Women in Non-Traditional Careers
Women @ Work: Empowering Non-Traditional Careers at SCC
The hands-on, high-demand careers of today are growing rapidly — and the benefits are clear. Associate degree holders in career education fields earn an average salary of $63,092 five years after graduation (Strong Workforce outcomes).
Yet in Orange County and across California, one thing remains unmistakably missing: women in skilled, technical, and hands-on industries.
Although women make up nearly half of California’s workforce, they represent a small percentage of employees in fields such as construction, water utilities, public works, and technical trades. These roles offer higher wages, strong job stability, and clear opportunities for advancement — making them strong options for women seeking to grow, lead, and build self-sustaining careers.
Santiago Canyon College is committed to supporting California’s mission to expand opportunities for women in non-traditional fields. SCC provides fast, focused pathways into high-growth industries, helping students build real-world skills through hands-on learning, state-of-the-art facilities, and industry-recognized training.
Verified Orange County Growth & Wage Insights
All data below is drawn from your uploaded Energy, Construction & Utilities Sector Profile, the 2024 Sector Profile Executive Summary, and the 2026 Community Indicators Report.
- The Energy, Construction & Utilities sector included 143,448 jobs in 2022, representing
8% of all jobs in the county. Jobs in the sector are projected to
grow 6% through 2027, with 15,488 annual openings. - Key growth occupations aligned with SCC programs — including Electricians, Construction Managers, Maintenance & Repair Workers, and Carpenters — are projected to grow 8% to 15% between 2017–2027.
Entry-level wages for many SCC-aligned careers meet or exceed Orange County’s $30.48/hr living wage benchmark for several roles.
| Occupation | Entry-Level Wage | Median Wage | Growth Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electricians | $24.26/hr | $35.18/hr | +11% projected growth; 1,159 annual openings |
| Construction Managers | $35.84/hr | $52.02/hr | Strong demand; above-living-wage entry level |
| Carpenters | $20.35/hr (sector avg, below-mid skill) | $33.24/hr (sector weighted) | One of OC’s largest middle-skill occupations |
| Maintenance & Repair Workers, General | $18.43/hr | $22.89/hr | One of the top 10 largest occupations; 1,725 annual openings |
| Water & Wastewater Operators (Green Job cluster) | $26.38/hr (avg) | $34.47/hr | Green jobs projected to grow 6% through 2027 |
Green Jobs dominate the field:
- 78% of sector jobs are classified as green.
- Green jobs pay higher wages across all skill levels compared to non-green.
Infrastructure investment is surging:
- OC received over $300 million in federally and state-funded transportation and infrastructure project approvals in 2024, driving continued demand for construction, inspection, and surveying-related roles.
These are exactly the types of careers SCC prepares students to enter — especially women seeking higher wages, stability, and pathways to advancement.
- Carpentry: Acoustical Tile, Drywall/Lather, Drywall Finisher, Plastering
- Carpentry: Concrete, Finish Carpentry, Framing, Tilt-Up
- Carpentry: Millwright
- Carpentry: Pile Driver
- Cosmetology
- Electrician: Inside Wireman, Sound Installer
- Maintenance Mechanic and Electrician
- Operating Engineers: Heavy Equipment Operator, Heavy Duty Repair, Inspection, Rock Products Industry
- Power Lineman
- Surveying: Survey Chainman, Chief of Party
OC Growth Connection:
Electricians, Carpenters, Operating Engineers, and Maintenance Workers make up several of the top 10 most common jobs in this sector and have high annual openings.
- Associate in Science (A.S.): Survey/Mapping Science
- Certificate of Achievement (CoA): Survey/Mapping Science
OC Growth Connection:
Surveying/mapping roles support major infrastructure expansion and modernization projects approved throughout the county.
- Associate in Science (A.S.): Water Distribution
- Associate in Science (A.S.): Water Treatment
- Associate in Science (A.S.): Wastewater/Environmental Sanitation
OC Growth Connection:
Water and wastewater occupations fall under the Green Jobs cluster, which represents 78% of OC’s EC&U employment and pays higher-than-average wages.
Career-focused coursework emphasizes hands-on practice, use of the latest technology, and industry-aligned training. SCC graduates enter versatile pathways across public and private sectors with competitive skills and strong earning potential.
Santiago Canyon College is proud to support women entering, advancing, and thriving in non-traditional careers. Start building your future today.