STEM careers with the most female workers

Women are gaining a foothold in the professional arena, but the climb isn’t always easy. In the United States, women make up 48% of the workforce, but they account for only 27% of STEM workers. The majority of undergraduate and advanced degrees go to women. However, women are far less likely to pursue degrees in areas like engineering and computer science. Though the numbers are notable, there are many STEM jobs for women where female workers have a stronger foothold.

Computer occupations

Women account for 25.7% of the workforce in computer occupations. Within this field, three occupations stand out for having the highest employment levels for women.

Computer systems analysts

Computer systems analysts, also known as systems architects, assess computer systems within an organization and draft plans for improvement. They look for ways to enhance efficiency and functionality throughout the company’s hardware and software systems.

• Percentage of women: 40.7% employed
• Growth (2020-30): 7% increase
• Entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree

Software quality assurance analysts and testers

Software quality assurance analysts and testers develop and implement testing procedures for new products to help identify potential risks. They carefully document the results of their testing to inform ongoing improvements to the software.

• Percentage of women: 42.4% employed
• Growth (2020-30): 22% increase
• Entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree

Web and digital interface design

Web and digital interface designers handle the aesthetic aspects of websites and other digital products. They work with colors, typography, layout, and graphics.

• Percentage of women: 44.3% employed
• Growth (2020-30): 13% increase
• Entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree

Mathematical science occupations

Nearly 47% of professionals in mathematical science occupations are women. Women account for over 40% of employees for two particular occupations within this field.

Operations research analysts

Operations research analysts solve complex problems by gathering and evaluating data, developing analytical tools, and conducting in-depth research. They may work in health care, logistics, business, and more.

• Percentage of women: 49.2% employed
• Growth (2020-30): 25% increase
• Entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree

Statisticians

Statisticians collect, analyze, and interpret complex data. They may work in government, health care, colleges and universities, or with research and development teams.

• Percentage of women: 49.7% employed
• Growth (2020-30): 33% increase
• Entry-level education: Master’s degree

Engineering occupations

Female employment is particularly low within engineering occupations. Just 15% of professionals in this field are women. One job stands out for having the highest female employment in the field of engineering.

Environmental engineers

Environmental engineers address problems with water and air quality, climate change, pollution, waste disposal, and sustainability. They perform research, develop programs, and advise business and government agencies on environmental issues.

• Percentage of women: 32.5% employed
• Growth (2020-30): 4% increase
• Entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree

Life science occupations

More than half of the individuals employed in life science occupations are women. Employment for women is over 50% for two occupations in this field.

Natural sciences managers

Natural sciences managers supervise and direct the activities of biologists, chemists, physicists, and other scientists. They lead research and development teams and coordinate activities.

• Percentage of women: 56.7% employed
• Growth (2020-30): 6% increase
• Entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree

Medical scientists

Medical scientists perform clinical trials and other types of research to better understand human health. They may test medical devices, drug potency, health care programs, and more.

• Percentage of women: 56.4% employed
• Growth (2020-30): 17% increase
• Entry-level education: Doctoral or professional degree

Physical science occupations

Among physical scientists, 41.2% are women. Two occupations in this field have female employment of over 40%.

Chemists and materials scientists

Chemists and materials scientists look at their subjects at the molecular and atomic levels. They analyze how substances interact and evaluate their precise composition to guide the development of new scientific discoveries.

• Percentage of women: 43.9% employed
• Growth (2020-30): 6% increase
• Entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree

Environmental scientists and specialists

Environmental scientists and specialists collect and analyze environmental data. These scientists then use the information to develop solutions for issues that pose environmental and health hazards. 

• Percentage of women: 41.3% employed
• Growth (2020-30): 8% increase
• Entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree

“The field of social sciences employs more women than any other STEM industry.”

Social science occupations

The field of social sciences employs more women than any other STEM industry. Here, women represent the majority, accounting for 64% of jobs in the field. Three occupations in this field have female employment of 50% or more.

Clinical and counseling psychologists

Clinical psychologists study mental disorders and evaluate different methods of treating mental problems. Counseling psychologists use their knowledge to evaluate, diagnose, and treat individuals with mental, behavioral, and emotional problems.

• Percentage of women: 72.7% employed
• Growth (2020-30): 10% increase
• Entry-level education: Doctoral degree

School psychologists

School psychologists work to address students’ needs. They handle both educational problems and issues related to psychology, providing counseling within the school setting.

• Percentage of women: 84.7% employed
• Growth (2020-30): 10% increase
• Entry-level education: Education specialist or doctoral degree

Sociologists

Sociologists examine social behavior within communities, groups, organizations, and cultures. They explore the complex interactions between individuals and use this information to advise policymakers, social scientists, and other professionals.

• Percentage of women: 60.9% employed
• Growth (2020-30): 5% increase
• Entry-level education: Master’s degree

Women who are interested in entering the STEM workforce can find an abundance of opportunities in these and other occupations. Upload your resume and get set to start receiving alerts for the STEM occupations available in your area.

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