Pink-collar worker is a term designating a type of worker and is set to contrast with a blue-collar worker or a white-collar worker. A pink-collar worker performs work said to be stereotypical women's work and are typically in the service industry.

Pink-collar occupations tend to be personal-service oriented. Waiting on tables is (along with nursing and teaching) part of the service sector, and among the most common occupations in the United States. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that, as of May 2008, there were over 2.2 million persons employed as servers in the U.S.

Some Pink collar occupations are but are not limited to the following:

Historically, women were responsible for the running of a household. Their financial security was dependent upon the male patriach. Widowed or divorced women struggled to support themselves and their children.

Women began to develop more opportunities when they moved into the paid workplace, formerly of the male domain. In the 20th century women aimed to be treated like the equals of their male counterparts. In 1920 American women won the right to vote, marking a turning point in their roles in life.