Do you find yourself daydreaming about a more rewarding career? It’s never too late to pursue a new career path that not only aligns with your professional aspirations but also pays well.
“That’s easier said than done,” you might say. We get that: The thought of starting a new professional journey can seem intimidating, especially when you’re not sure what easy career changes that pay well are available to you.
However, recent labor statistics show that American workers have 12 jobs on average throughout their lifetime. The average age of career switchers is 39, and nearly half made a drastic career change in 2019—even before the pandemic. You’re not alone!
But where to find those easy career changes that pay well? And how do you know which ones are the best fit for you? To help you answer these questions, we’ve compiled a list of the highest-paying roles suitable for career changers and the skills you’ll need to get them in 2024.
We’ll cover the following:
Just use the clickable menu to skip to the career paths that interest you!
What makes these jobs good for a career change?
The positions listed in this article are ideal for career changers because they fulfill one or more of the following criteria:
- High demand: the need for these roles is higher than average, and they’re part of a growing sector, which increases job security.
- Low entry requirements: many of these positions have a low entry barrier and don’t require degrees or prior experience in the field.
- On-the-job training: the roles offer ample opportunity to learn on the job and gain new skills quickly.
- High entry-level salary: these jobs tend to offer above-average starting salaries that can ease the financial transition of starting a new career.
- Good work-life balance: balancing job satisfaction with time for family and personal interests is possible in these roles.
- Remote-friendly: many of these positions are remote-friendly, providing flexibility to work from home or anywhere you choose.
- Transferrable skills: your skillset from your previous career may be transferrable to these roles and increase your employment prospects.
9 easy career changes that pay well
So, without further ado, let’s look at the highest-paying career paths you could consider for a career change this year (average annual salary data is taken from Glassdoor).
1. Human Resources Manager
Tasks and responsibilities: HR managers oversee recruitment, handle employee relations, develop workplace culture, and ensure training and development programs are tailored to employees’ needs. They also manage performance evaluations, compensation, and benefits, helping organizations attract and retain top talent.
Skills and knowledge: Communication and interpersonal skills, knowledge of labor laws, problem-solving skills, and analytical abilities.
Average salary: $79,787
2. Financial Planner
Tasks and responsibilities: Financial planners help individuals, families, and businesses assess their current financial standing and develop a plan to reach their long-term goals. Their daily tasks include gathering data, analyzing financial information, consulting with clients on investments and goals, monitoring their portfolio performance, and giving financial advice.
Skills and knowledge: Investment knowledge and financial acumen, communication and interpersonal skills, problem-solving abilities, and research capabilities.
Average salary: $103,278
3. Market Research Manager
Tasks and responsibilities: Market research managers guide businesses on data-driven decisions by analyzing and interpreting market trends, conducting surveys, refining marketing strategies, and conducting competitive analysis. They identify target audiences, assess the effectiveness of marketing campaigns, and provide insights to optimize business growth.
Skills and knowledge: Statistical analysis, data processing and visualization capabilities, research methods, and customer service skills.
Average salary: $107,012
4. Software Developer
Tasks and responsibilities: Responsible for driving innovation, software developers design cutting-edge software applications, debug, test, and integrate software, as well as optimize application performance. They collaborate with other developers, designers, and stakeholders, ensuring that software solutions meet user needs and deliver value.
Skills and knowledge: Coding abilities, problem-solving, creative thinking, and knowledge of programming languages such as Java, C++, and Python.
Average salary: $95,251
5. Social Media Manager
Tasks and responsibilities: Managing a brand’s online presence, social media managers create content calendars, develop copy, manage ads, monitor social media analytics, and engage with online communities. They implement social media strategies, promote brand awareness, and generate leads to drive business growth.
Skills and knowledge: Understanding of marketing and advertising principles, knowledge of graphic design and copywriting tools, analytics skills, creativity, and innovation.
Average salary: $51,606
6. Product Manager
Tasks and responsibilities: Product managers oversee product development from inception to launch. They prioritize features, develop roadmaps, effectively communicate with cross-functional teams, and drive efficient project management. By analyzing market trends and customer feedback, they ensure products align with business goals and user expectations.
Skills and knowledge: Product management experience, analytical and problem-solving skills, understanding of UX/UI design principles, technical knowledge, and project management abilities.
Average salary: $128,216
7. Technical Writer
Tasks and responsibilities: Technical writers use clear, concise language to prepare documentation for a technical audience. They research complex topics, write and edit technical manuals and user guides, and ensure content accuracy. In addition, they collaborate with subject matter experts and developers to make technical information accessible to users.
Skills and knowledge: Writing skills, technical knowledge, research abilities, attention to detail, and communication skills.
Average salary: $68,518
8. Data Scientist
Tasks and responsibilities: Data scientists uncover insights by analyzing complex datasets, preparing reports, and developing predictive models. They apply machine learning algorithms, build data pipelines, and create AI solutions. Collaborating with cross-functional teams, they help organizations make informed decisions, optimize processes, and drive innovation across various business areas.
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Skills and knowledge: Coding skills, statistical analysis, data processing and visualization capabilities, research abilities, problem-solving skills, and knowledge of machine learning algorithms.
Average salary: $126,307
9. Legal Assistant
Tasks and responsibilities: Legal assistants provide crucial administrative and legal support to lawyers, aiding them in various tasks. They conduct research, draft documents, manage case files, and coordinate calendars to keep legal processes running smoothly. They also schedule meetings, liaise with clients and witnesses, and ensure compliance with local laws. Legal assistants play a vital role in maintaining organization and efficiency.
Skills and knowledge: Organizational skills, attention to detail, communication skills, and knowledge of the legal system.
Average salary: $45,327
Next steps
Switching careers is one of the most crucial decisions in life, holding the promise of a fresh start to professional growth and financial success. But to make the transition as smooth as possible, your new career path should pay well, be in high demand and offer ample learning opportunities. To help you navigate this exciting yet uncertain journey, this article outlined the highest-paying roles ideal for career changers in 2024.
Still not sure which job is right for you or how to make your career change plans a reality? Not to worry. As you move forward in your quest for a successful career pivot, we have plenty of resources to guide you through the process, including the following: