Business · Economy · 4 hrs ago
US firms recruit more women for skilled construction and repair jobs
US companies are recruiting more women for construction and repair work to help address shortages of skilled workers.
Women held about 4.4% of these jobs last year, up from 2.9% a decade earlier.
The work includes plumbing, carpentry, vehicle repair and operating cranes; one Nashville crane operator earns $120,000 a year.
New technology means many jobs rely on technical knowledge and precision, as well as physical ability.
Employers are adding paid parental leave, flexible schedules, better facilities and safety gear that fits women.
But discrimination and harassment remain barriers, and some firms have introduced rapid responses to complaints.
Companies and training providers are continuing efforts to recruit women and help them stay in skilled trades.
US companies are recruiting more women for skilled construction, installation and repair jobs as they seek to address worker shortages.
Women made up about 4.4% of workers in those US occupations last year, up from 2.9% a decade earlier.
Employers are also introducing leave, flexible work and improved facilities to help women stay in the industry.
Women still face discrimination and harassment on job sites.
- Who
- US companies are hiring more women for skilled construction, installation and repair jobs.
- What
- Employers are recruiting women and improving workplace conditions to retain them.
- When
- The report was published on November 2, 2026; the latest workforce share cited is from last year.
- Where
- United States.
- Why
- Companies are seeking to address skilled-worker shortages and help women remain in the industry.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Women made up 2.9% of workers in US construction, installation and repair occupations.
Mortenson began offering 12 weeks of paid leave to women technical workers who give birth.
Women made up about 4.4% of workers in the occupations, according to the report.
Hankyung published its report on US firms recruiting more women for skilled construction and repair jobs.
- Women in skilled occupations
- About 4.4% of US construction, installation and repair workers last year
- Share a decade earlier
- 2.9%
- UTI women students
- 8%, four times the share five years earlier
- Mortenson paid leave
- 12 weeks for women technical workers who give birth, starting in 2024
- Nashville tower-crane operator
- Sammy Coseart earns $120,000 a year
1 source
What people are saying
Skilled trades are jobs that will not disappear even as artificial intelligence spreads
The important thing is how to keep the people we hire working
Even after 20 years in the field, I often meet men who dismiss me or do not follow my instructions