The COVID-19 pandemic hammered workforce participation, and it’s still recovering—especially with women. According to recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, men have recovered their labor force losses since February 2020, while in January 2022, over 1 million fewer women were in the labor force as compared to February 2020.
The contrast between the current workforce numbers could be a result of women taking on more caretaking responsibilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Concurrently, women in the workforce still typically earn just 84% of what men earn on average. However, there’s one industry with practically no pay gap, where women earn an average of 94.3% of their male counterparts’ earnings—construction.
Annual wages in construction are also higher than most other industries. In fact, the average hourly earnings are over $2 more per hour than all other private industries, and those earnings are up 5% from January 2021. Construction is one of the few industries where you can earn a paycheck while beginning, continuing, or completing your education. It’s a profession where you can establish a well-paying career that provides for your family while learning a lifelong skill set.
When I came to America in 1985, my transition was extremely difficult, but over time, I learned that in this country you have the freedom and the opportunity to achieve anything you set your mind to. I found construction, and since starting my company, Building & Earth Sciences Inc., in 1999, we’ve grown to 240 employees in 18 offices in 9 states. Though seemingly a male-dominated field, there is plenty of room for women to succeed in the construction industry.
At ABC Alabama, we are committed to putting the best talent on the construction field. Achieving an inclusive, culturally diverse, and competent workforce that is welcoming to all people—where employees are limited only by their own potential, work ethic and desire to succeed. This is the essence of the merit shop philosophy, and that’s who we are. To learn more about career opportunities in construction during 2022 Women in Construction Week, March 6-12, visit abc-alabama.org.
Deepa Bhate, the CEO of Birmingham-based Building & Earth Sciences, currently serves as the chair of the Associated Builders and Contractors of Alabama.
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