Overview: Hot Jobs for Women
Our Hot Jobs for Women website lists jobs that are in high-demand and pay family-sustaining wages in greater Boston based on the Self-Sufficiency Standard (see below for more information). These jobs typically require a maximum of two years of education or training and eventually lead to family-sustaining wages. Click our "Browse Jobs" section to see the entire list.
How do I know if my job will stay "hot" after I complete my education?
The Hot Jobs we selected have significant job openings, and are projected to be in high demand for the next 10 years, based on the data from the US Department of Labor. While there is no guarantee that the job will still be in high demand after you receive your degree, chances are high that it will be because many of these jobs are in science, technology, and the healthcare industry—all very high demand areas.
What is the Self-Sufficiency Standard?
The Self-Sufficiency Standard calculates how much a household needs in order to live self-sufficiently in Massachusetts. This is the minimum income needed to live in without public or private assistance. The Standard takes into account the local costs of housing, child care, food, transportation, health care, and taxes for working families in cities and towns throughout Massachusetts. To determine the costs for your family type and your town, click here: Self-Sufficiency Calculator.
"Nontraditional Jobs" for Women
Nontraditional jobs are careers for women that are high-skilled and high-wage and have traditionally been held largely by men. Women make up less than 25% of the workforce in these fields in the United States. Some nontraditional jobs include carpenters, electricians, and police officers. However, more and more women are successfully entering these fields—earning a good living and enjoying their work. Read on to discover more about nontraditional jobs.
Why would I want to enter into a nontraditional job? 
Many nontraditional jobs have opportunities for paid training, wage advancement, benefits, and career advancemen—unlike some jobs traditionally held by women. Many nontraditional jobs enable women to earn 20%-30% more than jobs that traditionally employ women. For example, a childcare worker earns an average of $7-$10 an hour. A carpenter, on the other hand, earns $12-$16 an hour, and once she advances, can earn up to $35 an hour. In addition, women in nontraditional jobs often receive better benefits than traditional jobs offer, such as sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance.
What are some advantages to working in nontraditional jobs?
| High wages |
You can earn 20%-30% more than in traditional female jobs. |
| Benefits |
Many of these jobs offer good benefits that may include childcare, health insurance, retirement plan, sick leave, and paid vacation. |
| Casual Dress |
Most of these jobs do not require you to "dress up" everyday. Some jobs even supply uniforms, cutting down on clothing costs. |
| Outdoor Work |
Some of these jobs allow you to spend a significant amount of time in the outdoors. |
| Career Ladder |
There is potential for you to move up a defined career ladder and earn even more money and better benefits. |
| Mobility, transferable skills |
Skills you gain from nontraditional jobs increase your employment opportunities. You will have marketable skills which ensure greater opportunity in the workforce. Even if you decide you want to work in some other industry or move to another part of the country, the skills you gain in nontraditional jobs can easily be transferred and will be valuable in many other jobs. |
| Job satisfaction |
Many women who work in nontraditional jobs enjoy them because they see the results of their efforts right away. |
| Challenges |
At times these jobs can be challenging, but many women find it rewarding to overcome the challenges they face on the job. |
What are some disadvantages of working in nontraditional jobs?
| Seasonal Layoffs |
Some jobs may not be needed as much during certain times of the year. |
| Need to travel |
Some jobs may require you to travel, but it can be enjoyable to see different places and meet all kinds of people. |
| Weather |
Because many of these jobs are outdoors, you may occasionally experience inclement weather. |
| Harassment |
Because there are not a lot of women in these jobs, you may initially experience some harassment. Men may not be used to having women on a worksite at first. But harassment is illegal and not something you have "to take." For more information on sexual harassment and how to deal with it, click here: www.afscme.org/publications/1659.cfm |
| Physical requirements |
Although physical demands may seem tough at first, many women report that they get used to them after a few months on the job. |
| Shift work |
Some jobs may require you to work on weekends, nights, and holidays. |
Will I enjoy work in nontraditional jobs?
Many women enjoy working with their hands or working outdoors. They take great pride in knowing that they have helped to build or create something. As a result, researchers have found that most women in the nontraditional workforce have a high degree of job satisfaction. Answer our questions below to see if you nontraditional jobs may be right for you!
Would you enjoy...
- Earning 20%-30% more than traditional women's jobs pay?
- Working with your hands?
- Receiving benefits that you would not typically receive in traditional women's jobs?
- Being able to support your family without working all the time or working multiple jobs?
- Working outdoors?
- Having the opportunity to advance in your career and earn even more?
- Working with tools and machines?
If you answered yes to one or more of the above, you may want to consider pursuing a job in the trades or the uniformed services.
Take the career assessment test to find out if you are a good fit!
Will I be successful in nontraditional jobs?
The work in nontraditional jobs is interesting and challenging. Nontraditional jobs allow women to exercise skills that they enjoy but previously may not have been able to utilize in the workplace. To see successful women in nontraditional jobs, click here: www.womentechworld.org/
Am I too old for a job in the trades or uniformed services?
Many women entering into nontraditional jobs are over 30 and have achieved success in their new careers. You may need to work hard to prove yourself initially, but it is possible!
Will I feel isolated because there are not a lot of women in nontraditional jobs?
Today, many women are employed in occupations that were once considered "men's occupations." For example, many women are now employed as police officers. In 1987, just 7.6% of women working as police officers. In the late 1990's, the number had increased to 13%. Greater numbers of women are now also working as heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) specialists, plumbers, and computer technicians.
What kinds of skills do I need to pursue nontraditional jobs? Do I need to be good in math and science?
Most nontraditional jobs require math and science skills. The math required for nontraditional jobs is usually hands-on and is very different from classroom mathematics. Many of the community colleges in Massachusetts offer math and science tutoring classes in addition to required courses. Most research studies have found no differences in women's and men's skills and ability in math and science. Remember, being successful at anything is usually 10% talent and 90% effort!
Am I strong enough to perform heavy labor?
The strength requirements for nontraditional jobs are often exaggerated. While the average man is stronger than the average woman, many nontraditional jobs are less physically demanding than many traditional women's jobs, such as nursing. Also, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires that special equipment must be used for heavy jobs, regardless of whether the job is being done by a man or a woman.
Are nontraditional jobs too dirty, noisy, and dangerous for women?
Nontraditional jobs can be dirty and even dangerous, but both men and women come across this problem in other jobs and in everyday life. Many traditionally female jobs, such as mothering and nursing are often messy and noisy. With proper safety instruction and training, all workers can minimize the danger they face on the job.
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Why isn't my job on the list?
Your job is not on the list because it did not meet ALL of the criteria for Hot Jobs. Our Hot Jobs were selected based on:
- Salary
We picked jobs with salaries that allow individuals to support their families. The salary is based on the Family Economic Self- Sufficiency Standard (FESS), which calculates how much money it really takes to live in Massachusetts. Click here for more information on the Self-Sufficiency Standard.
- Demand
We picked jobs that are projected to be in high-demand for the next 10 years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and other sources. These jobs are clustered in science, technology, trade, and health sectors because many of the employers in these industries need employees.
- Education
These jobs require two years or less of full-time education, leading to a certificate or Associate's degree. We have found that adults prefer shorter-term programs (as compared to a four-year Bachelor's degree) because they have other responsibilities in their lives such as caring for a family. Shorter-term education for a high-skilled and high-demand career is a realistic way for many adults to enter jobs with wages at or above the Self-Sufficiency Standard.
To sum up, your job may not be on the list because...
- It is not in high demand
- It does not pay a salary at or above the Self-Sufficiency Standard
- It requires more than two years of specific education or training
I want a job where I can really help people. Why aren't those kinds of jobs on the list?
Women are often concentrated in the lowest paying positions such as childcare provider, home health aide, manicurist, and hairstylist. Because these jobs pay low wages, women usually have difficulty supporting themselves and their families while employed in these fields. Often, women working in these areas have to choose between their jobs and their families because they have to work so many hours to earn enough to support themselves and their families. Below are some common lower paying jobs in Boston:
Fast Food Preparer and Server |
$18,490 |
Cashier |
$19,260 |
Manicurist |
$20,980 |
Childcare Worker |
$22,640 |
Waitress |
$22,890 |
Home Health Aide |
$23,590 |
Personal Care and Service Worker |
$26,520 |
Nursing Aide |
$27,280 |
Hairstylist |
$29,460 |
I am still passionate about my dream job even though it is not a Hot Job. What should I do?
Related links:
Read the FESS report and discover how much you need to support your family
Use our FESS Calculator now and see much your family needs to create a budget.
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