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Top High-Paying Careers for Women in 2025

Apr 07, 2025

Women are claiming their rightful place in other high-income occupations as the workforce continually develops. Despite ongoing challenges, many career paths remain financially lucrative and allow for advancement. Here's a look at some of the best salary jobs for women in 2025:

1. Healthcare Professions

Physicians and Surgeons

Physicians and surgeons diagnose and treat injuries or illnesses and may specialise in fields like anesthesiology or pediatrics. According to the average data, the salary of physicians is estimated at $221,000 per annum, but it can differ based on experience and specialisation.

Nurse Anesthetists

Nurse anesthetists are advanced practice registered nurses who administer anesthesia and provide care before, during, and after surgical procedures. Women make up approximately 55% of workers in this role, which comes with a median annual salary of roughly $197,523.

Pharmacists

Pharmacists provide medications and counsel on their safe use. They also offer health screenings and tips for healthy living. Pharmacists' median annual salary is around $128,132, and about 57% of pharmacists are women.

2. Technology and Engineering

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Sometimes referred to as IT managers, these individuals manage a company’s computer-related systems, keeping them current and secure. The average annual salary for this position is around $139,000.

Software Engineers

Software engineers are responsible for designing, developing and maintaining software systems. This is a lucrative field, with top earners bringing home big salaries.

3. Business and Management

Chief Executive Officers (CEO)s

CEOs are the top executives in charge of a company who make major decisions and oversee the overall operation. Though the role is taxing, it comes with a lot of financial incentives.

Marketing Managers

Marketing managers create strategies to advertise a product or service and analyse market trends to exploit opportunities. Median annual pay in this role: $85,327 (61% women)

Human Resources Managers

They manage recruitment, employee relations, and organisational development. This position has a median annual pay of roughly $92,335, and 75% of the field is female.

4. Legal Professions

Attorneys

Attorneys act on behalf of clients at legal hearings, provide legal advice, and write documents in a legal regard, especially if you are into one area of law, which is corporate law, as this is on the higher end of the earnings a person can make.

5. Finance

Financial Analysts

Financial analysts evaluate financial data to make business decisions in industries as diverse as banking, insurance, and investment. This position pays well and has room for advancement

6. Veterinary Medicine

Veterinarians

Veterinarians work with the health of animals, diagnosing and treating medical conditions. The median annual salary for veterinarians is about $115,521, and women make up 63% of the profession.

Having a career that pays highly is not easy, and it does require one to have education and experience to gain something. Although these industries bring good financial compensation, pursue only what you enjoy and are good at. Ongoing professional development and networking will strengthen career options and earning potential.

What is the highest paid job for women?

In the UK, Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and Senior Officials hold some of the highest-paying positions, with median annual salaries around £88,050. While these roles are not gender-specific, women in such positions can achieve these earnings. Other high-paying professions include Marketing and Sales Directors, Legal Professionals, and Medical Practitioners.

What jobs are most female-dominated in the UK?

Several professions in the UK have a predominantly female workforce. Notably:

Health and Social Work: Approximately 77% of jobs in this sector are held by women.
Education: Women occupy about 70% of roles in this field.
Administrative and Secretarial Positions: These roles also see a significant female majority.

Top 16 High-Paying Jobs for Women in 2025

1. Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Average Salary: £88,000+
Why It Pays Well: CEOs oversee strategic direction, operations, and profitability. Women in executive roles are rising across industries.

2. Medical Practitioner (Doctors & Surgeons)

Average Salary: £60,000 – £100,000+
Why It Pays Well: With years of training, medical experts—especially in surgery, anaesthesia, or specialised fields—earn top-tier salaries.

3. Legal Professionals (Solicitors & Barristers)

Average Salary: £50,000 – £120,000+
Why It Pays Well: Law professionals earn high salaries, especially those in corporate, IP, or criminal defence sectors.

4. Pharmacist

Average Salary: £44,000 – £70,000
Why It Pays Well: Pharmacists are essential healthcare providers, and many women are thriving in this clinical and community-based role.

5. IT Director / Tech Lead

Average Salary: £85,000 – £120,000+
Why It Pays Well: Women in tech leadership are breaking barriers and earning high salaries by leading innovation and digital transformation.

6. Marketing and Sales Director

Average Salary: £87,000+
Why It Pays Well: These professionals drive brand success and revenue generation, with performance-linked incentives often boosting pay.

7. Aircraft Pilot or Flight Engineer

Average Salary: £80,000 – £100,000+
Why It Pays Well: A growing number of women are entering aviation. The job offers travel perks, prestige, and strong salaries.

8. Actuary

Average Salary: £60,000 – £100,000+
Why It Pays Well: Actuaries assess risk using data—a niche, highly skilled job in high demand within insurance, banking, and pensions.

9. Petroleum Engineer

Average Salary: £70,000 – £110,000
Why It Pays Well: Though underrepresented by women, this role offers high pay for those in oil, energy, and engineering sectors.

10. Management Consultant

Average Salary: £60,000 – £120,000+
Why It Pays Well: Consultants who solve business problems or scale operations are paid well, especially in major firms.

11. Broadcast Journalist / TV Presenter

Average Salary: £45,000 – £100,000+
Why It Pays Well: Women in media, especially senior presenters or anchors, can earn significant salaries and build public profiles.

12. Author / Writer

Average Salary: Varies widely (£30,000 – £100,000+)
Why It Pays Well: Successful authors earn through royalties, advances, and speaking engagements. Self-publishing and niche non-fiction can also be lucrative.

13. Accountant / Chartered Accountant

Average Salary: £50,000 – £90,000+
Why It Pays Well: Women in finance roles are in demand. With the right qualifications (like ACA or ACCA), career progression is strong.

14. Senior Teacher / Headteacher

Average Salary: £45,000 – £100,000
Why It Pays Well: Senior leadership roles in education offer good pay and job stability, with many women holding headteacher positions.

15. Dentist

Average Salary: £60,000 – £120,000+
Why It Pays Well: Dentistry offers flexible working hours and high income, especially for those in private practice or cosmetic dentistry.

16. HR Director

Average Salary: £70,000 – £110,000+
Why It Pays Well: Senior HR roles involve managing people strategy, culture, compliance, and leadership development—core to business success.

Providing Inclusive Opportunities for Women

DiverseJobsMatter is on a mission to help empower women and close the gap between women and men in the workplace. Whether you are an executive seeking a lucrative executive position or a new graduate looking for your first career opportunity, DiverseJobsMatter provides added job listings and resources that help women succeed. DiversJobsMatter is opening up access for women in a broad range of companies by promoting workplaces that foster equal pay, flexible schedules, and career development.