Seven decades ago, the U.S. workplace echoed with the footsteps of a predominantly male workforce. Fast forward to today, and the landscape is beautifully diverse, with women not only sharing the space but also, in certain professions, dominating it.
In 2021, the median hourly rate of a female wage worker in the United States between 20 and 24 years old was $14.06 current U.S. dollars. Women between the ages of 35 and 44 years old made the most in that year, with a median hourly wage of $17.81 current U.S. dollars.
We all know that some careers just pay better and some of the top professions are dominated by women. So, let’s take a closer look and see what women are earning in careers that are dominated by women.
According to a recent analysis by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the gender composition of the workforce has evolved dramatically. The seismic shifts of the ’60s through ’90s saw women breaking barriers and achieving parity with their male colleagues.
While traditional roles such as teachers, nurses, and secretaries have always been synonymous with women, the present era witnesses them expanding their horizons. Curious about which professions are now steered by women? The BLS unveils the top ten female-led occupations:
1. Preschool and Kindergarten Teachers
Female Representation: 97.6%
Earning between $29,780 (preschool) and $57,980 (kindergarten), these educators lay the foundational blocks for the next generation. Their anticipated job growth is 7% (preschool) and 3% (kindergarten) by 2028. Working full time, this works out to be about $14.32 an hour.
2. Dental Hygienists
Female Representation: 97.1%
Paid a median wage of $74,820, they are the backbone of dental wellness. The profession anticipates an 11% growth by 2028. Working full time, this works out to be about $35.97 an hour.
3. Speech-Language Pathologists
Female Representation: 96%
With a median salary of $77,510, they address both pediatric and geriatric speech challenges. Their profession is poised for a promising 27% growth by 2028. Working full time, this works out to be about $37.27 an hour.
4. Dental Assistants
Female Representation: 96%
They earn around $38,660 and provide indispensable support in dental offices. The sector foresees an 11% job growth by 2028. Working full time, this works out to be about $18.59 an hour.
5. Childcare Workers
Female Representation: 94%
Earning $23,240, they offer nurturing environments for children. However, the job growth is modest at 2% by 2028. Working full time, this works out to be about $11.17 an hour.
6. Administrative Assistants
Female Representation: 94%
With a median pay of $38,880, they are the operational pillars across various sectors. The profession, however, anticipates a 7% decline by 2028. Working full time, this works out to be about $18.69 an hour.
7. Medical Records & Health Information Technicians
Female Representation: 93.6%
Earning about $40,350, they ensure seamless health data management. An 11% growth awaits this profession by 2028. Working full time, this works out to be about $19.40 an hour.
8. Dietitians and Nutritionists
Female Representation: 93.1%
Their median wage stands at $60,370 as they spearhead health and dietary guidelines. The sector expects an 11% growth by 2028. Working full time, this works out to be about $29.02 an hour.
9. Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists
Female Representation: 92.1%
Earning around $24,830, they sculpt beauty and style. An 8% job growth is anticipated by 2028. Working full time, this works out to be about $11.94 an hour.
10. Medical Assistants
Female Representation: 90.6%
With a pay of $33,610, they fortify medical establishments. A commendable 23% job growth is predicted by 2028. Working full time, this works out to be about $ an hour $16.16.
As we witness women taking the lead in varied roles, it fosters anticipation for the future. The 2030 horizon beckons with the promise of further reduced gender disparities and a more inclusive work environment. The evolution continues.
