Top 10 Best Paid Career for Women

Careers that Pay off the Most for Women

 Despite all the advancements that have been made for women in the workplace, the typical American woman still only earns about 80% of the salary of a man working in the same job. Making less than male counterparts means that a professional woman has to make every penny count. So what are the best paying careers for women? Some of the answers may surprise you.

What Skills Do You Need to Be a Highly Paid Woman?

Forbes magazine publishes a regular report of the highest earning jobs for women. In general, these jobs require secondary education and advanced degrees. That isn't surprising since many of the jobs on Forbes top ten list are traditional high-paying jobs. However, what may come as a surprise is how many of the best paying careers for women are in fields of math, science, and technology, areas that are traditionally dominated by men. The bottom line is that no matter what career a woman chooses, education will be an important part of getting top dollars for her work.

Top 10 Best Paying Careers for Women

10. Occupational Therapists: An occupational therapist helps people improve their ability to perform daily tasks. Often, the patients of an occupational therapist are the victims of an accident, illness, or birth defect. Occupational therapists earn an average of $60,000 a year and need an advanced college degree, generally at the masters level.

9. Computer Scientists and Systems Analysts: This profession moved up one space on Forbes top ten best paying careers for women. Computer scientists design new technology like computer processors and components. They also create and improve information systems that allow computers and other devises to communicate. Computer scientists and analysts make an average of $60,500 a year and usually have a four-year college degree in computer science or a related field.

8. Management Analysts: These women are important communicators that help large businesses and organizations operate more effectively by evaluating systems, personnel, structure, and profits. Management analysts make an average of $61,000 a year and usually require a masters degree in business administration or a related field.

7. Computer Programmers: While computer scientists mainly work with hardware, computer programmers generally work creating software or computer programs that meet their employer’s needs. Computer programmers are needed in almost every field and industry. The average computer programmer makes $61,500 and has a 2 to 4 year degree, though some positions require a masters degree.

6. Physicians and Surgeons: It's no surprise that medical professionals make a lot of money. Women in this field can expect to make around $64,000 a year, though some make much more if they are specialists. However, female doctors and surgeons can expect to make only 64% the salary of their male colleagues. An advanced medical degree is required for this job along with additional training for any specialties.

5. Computer Software Engineers: Like computer programmers, computer software engineers work with software or computer programs. They make an annual average salary of $68,000 and require a bachelors degree.

4. Computer Information Systems Managers: It's clear that women who enjoy working with technology are in a good place when it comes to finding the best paying careers for women. Information Systems Managers generally work with networking and securing computers. They make $73,500 a year and need a minimum of a bachelors degree, though masters degrees are often preferred in this field.

3. Lawyers: Like doctors, lawyers are often thought of as examples of high paying professions. While there aren't a lot of women in law, only 37% of the field is populated by women, this is a high-paying job with an average annual salary of $75,500. A law degree is required in addition to a 4-year college degree.

2. Pharmacists: While still below the national average, pharmacology is kinder to women than other medical work. Women pharmacists make 75% of their male counterparts and can expect to make an average of $76,500 annually. Pharmacology requires a regular medical degree with further years of training.

1. Chief Executives: It's no surprise that CEOs of large companies top the list for the highest paying jobs for both women and men. A CEO is responsible for managing and directing a business and its employees. A typical CEO makes $81,000 and has a minimum of an MBA, though some have no college education at all.