Best jobs with a high concentration of women

Jobs expert Laurence Shatkin surveyed hundreds of professions and weighed earnings, job growth and outlook for job openings in each field. Here is a list of those that fared the best on those criteria and are composed of more than 80 percent women.

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10. Health-care social workers

Percent women: 81.5. Average annual earnings were $47,230 in 2010, and job openings in the field are projected to increase 22.4 percent by 2018.

Tracy A. Woodward / The Washington Post

9. Dental assistants

Percent women: 96.7. Average annual earnings were $33,470 in 2010, and job opening are expected to increase 35.7 percent by 2018.

Julie Jacobson / AP

8. Middle school teachers (except special and career/technical education)

Percent women: 81.3. Average annual earnings were $51,960 in 2010, and job openings are expected to grow 15.3 percent by 2018.

Sarah L. Voisin / The Washington Post

7. Home health aides

Percent women: 88. Average annual earnings were $20,560 in 2010, and job openings are projected to increase 50 percent by 2018.

Lynne Sladky / AP

6. Occupational therapists

Percent women: 81.7. Average annual earnings were $72,320 in 2010, and job openings are expected to grow 25.6 percent by 2018.

Brian Kersey / AP

5. Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses

Percent women: 91.4 percent. Average annual earnings were $40,380 in 2010, and job openings are projected to rise 20.6 percent by 2018.

Ross D. Franklin / AP

4. Paralegals and legal assistants

Percent women: 86.7. Average annual earnings were $46,680 in 2010, and job openings are expected to grow 28.1 percent by 2018.

Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images

3. Elementary school teachers (except special education)

Percent women: 81.3. Average annual earnings were $51,660 in 2010, and job openings are projected to grow 15.8 percent by 2018.

Rich Pedroncelli / AP

2. Dental hygienists

Percent women: 96.1. Average annual earnings were $68,250 in 2010, and job openings are expected to grow 36.1 percent by 2018.

Jessica Hill / AP

1. Registered nurse

Percent women: 90.7. Average annual earnings were $64,690 in 2010, and job openings are forecast to increase 22.2 percent by 2018.

Steven Senne / AP

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