While not everyone may agree with this statement, it’s historically proven that finding a decent job is tougher for women than it is for men.
According to the International Labour Organisation, the current global labour force participation rate for women is just under 47%, while for men, it’s 72% – a difference of 25%, with some regions facing a gap of more than 50%.
The best careers for women can be some of the toughest battlegrounds. This disparity extends to even more aspects of employment – wages, career progression, workplace treatment, etc.
Let’s explore.
In an ideal world, a list of “best careers for women” will not exist. But sadly, the reality is that women struggle more with their careers as compared to their male counterparts.
Unpaid work, harassment, abuse, low wages, the “motherhood penalty”, microaggressions, and so on – these are just some of the issues that women worldwide continue to face, even in 2025.
Despite progress made towards global gender equality, men still continue to hold the highest-paid positions in industries worldwide, while many women still typically handle grunt work across companies and supply chains.
These jobs are labelled unskilled, “low-value”, or entry-level and often have poor regulation and protection, especially for women of colour.
For example, women make up 67% of the global health and social care workforce, working to provide essential health services for billions worldwide. Yet, 75% of leadership roles in the sector are held by men, according to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Simply put, men outnumber women at every level.
Loud, proud, and unapologetically female. Source: AFP
The data speaks for itself. Women want to be in paid employment, but constantly struggle with a persistent set of socio-economic barriers that keep them out of the workforce.
This is not to say that women are special or need help in certain areas for a job to be a good career for them. Rather, their fights are different, and identifying and quantifying these barriers allows us to develop smarter policy responses for eliminating them.
The 2024 Women in the Workplace report by McKinsey notes that while women have made progress in some areas, there is still much work to do to create a workplace experience that is inclusive and equitable for everyone.
“There are practical steps that companies can take to drive further progress in the areas we know are particularly important for advancing women and fostering inclusion,” the report reads.
“Examples include debiasing their hiring and promotions processes, inspiring and equipping employees to curb bias and practice allyship, and unlocking the power of managers to influence careers and team culture.”
While these challenges are clear, they don’t define the future. Many industries are still evolving, workplaces are becoming more inclusive, and new opportunities are emerging for women to thrive.
Here are some of the best careers for women that involve leadership, growth potential, and, most importantly, financial stability.
Unlike Michelle Yeoh, women leaders aren’t everything everywhere all at once. Source: AFP
Average annual salary: US$1,65,347
The Bureau of Labour Statistics shows that out of the 20 top highest paying occupations, 19 belonged to the healthcare department.
Indeed, it is doctors, including surgeons, who command some of the highest salaries in the job market due to the specialised knowledge and skills required for their roles.
This financial security grants women economic independence and empowers them to invest in their long-term financial goals, provide for their families, and enjoy a high standard of living.
While becoming a doctor or surgeon requires dedication and commitment, once established in the field, many professionals can manage their schedules and work in various healthcare settings, allowing them to achieve a work-life balance that suits their needs.
Women make up more than one-third of all physicians in the US and are the growing majority among medical students. Source: AFP
Average annual salary: US$127,308
Pharmacists play a crucial role in the healthcare industry and can earn lucrative salaries, particularly in hospitals or pharmaceutical companies.
Women in this field don’t have to worry about long hours as most pharmacists work in grocery or drug stores. The hours can be regular and flexible, unlike other medical professions.
This is one of the best careers for women who want to work in one of the STEM fields, raise a family and enjoy their careers.
Pharmacists can specialise in various areas, such as clinical pharmacy, hospital pharmacy, or research and development, which allows them to tailor their career paths to their interests and strengths.
Before Amal Clooney was known as George Clooney’s wife, she was – and is – also known as one of the best international human rights lawyers worldwide. Source: AFP
Average annual salary: US$117,938
Depending on your field, you can have typical working hours or a more demanding schedule, so pick what fits your lifestyle best.
Because of the education requirements and work schedule, salaries are high – some lawyers charge by the hour! – and outcomes are often rewarding. The legal field offers considerable growth opportunities for women, positioning them throughout industries to create lasting change through policy, litigation, and advocacy.
As the legal landscape evolves to encompass new areas such as technology, environmental law, and intellectual property, lawyers can pivot and specialise in these emerging fields, thus expanding their career prospects.
Many women are doing the impossible by balancing their careers and motherhood. Source: AFP
Average annual salary: US$93,517
While women are slowly making up the majority of marketing positions, their average salary remains lower than males in this role. Male marketing managers earn an average of US$106,233.
Still, being a marketing manager stands out as one of the best careers for women as there are substantial growth prospects. As businesses continue to recognise the critical role of marketing in achieving their objectives, the need for skilled marketing managers continues to grow.
Diversity in the industry is reportedly increasing overall as well as brands look for ways to be more inclusive of different ideas, cultures and lifestyles.
Average annual salary: US$130,020
Physician assistants work under the supervision of physicians and perform many of the same duties as a doctor or surgeon.
Research has found that women enter the field because it enables them to gain medical knowledge and the ability to practice medicine without the high cost and pressures of medical school.
It is one of the best careers for women because it offers a trifecta of high earning potential, substantial career growth prospects and exceptional flexibility.
You can work in hospitals, clinics, outpatient care centres or even choose to work in rural or underserved areas, making it easier for women to tailor their careers to their personal preferences and lifestyles.
Many also can work part-time or adopt flexible hours, accommodating their family and personal commitments.
In the US, women make up the majority of the field of nursing, comprising 86% of registered nurses in 2021. Source: AFP
Average annual salary: US$130,086
With an impressive 87.17% of women in the field, nursing has been a popular choice for women due to its narrower gender pay gap. Admittedly, the stereotype of women excelling in care-related roles applies, too.
Nurse practitioners, who assess, diagnose, and treat patients, are one of the best careers for women aiming for high-paying healthcare careers.
This field is appealing to women, including mothers, as it offers flexible hours, good salaries, and the potential for substantial income growth as the demand for healthcare professionals rises.
As you hone a unique blend of skills, including critical thinking, empathy, assertiveness, and attention to detail, you can use them to specialise in areas like family practice, paediatrics, acute care, or psychiatry.
Following that, you can pursue leadership roles, such as nurse managers or directors of nursing, all of which come with increased responsibility and higher pay.
In Canada, and in the US, women constitute approximately 80% of the veterinary college student population. Source: AFP
Average annual salary: US$127,642
For animal lovers, one of the best careers you can choose is becoming a veterinarian. While the journey involves attending veterinary school, taking an oath, and gaining clinical experience, it is less demanding than the human medical field.
Women make up a significant portion of this field, with about 75% of veterinarians being female.
The profession has transitioned from being predominantly male-dominated to increasingly attracting women due to several factors, including a shared passion for animals, a lack of gender discrimination in school admissions, and the opportunity to study animal science and medicine.
Veterinary medicine is among the highest-paying jobs for women, especially for specialists in various areas of veterinary medicine, reflecting the growing demand for skilled veterinarians and the increasing emphasis on pet care and animal well-being.
As the field evolves, veterinarians can tailor their careers to align with their interests, whether it’s working with small companion animals, large farm animals, or exotic species, ensuring a successful career.
Average annual salary: US$110,861
Psychology is one of the best careers for women, offering high pay, substantial growth potential, and flexibility.
With the increasing recognition of the importance of mental health, the demand for skilled psychologists is rising, making it a promising career path for women seeking financial security and professional fulfilment.
Psychology stands out as a field predominantly led by women, with over 80% of psychologists being female. While it requires a significant investment in education, including a bachelor’s degree, work experience, a master’s degree, and a doctorate in psychology, the rewards are compelling.
It’s flexible, too. Opt to specialise in various areas such as clinical, counselling, or industrial-organisational psychology, and work in hospitals, clinics, private practice, online counselling and more.
Disclaimer: This article was last updated on March 10, 2025.
Enquire to study in the UK 
