Although we aren’t quite there yet in terms of gender equality in the workplace, we take the time out to celebrate women this month. It’s a known fact that laws had to be passed for equal pay based on gender, and that the proper reward is still elusive for many.
Despite the 50-year anniversary of the Equal Pay Act this year, women continue to earn less than men across most job functions, says Forbes writer Jenna Gordeau. In fact, according to new figures released this year, the gender-wage gap widened by slightly more than a percentage point in 2012–back to levels last seen in 2005.
Despite those numbers, there are still opportunities for women to leverage their skills in the most lucrative way possible, with some industries lending to those opportunities the most. Gordeau identifies those industries. Whether you’re a power woman looking to change the game or a young adult just setting out on job interviews, here are the top five and key stats to consider:
No. 1: Pharmacists
Median weekly earnings: $1,871
Approximate median yearly earnings: $97,500
Women as percentage of the profession: 52%
Earnings as percentage of men’s earnings: 100%
*Based on full-time wage and salary workers in 2012, the latest data available, as tracked by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
No. 2: Chief Executives
Median weekly earnings: $1,730
Approximate median yearly earnings: $90,000
Women as percentage of the profession: 26%
Earnings as percentage of men’s earnings: 76%
No. 3: Lawyers
Median weekly earnings: $1,636
Approximate median yearly earnings: $85,000
Women as percentage of the profession: 33%
Earnings as percentage of men’s earnings: 80%
No. 4: Nurse Practitioners
Median weekly earnings: $1,530
Approximate median yearly earnings: $79,500
Women as percentage of the profession: 84%
Earnings as percentage of men’s earnings: Data Unavailable
No. 5: Computer and Information Systems Managers
Median weekly earnings: $1,527
Approximate median yearly earnings: $79,500
Women as percentage of the profession: 26%
Earnings as percentage of men’s earnings: 88%
Read more at Forbes …