The share of women in the workforce increased dramatically over the second half of the 20th century, nationally and in the Seattle area. In 1950, women were less than one-third of all workers in our metro area. By 2000, the share of women was nearly half.

Since then, the share of women in the workforce has plateaued. In 2023, it was 47% in the Seattle area, about the same as it was in 2000, according to census data.

Something has changed since 2000: The gender balance across many occupations has shifted. The representation of women has increased dramatically in some jobs and declined in others. Census data reveals which occupations stand out in the Seattle area.

You might think the occupation where women made the largest inroads was one that’s historically been male-dominated, such as t

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