America's job landscape was different seventy years ago, with men in the 1950s dominating the workforce, making up over two-thirds of the population. However, over the following decades, the gender gap gradually closed, with women now nearly dominating half of the workforce, according to a report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Based on the latest data from the BLS, here are the top 10 female-dominated occupations:
1. Preschool and Kindergarten Teachers
Preschool and Kindergarten teachers often work a 10-month school year in public or private schools or childcare centers. Their projected growth of 7% by 2028 is faster than the average for all occupations, reflecting the increasing significance of childhood education and development in our society.
Female workforce: 97.6%
Median pay: $29,780 (preschool), $57,980 (kindergarten)
Requirements: Associate degree (preschool), bachelor's degree (kindergarten)
Job growth outlook (2018-2028): 7% (preschool), 3% (kindergarten)
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2. Dental Hygienists
Dental hygienists offer preventive oral care, including examining for signs of disease. Their programs take three years and require state licensure.
Female workforce: 97.1%
Median pay: $74,820
Requirements: Associate degree
Job growth outlook (2018-2028): 11%
3. Speech Language Pathologists
Speech pathologists work with both children and adults who have difficulty communicating, often due to conditions like stroke or dementia, which typically require a master's degree and state license to practice.
Female workforce: 96%
Median pay: $77,510
Requirements: Master's degree
Job growth outlook (2018-2028): 27%
4. Dental Assistants
Apart from salary, the primary distinction between dental assistants and dental hygienists is their role in supporting dentists. Dental assistants often manage office duties, perform basic dental procedures, and assist with patient preparation, and dental hygienists, the educational prerequisites for dental assistants are less stringent. While some states mandate graduation from an accredited program, others allow on-the-job training without specific educational requirements.
Female workforce: 96%
Median pay: $38,660
Requirements: Varies
Job growth outlook from (2018 to 2028): 11%
5. Childcare Workers
Childcare workers are employed in diverse settings like daycare centers and private households. They tend to children's needs, such as dressing, feeding, and supervising playtime. While formal education is often unnecessary, some positions may require an early childhood education degree.
Female workforce: 94%
Median pay: $23,240
Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
Job growth outlook from (2018 to 2028): 2%
6. Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
Secretaries and administrative assistant roles are prevalent across various industries, with more positions in schools, hospitals, and government and legal offices. A high school diploma and several weeks of job training are typically required. The overall job growth for these roles is not as optimistic as some other professions, possibly due to job automation. However, there's expected to be an increased demand for medical secretaries in the next decade as aging baby boomers require more medical care.
Female workforce: 94%
Median pay: $38,880
Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
Job growth outlook from (2018 to 2028): -7%
7. Medical Records & Health Information Technicians
Medical records and health information technicians primarily work with patients' health records, organizing, managing, and coding them for insurance reimbursements and databases. These roles often involve computer-based tasks and may allow for remote work. Typically, a bachelor's degree is not necessary for these positions.
As with other health-related professions, the demand for medical records and health information technicians is projected to increase as the baby boomer population ages.
Female workforce: 93.6%
Median pay: $40,350
Requirements: Post-secondary certificate
Job growth outlook from (2018 to 2028): 11%
8. Dietitians and Nutritionists
Dietitians and nutritionists work to promote healthy eating habits and lifestyles, operating in diverse environments such as hospitals, nursing homes, and government agencies. They also assist clients in managing and preventing conditions like diabetes. They typically hold at least a bachelor's degree in food and nutrition or a related field, with many pursuing advanced degrees.
Female workforce: 93.1%
Median pay: $60,370
Requirements: Bachelor's degree
Job growth outlook from (2018 to 2028): 11%
9. Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists
Most hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists are women who usually work in salons or barbershops but can also provide services in clients' homes or start their businesses. Licensing is required in all states, necessitating a state-approved barber or cosmetology program completion.
Female workforce: 92.1%
Median pay: $24,830
Requirements: Post-secondary certificate
Job growth outlook from (2018 to 2028): 8%
10. Medical Assistants
The second-fastest-growing profession on the list is medical assisting, attributed to the rising demand for medical services due to the aging baby boomer population. Unlike medical records and health information technicians, medical assistants usually work in healthcare facilities like hospitals or physician's offices, directly engaging with patients. They do not typically need a formal degree and require less specialized coding and medical software knowledge. Their duties may include taking vital signs, administering immunizations, and handling office tasks.
Female workforce: 90.6%
Median pay: $33,610
Requirements: Post-secondary certificate
Job growth outlook from (2018 to 2028): 23%
