administration Secretary Gabriel J. Esparza. “These women are paving the way for our future and setting an example for girls across our state who aspire to pursue STEM careers.”
Women in construction are also making progress on pay equity. According to figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, women working in construction earn about 96-98% of what men make in similar roles. This is higher than national averages across other industries, where women typically earn between 83-85% compared to men.
Despite these gains, gender segregation persists within construction jobs. The 2018 Status of Women in NC: Employment and Earnings Report notes that advocacy efforts—such as promoting paid internships, training programs, apprenticeships, and recruitment initiatives—are important steps toward reducing disparities among women in traditionally male fields like construction. These measures could also address labor shortages while improving economic opportunities for North Carolina’s women and families.
The North Carolina Department of Administration manages both the State Construction Office and Office for Historically Underutilized Businesses. Additional information about state construction projects or how new firms can work with North Carolina is available at doa.nc.gov.
