Secretary still most common job for women
U.S. Census says the top five jobs for women are the same today as they were in 1950s; secretary tops the list.
We’re sorry, ladies. When it comes to top jobs for women, we haven’t made much progress since the ‘50s.
Jobs as secretaries, bank tellers or clerical workers, sales clerks, private household workers and teachers reigned supreme in the ‘50s – and they still do, reports The Week.
At that time, roughly 1.7 million women held positions as stenographers, typists or secretaries, cites the U.S. Census Bureau. It was a easy for women to have a full-time career and succeed without the commitment of a college degree. Simply attend a secretarial school, get the necessary training and women could start on a professional path.
More from MSN Living: Think outside the lunch box
Flash forward to 2010 and secretaries and administrative assistants position still hold the No. 1 position. Believe it or not, more than four million workers made up this category between 2006 and 2010.
This career isn’t going anywhere either. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects close to a half-million new administrative assistant positions by 2020 or 12 perfect growth.
More from MSN Living: 10 secret mom confessions
"Every time a major new technology showed up, there were always predictions that this would spell the end of secretaries," Ray Weikal, spokesman for the International Association of Administrative Professionals told CNN Money. "You saw that with the development of electric typewriters, the personal computer and the internet, but every time technology gets more efficient, the amount of business increases. You continue to need people who can use those tools."
In the category of administrative assistants, women outnumber men more than 20 to 1, but still earn less than their male counterparts. Full-time female secretaries and administrative assistants earned an average salary of $34,304 in 2010, while men earned $39,641.
Bing: Best-paying jobs for women
"The good news is over the past 40 years, there are very few jobs in which women have not broken through," Cindia Cameron, organizing director at 9to5, National Association of Working Women told CNN Money. "The glass ceiling is cracking in all different directions, but the bad news is, there is still a sticky floor. Most women still work in traditionally female jobs, like administrative support."
Why do you think secretary is still the top job for women?
More from Family Room:
Teen mom denied right to breast feed
Toddler death raises concern over car seat rules
Violent video games and child aggression
Love content like this? Friend us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and find us on Pinterest.
Readers: Calling all mom bloggers – we’re looking for fresh voices on MSN Living. Email us your samples and contact info!
Photo: Jamie Grill/Getty Images
inspire: live a better life
-
Who should pay for a same-sex wedding?
Miss Manners touches on the financial requirements of same-sex in-laws for a wedding celebration.
-
100 ways to save money
Saving money only requires a few things: common sense, observation and self-restraint. It’s not always fun – especially in our consumer-driven society – but it’s always wise. So with a little research and some good old-fashioned inside-of-the-box thinking, we present 100 ways to get your spending back on track and your savings account flush with capital.
-
Ordinary people doing extraordinary things
You don’t have to be a saint or a genius to do something great. Here are 20 inspiring stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things.
-
14 Gifts Under $100
Adorable, original gifts to delight dads, grads, and newlyweds (plus they're under $100!).
-
9 summer solstice traditions
Happy summer solstice, the celestial event celebrating the longest day and shortest night of the year. Here are 9 summer solstice traditions:
-
I thought we had a good time on the first date
Miss Manners shares how to handle the next steps after a first date...gone wrong.
-
What do I do when I blank on someone's name?
Miss Manners advises on how to navigate the potentially embarrassing situation.
-
9 simple ways to de-stress at home
When there's no time to escape to the spa, create your own oasis at home. Here are nine ways to help you decompress in the comfort of your bedroom.
-
Help: I only have 6 invitations for my graduation
Miss Manners offers advice on what to do when you don't have enough invites.
-
30 Is NOT the New 20. But Is That Bad or Good for Us?
Clinical psychologist Meg Jay recently gave a TED talk that may make 30-somethings or almost-30-somethings break out in a nervous sweat. Here’s her main message: You know how you’re always hearing that 30 is the new 20? Phew, right? Wrong!
-
When children suffer from a family feud
Miss Manners talks about how to handle separated parents and extended family who don't get along.
-
My step-child is causing me heartache
Miss Manners on how to handle a stressful situation involving a step-daughter, an ex-son-in-law and a grandchild
