According to the numbers, women in construction are currently at their most visible in two decades. But if this is true, where exactly are they? While at their peak, women still make up only 11% of the U.S. construction workforce. Despite what may be progress in the field, there’s a long way to go, especially as the ongoing labor shortage and rising demand for infrastructure continue to stand at a crossroads.

Less than a year ago, more than 90% of contractors reported difficulty filling positions and major project delays due to a lack of workers. Amid this existing issue, nearly half (41%) of current skilled workers are also predicted to retire in the next five years. You would think with this critical shortage of boots on the ground, women’s advancement in the industry would be a piece of cake.

A smaller group of projects did most of construction’s heavy lifting in March.

Data centers powered planning almost single-handedly during the month. Contractors with those types of artificial intelligence infrastructure jobs also report considerable interest in surrounding power construction. Three megaprojects in the electric power and utilities segment, for example, helped drive an increase in total construction starts in March.

But for contractors outside the AI buildout, progress is flatter.

Associated Builders and Contractors reported today that its Construction Backlog Indicator rose to 8.8 months in April, according to an ABC member survey conducted from April 20 to May 4. The reading is up 0.2 months from March and up 0.1 months from April 2025.

Backlog surged for contractors with greater than $100 million in annual revenues and is now 2.2 months higher than during April 2025. All other contractor size categories have smaller backlog than they did one year ago.

Associated Builders and Contractors reported recently that its Construction Backlog Indicator rose to 8.8 months in April, according to an ABC member survey conducted from April 20 to May 4. The reading is up 0.2 months from March and up 0.1 months from April 2025. 

Backlog surged for contractors with greater than $100 million in annual revenues and is now 2.2 months higher than during April 2025. All other contractor size categories have smaller backlog than they did one year ago.