Some jobs are more male-dominated than others. That’s unfortunate since current estimates say that the global gender gap won’t be closed for over 130 years.
What careers need the most help closing the gender gap? Read on for the top male-dominated jobs that women should consider getting into.
1. Software Development
Many jobs in the technology field are notoriously male-centric. That’s especially true for software development. That’s especially unfortunate since software development and technology are particularly booming fields.
If you want to get into the wonderful world of software development, you’ll need to be well-versed in at least one programming language. Some of the bigger programming languages include C++, C#, Javascript, Python, and HTML.
You will almost certainly require at least a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline. to get a job in software development. But, with hard work and dedication, you’ll break into software development in no time flat.
2. Firefighting
Many people believe that women can’t be firefighters, because it’s such a physically demanding job. These people are wrong. Firefighting might be one of the jobs that are male-dominated, but it’s not because of ability.
Indigenous Australian women have been part of the firefighting force for thousands of years. Unfortunately, only seven percent of firefighters in the United States are women.
Why not change that? To become a firefighter, first, you’ll want to make sure you have a high school diploma or a GED, along with a valid driver’s license. Some firefighters also get certified as Emergency Medical Technicians, to improve their chances of getting hired.
You’ll also need to be in good physical shape, because of the physical demands of firefighting. You will likely be required to pass a psychological evaluation and complete training at a fire academy.
3. Trade Jobs
Trade jobs are a big category, but women are underrepresented in most of them. In fact, some governments offer incentive programs to help get more women involved in trades. Some trade careers you might want to consider include:
- Machinists, heavy equipment mechanics, boilermakers, bricklayers, cabinet-makers, concrete finishers
- Heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration technicians, powerplant operators
- Electricians, carpenters, plumbers, millwright, pipefitters, steamfitters, elevator constructors, ironworkers
- Home inspectors, construction managers, real estate appraisers
- Aircraft mechanics, motorcycle mechanics, locksmiths,
- IT support specialists, database administrators, web designers, and other technology jobs
- Hairstylists, decorators, painters, and other artistic trades jobs
- MRI technicians, radiology technicians, respiratory therapists, diagnostic medical sonographers, cardiovascular technicians, dental hygienists, and other types of healthcare workers
Different trade jobs will require different forms of training, education, and experience. For some jobs, apprenticeship programs might be offered.
You’ll have to do your research to find out the specifics of each type of job. So, what are you waiting for? Look into trade careers for women today.
4. Commercial Aircraft Pilots
Do you want to take to the skies? Most pilot jobs are overwhelmingly filled by men. In fact, only about five percent of licensed pilots are men. Partially, that’s because many pilots get their training in the military, which has had historical barriers for women.
However, many companies and academies are now doing recruitment drives to entice more women to begin flying, so it may be a career path to consider even if you don’t want to enlist in the military.
To become a pilot, you will need to log at least 250 flight hours and complete commercial pilot ground school. There are also some physical requirements to consider, such as eyesight-based requirements.
It may take a long time, and a great deal of practice, but being a commercial pilot is a steady, stable job that basically any woman should consider trying out.
5. Engineering
There are lots of different types of engineers out there, but in basically every iteration of the field the career is dominated by men. Only thirteen percent of engineers are women, and less than ten percent of women intend to major in engineering or a related field.
The numbers of women employed vary based on the type of engineering a position is. Some of the types of engineering include:
- Aerospace engineering
- Electrical engineering
- Molecular engineering
- Civic engineering
- Petroleum engineering
- Computer engineering
- Environmental engineering
- Plastics engineering
- Agricultural engineering
- Power plant engineering
To get into the engineering field, you’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering, from a school accredited by the Board of Engineering. Many people also get Masters or Doctoral degrees in engineering.
If you’re looking for jobs that need more women, engineering is one to take a look at.
6. Clergy and Other Religious Leaders
Most religious roles are held by men, regardless of religion. Some don’t allow women to hold leadership positions or be ordained, including the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Roman Catholic Church.
This isn’t just a problem with Christianity, too. While women can be rabbis in most forms of progressive or reform Judaism, but not in Orthodox Judaism. In Islam, women have been Imams in women-only congregations and some sects of mixed congregations, depending on the country and the type of Islam.
The same is basically true of most religions — more progressive forms allow women to be leaders, but the more strict you get the fewer women in leadership there are. Luckily, the number of women in the clergy increases every year.
So, if you feel a calling to religion, try and breakthrough that stained glass ceiling and get a job in religious leadership.
Start Applying for These Male-Dominated Jobs Today
There are so many male-dominated jobs out there that could use more women in them. So, what are you waiting for?
Are you looking for more hot career tips and tricks? Check out some of the other articles on this website today.