Best Jobs for Women: The 5 Fastest Growing Industries in 2023
An increasing number of women are looking to change career paths or rejoin the workforce.
Although many women lost their jobs at the beginning of the pandemic, employment rates for women are steadily returning to pre-pandemic levels (77%), even faster than that of their male counterparts. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, women between 25 and 54 years have already reclaimed a market share of 76.9% as of January 2023.
Despite the increased employment rates among women, the corporate space has changed immensely from the pre-pandemic period. This means if you're a professional woman looking to change career paths or rejoin the workforce, it can be challenging to know which are the fastest growing fields for women and which provide adequate space for multi-talented women.
The 5 Best Jobs for Women Projected to Experience the Most Growth in the Coming Years
Here are the 5 best jobs for women that are forecasted to make the most impact this year and in the coming years.
1. Finance
Over the past few years, there has been a significant increase in the number of women in the finance industry. In particular, the number of women in senior financial positions has increased from 22% to 24% and is expected to rise to 28% by 2023. Top finance companies that are currently prioritizing equal employment opportunities include AON, Aetna, Allstate, Bank of America, First Horizon National, MassMutual Financial Group, and many more.
2. Engineering
Thanks to the government's proactive STEM initiatives, an increased number of women are pursuing STEM degrees, which leads to more women in engineering positions. In addition, the highly lucrative nature of these roles further sweetens the deal and attracts more female employees. Examples of top engineering companies that offer the best jobs for women include Siemens, Jaguar Land Rover, BP, and WSP Global.
3. Computer Programming
Due to more and more women studying software engineering courses at university levels, the number of women in computer programming roles is steadily increasing. In fact, women occupy one-third of all computing roles in the technology sector. Some popular tech companies that place a high importance on hiring women include Portfolia, HER, IFundWomen, Command E, Tandem, The Flex Company, and more.
4. Construction
It's no secret that the construction industry has been long viewed as a male-dominated field for many years now. However, a recent study shows that women employed in the construction industry have hit an all-time high of 14%. As the industry continues to search for new talent, it provides women with an excellent opportunity to join the construction workforce as construction workers, clerks, project managers, architects, plumbers, electricians, and many more. Some top construction & manufacturing organizations looking to increase their numbers when it comes to women employees include Milhouse Engineering & Construction, Sunbelt Rentals, MYR Group, Owens Corning, Markforged, and Kimley-Horn and Associates.
5. Healthcare
Today, women constitute 77% of all healthcare workers. Be it medical doctors, nurses, pharmacists, medical manufacturers, medical researchers, physicians, medical students, and many more, women are dominating the healthcare industry. In addition, although the number of women in executive and leadership roles has been minimal, we are finally seeing the numbers growing. More and more healthcare organizations are prioritizing gender equity, especially in terms of employment, mentorship, promotion, and funding for research on women's health. Some top healthcare organizations to consider are UnitedHealth Group, LabCorp, Philips, Flatiron Health, and Glaukos Corporation.
As you consider joining or rejoining the workforce, or even changing career paths, you must take a step back and re-evaluate your goals and interests. Your career is not a destination, but a journey that requires thoughtful steps and tactful strategies.
If you're considering switching careers, I am an experienced life and career coach providing trusted career coaching to help professional women show up with confidence and take control of their careers. I've helped 100+ women achieve success in their careers, and I'm ready to work with you as you take the next step in your career.
