Find a Job You Really Want In
In 2026, women are thriving in a diverse array of professions, breaking barriers and entering fields that were once dominated by men. Despite significant progress, gender pay gaps persist in various industries, often influenced by the representation of women within those fields. Higher representation typically correlates with improved salaries for women. As such, this guide highlights lucrative career paths where women can excel and earn competitive salaries.
If you’re seeking a career with a narrower pay gap or simply interested in high-paying jobs, you’ve come to the right place. The following list showcases professions that not only offer attractive salaries but also demonstrate the capabilities of women across various sectors.
Key Takeaways
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Many of the careers with the smallest pay gaps are traditionally associated with the service sector.
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Women can pursue high-paying careers in nearly every industry, reflecting an evolving labor market.
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Most high-paying positions require at least a bachelor’s degree, with many necessitating advanced degrees.
20 High-Paying Careers for Women
Women are well-equipped to succeed in diverse industries, and certain fields offer better pay and career advancement opportunities than others. Here’s a look at high-paying careers to consider:
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Pharmacist
Average Annual Salary: $119,686Women in pharmacy can earn substantial salaries, averaging over $98,000 annually. This profession demands advanced education (a Doctor of Pharmacy degree) and licensure. Pharmacists often enjoy flexible hours, especially those working in retail settings.
Pharmacist skills: Key skills include:
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Attention to detail
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Communication
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Science and mathematics
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Management
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Lawyer
Average Annual Salary: $121,347Lawyers can command high salaries due to extensive education and qualification requirements, including a law degree and bar exam. Women lawyers earn over $91,000 annually, with various specialties available, such as family law and corporate law.
Lawyer skills: Essential skills include:
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Communication
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Problem-solving
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Research
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Attention to detail
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Registered Nurse
Average Annual Salary: $63,827Nursing remains a popular career for women, with a lower pay gap due to high female representation. Registered nurses are in demand and can specialize in various fields. To enter this profession, one must obtain a relevant degree and pass the NCLEX exam.
Registered Nurse skills: Key skills include:
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Critical thinking
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Empathy
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Assertiveness
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Attention to detail
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Marketing Analyst
Average Annual Salary: $54,064Women are increasingly dominating marketing roles, with flexible hours and advancement opportunities. Marketing analysts are in demand for their data-driven insights, while creative roles in writing and design are also available.
Marketing Analyst skills: Essential skills include:
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Research
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Statistical analysis
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Communication
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Organization
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Chief Executive Officer
Average Annual Salary: $190,627Women excel in management roles, including CEO positions, though pay gaps persist at this level. On average, women in executive roles earn around $90,000 annually. CEO roles can be demanding, requiring a mix of leadership and strategic skills.
CEO skills: Key skills include:
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Leadership
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Communication
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Strategic planning
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Ethics
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Public Relations Specialist
Average Annual Salary: $43,279Women now represent about 65% of the PR workforce, attracted by competitive salaries. This role involves managing multiple projects, creative thinking, and strong communication skills.
Public Relations Specialist skills: Essential skills include:
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Communication
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Social media expertise
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Problem-solving
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Time management
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Information Systems Manager
Average Annual Salary: $125,384With technology’s growing importance, the demand for information systems managers is increasing. Women are making strides in STEM fields, earning an average of $89,000 annually.
Information Systems Manager skills: Key skills include:
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Computer science and programming
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Management
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Problem-solving
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Communication
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Veterinarian
Average Annual Salary: $126,372Animal lovers can pursue careers in veterinary medicine, where women represent 75% of the workforce. Although the requirements include veterinary school and clinical experience, the pay is competitive.
Veterinarian skills: Key skills include:
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Critical thinking
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Communication
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Leadership
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Attention to detail
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Sales Manager
Average Annual Salary: $81,511Women thrive in management roles, with female sales managers earning about $70,000 annually. A bachelor’s degree and relevant experience typically suffice for entry into this field.
Sales Manager skills: Key skills include:
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Interpersonal communication
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Leadership
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Strategic planning
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Delegation
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Physical Therapist
Average Annual Salary: $69,890The demand for physical therapists is rising as holistic health approaches gain popularity. Women in this field earn an average of $72,000, with a low pay gap.
Physical Therapist skills: Key skills include:
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Empathy
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Treatment planning
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Communication
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Physical stamina
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Software Developer
Average Annual Salary: $80,437As a growing STEM role, software developers are in high demand, with numerous opportunities across various industries. Women in this field earn an average of $85,000 annually.
Software Developer skills: Key skills include:
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Coding
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Problem-solving
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Collaboration
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Attention to detail
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Physician
Average Annual Salary: $176,157Women now comprise about 40% of all physicians and surgeons, with opportunities in various specialties. Despite a persistent gender pay gap, women can expect to earn around $87,000 annually.
Physician skills: Key skills include:
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Leadership
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Communication
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Attention to detail
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Problem-solving
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Human Resources Manager
Average Annual Salary: $80,699Women dominate HR roles, with over 75% of HR managers being female. In this active role, you’ll handle employee relations, benefits, and recruitment.
Human Resources Manager skills: Key skills include:
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Data analysis
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Communication
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Teaching/training
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Decision making
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Management Analyst
Average Annual Salary: $74,353Management analysts help organizations improve efficiency and effectiveness. Entry typically requires a bachelor’s degree and related work experience. Job growth is projected at 11% through 2029.
Management Analyst skills: Key skills include:
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Data analysis
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Problem-solving
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Communication
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Creativity
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Psychologist
Average Annual Salary: $72,956Women represent over 80% of psychologists. The path to this career requires extensive education, including a master’s and doctorate in psychology. However, it offers a rewarding average salary of around $80,000 annually.
Psychologist skills: Key skills include:
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Patience
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Communication
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Ethics
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Problem-solving
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Speech Language Pathologist
Average Annual Salary: $62,340This highly specialized role requires extensive education and offers rewarding opportunities in diagnosing and treating communication disorders.
Speech Language Pathologist skills: Key skills include:
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Communication
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Organization
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Empathy
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Attention to detail
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Medical Manager
Average Annual Salary: $129,941Women excel in both management and healthcare roles, managing medical facilities or departments. While a healthcare degree is beneficial, it is not always required.
Medical Manager skills: Key skills include:
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Organization
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Budgeting
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Management
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Communication
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Professor
Average Annual Salary: $157,570Academia has become increasingly welcoming to women. Professors engage in teaching, research, and publishing, with tenure providing job security.
Professor skills: Key skills include:
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Analysis
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Attention to detail
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Communication
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Research
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Real Estate Agent
Average Annual Salary: $91,788Real estate is a field where women thrive, benefiting from commission-based pay structures. Successful agents can earn significant salaries.
Real Estate Agent skills: Key skills include:
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Communication
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Organization
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Customer service
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Business acumen
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Curriculum Developer
Average Annual Salary: $53,226Curriculum developers create educational programs for schools, requiring experience and training in education. Success in this role demands organizational skills and the ability to handle feedback constructively.
Curriculum Developer skills: Key skills include:
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Decision making
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Leadership
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Organization
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Instructional design
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Final Thoughts
As of 2026, women represent a significant portion of the workforce, with approximately 57.4% participating compared to 69.9% of men. The expanding presence of women in various fields is paving the way for rewarding careers and competitive salaries.
Despite progress, the gender pay gap remains a critical issue. Women continue to earn less than men for equivalent roles, with various factors contributing to this imbalance, including educational disparities and caregiving responsibilities. However, certain professions are more supportive of women and provide equitable pay.
For those seeking high-paying jobs, focusing on sectors where women are well-represented can be advantageous. Fields like healthcare, law, and management frequently offer competitive salaries. Additionally, roles requiring advanced degrees often provide higher earning potential due to their specialized nature.
Location also plays a vital role in salary potential, with variations across states and cities impacting job opportunities and compensation. Keeping this in mind during your career planning is essential.
High-Paying Jobs for Women FAQ
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Are women still underrepresented in the best-paying jobs?
Yes, women remain underrepresented in the highest-paying positions, even though they have made strides in various industries. For example, only a fraction of Fortune 500 CEOs are women, illustrating the ongoing challenges.
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Is it difficult for older women to find jobs?
Job searching can be challenging at any age, but with the right experience and education, older women can find fulfilling positions. Age discrimination is illegal, and employers must focus on candidates’ qualifications.
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What are the most popular jobs for women?
As of 2023, registered nurses, elementary and middle school teachers, and administrative assistants remain among the most common professions for women, reflecting traditional “pink-collar” roles.
References
Author
Amanda is a writer with experience in various industries, including travel, real estate, and career advice. After taking on internships and entry-level jobs, she is familiar with the job search process and landing that crucial first job. Included in her experience is work at an employer/intern matching startup where she marketed an intern database to employers and supported college interns looking for work experience.
