Career Change

10 Fast-Growing And High-Paying Careers For Women

Business woman smiling because she's in a fast-growing and high-paying career.
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If you're a woman looking to change careers soon, then we've got something for you to check out.


In March 2019, the U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics (also known as the BLS) released data on the top paying and fastest growing occupations for women.

Many of these jobs are in the healthcare field, however there are some that fall in the tech field. The BLS reports that half of these occupations had median earnings that doubled average median earnings for women overall.

If you're a woman looking to enter a high-paying and fast-growing career, check out the following jobs:

10.Civil Engineer

Female civil engineer wearing a hardhat and looking at blueprints while working onsite.

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Civil engineers are the ones who design, build, and manage projects relating to infrastructure. They can work in the private or public sector. They can oversee projects relating to airports, roadways, dams, and water supply systems, and other pieces of infrastructure.

Due to the nature of their work, civil engineers work in a variety of settings. They often split their time between working in an office and working at a project site.

Projected Career Growth: The BLS predicts this occupation will grow 11% by 2026. As infrastructure in the U.S. ages, civil engineers will be the ones who manage the repair projects for roads, bridges, dams, and other infrastructure.

Median Weekly Earnings For Women: $1,282.

Education Requirements: Civil engineers must have a bachelor's degree in a civil engineering specialty or civil engineering technology. If a civil engineer wants to land a senior role, they typically need a master's degree. Licensing requirements vary by state, however civil engineers have to be licensed if they provide services for the public.

9.Computer and Information Systems Manager

Female computer and information systems manager working with male colleague on diagnosing a computer network issue.

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Computer and information system managers are responsible for planning, coordinating, and directing the work of computer professionals and helping organizations make important business decisions. They make sure projects stay on time and on budget while researching the latest trends in technology.

Most computer and information system managers work full-time.

Projected Career Growth: Currently estimated at 12% by 2026. The demand for this job will grow as technology develops and more businesses look to these managers to make decisions regarding their digital platforms.

Median Weekly Earnings For Women: $1,727.

Education Requirements: Usually, job candidates need at least a bachelor's degree and related work experience. Many computer and information systems managers have a master's degree.

8.Physician and Surgeon

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Physicians and surgeons have incredibly important jobs in the medical field. They are responsible for diagnosing and treating injured and/or ill patients.

Physicians and surgeons can work in settings such as physicians' offices and in hospitals. Some also work for the government.

Projected Career Growth: The BLS reports the demand for these careers will grow by 13% by 2026. This is due to a projected increase in demand for healthcare services as the U.S. population grows older.

Median Weekly Earnings For Women: $1,677.

Education Requirements: To become a physician or surgeon, you must be dedicated to your education. That education includes a bachelor's degree, followed by 4 years of medical school, and then depending on your specialty, an internship that could last between 3 and 7 years.

7.Management Analyst

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Management analysts have a number of different responsibilities. They're typically brought into an organization to find ways to make that organization more profitable and/or improve an organization's efficiency.

Management analysts generally don't have a typical 9 to 5 job. They often travel to consult with clients, and some work more than 40 hours per week.

Projected Career Growth: 14% by 2026.

Median Weekly Earnings For Women: $1,437.

Education Requirements: According to the BLS, most management analysts have a bachelor's degree. However, there are certain certifications one can achieve to improve job prospects.

6.Medical and Health Service Manager

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Medical and health services managers play an important part on the business side of healthcare. They're the ones who coordinate and direct the business activities of healthcare providers.

Medical and health service managers can work in numerous healthcare settings, including hospitals and nursing homes.

Projected Career Growth: The BLS predicts this field will grow 20% by 2026. This is due to the expectation that all healthcare services will increase as the U.S. population grows older.

Median Weekly Earnings For Women: $1,331.

Education Requirements: Most people entering this field have at least a bachelor's degree, but it's not uncommon for people in this role to have a master's degree. Typically, hiring managers like to see candidates have some experience in an administrative or clinical role in a healthcare facility.

5.Software Developer

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Software developers play a big role in the tech field. They make systems and/or applications that run on computers and other electronic devices. They can create, change, and fix software for their clients.

Generally, software developers work for firms that can specialize in areas like software publishing and systems design.

Projected Career Growth: The BLS predicts that this career field will grow 24% by 2026. This is due to the expected increase in demand for new computer software.

Median Weekly Earnings For Women: $1,644.

Education Requirements: Software developers usually have a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field.

4.Operations Research Analyst

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Operations research analysts play an interesting and important role in the business word. They use mathematical and analytical techniques to help businesses and organizations run more cost effectively and efficiently.

Operations research analysts mostly work in offices, however they may have to travel once in a while to visit clients.

Projected Career Growth: 27% by 2026, which is faster than average. As technology continues to develop, businesses will look for ways to be efficient and cut costs. Those businesses will need someone to do operations research in order to fulfill their goals.

Median Weekly Earnings For Women: $1,299.

Education Requirements: Operations research analysts typically need a bachelor's degree for an entry-level role, however certain employers may require a master's degree. Common majors for those in this job include business, analytics, management science, and operations research.

3.Physical Therapist

Female physical therapist helping male patient regain movement in his right arm.

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Physical therapists play a major role in patient rehabilitation. They are responsible for helping injured or sick patients manage their pain, as well as improve their movement.

Physical therapists are often on their feet as they help their patients. They can work in a variety of settings, including private offices, clinics, and nursing homes.

Projected Career Growth: According to the BLS, the demand for physical therapists will grow 28% by 2026. As the Baby Boomer generation gets older, the need for physical therapists to help them with their movement will increase.

Median Weekly Earnings For Women: $1,891.

Education Requirements: Those who want to become a physical therapist must earn a doctorate in physical therapy from an accredited program. Physical therapists also need to be licensed in the state they work in.

2.Nurse Practitioner

Female nurse practitioner checking up on an elderly female patient in a medical office.

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Nurse practitioners carry a lot of responsibility in the healthcare field. They can give patients primary or specialty care, and also coordinate patient care.

Projected Career Growth: The demand for nurse practitioners is expected to grow 36% by 2026. Due to the aging U.S. population, the demand for healthcare services will increase, which means the need for nurse practitioners will also increase.

Median Weekly Earnings For Women: $1,891.

Education Requirements: Nurse practitioners must have a master's degree. They must also be licensed in the state they practice in and pass a national exam for certification.

1.Physician Assistant

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The top occupation on this list is physician assistant. Physician assistants work with other healthcare professionals to ensure patients get the best care possible.

Physician assistants can work in a number of settings, including a physicians' office, hospital, or outpatient clinics. Most physician assistants work full-time.

Projected Career Growth: The BLS reports this field will grow 37% by 2026, which is a much faster than the average career growth rate. The demand for healthcare services will continue to grow in the future, and as a result, the demand for physician assistants will grow, too.

Median Weekly Earnings For Women: $1,646

Education Requirements: Typically, physician assistants need a master's degree to enter the field. They also must be licensed in the state they are practicing in.

Overall, women looking to enter these fields can expect a good job outlook and an above-average salary. The big industries predicted to be in demand include healthcare, tech and management.

If you're looking to land a job in one of these fields, Work It Daily can help you out!

When you join our career growth club, you get access to one-on-one coaching from our career growth specialists, who will review your resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile.

You also get access to a one-of-a-kind network of like-minded professionals. You can easily network with people within these fields and make connections all over the world. They'll keep you motivated and hold you accountable during your career growth journey.

So, what do you think? Head to Work It Daily and start growing your career today!

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