Top Careers Led by Women, Many Offering Six-Figure Incomes

Top Careers Led by Women, Many Offering Six-Figure Incomes

In the world of work, the old-school notion that men possess a monopoly on leadership is rapidly fading. A staggering 78% of working women have been labeled "too emotional" or "too sensitive," compared to just 11% of men, yet only six percent of CEOs are female [Enrichment Data #1]. But the tides are changing in 2025, as more of the highest-paying professions become female-dominated, significantly impacting the workforce and society.

To commemorate this progress, Resume Genius released the 2025 Highest-Paying, Women-Led Careers Report, highlighting careers where women are thriving and outnumbering men. In compiling this list, researchers sourced data from the Women's Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, ranking jobs in which women make up over half the industry based on their annual median salary [Enrichment Data #2].

Here's a snapshot of the top ten highest-paying, women-led careers in 2025:

1. Nurse anesthetist ($197,523): Over half of these professionals (55%) are women, and there are 349,600 jobs available. They administer anesthesia and provide patient care before, during, and after procedures. To claim this position, you'll need a bachelor's degree in nursing, a registered (RN) license, at least one year of experience in acute care (e.g., in an ICU), and completion of a graduate-level accredited nurse anesthesia program, followed by passing a certification exam.
2. Pharmacist ($128,132): With 57% of pharmacists being women and 337,700 jobs available, this role involves dispensing medications and offering advice on usage, dosage, interactions, and side effects, while focusing on overall patient health. To enter this field, you'll require a bachelor's degree in a science-related field, a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm. D.) degree from an accredited pharmacy school, passing two key exams, and getting licensed in the state where you plan to practice [Enrichment Data #2].
3. Physician assistant ($115,573): Physician assistants (PAs) exam and treat patients under the supervision of a physician. You will perform physical exams, prescribe medications and treat injuries like suturing or setting fractures. Sixty-four percent of PAs are women, and 153,400 jobs are open. To secure this role, you need a bachelor's degree, followed by completion of a master's degree in physician assistant studies from an accredited program and passing the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE).
4. Veterinarian ($115,521): This profession, in which 63% of workers are women and 88,200 jobs are available, revolves around caring for animals' health and well-being, diagnosing medical conditions, and treating diseases. A bachelor's degree, a doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) degree from an accredited veterinary college, and passing the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) are required to enter this field.
5. Nurse practitioner ($114,981): This role, comprising 87% of women, requires care by assessing patient health and creating health management and promotion plans. To become a nurse practitioner, start by earning a bachelor's degree in nursing and getting a Registered Nurse (RN) license. Then, complete a master's degree (MSN) or doctorate (DNP) degree in nursing practice.
6. Judge, magistrate, and other judicial workers ($100,993): These roles, making up 54% of professionals, require researching legal issues, reviewing evidence, and presiding over hearings to ensure fair legal proceedings. While the job specifically demands a bachelor's degree, three years of law school and a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree are usually required [Enrichment Data #2].
7. Human resources (HR) manager ($92,335): With 75% of HR managers being women, this role involves handling a company's administrative needs, such as recruitment, hiring, and employee relations. You'll consult regularly with executives on strategic planning and employee benefit programs, dealing with challenges and disputes to optimize the company's efficiency and productivity. To pursue HR management, consider attaining a bachelor's degree in a relevant field or gaining practical experience in HR or related areas.
8. Marketing manager ($85,327): With 61% of marketing managers being women, this role is centered on creating campaigns to promote the company's goods or services and developing business strategies. Most marketing managers have earned a bachelor's degree in marketing.
9. Physical therapist ($82,476): Physical therapists are responsible for helping patients improve physical movement, reduce pain, and recover from injuries, creating personalized exercise plans and monitoring progress to enhance mobility and prevent future injury. To enter this field, complete a bachelor's degree and a physical therapy program to become officially licensed.
10. Technical writer ($82,147): Technical writers simplify complex technical information to create user-friendly documents, manuals, or guides for consumers or company staff. You typically need a bachelor's degree in English, communication, or journalism, or technical background experience or expertise in a technical subject.

So, if you've put in the effort but your value isn't recognized, it may be time to find an employer who truly sees you, advises Eva Chan, career expert at Resume Genius. "Don't be afraid to ask for a salary increase; career growth stems from knowing your worth and refusing to settle for less."

Dominique Vatin, career expert at Resume Genius, adds, "Continue learning, as it’s a powerful career accelerator. Keep gaining new skills to become competitive and set yourself up for advancement opportunities. For women looking to boost their careers, don't shy away from delving into technical skills with the advancement of AI across all industries. A little knowledge in the right field can significantly advance your prospects."

Although just under 10% of CEOs in America's top companies are female, which can seem disheartening for young women aspiring to become C-suite executives, the fact that female CEOs outperformed their male counterparts in 2024, producing five percent more revenue, makes the dream of success as a woman in any of the highest-paying, women-led careers bright [Enrichment Data #1].

1. In the evolving business landscape of 2025, nurse anesthetists, who make up over half of the industry and have a median salary of $197,523, are among the highest-paying, women-led careers.
2. With a staggering 57% of all pharmacists being women and a median salary of $128,132, this profession is a significant contributor to the shift in gender balance in the highest-paying professions.
3. The role of physician assistant, a profession dominated by women (64%), is another high-earning career with a median salary of $115,573.
4. As more women join the veterinary field, which has a 63% female workforce and a median salary of $115,521, it is an increasingly lucrative and influential sector.
5. The position of nurse practitioner, comprising 87% of women, offers a median salary of $114,981 and is valued for its focus on patient health and care management.
6. In the judiciary sector, where 54% of professionals are female, judge, magistrate, and other judicial workers enjoy a median salary of $100,993.
7. HR management, dominated by women (75%), offers a median salary of $92,335 and is characterized by handling a company's administrative needs.
8. In the marketing world, women makeup 61% of marketing managers, and this career comes with a median salary of $85,327.
9. With 88,200 jobs available and a median salary of $82,476, physical therapy is an attractive option for women seeking a career in health and wellness.
10. Technical writing, a career with a median salary of $82,147 and a growth potential fueled by AI advancements, is another promising field for women looking to succeed in non-traditional roles.

Read also: