Whether you’re seeking better opportunities, personal growth, or a different work environment, changing careers can offer a fresh start and numerous benefits. 

Here are ten of the best jobs to consider for career changers:

Factors to Consider When Choosing a New Career

Aligning career choices with personal interests and lifestyle needs is essential. When I worked in a university registrar's office, I often interacted with people who returned to college to finish their degree or pursue a second degree that was better suited to their interests and needs. 

This alignment ensures long-term satisfaction in your new role. Additionally, consider the median annual salary, demand for the job, skills required, and your potential for growth and advancement. Strategically considering these factors upfront before investing in a student loan or several years of classes ensures that any investment made in your education will pay off over time.

What Are the Best Jobs for a Career Change?

Here are the best jobs for a midlife career change based on their high demand, competitive salaries, transferable skills, and advancement opportunities.

Job 1: Data Analyst

Data analysts gather, process, and analyze data to help organizations make informed decisions. They work with large datasets, identify trends, and create visualizations to present their findings. The demand for data skills is skyrocketing as more companies rely on data-driven decision-making and analytical thinking. 

Necessary Skills and Qualifications

  • Proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., SQL, Python, R)
  • Statistical knowledge
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • A degree in a related field like mathematics, statistics, or computer science is beneficial but not always required.

Potential Benefits and Opportunities for Growth

Data analysts are in high demand, which translates to competitive salaries ($108,020 median annual wage), excellent job security, and opportunities for career advancement into senior analyst or data science positions.

Job 2: Digital Marketer

Digital marketers create and manage online marketing campaigns — including SEO, content marketing, social media, and email marketing — to drive traffic and engagement for their organizations. This field offers diverse opportunities and a balance of creative and strategic tasks.

Necessary Skills and Qualifications

  • SEO and SEM knowledge
  • Social media management
  • Content creation and copywriting
  • Analytical skills to measure campaign performance
  • A bachelor's degree in marketing, or digital marketing, or an MBA can be helpful

Potential Benefits and Opportunities for Growth

Digital marketing is a dynamic field with high demand, flexible working conditions, and numerous specialization areas. Salaries range widely, but I know many professionals in this career who easily earn six-figure incomes.

Job 3: Project Manager

Project managers plan, execute, and oversee projects to ensure they are completed on time and within budget. They employ strong organizational and leadership skills to coordinate with teams, manage resources, and handle any issues that arise.

Necessary Skills and Qualifications

  • Project management certification (e.g., PMP)
  • Leadership and team management experience
  • Excellent communication and problem-solving skills
  • Technology software skills (e.g., Microsoft Dynamics, Atlassian Confluence)

Potential Benefits and Opportunities for Growth

Project management roles are in high demand across various industries, from IT to construction, offering diverse job opportunities and a median annual wage of $98,580. Successful project managers can advance to senior management positions.

Job 4: Software Developer

Software developers design, code, and maintain software applications. They work on various projects, from web development to mobile app creation. Coding boot camps and online courses make it easier than ever to gain the skills needed for this high-demand field.

Necessary Skills and Qualifications

•          Proficiency in programming languages (e.g., Java, Python, JavaScript)

•          Problem-solving skills

•          Database user interface and query software (e.g., Airtable, Apache Hive)

•          A degree in computer science is beneficial but not mandatory.

Potential Benefits and Opportunities for Growth

Software developers enjoy high salaries ($132,270 median annual wage), remote work, the chance to innovate, and the potential for career advancement into senior developer or technical lead roles.

Job 5: UX/UI Designer

UX/UI designers focus on creating user-friendly interfaces for websites and applications. They use creativity and technical skills to conduct user research, design wireframes, and collaborate with developers to implement designs.

Necessary Skills and Qualifications

•          Proficiency in design software (e.g., Adobe XD, Sketch, Figma)

•          Strong understanding of user-centered design principles

•          Experience with user research and usability testing

•          Bachelor's degree in graphic design, computer science, or psychology, and/or a Google UX Design Professional Certificate

Potential Benefits and Opportunities for Growth

UX/UI designers are in high demand as companies prioritize user experience. This role offers diverse project opportunities and a median annual wage of $98,540 with potential advancement into senior design roles.

Job 6: Health Care Administrator

Health care administrators manage the operations of health care facilities, ensuring they run efficiently and comply with regulations. They handle budgeting, staffing, and policy implementation.

Necessary Skills and Qualifications

•          Health care management degree or certification

•          Strong organizational and leadership skills

•          Knowledge of health care regulations and policies

Potential Benefits and Opportunities for Growth

Health care administrators enjoy job stability in a growing industry and the opportunity to make a significant impact on patient care. There are also ample opportunities for career advancement into executive roles.

Job 7: Financial Planner

Financial planners help clients manage their finances, including investments, retirement planning, and budgeting. They provide personalized advice based on individual financial goals.

Necessary Skills and Qualifications

•          Certification in financial planning (e.g., CFP)

•          Strong analytical and interpersonal skills

•          Knowledge of financial products and markets

Potential Benefits and Opportunities for Growth

As a financial planner, you can earn a median annual wage of $99,580 and enjoy opportunities to advance into senior advisory roles or start your own practice.

Job 8: Human Resources Specialist

Human resources specialists handle various HR functions, including recruiting, employee relations, and benefits administration. They ensure that organizational policies are followed and support employees.

Necessary Skills and Qualifications

•          HR certification (e.g., SHRM-CP)

•          Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

•          Knowledge of employment laws and HR practices

Potential Benefits and Opportunities for Growth

HR specialists play a key role in organizational success and can advance to HR manager or director positions. This field is growing rapidly and offers you a chance to make a difference in employees' lives.

Job 9: Cybersecurity Analyst

Cybersecurity analysts protect organizations' information systems from cyber threats. They monitor networks, conduct security assessments, and implement security measures.

Necessary Skills and Qualifications

•          Cybersecurity certification (e.g., CISSP)

•          Knowledge of security protocols and technologies

•          Analytical and problem-solving skills

Potential Benefits and Opportunities for Growth

Cybersecurity analysts are in high demand. They offer excellent job security and a median annual wage of $120,360. There is also potential for advancement into senior security roles or specialized areas like ethical hacking.

Job 10: Sales Representative

Sales representatives sell products or services to customers, build relationships, and meet sales targets. They work in various industries, from technology to health care.

Necessary Skills and Qualifications

•          Sales experience or a CPSP certification 

•          Strong communication and negotiation skills

•          Customer relationship management

Potential Benefits and Opportunities for Growth

Sales representatives can achieve high earning potential in a high-demand field. Successful salespeople can advance to sales manager or director roles, overseeing larger teams and strategies.

How to Transition to a New Career

Changing careers requires preparation and strategic planning. Here are some tips to help you transition smoothly:

•          Refresh Your Resume: Update your work history and highlight transferable skills.

•          Assess Your Interests: Take this career discovery quiz to determine the best options based on your interests and skills.

•          Gain Necessary Skills: Take courses or obtain certifications relevant to your new field.

Making a career change is a significant step that can lead to personal and professional growth. By considering factors like job demand, required skills, and potential benefits, you can make an informed decision about your new career path