In 2008, women accounted for nearly half of the total U.S. labor force. Although a pay gap still exists between men and women in the same job, women are taking the necessary steps to seek out the jobs that pay them the most. The days of women solely finding jobs as child care providers and teachers are long gone. Jump on the bandwagon and check out the exciting and high-paying opportunities for women today!

Pharmacist:
Women’s median weekly earnings: $1,647
Women’s median annual earnings: $85,644

A great way to get experience in this area of work, without coughing up all of that money required for seven years of schooling, is to begin with a pharmacy technician certification. Pharmacy technicians are able to get their foot in the door with a degree and working alongside their employer. These technicians assist pharmacists in providing patients with medication, reading patient charts, and aiding in insurance claims. With a few years of experience, technicians could go on to pharmacy school. Upon completion of a degree, it would be much easier to find a job as a pharmacist and get a leg up on the competition! Pharmacy technicians stand to make an average of $12.32 per hour. However, certified technicians usually earn more than that.

Computer and Information Systems Manager:
Women’s median weekly earnings: $1,260
Women’s median annual earnings: $65,520

Computer and Information Systems Managers specialize in the implementation on technology into an organization. They also oversee many network security and IT operations. If you are interested in computers, perhaps a good first step to this dream career would be to become a computer programmer. People in this profession tell the computer which functions to perform and information to access. Employers in the field often look for those who think logically and pay close attention to detail. In May 2006, the median annual earnings of computer programmers were $65,510.

Human Resource Manager:
Women’s median weekly earnings: $1,137
Women’s median annual earnings: $59,124

Human Resource Managers head departments in generally larger corporations with specializations like hiring and training employees. Jobs in this field are high in demand right now and set to continue growing. A Human Resource Manager also handles matters involving taxes, payroll, and employee benefits. Human Resources Assistants are a key component in making sure that the Human Resources Manager can complete more specific and demanding tasks. These assistants maintain the human resource records of an organization’s employees. They also undertake a variety of personal and office tasks. In 2006, the annual median wage for HR assistants was $33,750.

Management Analysts:
Women’s median weekly earnings: $1,139
Women’s median annual earnings: $59,228

As businesses become more complex and challenging, they increasingly look to management analysts to help them keep a competitive edge. Some analysts and consultants specialize in a specific industry, such as health care or telecommunications, while others specialize by type of business function, such as human resources, marketing, logistics, or information systems. All analysts collect, review, and analyze the information to make the correct recommendations to the managers. Management Analysts who are employed on a salary basis usually receive many benefits, including health and life insurance, a retirement plan, vacation, and sick leave.

Some of these results may have surprised you, but don’t let your excitement and inspiration fade, do something about it today. Be sure to explore the Top Colleges website for all of your schooling and career needs!