Rewiring the Workforce: The Power of Women in Skilled Trades
Women have long been underrepresented in the skilled trades, but the tide is turning. According to Angi’s Skilled Trades Labor Report, we’re seeing a slow but steady increase in women entering fields like landscaping, painting, flooring, electrical and more. There’s also a noticeable rise in female-owned businesses. This trend is not only promising – it’s essential.
Why This Growth Matters
Women in the trades often excel in communication, project management, and team leadership – all critical components of delivering quality work and earning repeat business. Homeowners frequently note a heightened sense of professionalism, attention to detail, and respect for their homes when working with female professionals. These qualities translate into higher customer satisfaction, which leads to stronger referrals and sustainable growth.
We’re also witnessing a shift in industry perception. The idea of who “belongs” on a job site is evolving. As more women take on leadership roles and launch their own businesses, they’re redefining what success looks like in this space.
Persistent Challenges
Despite this momentum, barriers remain. Many women still face outdated stereotypes and skepticism about their skills. The significant majority of trade workers are men; 81% of respondents in our survey are men. 62% of surveyed pros said more women would join the trades if a clearer career path was built for them. A lack of visible role models has also historically discouraged more women from entering the field. While that’s changing, we need to accelerate the pace.
Strong Demand, Strong Opportunity
Homeowners spent an average of $13,000 on home improvement projects last year. In 2025, over 90% of homeowners plan to take on new projects, with kitchen and bath remodels topping the list. This high demand opens the door for women in specialty areas like tile, cabinetry, flooring, and plumbing to grow their businesses.
There’s also room for women to stand out in niche markets like sustainable design, energy-efficient HVAC systems, and smart home technology. These fast-growing categories appeal especially to younger homeowners, who are more likely to install solar panels or EV chargers in the next five years.
Marketing and Mentorship Matter
Female professionals should lean into what differentiates them. Transparent communication, reliability, and a customer-first mindset are all traits that resonate strongly with homeowners. Testimonials and online reviews can further boost credibility – especially for women-owned businesses.
Another way to grow is through collaboration. Partnering with complementary trades (like an HVAC pro working with a roofer on solar installs) not only increases referrals but also creates a more holistic service offering.
Closing the Labor Gap
Today, more than half of homeowners report difficulty finding skilled professionals, citing delays, high costs, or simply not being able to locate qualified help. The average tradesperson is nearing retirement, which will only widen the gap unless we proactively expand our labor pool.
Attracting more women into the trades is a viable, impactful solution. In fact, Gen Z women are already leading the charge: 26% of those we surveyed already own their own trade businesses. Many cited high job satisfaction, financial stability, and work-life balance as key benefits.
We’re partnering with platforms like Blue Recruit to amplify these opportunities and engage young people – especially women – in trade careers. Early outreach is critical, from middle and high school workshops to partnerships with local nonprofits and vocational schools.
The Road Ahead
I encourage our industry to continue investing in programs that support women in the trades. Empowering women isn’t just good for business – it’s essential for the future of our industry. The skilled trades are changing – and women are leading the way.
—By Angie Hicks, Co-Founder of Angi
