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.
Women have been making steady progress professionally over the decades, breaking barriers and cementing their positions as experts and leaders in a wide range of industries.
Here are the roles where women have not only made an impact, but get paid well for it:
| Job | Median Annual Salary | Proportion of Women |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse anesthetist | $197,523 | 55% |
| Pharmacist | $128,132 | 57% |
| Physician assistant | $115,573 | 64% |
| Veterinarian | $115,521 | 63% |
| Nurse practitioner | $114,981 | 87% |
| Judge, magistrate, and other judicial worker | $100,993 | 54% |
| Human resources manager | $92,335 | 75% |
| Marketing manager | $85,327 | 61% |
| Physical therapist | $82,476 | 58% |
| Technical writer | $82,147 | 56% |
| Budget analyst | $82,126 | 64% |
| Medical scientist | $81,833 | 57% |
| Public relations and fundraising manager | $80,813 | 67% |
| Medical and health services manager | $78,812 | 72% |
| Training and development manager | $78,068 | 54% |
1. Nurse anesthetist
- 2022 women’s median annual salary: $197,523
- Proportion of women (2022): 55%
- Number of jobs (2023): 349,600
- Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 40%
- Typical education level: Master’s degree
What these professionals do
Nurse anesthetists’ main tasks include administering anesthesia and providing patient care before, during, and after procedures. They review patient history, administer general or local anesthesia, and monitor vital signs to maintain safety and comfort.
How to become one
You’ll need a bachelor’s degree in nursing, a registered (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
- 2022 women’s median annual salary: $128,132
- Proportion of women (2022): 57%
- Number of jobs (2023): 337,700
- Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 5%
- Typical education level: Doctoral or professional degree
What these professionals do
Pharmacists dispense medications and offer guidance on the usage and dosage. They also help healthcare teams with dosage, interactions, and side effects while supporting overall patient health through services like immunizations.
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.
3. Physician assistant
- 2022 women’s median annual salary: $115,573
- Proportion of women (2022): 64%
- Number of jobs (2023): 153,400
- Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 28%
- Typical education level: Master’s degree
What these professionals do
Physician assistants (PAs) examine and treat patients under the supervision of a physician. These workers help perform physical exams, prescribe medications, and treat physical injuries 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 a Master’s in physician assistant studies from an accredited program, and then pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE).
4. Veterinarian
- 2022 women’s median annual salary: $115,521
- Proportion of women (2022): 63%
- Number of jobs (2023): 88,200
- Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 19%
- Typical education level: Doctoral or professional degree
What these professionals 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).
5. Nurse practitioner
- 2022 women’s median annual salary: $114,981
- Proportion of women (2022): 87%
- Number of jobs (2023): 349,600
- Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 40%
- Typical education level: Master’s degree
What these professionals do
Nurse practitioners provide care by assessing patient-health, and creating health management and promotion plans. They often specialize in specific areas such as adult, pediatric, or mental health.
How to become one
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.
6. Judge, magistrate, and other judicial worker
- 2022 women’s median annual salary: $100,993
- Proportion of women (2022): 54%
- Number of jobs (2023): 41,700
- Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 3%
- Typical education level: Doctoral or professional degree
What these professionals do
These professionals research legal issues, review evidence, and preside over hearings to ensure fair legal proceedings. They use the law to resolve disputes and issue sentences across a range of cases.
How to become one
You’ll need to first get a bachelor’s degree, before completing 3 years in law school. A Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree is usually required, but depending on the jurisdiction, even a law degree may not be necessary.
7. Human resources manager
- 2022 women’s median annual salary: $92,335
- Proportion of women (2022): 75%
- Number of jobs (2023): 208,900
- Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 6%
- Typical education level: Bachelor’s degree
What these professionals 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 employee benefit programs. HR managers also deal with any challenges and disputes that arise between the staff and work 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.
8. Marketing manager
- 2022 women’s median annual salary: $85,327
- Proportion of women (2022): 61%
- Number of jobs (2023): 411,300
- Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 8%
- Typical education level: Bachelor’s degree
What these professionals do
Marketing managers are in charge of campaigns to promote their company’s goods or services. They work with other department heads to develop business strategies and oversee market research to stay informed about customer needs. Additionally, they manage budgets and direct their team to ensure proper execution.
How to become one
Typically, most marketing managers have a bachelor’s degree in marketing or communications or related experience in the field. Doing an internship or having a master’s degree will make you more desirable.
9. Physical therapist
- 2022 women’s median annual salary: $82,476
- Proportion of women (2022): 58%
- Number of jobs (2023): 259,200
- Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 14%
- Typical education level: Doctoral or professional degree
What these professionals do
Physical therapists help patients improve physical movement, reduce pain, and recover from injuries. They create personalized exercise plans and monitor patient progress to enhance mobility and prevent future injury.
How to become one
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. Technical writer
- 2022 women’s median annual salary: $82,147
- Proportion of women (2022): 56%
- Number of jobs (2023): 50,100
- Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 4%
- Typical education level: Bachelor’s degree
What these professionals do
Technical writers simplify complex technical information to create easy-to-understand documents, manuals, or guides for consumers or other company staff.
How to become one
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.
11. Budget analyst
- 2022 women’s median annual salary: $82,126
- Proportion of women (2022): 64%
- Number of jobs (2023): 50,800
- Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 4%
- Typical education level: Bachelor’s degree
What these professionals do
Budget analysts help organizations manage their finances. They oversee the annual budget and determine where funding needs to be allocated. Their expertise supports their company to make strategic financial decisions.
How to become one
A bachelor’s degree in business, math, social science, or psychology is the minimum requirement. Taking courses such as statistics, accounting, or economics will help. If you have previous experience in finance or budgeting, it can be considered a substitute for a degree. You might also consider becoming a Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) credential if you want to work in a federal, state, or local government position.
12. Medical scientist
- 2022 women’s median annual salary: $81,833
- Proportion of women (2022): 57%
- Number of jobs (2023): 146,600
- Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 11%
- Typical education level: Doctoral or professional degree
What these professionals do
Medical scientists conduct research to advance healthcare for the public. They also conduct clinical trials to study diseases, develop treatments, and create new standards and applications for treatment.
How to become one
Start with getting a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, or a related field. Then, you can pursue a Ph.D. in 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.
13. Public relations and fundraising manager
- 2022 women’s median annual salary: $80,813
- Proportion of women (2022): 67%
- Number of jobs (2023): 7,700
- Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 7%
- Typical education level: Bachelor’s degree
What these professionals do
Public relations and fundraising managers are in charge of the company’s image and funding. They manage outreach and organize fundraising campaigns while connecting 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.
14. Medical and health services manager
- 2022 women’s median annual salary: $78,812
- Proportion of women (2022): 72%
- Number of jobs (2023): 562,700
- Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 29%
- Typical education level: Bachelor’s degree
What these professionals do
Medical and health services managers oversee and coordinate healthcare services across facilities or departments. They manage budgets, staffing, and oversee daily operations, making sure that 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 administration, or business administration. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master’s degree.
15. Training and development manager
- 2022 women’s median annual salary: $78,068
- Proportion of women (2022): 54%
- Number of jobs (2023): 43,200
- Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 7%
- Typical education level: Bachelor’s degree
What these professionals do
Training and development managers create programs to help employees brush up on their knowledge and skills. By assessing workers’ training needs, they can develop tailored programs and initiatives that enhance the quality and efficiency which with they do their jobs.
How to become one
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.
10 jobs that are closing the gender pay gap
Though no country has reached full gender parity, there have been noticeable positive changes over the past decade.
American women typically earn 82 cents for every dollar a man earns (Pew Research Center, 2023). Most jobs on this list are approaching gender parity, with women earning well above the average or making significant strides in closing the wage gap.
Let’s look closer at the 10 jobs that have significantly improved the gender gap over the past decade.
| Job | Gender Pay Gap Change | Women's Earnings per $1 of Men's (2024) | Women’s Earnings per $1 of Men’s (2014) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marketing manager | 25.2% | 0.96 | 0.71 |
| Human resources worker/ manager | 21.1% (worker) 7.8% (manager) | 0.94 (worker) 0.79 (manager) | 0.73 (worker) 0.71 (manager) |
| Training and development specialist | 16.6% | 0.91 | 0.75 |
| Medical scientist | 16.4% | 0.95 | 0.79 |
| Office and administrative support worker | 14.4% | 0.93 | 0.79 |
| Production, planning and expediting clerk | 11.9% | 0.84 | 0.72 |
| Market research analysts and marketing specialist | 6.8% | 0.86 | 0.79 |
| Secondary school teacher | 6.3% | 0.95 | 0.89 |
| Social worker | 5.1% | 0.99 | 0.94 |
| Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurse | 2.9% | 0.88 | 0.85 |
1. Marketing manager
- Women’s earnings per $1 of men’s earnings (2014): $0.71
- Women’s earnings per $1 of men’s earnings (2024): $0.96
- 2014–2024 gender pay gap improvement (%): 25.2%
2. Human resources worker/manager
- Women’s earnings per $1 of men’s earnings (2014): $0.73 (worker); $0.71 (manager)
- Women’s earnings per $1 of men’s earnings (2024): $0.94 (worker); $0.79 (manager)
- 2014–2024 gender pay gap improvement (%): 21.1% (worker); 7.8% (manager)
3. Training and development specialist
- Women’s earnings per $1 of men’s earnings (2014): $0.75
- Women’s earnings per $1 of men’s earnings (2024): $0.91
- 2014–2024 gender pay gap improvement (%): 16.6%
4. Medical scientist
- Women’s earnings per $1 of men’s earnings (2014): $0.79
- Women’s earnings per $1 of men’s earnings (2024): $0.95
- 2014–2024 gender pay gap improvement (%): 16.4%
5. Office and administrative support worker
- Women’s earnings per $1 of men’s earnings (2014): $0.79
- Women’s earnings per $1 of men’s earnings (2024): $0.93
- 2014–2024 gender pay gap improvement (%): 14.4%
6. Production, planning, and expediting clerk
- Women’s earnings per $1 of men’s earnings (2014): $0.72
- Women’s earnings per $1 of men’s earnings (2024): $0.84
- 2014–2024 gender pay gap improvement (%): 11.9%
7. Market research analyst and marketing specialist
- Women’s earnings per $1 of men’s earnings (2014): $0.79
- Women’s earnings per $1 of men’s earnings (2024): $0.86
- 2014–2024 gender pay gap change improvement (%): 6.8%
8. Secondary school teacher
- Women’s earnings per $1 of men’s earnings (2014): $0.89
- Women’s earnings per $1 of men’s earnings (2024): $0.95
- 2014–2024 gender pay gap change improvement (%): 6.3%
9. Social worker
- Women’s earnings per $1 of men’s earnings (2014): $0.94
- Women’s earnings per $1 of men’s earnings (2024): $0.99
- 2014–2024 gender pay gap improvement (%): 5.1%
10. Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurse
- Women’s earnings per $1 of men’s earnings (2014): $0.85
- Women’s earnings per $1 of men’s earnings (2024): $0.88
- 2014–2024 gender pay gap improvement (%): 2.9%
Also, our research found that the representation of women in the healthcare industry outperforms that of any other industry.
15 High-Paying, Female-Dominated Careers in 2025
-
Facebook
-
Twitter
-
Linkedin
-
Pinterest
-
Reddit
Copy link
However, although representation and pay may be reaching gender parity, there’s still a significant gender gap in workload and promotion opportunities.
Women also lack significant representation in the healthcare industry’s leadership roles, though they make up 75% of the entry positions.
Despite these challenges, it’s still important to recognize the progress made. With continued advocacy by both employers and changes in company culture, women are a step closer to reaching equity within their careers.
3 actionable tips for women to succeed in the workplace
Here’s some advice to help you do well at work and stand out among your peers:
1. Take ownership of your work
Don’t be afraid to speak up and own your expertise. Women in the professional field should make a point to:
- deliver projects efficiently
- demonstrate a strong work ethic
- seize opportunities to contribute valuable insights in meetings
By displaying both competence and confidence, you’ll make sure 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 CV Genius
2. Take charge of your career and salary growth
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.”
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 all working women stay informed on changing pay transparency policies so they can effectively negotiate with future employers.
3. Get certificates and additional training
You can invest in your growth by getting more certifications or additional training.
Extra experience and knowledge help you stand out among your peers.
This investment can also be applied to both technical and soft skills, a requirement that gives you a ladder up in leadership roles.
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. We then organized the list to find the jobs with the highest median annual earnings for women.
We then consulted the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to identify roles with strong growth projections and additional information on the roles. We also looked at Labor Force Statistics from BLS to find information on gender parity. We compared the median weekly earnings for each role for both men and women from 2014 and 2024 and calculated the change in the gender gap in earnings.
All of the jobs listed are above the U.S. median annual income of $48,060 as of May 2023.
Sources
- Pew Research Center, “The Enduring Grip of the Gender Pay Gap” (2023)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Occupational Outlook Handbook”
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Labor Force Statistics from the Current Population Survey” (2014)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Labor Force Statistics from the Current Population Survey” (2024)
- U.S. Department of Labor Women’s Bureau, “Employment and Earnings by Occupation”
About Resume Genius
Since 2009, Resume Genius has combined innovative technology with leading industry expertise to simplify the job hunt for people of all backgrounds and levels of experience.
Resume Genius’s easy-to-use resume builder and wide range of free career resources, including resume templates, cover letter samples, and resume writing guides, help job seekers find fulfilling work and reach their career goals. Resume Genius is led by a team of dedicated career advisors and HR experts and has been featured in The New York Times, Forbes, CNBC, and Business Insider.
For media inquiries, please contact us.
Eva Chan
Senior PR Expert & Certified Professional Resume Writer
Eva Chan is the Senior PR Expert and a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) at Resume Genius. Born and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia, Eva is passionate about researching and discussing the ever-changing career space and its latest trends, and channels this enthusiasm into supporting professionals of all experience levels so they stand out in a competitive job market. Eva graduated from the University of British Columbia with a bachelor’s degree in English. Eva's insights and career advice have earned recognition from leading platforms including CNBC, Harvard Business Review, The Globe and Mail, Forbes, Newsweek, and Entrepreneur. For any media-related queries or for a future quote, you can reach her at [eva] @ [resumegenius.com] or connect with her via LinkedIn. Please note that we don’t accept any guest posts.
View Eva's Profile15 High-Paying, Female-Dominated Careers in 2025
-
Facebook
-
Twitter
-
Linkedin
-
Pinterest
-
Reddit
Copy link
