In 2026, women have more opportunities than ever to build meaningful, rewarding, and high-paying careers. While pay gaps and underrepresentation still exist in certain industries, progress is being made—women are steadily gaining ground in almost every field. From technology and healthcare to entrepreneurship and the arts, the options for growth are vast.
Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best careers for women in 2026. These roles are not only rewarding and high-paying, but many are also female-dominated. Using data from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) from 2022,
We’ve included median salaries, education requirements, percentage of women in the field, and projected job growth from 2022 to 2032, so you can see which careers offer the most promise for the future.
Top 30 Careers for Women in the USA 2026
Looking for the Top 20 Female Jobs in USA? Whether you’re starting your career or planning a switch, our guide highlights the highest-paying and fastest-growing female-friendly careers in 2026. From healthcare and technology to leadership and creative fields, these female jobs in USA offer opportunities for growth, stability, and long-term success. We’ve compiled the Top 20 Careers for Women in 2026 in one easy-to-read table.
| S.N | Career | Median Salary | Projected Job Growth | Education Required | % Women in Field |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nurse Anesthetist | $218,000 | 2.4% | Master’s | 55% |
| 2 | Pharmacist | $138,000 | 0.6% | Doctorate | 57% |
| 3 | Nurse Practitioner | $128,000 | 8.9% | Master’s | 87% |
| 4 | Physician Assistant | $132,000 | 5% | Master’s | 64% |
| 5 | Veterinarian | $122,000 | 5.8% | Doctorate | 63% |
| 6 | Statistician | $106,000 | 4.8% | Bachelor’s/Master’s | 52% |
| 7 | HR Manager | $138,000 | 0.7% | Bachelor’s | 75% |
| 8 | Marketing Manager | $160,000 | 0.7% | Bachelor’s | 61% |
| 9 | Physical Therapist | $101,000 | 3.4% | Doctorate/Professional | 58% |
| 10 | Medical Scientist | $102,000 | 2.3% | Doctorate | 57% |
| 11 | Surgeon | $245,000+ | 4.1% | Doctorate | 38% |
| 12 | Architectural & Engineering Manager | $168,000 | 4.1% | Bachelor’s | 15% |
| 13 | Dentist | $168,000 | 4.4% | Doctorate | 32% |
| 14 | Chief Executive (CEO) | $210,000 | -8.2%* | Bachelor’s | 26% |
| 15 | Chemical Engineer | $114,000 | 8.2% | Bachelor’s | 22% |
| 16 | Lawyer | $147,000 | 7.6% | Doctorate | 37% |
| 17 | Actuary | $122,000 | 23% | Bachelor’s | 30% |
| 18 | Economist | $117,000 | 6.3% | Master’s/Doctorate | 38% |
| 19 | Software Developer | $135,000 | 25.7% | Bachelor’s | 26% |
| 20 | IT Manager / Computer & Information Systems Manager | $172,000 | 15.4% | Bachelor’s | 28% |
| 21 | Occupational Therapist | $98,000 | 10% | Master’s | 84% |
| 22 | Biochemist / Biophysicist | $95,000 | 4% | Bachelor’s/Doctorate | 52% |
| 23 | Public Relations Manager | $140,000 | 7% | Bachelor’s | 69% |
| 24 | Data Scientist | $140,000 | 31% | Bachelor’s | 30% |
| 25 | Speech-Language Pathologist | $91,000 | 19% | Master’s | 94% |
| 26 | Healthcare Administrator | $120,000 | 32% | Bachelor’s | 74% |
| 27 | Financial Manager | $153,000 | 17% | Bachelor’s | 39% |
| 28 | UX/UI Designer | $110,000 | 18% | Bachelor’s | 35% |
| 29 | Medical & Health Services Manager | $118,000 | 28% | Bachelor’s | 72% |
| 30 | Cybersecurity Analyst | $115,000 | 33% | Bachelor’s | 25% |
Note: *CEO growth varies by state: WA +14.2%, TX +3%, FL +3.6%, TN +3.8%
Read More: Ready to start your career journey? Explore these female jobs in USA, check out the Top 20 Female Jobs in USA, and maximize your chances by posting on the 20 Top Job Posting Sites in USA. The right opportunity is just a click away.
Table of Contents
Best Careers for Women in 2026
These careers are not only high-paying and rewarding, but many are also female-dominated or rapidly growing.
1. Nurse Anesthetist
- Median Salary: $218,000
- Projected Growth (2022–2032): 2.4%
- Education: Master’s degree
- Women in the Field: 55%
Nurse anesthetists administer anesthesia and monitor patients’ vital signs during surgeries. With surgical advancements and increasing demand, this remains one of the highest-paid healthcare roles.
2. Pharmacist
- Median Salary: $138,000
- Projected Growth: 0.6%
- Education: Doctorate
- Women in the Field: 57%
Pharmacists dispense prescriptions, educate patients about side effects, and provide over-the-counter guidance. Telehealth and personalized medicine are expanding their roles in 2026.
3. Nurse Practitioner
- Median Salary: $128,000
- Projected Growth: 8.9%
- Education: Master’s degree
- Women in the Field: 87%
Nurse practitioners diagnose illnesses, prescribe treatments, and provide primary care. With doctor shortages and an aging population, demand for NPs is stronger than ever.
4. Physician Assistant
- Median Salary: $132,000
- Projected Growth: 5%
- Education: Master’s degree
- Women in the Field: 64%
Physician assistants (PAs) support doctors and surgeons, conducting exams, diagnosing conditions, and developing treatment plans. Telemedicine adoption is increasing their reach.
5. Veterinarian
- Median Salary: $122,000
- Projected Growth: 5.8%
- Education: Doctorate
- Women in the Field: 63%
Veterinarians diagnose and treat animals, provide preventive care, and perform surgeries. Many women now lead in veterinary schools and specialty practices.
6. Statistician
- Median Salary: $106,000
- Projected Growth: 4.8%
- Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s
- Women in the Field: 52%
Statisticians analyze data across industries such as healthcare, sports, and environmental science. With AI, data analytics, and predictive modeling growing, statisticians are in high demand.
7. Human Resources (HR) Manager
- Median Salary: $138,000
- Projected Growth: 0.7%
- Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Women in the Field: 75%
HR managers oversee hiring, training, and workforce management. In 2026, diversity and inclusion efforts make HR leadership more influential than ever.
8. Marketing Manager
- Median Salary: $160,000
- Projected Growth: 0.7%
- Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Women in the Field: 61%
Marketing managers lead campaigns to boost sales, brand awareness, and customer engagement. Digital marketing, AI-driven campaigns, and influencer marketing continue to expand their responsibilities.
9. Physical Therapist
- Median Salary: $101,000
- Projected Growth: 3.4%
- Education: Doctorate or professional degree
- Women in the Field: 58%
Physical therapists improve mobility and manage pain for patients recovering from injuries or surgeries. Telehealth and at-home therapy are becoming more common.
10. Medical Scientist
- Median Salary: $102,000
- Projected Growth: 2.3%
- Education: Doctorate
- Women in the Field: 57%
Medical scientists research new treatments and medical technologies. Clinical trials, health innovations, and biotech growth make this role increasingly important.
11. Surgeon
- Median Salary: $245,000+
- Projected Growth: 4.1%
- Education: Doctorate
- Women in the Field: 38%
Surgeons perform general and specialized surgeries. Growth is steady, with high pay and opportunities in subspecialties like pediatric, orthopedic, or cardiovascular surgery.
12. Architectural & Engineering Manager
- Median Salary: $168,000
- Projected Growth: 4.1%
- Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Women in the Field: 15%
These managers lead teams of architects and engineers, overseeing project design, budgets, and timelines. Women are slowly increasing representation in this historically male-dominated field.
13. Dentist
- Median Salary: $168,000
- Projected Growth: 4.4%
- Education: Doctorate
- Women in the Field: 32%
Dentists treat teeth, gums, and oral health issues. Preventive care and cosmetic dentistry are growing specialties where women are making major strides.
14. Chief Executive (CEO)
- Median Salary: $210,000
- Projected Growth: -8.2% overall, but best growth in WA +14.2%, TX +3%, FL +3.6%, TN +3.8%
- Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Women in the Field: 26%
CEOs lead organizations, set strategy, and make executive decisions. Women are increasingly breaking the glass ceiling in corporate leadership.
15. Chemical Engineer
- Median Salary: $114,000
- Projected Growth: 8.2%
- Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Women in the Field: 22%
Chemical engineers work with chemicals, fuels, food, and medicine. Sustainability, safety, and innovation drive this field forward.
16. Lawyer
- Median Salary: $147,000
- Projected Growth: 7.6%
- Education: Doctorate
- Women in the Field: 37%
Lawyers represent clients, draft contracts, and navigate legal systems. Women are increasingly entering corporate law, civil rights, and tech law.
17. Actuary
- Median Salary: $122,000
- Projected Growth: 23%
- Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Women in the Field: 30%
Actuaries analyze risks for insurance and investment firms. The job is in high demand due to increasing financial complexity and data-driven decision-making.
18. Economist
- Median Salary: $117,000
- Projected Growth: 6.3%
- Education: Master’s or Doctorate
- Women in the Field: 38%
Economists study trends in goods and services, providing forecasts and policy recommendations. Women are entering research, finance, and government economics in growing numbers.
19. Software Developer
- Median Salary: $135,000
- Projected Growth: 25.7%
- Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Women in the Field: 26%
Software developers create apps, websites, and systems. AI, gaming, and cybersecurity are fueling explosive growth in this high-paying field.
20. IT Manager / Computer & Information Systems Manager
- Median Salary: $172,000
- Projected Growth: 15.4%
- Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Women in the Field: 28%
IT managers oversee tech systems, networks, and teams. Cloud computing, cybersecurity, and AI projects make this a fast-growing and lucrative role.
Tips for Career Success in 2026
- Know your strengths: Align career with passions and skills.
- Network strategically: Use mentors and professional networks.
- Set SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound.
- Balance work-life priorities: Consider flexibility, pace, and culture.
- Upskill constantly: Certifications, courses, and leadership development.
- Negotiate confidently: Advocate for salary, benefits, and promotions.
- Support other women: Build inclusive workplaces and mentorships.
🌟 Final Thoughts
In 2026, women are stepping into high-paying, high-growth, and fulfilling careers across all sectors. Whether your passion is healthcare, tech, leadership, or creativity, there’s a path for you.
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