What are pink collar jobs? A definitive guide [+Examples]

While the term “pink collar jobs” may seem new, it actually dates back to the early 1960s. As the job landscape evolves, pink-collar roles are gaining popularity.

But why is this trend emerging now? What should recruiters consider when hiring pink-collar workers? This blog explores all the essential insights on this topic.

What are pink collar job?

A pink collar job typically refers to service-oriented jobs that are traditionally associated with women.

Examples of pink collar jobs include nurse, administrative support, teaching, childcare workers, retail workers, etc, which require interpersonal skills and caring for others.

Such job roles may also have male workers, but these are typically female-dominated careers. 

What is the history of pink collar jobs?

The “pink collar worker” term was first coined by Willian J. Baumol, a prominent sociologist in the 1960s. It was used to describe the jobs women performed at the time.

Historically, women started to work during World War II, specifically between the 1940s and 1945. Later on, Louise Kapp Howe, an American writer and social critic, publicized the term in the 1970s.

In the post-war period, women faced significant pressure to revert to previously established norms, a challenging transition given their newfound independence.

Even though it is traditionally assumed to be a women’s job, today, there’s a fine distinction between male-oriented and female-oriented jobs in the job market. This is mainly because of how people view gender and its associated roles.

Though there is gender equality today, certain industries continue to witness gender segregation. Examples include coal mining, oil mines, transportation, etc.

This segregation may be due to cultural norms, structural barriers, and societal expectations resulting in a greater number of women occupying pink collar jobs.

Examples of pink collar jobs

Here are some examples of pink collar jobs that are often still predominantly held by women, emphasizing interpersonal skills and nurturing qualities:

Healthcare

• Nurses: Nurses are essential in patient care and responsible for administering treatments and emotional support.
  
• Medical Assistants: These professionals handle administrative tasks and direct patient care, playing a vital role in healthcare settings.

Education

• Teachers: Educators at all levels, from preschool to higher education, significantly contribute to their students’ intellectual and emotional growth.
  
• School Counselors: These professionals support students in navigating academic and personal challenges, offering guidance and assistance.

Advantages of pink collar jobs

Like any other job, pink collar jobs have certain benefits, which may vary based on the role, nature of the position, etc. 

1. Empowerment and monetary independence

WWII created a major shift for growth and empowerment, especially for women. Before the war, women were strictly confined to their domestic duties. But during the way, as men went to fight wars, women were allowed opportunities to take up the roles that men left.

Hence they assumed roles as midwives, telephone operators, secretaries, nurses, etc.

Between 1940 and 1945, approximately 5 million women participated in the workforce. This engagement empowered them and fostered financial independence, thereby narrowing the gender gap that had existed before the war.

Reports indicate that in 2023, there were 1.4 billion women workers worldwide, a number that is projected to rise. 

2. Job satisfaction

Since pink collar careers include assisting or serving others, workers in this field may feel a sense of personal fulfillment and purpose. 

3. Job stability

Pink collar jobs are often susceptible to being affected by economic changes. These jobs are relatively safe regardless of economic conditions and hence provide better job security for workers in these roles. 

4. Limited or no formal education

In certain cases, a postgraduate or graduate degree is not always mandatory for pink-collar workers. This makes such job profiles accessible to a broad spectrum of people who may not have a high educational background. 

5. Better communication skills

Pink collar jobs often demand strong interpersonal connections, which can significantly enhance your communication and people skills. These abilities benefit you in your current role and pave the way for success in future careers.

6. Flexibility and diverse opportunities

Many pink-collar jobs offer greater flexibility in work schedules and locations. Nurses can choose different shifts, while administrative assistants often have the option to work remotely or set flexible hours. 

Additionally, pink-collar roles span a variety of industries, providing numerous career paths that allow individuals to pursue meaningful and fulfilling work.

Also Read: Addressing unconscious bias in hiring: strategies for overcoming

Challenges of pink collar jobs

Some of these challenges faced by pink collar workers include:

1. Discrimination

Women entering male-dominated fields frequently encounter discrimination and sexual harassment. 

These challenges can take a toll on their mental health and hinder their ability to thrive in these environments. Studies found that nearly 40% of women face bias or discrimination in their workplace. 

2. Gender stereotypes and bias

Society often associates pink with women and blue with men, reinforcing traditional gender roles. This association extends to job classifications, leading to the term “pink collar jobs,” which refers to roles predominantly filled by women.

3. Limited career advancement

Even after receiving professional training, women face obstacles that prevent them from advancing to executive positions. As a result, they may find themselves stuck in lower-paying and less prestigious roles despite their qualifications and expertise.

4. Low wages

Even though pink collar jobs are highly demanding and important, the workers in this field are paid less and do not get recognized fairly. 

5. High Workload

Pink collar jobs, particularly in sectors like healthcare and education, often involve heavy workloads and long hours. The constant pressure to meet deadlines, fulfill demanding schedules, and achieve performance targets can significantly contribute to stress and job dissatisfaction.

Are there any high-paying pink collar jobs?

Though pink collar jobs are often associated with low wages, few exceptions pay more than others. Nursing is among the highest paying pink collar professionals, with certified nurses earning unique benefits and competitive salaries.

Public relations specialists typically earn high salaries using communication skills to shape and maintain an organization’s public image. Moreover, administrative roles, especially in executive support or project management, can offer competitive pay, particularly within larger organizations.

White collar vs blue collar vs pink collar jobs

Why are different colors associated with each role? Let’s find out what the difference is between each job.

Pink collar workers

A pink collar worker is someone who takes on roles traditionally viewed as women’s jobs, like teaching, nursing, childcare, floral arranging, secretarial work, and domestic assistance.

Unfortunately, these positions often come with lower status, pay, and limited opportunities for career advancement.

White collar workers

White-collar workers are employees in corporate settings who primarily perform office tasks. These individuals typically hold higher education degrees and possess managerial skills, and they often earn a salary. 

The term “white collar” comes from the white dress shirts many wear to work.

Examples of white-collar workers include accountants, software engineers, marketing managers, human resources professionals, and financial analysts.

Blue collar jobs

Blue-collar jobs are those that involve manual labor, such as in construction or manufacturing. The term originated from factory workers who often wore blue shirts and jumpsuits. 

The choice of blue uniforms was practical, as the color effectively hides grease and dirt, making it suitable for demanding work environments.

Construction workers, factory workers, electricians, plumbers, mechanics, and welders are examples of blue-collar jobs.

Check out skills assessments for blue collar job workers. 

Why are pink-collar jobs more common among women than men?

Pink collar jobs are more common among women than men due to numerous economic, social, and historical factors.

These jobs were traditionally viewed as women’s due to the nature of the job. As economies have shifted towards service industries, these roles have expanded, often offering flexible hours that align with traditional family responsibilities.  

Though men also work in certain pink collar jobs, the prevalence of women choosing such roles are high.

One of the reasons could be the educational factor which encourages women to pursue certain fields over others. Restricted access to technical and vocational education leads women to limit their choice for other job.

The World Bank estimated that about 88% of nurses in India were female, reinforcing the predominance of women in such fields. 

Role of men in pink collar jobs

Pink collar jobs are dominated by women but men workers in this field is slowly increasing.

With ongoing technological advancements, many male-dominated industries face stagnation and job losses. 

In contrast, sectors like healthcare, education, and social services, often viewed as more feminine, are experiencing significant growth. This shift prompts men to assume pink collar roles nowadays. 

Fortunately, societal perceptions of gender and traditional norms are evolving. Increasingly, people are rejecting outdated conventions, creating more space for diversity and equality in the workplace.

5 best recruitment practices for hiring pink collar workers

Below are some tips for talent acquisition teams to retain and hire top pink collar talent.

1. Use gender-neutral language in the job description

Including gender-neutral job descriptions promotes gender equality by minimizing biases.

Biased job descriptions can reinforce stereotypes, thereby discouraging certain groups or genders from applying, and limiting opportunities.

To create a more neutral tone in your language, consider these practical tips:

• Use a second-person voice by addressing the reader directly as “you” instead of using “he” or “she.”
  
• Focus on the essential power skills and qualities needed for the job.
  
• Clearly express your commitment to diversity and inclusion.

2. Have strict rules against biases

Train hiring managers and other team members in programs focused on bias awareness. This challenges the stereotypes and biases associated with pink collar jobs. 

Also, it equips hiring managers with the knowledge they need to attract top talent while protecting recruits from the discrimination often linked to pink-collar roles.

3. Promote inclusion and diversity

32% of candidates prefer companies that promote inclusion and diversity. Your hiring strategy should be focused on including these two critical aspects.

Hire a culturally diverse talented group and foster a positive environment for every staff. Hiring top talent remotely is an easy way to achieve this. Try Testlify’s remote hiring software for hiring without worry. 

4. Encourage continuous learning and skill enhancement

Establishing strong career development programs within your organization is an effective way to adapt to changing times and retain top talent. Employees value learning opportunities at work, enabling them to perform their roles more effectively.

Additionally, career development helps employees enhance their skills, preparing them for higher positions and increasing their earning potential.

5. Structured interview process

Create a standardized flowchart to ensure a fair and unbias interviewing process. This will ensure that recruiters focus on the skills and qualifications of the candidates rather than relying on their gut feeling.