Women Outearn Men in Top 10 UK Job Roles, New Research Reveals

In a surprising shift, new research has identified ten job roles in the UK where women earn more than their male counterparts, with community and civil enforcement occupations leading the way. According to data analysed by personal finance experts Wealth of Geeks from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), women in these roles are not just closing the gender pay gap but reversing it.

The gender pay gap, which measures the difference in median hourly pay between men and women, has long been a benchmark for gender inequality in the workplace. However, the latest analysis highlights specific professions where women are earning significantly more than men.

At the top of the list are community and civil enforcement occupations, where women earn an average of 28.9% more than men. These roles typically involve ensuring that drivers comply with parking regulations by issuing fines. On average, women in these positions earn £16.11 per hour, while men earn £12.50, a difference of £3.61.

Welfare professionals come in second, with a pay gap of 20.9% favouring women. These professionals are involved in mentoring, advocacy, rehabilitation services, and overseeing adoption processes. Women in these roles earn an average hourly wage of £20.77, £3.59 more than their male counterparts, who earn £17.18 per hour.

Third on the list are biological scientists, where the pay gap stands at 20.6%. Women in this field, who study living organisms and their environments, earn £20.30 per hour, while men earn £16.84, resulting in a difference of £3.46 per hour.

Hire services managers and proprietors, who are responsible for managing businesses or teams, rank fourth. In these roles, women earn an average of £14.52 per hour, £2.45 more than men, who earn £12.07. This difference represents a pay gap of 20.3%.

The fifth-ranked role is that of personal assistants and other secretaries. Women in these administrative roles earn £14.37 per hour, compared to men who earn £12.27, marking a 17.1% pay gap in favour of women.

Special needs education teaching professionals are sixth on the list, with women earning 16.8% more than men. These professionals support children with emotional, behavioural, or learning difficulties, as well as physical disabilities. Women in this field earn £24.66 per hour, while men earn £21.12.

Veterinarians rank seventh, with a 14.3% pay gap. Women in this role, who treat injuries and illnesses in animals, earn £25.09 per hour, £3.14 more than men, who earn £21.95.

Eighth on the list are occupational therapists, with women earning 13.2% more than men. These professionals assist people with physical, mental, or social disabilities in performing everyday activities. Women in this field earn £20.85 per hour, compared to £18.42 for men.

Social and humanities scientists, who study and analyse human behaviour, rank ninth. Women in this role earn £20.42 per hour, 12.4% more than men, who earn £18.16.

Finally, publicans and managers of licensed premises, such as pubs or bars, are tenth on the list. Women in these roles earn £15.10 per hour, £1.55 more than men, who earn £13.55, resulting in an 11.4% pay gap.

Michael Dinich, a spokesperson fromWealth of Geeks, commented on the findings: “It is fascinating to see such a drastic difference in hourly pay between men and women in these roles. Many women across the UK may have been the victim of the gender pay gap for years, but it is interesting to see which job roles they are now able to earn more than men; the findings could even inspire a career change for some.”

The findings reveal a significant shift in the traditional gender pay dynamics within these professions, suggesting that in certain areas, women are not only catching up but surpassing men in earnings. This research offers a fresh perspective on the ongoing conversation around pay equity in the workplace.