Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Lucrative jobs
These professions offer high pay for women
Much of the talk centered on women in the workforce concerns the disparity between earnings when compared against men in the same positions.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that the earnings difference between women and men varies with age, with younger women in the country more closely approaching pay equity than older women. Still, the Pew Research Center states that female median annual earnings is about 83 percent of what men earn in the U.S.
The gender pay gap exists to some extent in every country in the world. Statistics Canada points out that women between the ages of 25 and 54 earned 87 cents an hour for every dollar made by men in 2015. Business Insider UK states that Iceland, Finland and Norway boast relatively small pay gaps between the genders.
Even though a gender wage gap may exist, women can still pursue careers that are known to be well-paying. The following are some of the top-earning positions women (and men) can consider, courtesy of Forbes and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Obstetrician/gynecologist
Many women feel more comfortable being examined or discussing female issues with female doctors. This may account for the higher percentage of female OB-GYNs in practice. The job can be very rewarding because it enables one to care for women at various stages in life.
The median annual salary for OB-GYNs is $207,000. Chief executive
It’s a large responsibility overseeing an entire company or division, but that’s what chief executives do on a daily basis. Approximate median annual earnings are $97,552. Pharmacist
Pharmacists manage the distribution of medications, but they also consult patients on medication use and administer some immunizations. Some pharmacists work in drug or grocery stores, while others are employed in clinical settings. The median annual salary for pharmacists is $95,628. Optometrist
Responsible for the examination and care of their patients’ eyes, optometrists also determine prescriptions for glasses and contacts. Optometrists earn a median annual salary of $102,000. Attorney
Lawyers are consumer advocates and help explain the often confusing nuances of the law. Attorneys may specialize in different areas, such as corporate law or family law. Attorney salaries vary, depending on the specialty that lawyers choose, but law can be a very lucrative field. Computer/information system manager
These workers are also known as information technology (IT) managers. They coordinate and implement companywide IT efforts, including networking, database development and trouble-shooting. IT managers earn median annual salaries of $87,400.