10 High-Paying, Female-Dominated Careers in 2026

Women have made steady professional progress over the decades, breaking barriers and stepping into expert and leadership roles across a wide range of industries.

In several well-paying careers, women now represent at least half of all workers — reflecting long-term shifts in education pipelines, workforce participation, and leadership access.

The roles below come from our Highest-Paying, Women-Led Careers Report and highlight careers where women make up 50% or more of professionals while earning strong median salaries.

1. Financial manager

• Median annual salary: $161,700
• Median hourly wage: $77.74
• Top 10% of earners: $239,200
• Proportion of women (2024): 53%
• Number of jobs: 868,600
• Estimated job growth (2024–2034): 15%
• Education: Bachelor’s degree

What they do

Financial managers oversee a company’s finances and help keep it financially healthy. They review financial reports, create budgets, analyze data, and forecast future income and expenses. These professionals also advise leadership on major financial decisions and ensure the organization complies with relevant laws and regulations.

How to become one

Most financial managers earn a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or a related field. Typically, you’ll gain several years of experience as an accountant or financial analyst before moving into a management role.

2. Human resources manager

• Median annual salary: $140,030
• Median hourly wage: $67.32
• Top 10% of earners: $239,200
• Proportion of women (2024): 76%
• Number of jobs: 221,900
• Estimated job growth (2024–2034): 5%
• Education: Bachelor’s degree

What they do

Human resources (HR) managers oversee a company’s administrative needs, including recruitment, hiring, and employee relations. They consult regularly with executives on strategic planning and benefit programs. HR managers also handle workplace issues and disputes as they arise. Their goal is to optimize the company’s efficiency and productivity.

How to become one

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.

3. Pharmacist

• Median annual salary: $137,480
• Median hourly wage: $66.10
• Top 10% of earners: $172,040
• Proportion of women (2024): 60%
• Number of jobs: 335,100
• Estimated job growth (2024–2034): 5%
• Education: Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)

What they do

Pharmacists dispense prescription medications and counsel patients about the drugs and their use. They also advise physicians and other healthcare workers on medication selection, dosing, potential interactions, and side effects to treat health problems.

How to become one

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 state where you plan to practice.

4. Physician assistant

• Median annual salary: $133,260
• Median hourly wage: $64.07
• Top 10% of earners: $182,200
• Proportion of women (2024): 73%
• Number of jobs: 162,700
• Estimated job growth (2024–2034): 20%
• Education: Master’s degree

What they do

Physician assistants (PAs) examine and treat patients under a physician’s supervision. These workers perform physical exams, prescribe medications, and provide treatments such as suturing or setting fractures.

How to become one

You should complete a bachelor’s degree (ideally in a science-related field), followed by an accredited master’s in physician assistant studies, and then pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE).

5. Public relations and fundraising manager

• Median annual salary: $132,870
• Median hourly wage: $63.88
• Top 10% of earners: $239,200
• Proportion of women (2024): 70%
• Number of jobs: 128,900
• Estimated job growth (2024–2034): 5%
• Education: Bachelor’s degree

What they do

Public relations and fundraising managers shape and protect a company’s public image. They manage outreach and organize fundraising campaigns to connect with the public and potential donors.

How to become one

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.

6. Nurse practitioner

• Median annual salary: $132,050
• Median hourly wage: $63.48
• Top 10% of earners: $217,270
• Proportion of women (2024): 88%
• Number of jobs: 382,700
• Estimated job growth (2024–2034): 35%
• Education: Master’s degree

What they do

Nurse practitioners provide advanced patient care by assessing patient health, and creating health management and promotion plans. Many nurse practitioners specialize in areas such as adult-gerontology, pediatrics, or mental health.

How to become one

First, earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing and become a licensed Registered Nurse (RN). After gaining clinical experience, complete an accredited graduate program such as a master’s degree (MSN) or a doctorate (DNP). Then, get nationally certified in your specialty area and in your specific state.

7. Veterinarian

• Median annual salary: $125,510
• Median hourly wage: $60.34
• Top 10% of earners: $212,890
• Proportion of women (2024): 69%
• Number of jobs: 86,400
• Estimated job growth (2024–2034): 10%
• Education: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

What they do

Veterinarians take care of the health and well-being of animals. They diagnose and treat medical conditions or diseases in pets and livestock.

How to become one

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).

8. Medical and health services manager

• Median annual salary: $117,960
• Median hourly wage: $56.71
• Top 10% of earners: $219,080
• Proportion of women (2024): 74%
• Number of jobs: 616,200
• Estimated job growth (2024–2034): 23%
• Education: Bachelor’s degree

What they do

Medical and health services managers oversee and coordinate healthcare services across facilities or departments. These professionals manage budgets and staffing, oversee daily operations, and ensure patient care complies with health regulations.

How to become one

This role requires a bachelor’s degree in health administration, health management, nursing, public health, or business administration. Some employers prefer candidates with a master’s degree.

9. Occupational therapist

• Median annual salary: $98,340
• Median hourly wage: $47.28
• Top 10% of earners: $129,830
• Proportion of women (2024): 88%
• Number of jobs: 160,000
• Estimated job growth (2024–2034): 14%
• Education: Master’s degree

What they do

Occupational therapists help people build or regain the skills needed for daily life and work. They support patients recovering from injuries, managing disabilities, or living with health conditions so they can perform activities such as dressing, cooking, working, or attending school.

How to become one

Occupational therapists typically earn a master’s degree in occupational therapy, complete supervised clinical training, and must be licensed in their state.

10. Speech-language pathologist

• Median annual salary: $95,410
• Median hourly wage: $45.87
• Top 10% of earners: $132,850
• Proportion of women (2024): 95%
• Number of jobs: 187,400
• Estimated job growth (2024–2034): 15%
• Education: Master’s degree

What they do

Speech-language pathologists help people with speech, language, voice, and swallowing disorders. They work with children and adults who have trouble communicating due to developmental delays, injuries, or medical conditions.

How to become one

You’ll need a master’s degree in speech-language pathology, supervised clinical experience, and a state license to practice.

10 roles with rising female representation

While no country has reached full gender parity across all industries, more women are entering a wider range of fields than ever before.

In many traditionally male-dominated fields, women’s participation has steadily increased. Below, we highlight 10 high-paying careers where women remain underrepresented (under 50% of the field) but are gaining ground over time.

1. Dentist

• Median annual salary: $179,210
• Median hourly wage: $86.16
• Top 10% of earners: $239,200
• Proportion of women (2024): 39%
• Number of jobs: 149,300
• Estimated job growth (2024–2034): 4%
• Education: Doctor of Dental Surgery

What’s driving increased representation

Dentistry has seen one of the biggest increases in women’s representation over the past two decades. Women made up only about one-quarter of dentists in the early 2000s, but today they account for nearly 40% of the workforce.

Even more importantly, women now represent around half of dental school graduates, meaning the profession is rapidly becoming more gender-balanced. As more women move into long-term practice, ownership, and specialization, the pay and representation gap in dentistry should continue to shrink.

2. Surgeon

• Median annual salary: $239,200
• Median hourly wage: $115.00
• Top 10% of earners: $239,200
• Proportion of women (2024): 23%
• Number of jobs: 839,000
• Estimated job growth (2024–2034): 3%
• Education: Doctor of Medicine (residency in surgery)

What’s driving increased representation

Surgery has historically been male-dominated, but women’s representation has grown steadily in recent years. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), women comprised 11% of active general surgeons in 2004 and 24% in 2022.

This shift is closely tied to broader changes in medical education. In 2019, women became the majority of U.S. medical school students for the first time (51% of total enrollment). That share has continued to rise, reaching 55% in the 2023–2024 academic year.

3. Software developer

• Median annual salary: $131,450
• Median hourly wage: $63.20
• Top 10% of earners: $211,450
• Proportion of women (2024): 21%
• Number of jobs: 1,895,500
• Estimated job growth (2024–2034): 15%
• Education: Bachelor’s in Computer or Software Engineering

What’s driving increased representation

The share of women in software development has grown steadily over the past decade. Roughly 20% of software developers are women today, up from about 18% ten years ago, reflecting slow but consistent gains in education and the workplace.

Programs that support women in computing — from university outreach to professional communities tracked by NCWIT — help strengthen the pipeline of female talent. As more women enter software roles and advance into mid- and senior-level positions where earnings are highest, this growth contributes to closing the gender pay gap in tech.

4. Information security analyst

• Median annual salary: $124,910
• Median hourly wage: $60.05
• Top 10% of earners: $186,420
• Proportion of women (2024): 19%
• Number of jobs: 182,800
• Estimated job growth (2024–2034): 29%
• Education: Bachelor’s degree

What’s driving increased representation

More women are entering cybersecurity than ever before. In 2013, women made up only about 10% of cybersecurity professionals; a decade later, that number has grown to roughly 19%.

A big reason for this increase is support from organizations like WiCyS (Women in CyberSecurity) — a nonprofit that provides training, mentorship, scholarships, and networking opportunities to help women enter and advance in the field.

5. Architect

• Median annual salary: $96,690
• Median hourly wage: $46.49
• Top 10% of earners: $159,800
• Proportion of women (2024): 27%
• Number of jobs: 123,600
• Estimated job growth (2024–2034): 4%
• Education: Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree in Architecture, and a license

What’s driving increased representation

Architecture has been moving toward greater gender balance in recent years.

The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) reports that women now make up about 46% of new licensure candidates, meaning nearly half of the next generation of architects is female. As more women complete licensure and gain experience, representation in this field should continue to grow.

6. Airline pilot

• Median annual salary: $198,100
• Median hourly wage: N/A
• Top 10% of earners: $239,200
• Proportion of women (2024): 10%
• Number of jobs: 155,400
• Estimated job growth (2024–2034): 4%
• Education: Flight training (FAA License) and often a Bachelor’s degree

What’s driving increased representation

More women are entering aviation than in the past. In the U.S., the share of pilot licenses held by women has grown steadily over the last decade, and the total number of female pilots has nearly doubled (from around 39,000 to almost 83,000).

Airlines and aviation organizations have also launched recruitment, scholarship, and mentorship programs aimed at attracting more women to the field, helping to gradually increase representation in this field.

7. Industrial engineer

• Median annual salary: $101,140
• Median hourly wage: $48.63
• Top 10% of earners: $157,140
• Proportion of women (2024): 24%
• Number of jobs: 351,100
• Estimated job growth (2024–2034): 11%
• Education: Bachelor’s degree

What’s driving increased representation

Women’s representation in industrial engineering has increased since the 1990s, rising from roughly the mid-teens to about one-quarter of the field today. Continued growth has been supported by STEM outreach efforts, university engineering programs enrolling more women, and professional organizations that provide scholarships, mentorship, networking, and career development resources.

Employer diversity initiatives and broader efforts to recruit women into engineering roles have also led to gradual gains.

8. Chief executive

• Median annual salary: $206,680
• Median hourly wage: $99.37
• Top 10% of earners: N/A
• Proportion of women (2024): 33%
• Number of jobs: N/A
• Estimated job growth (2024–2034): N/A
• Education: N/A

What’s driving increased representation

Women are reaching record levels in top leadership roles. In 2025, 55 women served as Fortune 500 CEOs (up from 41 in 2021), marking the highest number to date.

Ongoing corporate diversity commitments, leadership development programs, and a greater focus on promoting women into senior executive roles are helping increase representation at the CEO level over time.

9. Police and detective

• Median annual salary: $77,270
• Median hourly wage: $37.15
• Top 10% of earners: $120,460
• Proportion of women (2024): 12–14%
• Number of jobs: 826,800
• Estimated job growth (2024–2034): 3%
• Education: Police academy

What’s driving increased representation

Efforts to increase gender diversity in policing are gaining traction through targeted recruitment and support initiatives.

Programs like the 30×30 Initiative aim to increase the share of women in law enforcement to 30% by encouraging agencies to adopt best practices in recruitment, hiring, and retention. Other gender-focused resources and community outreach efforts help support women entering and advancing in the field, contributing to gradual increases in the proportion of female police officers and detectives.

10. Mechanical engineer

• Median annual salary: $102,320
• Median hourly wage: $49.19
• Top 10% of earners: $161,240
• Proportion of women (2024): 11%
• Number of jobs: 293,100
• Estimated job growth (2024–2034): 9%
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

What’s driving increased representation

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, women’s representation in mechanical engineering has increased from around 6% in the 1980s, with more outreach and encouragement for girls and young women in STEM.

As more university engineering programs enroll women, professional organizations have also expanded scholarships, mentorship, and career development support to help attract and retain women in mechanical engineering.

3 actionable tips for women to succeed in the workplace

Here are a few practical ways to stand out at work and build momentum in your career:

1. Take ownership of your work

Don’t be afraid to speak up and own your expertise. Make a point to:

• deliver projects efficiently
• demonstrate a strong work ethic
• seize opportunities to contribute valuable insights in meetings

By demonstrating both competence and confidence, you’ll ensure your voice is heard and valued.

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 Resume Genius

2. Take charge of your career and salary growth

Resume Genius 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.”

It’s important to initiate conversations with your superiors and show your readiness to take on more responsibility.

Peterson also highlights the significance of the increasing number of pay transparency laws, describing them as a major victory for workplace equality.

She recommends that all working women stay informed about changing pay transparency policies so they can negotiate effectively with future employers.

3. Get certificates and additional training

Invest in your growth by earning certifications or completing additional training. Extra experience and knowledge help you stand out.

This investment can also be applied to both technical and soft skills, a requirement that helps you prepare for leadership roles.

Methodology

For our “Women-Led” careers list, we used the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Current Population Survey (CPS) to identify the share of women working in each occupation. We then pulled median salary, projected growth, and employment (“jobs”) from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH).

To keep the list focused on roles where women already make up the majority and the career outlook is strong, we only included occupations that meet three criteria: at least 50% female representation, positive projected job growth, and a median salary above $70,000.

For the “Rising Female Representation” list, we started with higher-paying occupations where women are still underrepresented (below 50%), but where data indicates women’s participation is increasing over time. We used the same BLS pay, job, and outlook data to confirm these roles offer strong opportunities. We summarized “rising representation” based on the most credible trend signals available (primarily BLS/CPS workforce breakdowns, [supplemented where needed]) by supporting occupational datasets and workforce reports.

Rankings prioritize careers that combine strong pay and demand with clear momentum toward greater female representation.

Sources

• 30×30 Initiative, The Under-Representation of Women in Policing Undermines Public Safety
• ADA Health Policy Institute, The U.S. Dentist Workforce
• Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), Women are Changing the Face of Medicine in America
• Catalyst, Spotlight on Women CEOs
• IATA, Gender Diversity in Aviation Improving – but More to be Done
• National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT), By the Numbers
• National Women’s Law Center (NWLC), For the First Time Ever, Census Bureau Data Shows Gender Wage Gap Widening For a Second Year in a Row
• United Census, American Community Survey
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Current Population Survey (CPS)
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Women in Cybersecurity (WiCys), The 2023 State of Inclusion Benchmark in Cybersecurity

About Resume Genius

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