It looks like women are taking over the work force in record numbers in the past few years.  In 2008, women represented 46 percent of the total work force development.  More than one third of these women worked in the management, professional and related occupations.  In addition, women accounted for 51 percent in the top-paying sector.  Unfortunately, a pay gap continues to exist between men and women.  Women’s earnings remain at 80 percent of men’s earnings.  Based on the U.S. Department of Labor Women’s Bureau 2008 analysis, Forbes.com ranked women’s median weekly earnings as full-time wage and salary workers to uncover the highest paying jobs for women.

1. PHARMACISTS

Median Weekly Earnings: $1,647

Median Yearly Earnings: $85,644

Percentage of Men’s Earnings: 84.9%

Education: PCAT, Pharmacy Degree & 6-7 years of collegiate study

Job Duties: Distribute pharmaceutical drugs

2. CHIEF EXECUTIVES

Median Weekly Earnings: $1,603

Median Yearly Earnings: $83,356

Percentage of Men’s Earnings: 80.1%

Education: Bachelor’s Degree of Graduate Degree in Business Administration

Job Duties: Hold overall responsibility for the operation of an organization, including corporate and small businesses

3. LAWYERS

Median Weekly Earnings: $1,509

Median Yearly Earnings: $78,468

Percentage of Men’s Earnings: 77.5%

Education: LSAT, J.D. Degree & 7 years of collegiate study

Job Duties: Advocate in criminal and civil courts and provide legal counsel to clients on business and personal matters

4. COMPUTER SOFTWARE ENGINEERS

Median Weekly Earnings: $1,351

Median Yearly Earnings: $70, 252

Percentage of Men’s Earnings: 87.3%

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in computer science or software engineering

Job Duties: Design, develop, test and evaluate computer systems and software

5. COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS MANAGERS

Median Weekly Earnings: $1,260

Median Yearly Earnings: $65,520

Percentage of Men’s Earnings: 85.4%

Education: Bachelor’s Degree and/or technology-specific Master’s Degree

Job Duties: Implement technology into an organization, often overseeing network security and information technology operations