Non-Traditional Careers for Women

woman in non-traditional career
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By
Dawn Rosenberg McKay
Dawn Rosenberg McKay

Dawn Rosenberg McKay is a certified Career Development Facilitator.

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Updated on 06/25/19

The U.S. Department of Labor defines a non-traditional career for women as one 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 officer 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.

It has been over a century since Los Angeles appointed its first female police officer. More than 130 years ago, Louise Blanchard Bethune, the first female professional architect, set up practice in Buffalo, New York (Companion to Women in the Workplace by Dorothy Schneider and Carl F. Schneider, ABC-CLIO, Inc., 1993).

18 Non-Traditional Careers for Women

When choosing an occupation, a woman should consider all the options available to her. There aren't any occupations that a woman is incapable of doing based on her gender alone. As is the case for any individual, female or male, one will have to meet the educational requirements and other qualifications of the career he or she is considering.

According to the Department of Labor, here are some of the occupations that are considered non-traditional for women (Women's Bureau, U.S. Department of Labor, Non-Traditional Occupations.):

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

Chef

Chefs prepare food, supervise culinary workers, and run the kitchen in restaurants and other dining establishments.

  • Minimum Educational Requirements: Work Experience or a Vocational, Associate, or Bachelor's Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Median Annual Salary (2017): $45,950
  • Number of People Employed (2016): 146,500
  • Projected Job Growth (2016-2026): 10 percent (faster than the average for all occupations)
  • Projected Increase in Jobs (2016-2026): 14,100

Barber

Barbers cut and style men'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

Clergy Member

Clergy members are the religious leaders of houses of worship. Some work in schools, the armed forces, and prisons. They lead services and provide spiritual guidance.

  • Minimum Educational Requirements: Bachelor's Degree
  • Median Annual Salary (2017): $47,100
  • Number of People Employed (2016): 243,900
  • Projected Job Growth (2016-2026): 8 percent (as fast as the average for all occupations)
  • Projected Increase in Jobs (2016-2026): 19,900

Computer Programmer

Computer programmers write code for software applications and operating systems.

  • Minimum Educational Requirements: Bachelor's Degree
  • Median Annual Salary (2017): $82,240
  • Number of People Employed (2016): 294,900
  • Projected Job Decline (2016-2026): 7 percent
  • Projected Decrease in Jobs (2016-2026): 21,300

Engineeror 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

Railroad Conductor

Railroad conductors coordinate the activities of freight and passenger train crews.

  • Minimum Educational Requirements: H.S. Diploma
  • Median Annual Salary (2017): $60,300
  • Number of People Employed (2016): 41,800
  • Projected Job Change (2016-2026): -2 percent
  • Projected Decrease in Jobs (2016-2026): 900

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

Pilot

Pilots transport people and cargo on aircraft, including airplanes and helicopters.

  • Minimum Educational Requirements: Bachelor's Degree and Commercial Pilot's License
  • Median Annual Salary (2017): $137,330
  • Number of People Employed (2016): 84,000
  • Projected Job Growth (2016-2026): 3 percent (slower than the average for all occupations)
  • Projected Increase in Jobs (2016-2026): 2,900

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

Electrician

Electricians install and maintain electrical wiring and other components in commercial and residential buildings.

  • Minimum Educational Requirements: Apprenticeship
  • Median Annual Salary (2017): $54,110
  • Number of People Employed (2016): 666,900
  • Projected Job Growth (2016-2026): 9 percent (as fast as the average for all occupations)
  • Projected Increase in Jobs (2016-2026): 59,600

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

HVAC Technician

HVAC technicians install, maintain, and repair heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.

  • Minimum Educational Requirements: Vocational Degree
  • Median Annual Salary (2017): $47,080
  • Number of People Employed (2016): 332,900
  • Projected Job Growth (2016-2026): 15 percent (much faster than the average for all occupations)
  • Projected Increase in Jobs (2016-2026): 48,800

Small Engine Mechanic

Small engine mechanics maintain, inspect, and fix motorized equipment.

  • Minimum Educational Requirements: H.S. Diploma and On-the-Job Training
  • Median Annual Salary (2017): $35,990
  • Number of People Employed (2016): 79,300
  • Projected Job Growth (2016-2026): 5 percent (as fast as the average for all occupations)
  • Projected Increase in Jobs (2016-2026): 3,800

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