Growing in Number: Women in the Howard County Workforce

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we honor not only the trailblazing women of the past, but also those shaping the future of our community today. In Howard County, women are driving growth, innovation and resilience across key sectors—from construction and technology to healthcare. Their increasing presence reflects more than individual success stories; it marks a broader transformation toward a more inclusive and equitable workforce.

The impact is measurable: From Q2 2020 to Q2 2024, 9,030 women secured net-new jobs in Howard County—nearly 5,000 more than men (4,040) during the same period. Women now comprise 48% of the county’s workforce, rising steadily from 45% in 1990. These figures underscore women’s expanding influence on the local economy and the importance of policies and programs that support their success.

To understand where this progress is most visible, we examine three dynamic industries—Construction, Technology and Healthcare—where women have made significant strides over the past 30, 10 and 5 years. Each sector tells a compelling story of leadership, persistence and advancement. Here’s how women in Howard County are making history today.

30 Years of Progress in Construction Trades (1994–2024)

To kick off our Women’s History Month spotlight, we turn to the construction industry—where women’s participation has grown remarkably over the past 30 years.

In the Nonresidential Building Construction industry, the number of women employed has grown by 360%—rising from 68 in 1994 to 313 in 2024. This increase is nearly double the industry’s overall job growth of 174.22% during the same period. The share of women in that workforce also rose by 10.35%, signaling a meaningful shift in a field traditionally dominated by men.

In the Foundation, Structure and Building Exterior Contractors industry, women’s employment grew by 133.33%—a rate nearly 60% higher than overall job growth in the sector. This trend is even more pronounced in the Building Finishing Contractors industry, where the number of women employed rose by 256%, reaching 332 in 2024. The share of women in this workforce increased by 15 percentage points, now making up 26% of total workers in the industry.

The Building Material and Supplies Dealers sector shows a similar upward trend, with women’s employment increasing by 150% over the past 30 years. During that time, the percentage of women in the workforce grew from 28% in 1994 to 36% in 2024, highlighting their expanding role in the construction supply chain.

Organizations like the Professional Women in Building (PWB) Council have played a pivotal role in supporting this shift, creating pathways for women to thrive in construction through mentorship, education and leadership development.

10 Years of Momentum in Technology (2014–2024)

As we recognize Women’s History Month, it’s essential to highlight the growing impact of women in Howard County’s technology sector.

Between 2014 and 2024, women’s employment in the Software Publishing industry grew by 260%—rising from 138 to 498. During the same period, the share of women in that workforce increased by 6 percentage points, reaching 33%, reflecting stronger representation in high-skill, innovation-driven careers.

The Computer Systems Design and Related Services industry now employs 5,059 women—a 58% increase since 2014. During that time, women’s share of the workforce grew by 3 percentage points, reflecting greater inclusion in both technical and strategic roles.

In the Management, Scientific and Technical Consulting Services industry, women’s employment grew by 9.79%, while their share of the workforce rose by 8 percentage points—now reaching 48%. These gains have been supported by initiatives like Girls Who Code, which has three clubs across the county.

5 Years of Acceleration in Healthcare (2019–2024)

During Women’s History Month, it’s important to highlight the vital role women have played in the healthcare sector—particularly over the past five years, as the industry has grown to meet increasing community needs.

In the Scientific Research and Development Services industry, women’s employment increased by 25%, reaching 3,437 employees in 2024. In the Offices of Physicians industry, women’s employment rose by 17.32%, growing from 2,257 to 2,648.

The Offices of Other Health Practitioners industry saw a 38.8% surge in women’s employment, with the female share of the workforce climbing to 76%. This sector includes holistic, rehabilitative and wellness-focused services—areas where women continue to lead.

Women’s employment grew by 34.39%, increasing from 1,416 to 1,903 employees in the General Medical and Surgical Hospitals industry. This growth highlights the indispensable role of women across clinical, administrative, and leadership positions in healthcare.

More equitable representation in the workforce goes hand in hand with more equitable provision of services – Howard County’s investment in initiatives like the Maternal Health Program, which allocated $1.3 million to support prenatal and postpartum care, has helped improve access to health care and other resources needed to create healthy moms, healthy babies, healthy families and amplified women’s contributions throughout the healthcare system.

Women’s History Month and the Road Ahead

These data points tell a clear and inspiring story: Women in Howard County are not only entering new industries—they are transforming them. From job creation and innovation to infrastructure and healthcare delivery, women are central to the county’s economic vitality and future success.

As we wrap up Women’s History Month, we recognize that the progress of Howard County is inseparable from the progress of its women. Their achievements are a testament to what’s possible when talent meets opportunity—and when communities invest in inclusive growth.

Looking ahead, sustained support for career development, mentorship and entrepreneurship will ensure this momentum continues. The future of Howard County is being built—and led—by women making history every day.