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Top High-Paying Careers for Women in the United States
While the workforce landscape has fluctuated significantly over the last two decades—impacted heavily by the COVID-19 pandemic—opportunities for women in high-level professions are expanding. Although the gender pay gap persists (with women earning, on average, 84 cents for every dollar men earn), many forward-thinking U.S. companies are actively working to close this divide.
Today, there are numerous lucrative career paths offering financial stability, job satisfaction, and growth. Below are nine of the highest-paying careers for women in the U.S. right now.
1. Veterinarians
- Average Salary: ~$103,220
Once a male-dominated industry, veterinary medicine has seen a major demographic shift. Women are increasingly drawn to this field, citing a passion for animal welfare and a shift in focus toward small-animal practices, which often offer better work-life balance than large-animal agricultural work. However, advancements in sedation and restraint technology have also made it safer and easier for women to work in large-animal medicine as well.
2. Physicians and Surgeons
- Average Salary: ~$97,656 (Varies significantly by specialty)
As the physician shortage in the U.S. grows, medical schools are expanding class sizes, and women are filling the ranks. Historically, women faced systemic barriers in medicine, but the culture is shifting rapidly. With an aging workforce of retiring doctors, the demand for qualified female medical professionals is higher than ever, leading to competitive salaries and leadership opportunities.
3. Pharmacists
- Average Salary: ~$97,604
Pharmacy is often viewed as one of the most family-friendly careers within STEM. It offers high earning potential and the opportunity to provide critical patient care. The shift from independent pharmacies to corporate employers has standardized hours, making it easier for professionals to balance a career with family life. Many pharmacists also have the flexibility to transition to part-time roles if needed without leaving the industry.
4. Physician Assistants (PAs)
- Average Salary: ~$91,676
Physician Assistants practice medicine under the supervision of a physician, performing many of the same tasks, such as diagnosing illnesses and prescribing medication. This role is highly attractive because it offers a direct path to practicing medicine without the time and financial burden of a full medical doctorate. While many female PAs enter pediatrics or women’s health, women are increasingly represented across all specialties, enjoying a high degree of autonomy.
5. Nurse Practitioners (NPs)
- Average Salary: ~$91,156
Nurse Practitioners are advanced practice registered nurses who provide comprehensive care, often acting as primary care providers. This field is heavily female-dominated and offers a fantastic career trajectory for Registered Nurses (RNs) looking to upskill. It is particularly popular among working mothers due to the potential for flexible scheduling, high demand, and salaries that rival general practitioners in some regions.
6. Human Resources (HR) Managers
- Average Salary: ~$79,976
Human Resources remains a field where women hold a significant share of leadership roles. Success in HR requires high emotional intelligence, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to manage complex interpersonal dynamics—traits that are highly valued in corporate management. As companies place higher importance on company culture and equity, the value (and salary) of top-tier HR managers continues to rise.
7. Management Analysts
- Average Salary: ~$78,884
Management analysts (or management consultants) evaluate an organization’s efficiency and propose ways to improve profitability. Women are achieving greater parity in this field as more female students pursue degrees in Business Administration and MBAs. This role involves analyzing systems, procedures, and organizational structures, offering a high-impact career for those with strong analytical minds.
8. Psychologists
- Average Salary: ~$74,932
Women currently outnumber men in the field of psychology. This profession rewards empathy, active listening, and strong verbal communication skills—strengths often associated with successful therapeutic outcomes. As mental health awareness grows and the stigma around seeking help decreases, the demand for clinical, counseling, and school psychologists continues to increase.
9. Occupational Therapists
- Average Salary: ~$74,932
Occupational Therapy (OT) focuses on helping patients regain independence in their daily lives after illness or injury. Historically established by women after WWI to help returning soldiers, the field remains predominantly female. It offers a unique blend of healthcare and rehabilitation work, providing high job satisfaction for those who want to see tangible improvements in their patients’ quality of life.
