NOTE: This page is regularly updated to include new data and best reflect current hiring trends. We outline our methodology and provide a bit of context about who we are at the end of the report.
Over time, women have significantly increased their presence across several sectors of the workforce.
Interested in the most lucrative career paths where women represent the majority?
We’ve identified the 20 top-earning jobs in 2024 that are predominantly held by women:
| Job | Median Annual Salary | Proportion of Women | Estimated Job Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nurse anesthetist | $181,130 | 53% | 38% |
| Pharmacist | $125,627 | 58% | 3% |
| Nurse practitioner | $111,213 | 87% | 38% |
| Physician assistant | $110,004 | 64% | 27% |
| Veterinarian | $104,226 | 62% | 27% |
| Statistician | $93,533 | 52% | 30% |
| Human resources manager | $86,815 | 78% | 5% |
| Marketing manager | $82,701 | 62% | 6% |
| Physical therapist | $82,007 | 58% | 15% |
| Medical scientist | $81,619 | 56% | 10% |
| Operations research analyst | $80,221 | 50% | 23% |
| Public relations and fundraising manager | $79,816 | 69% | 6% |
| Training and development manager | $78,426 | 55% | 6% |
| Advertising and promotions manager | $77,910 | 53% | 6% |
| School psychologist | $76,274 | 81% | 6% |
| Fundraiser | $76,230 | 72% | 5% |
| Natural sciences manager | $75,936 | 61% | 5% |
| Technical writer | $75,868 | 58% | 7% |
| Medical and health services manager | $75,493 | 72% | 28% |
| Occupational therapist | $74,543 | 84% | 12% |
1. Nurse anesthetist
Key Stats
Women’s median annual earnings (2021): $181,130
Proportion of women (2021): 52.8%
Estimated job growth (2022–2032): 38%
Associated job titles: Certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), Anesthetic nurse, Nurse anesthesiologist
Entry route: You’ll need a bachelor’s degree in nursing, a registered nurse (RN) license, and a minimum of one year’s experience in acute care (e.g., in an ICU). Then, you can complete a graduate-level accredited nurse anesthesia program and pass a certification exam.
2. Pharmacist
Key Stats
Women’s median annual earnings (2021): $125,627
Proportion of women (2021): 57.8%
Estimated job growth (2022–2032): 3%
Associated job titles: Clinical pharmacist, Retail pharmacist, Hospital pharmacist, and Pharmaceutical researcher
Entry route: After graduating from a bachelor’s degree program in a science-related field, you should complete a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree from an accredited pharmacy school, pass two key exams, and get licensed in the specific state where you plan to practice.
3. Nurse practitioner
Key Stats
Women’s median annual earnings (2021): $111,213
Proportion of women (2021): 86.5%
Estimated job growth (2022–2032): 38%
Associated job titles: Family nurse practitioner (FNP), Adult-gerontology nurse practitioner (AGNP), Pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP), Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP)
Entry route: First, graduate with a bachelor’s degree in nursing and get a Registered Nurse (RN) license. After gaining clinical experience, complete a master’s degree (MSN) or doctorate (DNP) degree in nursing practice from an accredited program. Then, get nationally certified in a specialty area as well as in your specific state.
4. Physician assistant
Key Stats
Women’s median annual earnings (2021): $110,004
Proportion of women (2021): 64.1%
Estimated job growth (2022–2032): 27%
Associated job titles: Surgical physician assistant, Emergency medicine physician assistant, Orthopedic physician assistant, Pediatric physician assistant, Family medicine physician assistant
Entry route: You should complete a bachelor’s degree (ideally in a science-related field), followed by a Master’s in physician assistant studies from an accredited program, and then pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE).
5. Veterinarian
Key Stats
Women’s median annual earnings (2021): $104,226
Proportion of women (2021): 62.4%
Estimated job growth (2022–2032): 27%
Associated job titles: Small animal veterinarian, Large animal veterinarian, Veterinary surgeon, Veterinary pathologist
Entry route: Earn a bachelor’s degree, followed by earning a doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) degree from an accredited veterinary college. You’ll also need to pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE).
6. Statistician
Key Stats
Women’s median annual earnings (2021): $93,533
Proportion of women (2021): 52.2%
Estimated job growth (2022–2032): 30%
Associated job titles: Biostatistician, Data analyst, Quantitative analyst, Research statistician
Entry route: Completing a bachelor’s degree in statistics, mathematics, or a related field is ideal. To get a more advanced position, you’ll need a master’s degree or PhD. Also, employers often ask for applicants to have practical experience with data analysis software and programming languages.
7. Human resources manager
Key Stats
Women’s median annual earnings (2021): $86,815
Proportion of women (2021): 77.5%
Estimated job growth (2022–2032): 5%
Associated job titles: HR generalist, Recruitment manager, Compensation and benefits manager, Employee relations manager, Training and development manager
Entry route: Get a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or have practical experience in HR or related areas (like recruiting or office administration). Professional certifications, while not mandatory, can enhance your qualifications for managerial positions.
8. Marketing manager
Key Stats
Women’s median annual earnings (2021): $82,701
Proportion of women (2021): 61.6%
Estimated job growth (2022–2032): 6%
Associated job titles: Brand manager, Digital marketing manager, Product marketing manager, Content marketing manager
Entry route: The entry route into this profession is flexible, typically starting with a bachelor’s degree in marketing, business, or a related field. To supplement your job application, get practical, skills-based experience with digital marketing tools and analytics.
9. Physical therapist
Key Stats
Women’s median annual earnings (2021): $82,007
Proportion of women (2021): 58.2%
Estimated job growth (2022–2032): 15%
Associated job titles: Orthopedic physical therapist, Pediatric physical therapist, Geriatric physical therapist, Sports physical therapist
Entry route: Complete a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as biology, health sciences, or kinesiology, which includes prerequisite courses required for admission into the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. Along with clinical experience, you should pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) to become officially licensed.
10. Medical scientist
Key Stats
Women’s median annual earnings (2021): $81,619
Proportion of women (2021): 56.4%
Estimated job growth (2022–2032): 10%
Associated job titles: Clinical research scientist, Biomedical scientist, Pharmacologist, Epidemiologist
Entry route: Start with getting a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, or a related field. Then, you can pursue a Ph.D. in a biological science, although some workers opt for a master’s degree (or both) for clinical research roles. Gaining lab experience through internships and postdoctoral research is also essential for advancing in this career.
11. Operations research analyst
Key Stats
Women’s median annual earnings (2021): $80,221
Proportion of women (2021): 50.3%
Estimated job growth (2022–2032): 23%
Associated job titles: Data analyst, Systems analyst, Decision support analyst, Logistics analyst
Entry route: To get started with this career path, job applicants should complete a bachelor’s degree in operations research, mathematics, statistics, computer science, or a related field. Advanced positions may require a master’s degree.
12. Public relations and fundraising manager
Key Stats
Women’s median annual earnings (2021): $79,816
Proportion of women (2021): 68.5%
Estimated job growth (2022–2032): 6%
Associated job titles: Communications manager, PR manager, Fundraising director, Campaign manager
Entry route: A typical path for PR professionals is to get a bachelor’s degree in public relations, communication, journalism, or a related field, complemented by relevant work experience
13. Training and development manager
Key Stats
Women’s median annual earnings (2021): $78,426
Proportion of women (2021): 54.7%
Estimated job growth (2022–2032): 6%
Associated job titles: Corporate trainer, Learning and development manager, Employee education director, Training program manager
Entry route: Employers look for applicants who have completed a bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, education, or a related area, along with relevant work experience in training or teaching.
14. Advertising and promotions manager
Key Stats
Women’s median annual earnings (2021): $77,910
Proportion of women (2021): 53.2%
Estimated job growth (2022–2032): 6%
Associated job titles: Brand manager, Marketing manager, Campaign manager, Media director
Entry route: There’s no set route. However, a bachelor’s degree in advertising, marketing, communications, or a related field is usually required by a majority of companies, coupled with practical experience in advertising, sales, or marketing roles.
15. School psychologist
Key Stats
Women’s median annual earnings (2021): $76,274
Proportion of women (2021): 81.2%
Estimated job growth (2022–2032): 6%
Associated job titles: Educational psychologist, Child psychologist, Behavioral specialist, Student counselor
Entry route: You’ll need a specialist degree (Ed.S) in school psychology or a doctorate degree in psychology, including internships and practicums in schools, and must be certified or licensed by your specific state.
16. Fundraiser
Key Stats
Women’s median annual earnings (2021): $76,230
Proportion of women (2021): 72.0%
Estimated job growth (2022–2032): 5%
Associated job titles: Development officer, Grant writer, Donor relations manager, Campaign coordinator
Entry route: You can get into this field with a bachelor’s degree in communication, public relations, marketing, or a related field, along with experience in fundraising or sales.
17. Natural sciences manager
Key Stats
Women’s median annual earnings (2021): $75,936
Proportion of women (2021): 60.7%
Estimated job growth (2022–2032): 5%
Associated job titles: Laboratory manager, Research and development director, Quality control manager, Environmental program manager
Entry route: Get a bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline and then graduate from a master’s or doctorate program — along with experience in a scientific research or administrative role.
18. Technical writer
Key Stats
Women’s median annual earnings (2021): $75,868
Proportion of women (2021): 57.9%
Estimated job growth (2022–2032): 7%
Associated job titles: Documentation specialist, Instructional designer, UX writer, Policy writer
Entry route: Technical writers generally have a bachelor’s degree in English, communication, journalism, or a related field, along with a strong technical background or expertise in a technical subject.
19. Medical and health services manager
Key Stats
Women’s median annual earnings (2021): $75,493
Proportion of women (2021): 71.5%
Estimated job growth (2022–2032): 28%
Associated job titles: Healthcare administrator, Clinic manager, Hospital administrator, Practice manager
Entry route: This role requires a bachelor’s degree in health administration, health management, nursing, public health administration, or business administration. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master’s degree.
20. Occupational therapist
Key Stats
Women’s median annual earnings (2021): $74,543
Proportion of women (2021): 83.7%
Estimated job growth (2022–2032): 12%
Associated job titles: Pediatric occupational therapist, Rehabilitation occupational therapist, Hand therapist, Geriatric occupational therapist
Entry route: You’ll need a master’s or doctoral degree in occupational therapy from an accredited program, following any bachelor’s degree. Next, you should complete the required fieldwork and pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam to become a licensed practitioner.
Tips on how women can succeed in the workplace
Dominique Vatin, Career Expert at CV Genius, encourages women employees to take a stronger stance, especially when it’s uncomfortable.
To enhance their impact, she recommends that women in professional fields should always make a point to:
- deliver projects efficiently
- demonstrate a strong work ethic
- seize opportunities to contribute valuable insights in meetings
She also recommends that articulating clearly when addressing issues, thinking of practical solutions, and considering diverse perspectives are key to making yourself stand out — in the right way.
Maintaining a firm presence in discussions ensures your voice is heard and respected, regardless of who’s in the meeting room. Recognition is earned through competence, confidence, and professionalism, and while every workplace and company is different and will always require making adjustments to get recognized and get ahead, women should know their value. If your workplace doesn’t recognize your worth if you’ve put in the work, you should be ready to find an employer who will.
Dominique Vatin, Career Expert at CV Genius
Resume Genius‘s Career Expert Corissa Peterson also offers practical advice for navigating the workplace.
She says, “For women looking to advance in their careers, especially in high-paying fields, you’ve got to be proactive.”
Beyond building a supportive network of colleagues and managers who will vouch for them, Peterson encourages women job seekers to express their career aspirations clearly and confidently.
“If opportunities for advancement or managerial positions seem scarce, initiate conversations with your superiors about your career goals. Demonstrating your readiness to take on more and pointing out where you can add value can make a difference.”
DGR Legal‘s Chief Operating Officer, Alana Gibson, recommends women get certifications or additional training that distinguish them in these niches.
For Gibson, leadership roles require “not just technical expertise but also soft skills such as strategic thinking and effective communication ” — areas in which women often excel and can leverage to their advantage.
Peterson also highlights the significance of the increasing number of pay transparency laws, describing them as a major victory for workplace equality.
“Greater visibility of salary ranges empowers women to negotiate confidently,” Peterson says.
She recommends all working women to stay informed on changing pay transparency policies so they can effectively negotiate with future employers.
Methodology
Our team’s approach involved an analysis of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Women’s Bureau “Employment and Earnings by Occupation” report, focusing on identifying occupations where women represent a majority — specifically, those with a representation rate exceeding 50.1%. This initial step was designed to spotlight fields with a significant presence of women.
Further refining our search for promising career opportunities, we consulted the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to identify roles that meet the median annual salary for full-time U.S. workers in 2023 and aren’t only prevalent among women but are also characterized by strong growth projections.
Assuming full-time employment for 52 weeks of the calendar year, the annual median salary for salaried U.S. workers was $59,540 at the end of 2023.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Occupational Outlook Handbook”
- U.S. Department of Labor, “Women’s Bureau: Employment and Earnings by Occupation”
- U.S. Department of Labor, “Women’s Bureau: Equal Pay and Pay Transparency”
About Resume Genius
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