Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs For Women 2024 (Inc Salaries)

In this guide, we've put together everything you need to know about the highest-paying jobs for women. From job description and salary information to job outlooks, you can find them all here.

It’s already 2024, but women are still underrepresented in the highest-paying industries. Not only that, but women continue to earn less than their male counterparts.

But here's some good news—the gender pay gap is now narrower than ever. Pew Research Center reports that young women are now out-earning men in certain US cities.

While it’s true that money isn’t everything, salary is still an important consideration for most women.

Lucky for you, we’ve already rounded up the top 10 highest-paying jobs for women below. Read through our list to discover these female-dominated careers and explore the best ways to advance your career in them.

Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs For Women (Inc Salaries)

1. Physicians and Surgeons

Forbes declared the healthcare industry one of the highest-paying industries in 2024, so it isn't surprising that physicians and surgeons are at the top of this list.

The healthcare industry used to be male-dominated. However, according to Zippia, 54.2% of doctors today are women, and only 45.8% are men.

With that said, the female-dominated medical specialties are as follows:

Obstetrics and Gynecology focuses on all health issues concerning female reproductive health—from conception, pregnancy, and childbirth to contraception, STDs, and other reproductive problems.

Pediatrics specializes in diagnosing, treating, and delivering medical care to the younger generation (from babies to children to teenagers).

Dermatology is a specialty that concentrates on health conditions that affect the hair, nails, and skin.

Educational Requirements

Being a physician entails going to medical school, and it comes with a pre-requisite of a bachelor's degree, preferably in chemistry, biological science, or other health-related programs.

After medical school, you’d also need to pass the US Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), finish a residency program based on your chosen specialty, and obtain your medical license.

Job Outlook

BLS projects that the overall employment of physicians and surgeons will grow by 1 to 7% until 2032.

The rate varies depending on the specialization. Psychiatrists are expected to have the highest growth rate, while surgeons and pediatricians have the lowest.

Estimated Salary

According to Glassdoor, the average salary of physicians is around USD 221,000 per year, making it the highest-paying job for women.

The pay varies depending on your specialization, and the highest-paying medical and healthcare jobs in 2024 are Anesthesiologists, Surgeons, pediatricians, OB-gynecologists, and Internal Medicine Doctors.

It’s important to note that gender pay gaps still exist in the healthcare sector. Studies show that male physicians earn about USD 900,000 (primary care) to USD 2.5 million (surgeons) more than their female counterparts throughout their careers.

2. Computer and Information Systems Manager

Also called Information Technology (IT) managers or project managers, a Computer and Information Systems Manager oversees the planning, coordination, and direction of all the company's computer-related functions and activities.

They are responsible for assessing the company's digital technology needs, maintaining cybersecurity, and keeping up with the latest digital technology to keep its hardware and software up-to-date.

The IT workforce comprises 28.5% women and 71.5% men, so it’s a field dominated by men.

Educational Requirements

You must earn a bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer and information technology, or other computer-related programs.

Most employers in this sector require their managers to have a master's degree in business administration.

Job Outlook

The employment of computer and information systems managers will grow by 15%, which is equivalent to 46,900 job openings yearly until 2032.

Estimated Salary

The estimated average pay for a Computer and Information Systems Manager is USD 139, 000.

While this industry offers a high salary for women, they are being paid less than men. Statistics show that female managers receive only 89 cents for every dollar male managers earn.

3. Veterinarian

Veterinarians are highly trained professionals in caring for, treating, and maintaining the health of animals, including house pets, exotic animals, livestock, and wildlife.

Aside from medical treatments and surgeries, they perform preventative services like vaccinations and health examinations.

Statistics show that women make up about 65.6% of the veterinary workforce, so women dominate this field.

Educational Requirements

It takes about 8 years to become a veterinarian. The steps and requirements usually include a four-year undergraduate degree and a four-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (VMD or DVM) degree.

Not only that, but you may also need to pass a state licensing exam to practice veterinary in most states in the US.

Job Outlook

The need for veterinarians is expected to increase by up to 20% in the next few years. This growth is expected to generate about 20,000 job openings every year until 2032.

Estimated Salary

The estimated total pay for veterinarians is about USD 128,200 per year.

Despite being a women-dominated sector, women veterinarians receive a lower salary than their male counterparts. According to statistics, women earned an annual salary of USD 100,000 less than men.

4. Physician Assistant

Physician Assistants are healthcare professionals who have received advanced training and education that allow them to provide direct patient care and perform almost the same responsibilities as a general physician.

Some of their tasks include performing health examinations, formulating treatment plans, requesting and interpreting diagnostic tests, and providing patient education.

Physician assistants work with (but not under) a supervising physician, and their responsibilities vary depending on state laws.

In 2021, there will be more women than men in this industry. Demographic information states that the sector is made up of 66.7% women and 33.3 % men.

Educational Requirements

The pre-requisite for admission to a PA school is an undergraduate degree in biology, chemistry, or other STEM-related fields and work experience.

After getting a master’s in PA studies from an accredited program, you need to successfully take the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) provided by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).

Job Outlook

The employment for Physician Assistants will go as high as 27% until 2032. With this growth, the industry expects to have 12,200 job openings yearly in the next few years.

Estimated Salary

A physician assistant makes around USD 127,500 annually.

Gender wage gaps also exist in this industry, with female PAs earning only 90% of the salary of male PAs.

5. Pharmacist

Pharmacists are healthcare professionals knowledgeable and skilled in using, storing, preserving, and dispensing medicines to patients.

In addition to filling physician prescriptions, they are also responsible for educating patients on its proper use and potential side effects.

Pharmacy is another female-dominated industry. According to Data USA, it’s comprised of 59% women and only 41% men.

Educational Requirements

To apply as a pharmacist, you must get a Doctor of Pharmacy degree (PharmD) from an accredited pharmacy program and a state licensure.

You must pass two types of exams to obtain your license—the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) for practical pharmacy skills and knowledge and the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam (MPJE) for pharmacy law.

Job Outlook

With only a 3% growth rate, the pharmacy industry will grow only as fast as most occupations.

Despite this, this sector is still expected to generate about 13,400 new jobs every year until 2032.

Estimated Salary

The estimated total pay for pharmacists is around USD 128,900 per year.

The pharmacy industry is one of the few sectors wherein women earn more than their male counterparts. In 2021, female pharmacists earned 4 cents more for every dollar male pharmacists receive.

6. Nurse Practitioners

A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse with advanced training and education.

Because of this, they also perform the same duties and responsibilities as registered nurses (i.e., taking medical history and administering medication).

However, their responsibilities go beyond the regular RN work. Their tasks include providing patients with diagnostic services, treatment management, and preventive care.

Almost 89.8% of the Nurse Practitioner workforce is made up of women, so there’s no doubt that you can find your spot in this industry.

Educational Requirements

In addition to the basic RN requirements (Bachelor's in Nursing degree and state licensure), you must complete either a master's or doctorate focusing on NP programs.

You'd also have to pass the Nurse Practitioner Board Certification Exam.

Job Outlook

The future of this industry seems bright, with BLS projecting that it will grow by 38% in the next few years.

This faster-than-average growth will equal about 29, 200 job openings by 2032.

Estimated Salary

Nurse practitioners receive an estimated average annual salary of about USD 120,960. On the other hand, women can earn a good salary working as registered nurses, earning a median annual wage of USD 95,000.

Despite the massive difference in the gender composition, there’s still a gender wage gap in this industry. According to reports, women are paid only 91 cents for every dollar men earn.

7. Psychologist

Psychologists are healthcare professionals who help people navigate and manage various mental health challenges and disorders. They do this by facilitating patients in processing their emotions, feelings, and social issues through psychotherapy or talk therapy.

Currently, the psychology industry is composed of 64.8% women and only 35.2% men.

Educational Requirements

The minimum requirement for getting a psychologist position in school and industrial settings is a master's degree, while a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) is recommended for psychologists in the research, clinical, and counseling sectors.

If you're planning to build your practice, getting an MBA degree is the best way to learn the ropes of the business.

Job Outlook

The psychology industry is expected to grow by 6% until 2032. With this, it's expected to generate 12 800 job openings yearly in the next few years.

Estimated Salary

The estimated pay for a psychologist is USD 99,900 per year.

In 2021, female psychologists only make 90 cents for every dollar male psychologists earn.

8. Human Resources Manager

HR Managers are the professionals responsible for planning, coordinating, and directing a company’s administrative functions.

Their main goal is to ensure that the employees will have a good working environment and the company will have the best human resources possible.

They oversee talent acquisition, promote employee education, training, and development, and formulate and revise workplace policies.

As of 2021, the HR industry is composed of 73.4% women and 26.6% men.

Educational Requirements

To get into the HR field, you must complete a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or BBA, communications, or psychology.

However, a Master's in Business Administration or MBA in labor relations or human relations is necessary for higher-paying roles.

Job Outlook

The employment of human resources managers is expected to grow by 5% in the next few years.

This projection means the industry will generate about 15,500 job openings annually in the coming years.

Estimated Salary

Human Resources Managers earn an average salary of USD 92,100 per year.

With women receiving only 77 cents for every dollar men earn, the gender pay disparity in the HR industry is quite wide.

9. Occupational Therapist

An occupational therapist is an allied health professional specializing in helping patients manage and treat the physical, social, and mental challenges that prevent them from performing their daily activities and responsibilities.

They deal with injuries and chronic disabilities that get in the way of your daily routine. These include burns, strokes, carpal tunnel syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, developmental delays, and many more.

As of 2021, women hold 88.3% of occupational therapist positions, and only 11.7% are held by men.

Educational Requirements

A Master’s in occupational therapy degree is the minimum requirement to apply as an occupational therapist. You'd also need to obtain state licensure by passing the national certification examination provided by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).

Job Outlook

This sector can expect to see a growth rate of 12%, which is equivalent to 9 600 annual job openings until 203.

Estimated Salary

The estimated pay for an occupational therapist is USD 91,000 annually.

According to NarrowtheGap, women healthcare workers (which include occupational therapists) earn only about 80 cents for every dollar that male healthcare workers earn.

10. Marketing Manager

Marketing managers organize campaigns designed to raise awareness and generate demand for their company's products and services.

Their duties include managing campaign budgets, putting together social media marketing strategies, and formulating and evaluating current campaigns.

With women making up 61.4% of the marketing manager positions, this sector is another female-dominated field you should look into.

Educational Requirements

Getting into the marketing industry requires a bachelor's degree in marketing or any other business-related field.

A master's degree in business and related field and work experience will give you the edge over other candidates.

Job Outlook

As per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the estimated growth rate for marketing managers is around 6% or about 34, 000 yearly job openings until 2032.

Estimated Salary

According to Glassdoor, a marketing manager earns an average annual salary of USD 89, 900.

Although women can earn a good salary in this occupation, they are still paid 16% less than their male counterparts.

Aside from these jobs, other high-paying careers for women include being a Public Relations Manager, Finance Analyst, and Physical Therapist.

High Paying Jobs for Women FAQ

What is the highest-paying job for women in 2024?

The highest-paying job for women in 2024 will be a physician or doctor. Doctors have an average annual salary of USD 221 000. The earnings in this industry may go as high as USD 355, 000 and as low as USD 195, 000.

The average salary varies depending on the specialization, but the highest-paying specializations have an annual median wage ranging from USD 212,000 (Internal Medicine) to USD 270 000 (Anesthesiologist).

What skills or expertise is required for high-paying jobs for women?

Since gender discrimination is still rampant in these high-paying industries, women need to have the necessary soft and hard skills to get ahead of the game.

The hard skills will vary depending on the sector you want to specialize in, but having the following soft skills is necessary if you want to stand out in any industry:

• Communication

• Collaboration

• Empathy

• Attention to detail

• Confidence

• Creativity

• Negotiation

• Emotional Intelligence

• And Networking

If you wish to know if you have the skills needed to get the best paying jobs for women, Download Our Free Report Here.

What qualifications are required for high-paying jobs for women?

A Bachelor's degree is a good stepping stone for most jobs. However, a master's degree in a related field or business administration will give you a competitive edge, especially for the managerial and supervisory roles.

For male-dominated occupations, like IT manager, having a doctoral degree will make you a more marketable candidate.

Why is gaining a BBA/MBA degree beneficial for a high-paying job role?

Leadership and management are two skills you must have regardless of your sector, especially in male-dominated fields. An advanced business degree like MBA or BBA can help you acquire these skills.

More than that, these programs will also help you become proficient in entrepreneurship, marketing, computer programming and learning, business psychology, and analysis. All these core competencies can help you rise to management levels or start your own business or practice.

Conclusion

Gender discrimination may still be rampant in most of the best-paying industries. Still, it doesn't erase the fact that the different sectors are more welcoming to women now than ever.

But since women need to work harder than men to land any of these high-paying occupations, it’s critical that you engage in continual learning and education.

That’s why getting a BBA, MBA or MS degree is the best way to show future employers that you can be an indispensable part of their organization. Fortunately, Nexford offers USA-accredited online programs that can provide you with the learnings you need in the most convenient and accessible way possible.