Top 10 Female Dominated Professions in the US

Dating back to seventy years ago in the history of America’s job landscape, you will recall that in the year 1950, to be precise, men were more in the population, amounting to two-thirds of the country’s workforce based on a report put together by the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Reflecting on the transformation era throughout the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, there seemed to be a tide initially but later saw the female gender dominating nearly half of every profession in the United States.

It’s thrilling as the question pops up: What are female dominated professions in the US? 

Or What jobs can only females do? In the past, women settled traditionally as teachers, health nurses and office secretaries. 

It is partially accepted to be true based on narratives as women are now massively taking over primary professions formerly dominated by men back in the day.

Notable moments bring about cherishing memories, for instance, International Women’s Day in March, during which women are continually celebrated for their social, economic, cultural and political achievements in the United States and the world. 

It is always a moment to cheer the call to action for the endorsement of gender equality and justice for women.

You can’t proceed without acknowledging that the scope and demand of work have transformed this 21st century. 

Indeed, the career landscape has changed dramatically for women, particularly over the past few years, with more incredible transformations to come in the near future.

Bear in mind that as the wants and aspirations of humans continue to transform, you will also witness a significant advancement in technology required to survive through the times. 

When knowledge and career space are considered, it will no longer be business as expected.

As time advances, we have witnessed the evolution of jobs that need human skills and the capacity for kindness, adaptability, empathy and creativity, which are qualities accepted as female natural features.

Unfortunately, women are still seen to be relegated and underrepresented in specific professional careers. 

Still, as the world becomes increasingly enlightened to gender functional equality and as we continue to work towards equity within the job space, you will see the hopes for women gradually gaining their stand.

Looking for professions in a women-dominated field and curious to know which ones? 

Here’s a list of the top 10 female-dominated occupations based on the most recent data from the BLS:

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1. Preschool and Kindergarten Teachers

Female workforce: 97.6 percent

Median pay: $29,780 (preschool) and $57,980 (kindergarten)

Requirements: Associate degree (preschool) and bachelor’s degree (kindergarten)

Job growth outlook from 2022 to 2032: 7 percent (preschool) and 3 percent (kindergarten)

Educating and caring for children has been a pivotal role played by early childhood educators.

They typically work in a public school, private school and childcare center or work a ten-month calendar year.

By 2028, job growth for preschool teachers is projected to increase by seven percent, which is more rapid than the average growth among all jobs.

Finally, BLS predicts that it is due to early childhood education and development’s increasingly important role in our society.

2. Dental Hygienists

Female workforce: 97.1 percent

Median pay: $74,820

Requirements: Associate degree

Job growth outlook from 2022 to 2032: 11 percent

You must book an appointment with your dental hygienist to polish your teeth.

A dental hygienist must guide and educate patients on the need for preventive care and examine the mouth for signs of oral disease.

Programs typically take three years to complete for Dental hygiene. It would help if you were licensed by the state where you work.

The outlook for dental hygiene is assured due to the country’s increased ageing population and the increasing research rate pointing to the benefits of good oral care.

3. Speech Language Pathologists

Female workforce: 96 percent

Median pay: $77,510

Requirements: Master’s degree

Job growth outlook from 2022 to 2032: 27 percent

The extended job growth for speech-language pathologists is by far the highest on this list which is required to grow at least twenty-seven percent from 2022 to 2028.

This results from speech pathologists not only engaging with kids facing difficulty in communication but also involved with adults who might be suffering from speech impairment caused by stroke, dementia and other health-related conditions.

A master’s degree and a state license are highly needed before practicing.

4. Dental Assistants

Female workforce: 96 percent

Median pay: $38,660

Requirements: Varies

Job growth outlook from 2022 to 2032: 11 percent

The significant difference between dental assistants and dental hygienists is that dental assistants are there to assist the dentist without considering their incentives.

They are responsible for handling office activities, including scheduling appointments and performing primary dental care, such as polishing a patient’s teeth or organizing patients for other procedures.

The educational qualifications required to become a dental assistant are less demanding than that of a dental hygienist.

Few States could employ assistants at the graduate level, mainly from an accredited program, while other states may not need educational requirements attached; instead, you can learn on the job.

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5. Childcare Workers

Female workforce: 94 percent

Median pay: $23,240

Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent

Job growth outlook from 2022 to 2032: 2 percent

Most workers in the childcare profession can work in a variety of places in addition to daycare centers, private households and sometimes even in their homes.

Duties of a childcare worker include dressing, feeding, monitoring and general caring for children.

This profession requires no formal education, but, in most cases, positions may call for an early childhood education degree, depending on the place of employment.

6. Secretaries and Administrative Assistants

Female workforce: 94 percent

Median pay: $38,880

Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent

Job growth outlook from 2022 to 2032: -7 percent

In this profession, secretaries and administrative assistant jobs are available in nearly every given industry though you will find more of these positions in colleges, hospitals, government and legal offices.

The certificate required here is a high school diploma accompanied by several weeks of training.

The general job growth for secretaries and administrative assistant positions isn’t as promising as some other professions on this list due to the automation of these jobs.

In other ways, more medical secretaries will likely be needed over the next ten years as ageing baby boomers start to require more medical attention, as predicted by BLS.

7. Medical Records & Health Information Technicians

Female workforce: 93.6 percent

Median pay: $40,350

Requirements: Post-secondary certificate

Job growth outlook from 2022 to 2032: 11 percent

Female workers in this profession serving as medical records/ health information technicians may spend ample time behind a computer.

They are responsible for organizing, managing and coding patients’ health records for insurance reimbursements and various databases and registries.

In some cases, these jobs can be carried out remotely. These positions may not require any bachelor’s degree.

Compared to other health-related professions on this list, there’s a dire need for medical records/health information technicians, which is expected to grow as the country ages with the baby boomer population.

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8. Dietitians and Nutritionists

Female workforce: 93.1 percent

Median pay: $60,370

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree

Job growth outlook from 2022 to 2032: 11 percent

Dietitians and nutritionists aim in this profession to assist people in eating well and living a normal healthy lifestyle.

They are committed to working in various places, from hospitals and nursing homes to cafeterias and state governments.

They can also treat clients and prevent them from common diseases, including diabetes.

They must possess a bachelor’s degree or related degree in food and nutrition; many may also go on to secure more advanced degrees.

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9. Hairdressers, Hair Stylists, and Cosmetologists

Female workforce: 92.1 percent

Median pay: $24,830

Requirements: Post-secondary certificate

Job growth outlook from 2022 to 2032: 8 percent

Professions such as this accommodate most women as they take to hairdressing, hair stylists and cosmetologists in their numbers.

These jobs are mainly available in a barbershop or hair-making salon, but opportunities could call for home services, especially from clients.

You can decide to work for a larger company or start your own business as there’s much flexibility in this chosen field.

Many states require the licensing of these professionals, and they must be issued a degree from a state-approved barber or program involving cosmetology.

10. Medical Assistants

Female workforce: 90.6 percent

Median pay: $33,610

Requirements: Post-secondary certificate

Job growth outlook from 2022 to 2032: 23 percent

Based on statistics, this has become the second fastest growing profession on the list, following speech-language pathology.

There’s a need for advanced medical services due to the ageing baby-boomer population.

The difference between a medical assistant and a medical records/health information technician reveals that medical assistants are committed strictly to hospital work, physician’s office or other healthcare facilities.

The exact position does not call for any formal degree, although it’s a lower specialized knowledge of coding and medical software programs.

Medical assistants may likely work directly with patients taking vital signs and rendering immunizations. They may also carry out finishing on paperwork and discharge their standard office procedures.

Conclusion

In conclusion, many women seem to be leveling out in the workforce and having a powerful influence in other specific professions compared to their male gender.

It’s so overwhelming to imagine what the future will bring for women and to think of what female dominated professions will stand to benefit in 2035, including how there will be a continuous shrink in the gender pay gap.

Do you have an interest in exploring one of these professions or industries? 

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