What Is a Pink-Collar Job? Examples and Common Struggles

We often hear about white-collar and blue-collar jobs, but there’s another category that’s been around for decades: pink-collar jobs. Historically tied to roles predominantly held by women, these careers often emphasize caregiving, communication, and service. 

But as gender roles evolve and workers are pushing for equality, what does a pink-collar worker look like today? In this article, we’ll explore the origins of pink-collar jobs, how they compare to other job categories, and examples of careers that still fall under this umbrella.

What is a pink-collar job?

The term “pink-collar job” was first coined in the 1970s by sociologist Louise Kapp Howe. It was used to describe professions dominated by women, particularly those that involved caregiving and service work. 

Unlike blue-collar jobs, which typically involve manual labor, or white-collar jobs, which are office-based, pink-collar occupations often require high levels of emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills. However, they have also been historically undervalued, leading to lower wages and fewer advancement opportunities compared to male-dominated fields.

Blue collar vs. white collar vs. pink collar jobs

So, what is a pink-collar worker? Here's a comparison between blue collar vs. white collar vs. pink collar careers for a clearer picture: 

• Blue-collar jobs involve manual labor and skilled trades, often requiring physical work in industries like construction, manufacturing, and mechanics. Some roles may require specialized training or certifications.

• White-collar jobs are typically office-based and focus on professional, managerial, or administrative work in fields like finance, law, and technology. They often require formal education or specialized expertise.

• Pink-collar jobs are primarily caregiving, administrative, and service-oriented roles that demand emotional intelligence and communication skills.

While pink-collar jobs have been traditionally associated with women, these roles are open to all genders, and the conversation around them is shifting to focus on fair pay, work-life balance, and career growth.

Challenges a pink-collar worker faces due to gender disparities 

Since the term was first coined, the landscape of pink-collar occupations has evolved. Women have made significant strides in breaking into male-dominated fields, and many pink-collar jobs are no longer seen as “women’s work.” However, challenges persist.

The central issue at hand is the significant pay disparity and lack of career advancement opportunities. Many pink-collar jobs, such as nursing and teaching, are undervalued in comparison to similar positions in other fields.  Psychology, for example, started as a man's profession but now is considered a pink-collar job. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), stagnant salaries may be a part of the reason why men are gravitating to other career paths.

A key factor driving this disparity is the ongoing undervaluation of roles that require care and emotional intelligence. Providing empathy and effective communication should be recognized as a vital component of any successful workplace, not “a girl thing.”

Despite these challenges, pink-collar employees continue to fight for better wages, leadership opportunities, and recognition of their contributions. In 2023, there were worldwide nurse protests seeking better wages, improved working conditions, job security, and access to professional opportunities.

Examples of pink-collar jobs

Pink-collar jobs can be found in various industries, from healthcare to education and beyond. Here are some of the most common examples of what pink-collar jobs look like today, along with average wages for men and women in these roles.

1. Nurses 

Average salary for registered nurses: $89,152 for men; $75,297 for women

Nursing, one of the most recognized pink-collar occupations, remains predominantly female. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of men in nursing has increased by 59% over the past ten years—but that means men only make up 12% of the nursing workforce (as of 2023).

“While most nurses are women, men are disproportionately represented in leadership roles compared to their overall numbers in the field,” says Kati Kleber, a registered nurse and owner of FreshRN, an online nursing education platform. Part of the imbalance may stem from the way men manage their careers differently from women, Kleber says. “I’ve noticed men tend to self-advocate more confidently for raises and promotions, while women often wait for recognition. It’s a dynamic worth addressing.”

Challenges like nurse burnout, long shifts, and emotional strain highlight the difficulties of this type of pink-collar work.

2. Teachers

Average salary for elementary and middle school teachers: $63,651 for men; $56,445 for women

Women first entered elementary and secondary classrooms as educators in  the mid 1800s, and they’ve predominated the profession ever since. While deeply rewarding, teaching also comes with low salaries and high emotional demands. 

In 2018 and 2019, teachers in several states participated in protests demanding better pay, with varying levels of success. But the issue remains. A 2024 report by the Economic Policy Institute shows that teachers have a wage-penalty gap—meaning that they make 26.6% less than other professions that have the same level of education and the same level of experience. For public school professionals, the pay is even lower.

3. Social workers 

Average salary for social workers: $47,143 for men; $44,756 for women

Social work requires strong empathy and resilience as professionals support individuals through crises. However, social workers are often underpaid and overworked.

A 2023 study conducted by the University of Washington School of Social Work estimates that human services workers in Washington state earn at least 30% less than employees in other industries. For human services workers employed by nonprofit organizations, the wage gap increases to 37%.

4. Occupational therapists 

Average salary for occupational therapists: $91,711 for men; $69,485 for women

Occupational therapists help people with disabilities, illnesses, or injuries perform daily tasks. It's similar to physical therapy in that both therapies help rehabilitate motor difficulties, but the approach is different—occupational therapy focuses on helping folks perform daily tasks, while physical therapy focuses on restoring mobility and strength. 

Occupational therapists are essential to healthcare, yet they face significant challenges typical of pink-collar jobs. “I've experienced this first-hand in my jobs,” says occupational therapist Pooja Patel. “There are also very little career advancement opportunities in most settings, unless you step into healthcare administration and move upward that way.” 

This lack of growth potential pushed Patel to explore a different path after gaining extensive experience working with older adults in the hospital and communities. She transitioned into a speaker and podcast host addressing aging and senior healthcare. 

5. Administrative assistants 

Average salary for secretaries and administrative assistants: $40,984 for men; $34,653 for women.

Office support roles, such as secretaries and receptionists, have long been female-dominated. While they are crucial to workplace function, they often lack clear pathways to advancement, especially now with the advancement of AI assistants. 

6. Childcare workers 

Average salary for childcare workers: $20,249 for men; $19,702 for women.

Daycare providers and nannies help shape young lives, yet their work is often poorly compensated despite its importance. 

According to a 2025 report by the Center for the Study of Child Care Employment (CSCCE, the child care sector is currently experiencing a long-standing jobs crisis, marked by workforce shortages that began before 2020. It is projected that the sector will decline by 1% from 2023 to 2033. As of September 2023, there were approximately 39,400 fewer workers in the childcare sector compared to February 2020 levels. 

7. Cosmetologists, make-up artists, and hairstylists 

Average salary for hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists: $44,343 for men; $29,858 for women. 

The beauty industry is another sector dominated by women, offering creative opportunities but often lacking job security and benefits. And the sector is on the rise: The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that employment for barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists will increase by 7% from 2023 to 2033. It also estimates that positions for estheticians will grow by 17% by 2029.

Pursuing pink-collar jobs with awareness

If you’re considering a pink-collar job, don’t let outdated stereotypes hold you back. These careers are essential, fulfilling, and, in many cases, offer significant opportunities for impact. However, it’s important to be aware of the challenges, such as wage disparities and emotional exhaustion, and to advocate for fair treatment in your field. By pushing for better policies, fair pay, and professional growth, women in pink-collar jobs can continue to change the future of work.

Read this next: How to Advocate for Yourself at Work as a Woman