The best paying jobs for women

Median weekly earnings: $1,871
Approximate median yearly earnings: $97,500

A career in the pharmaceutical field can be very lucrative and unlike the requirements needed to be a surgeon or physician (i.e. medical school), pharmacists can earn the role after obtaining a four-year degree plus passing applicable licensing exams.

Median weekly earnings: $1,636
Approximate median yearly earnings: $85,000

Working in the legal field can bring with it long hours, but the payoff for women can be extremely rewarding. While women make up 33 per cent of the workforce, they are still only earning approximately 80 per cent of the income earned by men in the same profession.

Median weekly earnings: $1,530
Approximate median yearly earnings: $79,500

Women opting to work in nursing have a great opportunity to assist in the health and rehabilitation of patients. Women make up 84 per cent of the profession, which is a strong motivator for those that wish to earn a solid paycheck while being part of the healthcare field. Job opportunities can range from nurse practitioners to nurse specialists and to get the title applicants must have completed a nursing program (four-year bachelor's degree/practical nursing diploma) plus the completion of specified nursing exams.

Median weekly earnings: $1,362
Approximate median yearly earnings: $71,000

The allure of programming attracts both men and women to the field, sadly women only make up 20 per cent of the profession. Although the margins are challenging, there are a various avenues, publications and resources attempting to inform and assist women who wish to embark into coding and agile software development. A great resource for those wishing to learn and have hands-on support with the whole process is GeekChic.

Median weekly earnings: $1,208
Approximate median yearly earnings: $63,000

Businesses always need human resources and being in a managerial role can earn an annual salary upwards of $60,000. Depending on the amount of years with the business and the overall company's demand, one's salary can soar into the $80,000 market.

Median weekly earnings: $1,190
Approximate median yearly earnings: $62,000

Physical therapists are health care professionals that are employed within hospitals, nursing homes, and some residential offices. Many PTs find the work to be quite flexible while others feel it's hard to find full-time employment. Those interested in the study and application of biology, chemistry and physics and are ready to complete a masters or doctorate degree should delve deeper into this industry.

Median weekly earnings: $1,730

Approximate median yearly earnings: $90,000

A chief executive officer CEOs head corporations, businesses, real estate firms etc., and are held accountable to the overall production and success of the business. Many aspiring CEOs choose to earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA) where studies are surrounded around finance, strategic management, managerial economics etc. Education is one component when climbing the ladder, but so to is the experience — on many accounts it can take upwards of 10 years to secure this coveted role. Women make up approximately 26 per cent of the CEO tier.

Median weekly earnings: $1,155
Approximate median yearly earnings: $60,000

Psychology is always a popular field for people from all walks of life, particularly women. Apparently 77 per cent of the field is made up of women who lend their knowledge and support to those needing mental, behavioural and cognitive help. Psychologists can work at a variety of institutions including universities, government agencies, correctional facilities, hospitals, NGOs etc.

Median weekly earnings: $1,364
Approximate median yearly earnings: $71,000

Health care professionals earn some of the highest waging salaries and the industry houses the highest percentage of women. 69 per cent of women are physician assistants while female surgeons make up 35 per cent of the profession. Entering the field may take high specifications academically as well as a hefty amount of money, but the stability of a consistent and favourable salary hooks many in.

Interesting to note is this recent article on becoming a doctor and if the "price" is worth it.

Media weekly earnings: $1,527
Approximate median yearly earnings: $79,500

Whether it's the communication or information route, managing constant data and services is a demanding job. Work is surrounded around planning, implementing and monitoring strategic measures that are critical to the operation of a company or organization. Women comprise approximately 26 per cent of the profession and often see salaries well over the $70,000 mark.

Median weekly earnings: $1,125
Approximate median yearly earnings: $58,500

Similar to a human resource manager a PR manager also influences a company's image and goals. Although each may have varying methods, the success of a brand requires having matters in order including its online presence, social media outreach and cohesive marketing; a PR manager can help foster this. PR managers are constantly in the action of it all with a focus on representing the business and the employees attentively and accurately.

Median weekly earnings: $1,173
Approximate median yearly earnings: $61,000

Landscape architects use their construction and design skills to help create distinct places. Women can earn anywhere from $55,000 to $65,000 depending on tenure and talent. Handling everything from the sustainability to functionality to overall aesthetic of a property, space or complex can be a full-on experience and is suited for those visionary and practical types. Most landscape architects work in engineering and architectural firms.

More details on obtaining credentials can be found here.

Median weekly earnings: $1,325
Approximate median yearly earnings: $69,000

Another integral role is working as a management analyst whose objective is to maintain the efficiency of a company and does so through researching and prescribing various plans for improvement, i.e. a boost in profit. The male to female ratio isn't as wide as seen in other fields with 42 per cent of the workforce being women. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment growth in the filed is expected to increase by 22 per cent between 2010 and 2020.