The U.S. Department of Labor defines non-traditional careers for women as ones in which 25% or less of those employed in the field are women (Nontraditional Occupations for Women. U.S. Department of Labor, Women’s Bureau). It is hard to believe that, in the 21st century, the Department of Labor lists over 100 occupations that fall into this category, among them police officers and architect.
Some Facts About Non-Traditional Careers for Women
According to U.S. Department of Labor statistics, in 2017 the median weekly earnings of women who worked full-time were only 82% of men’s full-time median weekly earnings (Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, “Highlights of Women’s Earnings in 2017,” BLS Reports.)
Women are underrepresented in occupations across many occupational groups including those in the construction trades and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) fields. Non-traditional occupations offer a woman higher entry-level wages and higher pay as she advances in her career.
10 Non-Traditional Careers for Women
- Detective or Special Agent
Detectives or special agents collect facts and gather evidence about suspected crimes.
- Minimum Educational Requirements: H.S. Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree (Varies by Police Department)
- Median Annual Salary (2017): $79,970
- Number of People Employed (2016): 110,900
- Projected Job Growth (2016-2026): 5 percent (as fast as the average for all occupations)
- Projected Increase in Jobs (2016-2026): 5,000
- Architect
Architects design buildings, making sure they are functional, safe, and meet the needs of those who are going to use them.
- Minimum Educational Requirements: Bachelor of Architecture (5 years)
- Median Annual Salary (2017): $78,470
- Number of People Employed (2016): 128,800
- Projected Job Growth (2016-2026): 4 percent (slower than the average for all occupations)
- Projected Increase in Jobs (2016-2026): 5,500
- Barber
Barbers cut and style men’s and women’s hair.
- Minimum Educational Requirements: Completion of a State-Approved Cosmetology Program
- Median Annual Salary (2017): $25,650
- Number of People Employed (2016): 56,400
- Projected Job Growth (2016-2026): 13 percent (faster than the average for all occupations)
- Projected Increase in Jobs (2016-2026): 7,600
- Engineer or Engineering Technician
Engineers use their expertise in math and science to solve technical problems. Engineering technicians support engineers and scientists.
- Minimum Educational Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Engineer) / Associate Degree in Engineering Technology (Engineering Technician)
- Median Annual Salary (2017): $79,180*
- Number of People Employed (2016): 2,776,000*
- Projected Job Growth (2016-2026): 7 percent (as fast as the average for all occupations)*
- Projected Increase in Jobs (2016-2026): 194,300*
*Includes all engineering and architecture occupations
- Construction and Building Inspector
Construction and building inspectors make sure construction meets local building codes and zoning regulations.
- Minimum Educational Requirements: H.S. Diploma
- Median Annual Salary (2017): $59,090
- Number of People Employed (2016): 105,100
- Projected Job Growth (2016-2026): 10 percent (faster than the average for all occupations)
- Projected Increase in Jobs (2016-2026): 10,500
- Machinist
Machinists use machine tools to produce precision metal parts such as titanium bone screws that are used in orthopedic implants, bolts of steel, hydraulic parts, and antilock breaks.
- Minimum Educational Requirements: H.S. Diploma
- Median Annual Salary (2017): $42,600
- Number of People Employed (2016): 396,200
- Projected Job Growth (2016-2026): 2 percent (slower than the average for all occupations)
- Projected Increase in Jobs (2016-2026): 7,900
- Truck Driver
Truck drivers transport goods between locations.
- Minimum Educational Requirements: H.S. Diploma and Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
- Median Annual Salary (2017): $42,480
- Number of People Employed (2016): 1,871,700
- Projected Job Growth (2016-2026): 6 percent (as fast as the average for all occupations)
- Projected Increase in Jobs (2016-2026): 108,400
- Firefighter
Firefighters control fires, rescue trapped survivors, and sometimes provide emergency medical treatment.
- Minimum Educational Requirements: H.S. Diploma
- Median Annual Salary (2017): $49,080
- Number of People Employed (2016): 327,300
- Projected Job Growth (2016-2026): 7 percent (as fast as the average for all occupations)
- Projected Increase in Jobs (2016-2026): 23,500
- Carpenter
Carpenters build and install wood, fiberglass, and drywall structures.
- Minimum Educational Requirements: Apprenticeship
- Median Annual Salary (2017): $45,170
- Number of People Employed (2016): 1,025,600
- Projected Job Growth (2016-2026): 8 percent (as fast as the average for all occupations)
- Projected Increase in Jobs (2016-2026): 83,800
- Mason
Masons build structures out of bricks, stones, and concrete blocks.
- Minimum Educational Requirements: Apprenticeship
- Median Annual Salary (2017): $42,900
- Number of People Employed (2016): 292,500
- Projected Job Growth (2016-2026): 12 percent (faster than the average for all occupations)
- Projected Increase in Jobs (2016-2026): 34,200
Additional Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics
, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook; Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, O*NET Online
