Nontraditional Careers
When it comes to your future... Explore all the possibilities!
A woman enjoys being an
information security analyst.
A man finds great satisfaction
in nursing.
What is a Nontraditional Occupation?
The U.S. Department of Labor defines a nontraditional occupation as one in which 25 percent or less of the workforce is of one gender. In the examples above, only 24.9 percent of information security analysts are women, and only 11.4 percent of registered nurses are men.
In other words, if an occupation's workforce is predominately of one gender (75 percent or more), that occupation is considered nontraditional for the opposite or underrepresented gender.
Be open to new fields and roles you never considered before!
In reality very few jobs have actual requirements that limit employment to only women
or only men. Your career choice should be based on personal interests, aptitudes and
goals, not gender. Don't limit yourself!
Prepare for a Nontraditional Career at Palm Beach State
Palm Beach State College has more than 130 programs of study. Many of our programs lead to nontraditional careers. Explore options that might be right for you:
Advantages of Nontraditional Careers - Nontraditional careers offer many rewards, such as good salaries and benefits. Explore all the advantages here.
Get the Facts! Do a reality check on some common myths about nontraditional careers.
Career Research Help
Check out these web resources to learn more about nontraditional career paths.
Want to meet program faculty and staff? Attend Information Sessions for programs that interest you.
Read about PBSC students succeeding in nontraditional careers
| Occupation |
Projected Growth Rate 2016–2026 |
Median Annual Earnings 2018 |
Nontraditional for... |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Developer | 24% | $105,590 | Women |
| Dental Hygienist | 20% | $74,820 | Men |
| Film & Video Editor or Camera Operator |
13% | $58,990 |
Women |
| Paralegal/Legal Assistant | 15% | $50,940 |
Men |
| Information Security Analyst | 28% | $98,350 |
Women |
| Social Worker | 16% | $49,470 |
Men |
| Heating, A/C & Refrigeration Mechanic/Installer |
15% | $47,610 |
Women |
| Registered Nurse | 15% | $71,730 |
Men |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, 2016-2026 Projections; average growth rate for all occupations is 7 percent.
Don't let gender stereotypes stop you. Consider a nontraditional career!
