Top 12 Jobs for Career Changers

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Marisa Upson
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Marisa Upson has 10 years of professional writing experience, specializing in higher education trends, business, hospitality, and health and wellness. On BestColleges, she writes articles to help students make informed education and career decisions....
Updated on May 24, 2023
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Business | Healthcare | Information Technology | Marketing


Feeling like it may be time to make a career switch? You're not alone.

A recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) study found that people born between 1957 and 1964 held an average of 12.4 jobs between the ages 18 and 54. People consider changing careers for various reasons. You may feel unfulfilled in your current role, or you may want a job with better pay and greater flexibility.

The good news is that many jobs in healthcare, business, information technology, and marketing are in high demand. To help with your search, we've listed 12 of the best jobs for career changers for 2022.

Business

If you're drawn to mathematical equations and your friends turn to you at tax time, a career in finance and business may appeal to you. Professionals in this field know the importance of profits and develop an awareness of upcoming financial trends.

They often pursue business careers as accountants, financial advisors, and human resources managers — three growing and potentially lucrative professions.

1. Accountant

The BLS projects 7% job growth for accountants and auditors from 2020 to 2030. Roughly 135,000 job openings are projected for each year throughout the decade. Continued globalization and complex tax laws may lead to increasing demand for accountants.

Accountants examine, prepare, and maintain financial statements and records. They also look for ways to increase revenue and reduce costs. These professionals typically work in office settings in accounting services, government and insurance agencies, and large corporations.

Median Annual Salary (as of May 2020): $73,560

Common Education Requirements:


2. Financial Advisor

A financial advisor or analyst helps clients invest and manage their money. These professionals may help clients secure money for a specific goal or provide overall money-management services. Many work in securities and investment firms, while others manage large companies.

The demand for these financial specialists is expected to grow due to advances in technology and big data procurement. The BLS projects 6% job growth for these professionals from 2020 to 2030, leading to an average of about 41,000 job openings every year.

Median Annual Salary (as of May 2020): $83,660

Common Education Requirements:


3. Human Resources Manager

HR managers typically direct the recruiting, hiring, and onboarding requirements for staff. They also oversee benefit programs and support staff experiencing work-related issues. In addition, they strive to reduce turnover while keeping high-quality workers.

Changing and complex employment laws related to topics like healthcare and equal employment opportunities help keep HR manager jobs in demand. The BLS projects 9% job growth for these professionals between 2020 and 2030.

Median Annual Salary (as of May 2020): $121,220

Common Education Requirements:

Popular Online Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Healthcare

Between 2020 and 2030, the healthcare industry is projected to add more jobs than any other occupational group. This is mainly due to an aging U.S. population and the increased need for healthcare. According to the BLS, this growth should add about 2.6 million new jobs over the decade.

Those looking to enter the healthcare field usually feel a deep sense of compassion and enjoy helping people.

4. Registered Nurse (RN)

The BLS projects 9% job growth for registered nurses between 2020 and 2030, leading to an average of about 194,500 job openings every year. RNs may be in even greater demand in outpatient care centers and residential care facilities, as hospitals release patients earlier due to financial pressures.

Registered nurses typically care for patients by assessing their conditions, recording their history, and administering treatments and medicines. Many specialize in a particular field, such as geriatrics, pediatrics, oncology, and critical care.

Median Annual Salary (as of May 2020): $75,330

Common Education Requirements:


5. Dental Hygienist

Dental hygienists care for a patient's teeth and gums by providing preventative oral care. They may clean patients' teeth, examine their gums for disease, and teach them good oral hygiene habits. Each state determines a dental hygienist's scope of practice.

Demand should remain strong for dental hygienists as the baby-boom generation ages and requires more care, and efforts to expand preventative dental services continue. The BLS projects 11% job growth for these professionals between 2020 and 2030.

Median Annual Salary (as of May 2020): $77,090

Common Education Requirements:


6. Health Information Technician

Health information technicians utilize their computer science and healthcare knowledge to develop and manage electronic health record systems. They manage medical records by tracking patients' treatments, updating information, protecting personal data, and performing data analysis to view trends.

Success in this profession requires good analytical skills and attention to detail. The increasing use of electronic record systems means increasing demand for these professionals, with the BLS projecting 9% job growth from 2020 to 2030.

Median Annual Salary (as of May 2020): $51,840

Common Education Requirements:

Information Technology

If you think of computer programming as a second language or want to protect organizations from cyberthreats, a career in information technology may be for you. IT experts can be found in nearly every field, leading to strong demand and potentially lucrative careers.

The BLS projects that about 668,000 new jobs will be created in this field between 2020 and 2030.

7. Web Developer

Web developers oversee the technical aspects of a website. They work with programming and coding languages like HTML, JavaScript, and CSS to build a functional website. Some specialize in front-end development (i.e., the visual elements users see), whereas others specialize in back-end or server-side development, creating the basic framework.

Strong problem-solving skills and perseverance can help you succeed in this challenging and in-demand career. The BLS projects 13% job growth for web developers from 2020 to 2030.

Median Annual Salary (as of May 2020): $77,200

Common Education Requirements:


8. Software Engineer

The BLS projects 22% job growth from 2020 to 2030, signifying great demand for software engineers and developers. These computer system experts develop and implement plans to create computer applications and systems. They may oversee other developers and programmers and work in a variety of industries, including technology, healthcare, government, and finance.

This highly technical field demands strong communication skills and the ability to work well with others. It also helps to have a drive to stay up to date on the latest advancements in computer coding, programming, and engineering.

Median Annual Salary (as of May 2020): $110,140

Common Education Requirements:


9. Information Security Analyst

As the number of cybercrimes continues to escalate, the need for skilled information security analysts should also increase. The BLS projects a 33% increase in jobs for these professionals between 2020 and 2030.

An information security analyst monitors a company's security breaches and protects an organization's networks, computer files, and sensitive information. They look for vulnerabilities and install safeguards, such as firewalls and data encryption programs. Many analysts work in IT departments across all sectors.

Median Annual Salary (as of May 2020): $103,590

Common Education Requirements:

Popular Online Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Marketing

The field of marketing continues to evolve, with digital marketing expanding in many new ways. If you're regularly investigating market trends, searching through social media posts, and strategizing on how to market your friend's newest business venture, this may be the field for you.

A few of the top in-demand careers in marketing include social media manager, market research analyst, and marketing manager.

10. Social Media Manager

Social media managers stay up to date on ever-changing social media platforms and develop strategies to build a company's brand. They may oversee content development or produce posts and videos themselves while monitoring engagement and the overall impact.

While the BLS does not include a separate occupational listing for social media managers, it's clear that these jobs are in high demand. In June 2021, LinkedIn listed social media managers as one of the top 10 jobs posted on the platform.

Average Annual Salary (as of September 2021): $52,330

Common Education Requirements:


11. Market Research Analyst

As more companies turn to data analytics to determine market trends, the need for market research analysts is expanding in just about every industry. The BLS projects 22% job growth for these professionals between 2020 and 2030.

Market research analysts gather and analyze data on market and consumer-buying trends, as well as on competitors' marketing and pricing strategies. They then evaluate this data using statistical software, convert it into graphs and reports, and use the information to help companies market goods and services.

Median Annual Salary (as of May 2020): $65,810

Common Education Requirements:

  • Bachelor's in market research
  • Master's in market research

12. Marketing Manager

Marketing managers monitor consumer trends. They determine the need for specific services or products, viable markets, and appropriate price structures. They may oversee all aspects of product implementation, from design to marketing plans. While some work for a specific company, others work for agencies and manage several accounts.

These professionals continue to be in strong demand as companies look to expand their market share. The BLS projects 10% job growth for marketing managers from 2020 to 2030.

Median Annual Salary (as of May 2020): $142,170

Common Education Requirements:

Feature Image: JGI/Tom Grill / Getty Images

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