30 High-Paying Careers for Career Change in your 30s
Did you know Martha Stewart had a career change in her 30's?
Before becoming a beloved television personality she was a model and then a Wall Street stockbroker.
Jonah Peretti was teaching middle schoolers computer science before launching Buzzfeed and The Huffington Post.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson was a football player in the 90’s before making his switch into entertainment later in life.
If there's anything we can learn from their stories, it’s that it’s never too late to make a career change!
In this post, we’ll share some of the best ways to navigate a career change; including 30 high-paying careers for career changes, how to research your career change, how to successfully make your career pivot.
👉 But first, why are your 30s a particularly great time to change careers?
(and why are your 40s and 50s even better?)
Two reasons: First, you now have established experience. You have a solid skill set that you can “transfer” to your new career. And secondly, you now have a strong professional network you can tap into.
The trick is, how do you leverage both of these to make your career pivot?
Let's jump in and show you exactly how to make your career change a success!
Note: You can jump to the list of 30 jobs for career changers using the menu below, but I recommend reading up on how to make a career change first.
I need a career change but don’t know what to do. How do you change careers?
You might feel unsure about how to take the first steps in starting that career change. This is totally normal.
Making a career change is a BIG decision and requires a lot of work (but it’s definitely worth it!).
Here’s how to begin your career change.
1. Research your Career Change
Before you dive into making your career change, first you should stop and do a little research into the types of careers you’d like to pursue.
Taking time now to understand the industry, position requirements, and potential growth paths will actually make things move faster for you in the long run.
Here are 6 ways to research your career change:
- Research careers through the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics on the Occupational Outlook Handbook. This site provides key statistics on hundreds of careers in the United States.
- Network with professionals working in the careers you’d like to pursue on Linkedin. You can see our full guide on how to network for a job here.
- Search potential companies you’d like to work for on Glassdoor to see real reviews of the companies you’d like to apply for.
- Attend conferences, webinars, and meet-ups that apply to your careers.
- Read articles or blogs on the careers you’d like to pursue. A great place to start is Sarah Johnston’s newsletter from The BriefcaseCoach.
Speak to a career coach if you need further help. You can book a free strategy call with one of our job search specialists here.
Check out this video by Career Coach, Angie Callen, who discusses techniques on figuring out what your pivot can look like.
2. Network with people who are in the positions you want to be in
Research doesn’t just include simple Google searches. Remember that network we talked about earlier? It’s time to use it!
👉 The most effective career pivoters use their network to learn about the jobs first.
You can reach out to people in roles you’re interested in to ask about their experience, day-to-day realities of the role, and practical advice.
Use these LinkedIn Outreach Templates to introduce yourself and get the conversation going.
Check out this video by Career Coach, AJ Eckstein, on four key steps network the right way.
3. Try your new career in “risk-free” ways
Without experience in your new position, you might have an unrealistic idea of the day-to-day realities of what you will be doing.
Every job has its ups and downs, so before jumping into the long and difficult process of making a career pivot, you may want to gain first-hand experience to see if you will enjoy doing it full-time.
Here are a few ways you can “try on” your new position to see if you like it enough to continue going down that road.
- Volunteer: If available, offer your skills for free to network with people in your target field and gain first-hand experience.
- Freelance: Take on short projects in your target field to gain skills and build firsthand experience.
- Online Courses and Certifications: Enroll in online courses to build your fundamentals in your new career, see if you enjoy the subject matter.
- Internships or Apprenticeships: Apply for short-term opportunities in your industry of choice to gain some work experience.
- Mentorships: Network to find an expert in the field you’d like to pursue to get some guidance (see networking templates above).
Need some help in strategizing your next career step? You can book a FREE strategy call to figure out your next steps.
30 High-paying careers to start at 30
Now that you know how to make your career change, let’s look at 30 careers you can start at 30 that include roles which are both high-paying and in high demand!
Technology
Median Salary: $103,500
Projected Growth: 35%
Information Security Analysts
Information Security Analysts plan security measures to protect a business’ computer networks and systems. The rising frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks make this role in high demand.
Median Salary: $120,360
Projected Growth: 33%
Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, or Testers
This role works in computer systems design and related services. They identify problems with applications or programs and report defects. This role is currently highly competitive in this job market, but has high salaries as a result.
Median Salary: $132,270
Projected Growth: 17%
Healthcare
Medical and health services Managers
Interested in helping people but not direct patient care? This role is responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing the daily operations of healthcare facilities and services.
Median Salary: $104,280
Projected Growth: 32%
Marketing and E-Commerce
Market research analysts
Market Research Analysts study consumer preferences, business information, and other data to determine potential sales of a product or service. Most industries use market research and analysts are employed throughout the economy.
Median Salary : $65,810
Projected Growth : 18%
Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing managers
These managers plan programs for consumers to create interest in a business’s products or services. With an evolving digital landscape, businesses are increasingly relying on sophisticated marketing strategies to reach customers.
Median Salary: $157,620
Projected Growth: 8%
Digital Marketing
Digital marketers promote a business’s products or services using online channels like social media, search engines, websites, and email marketing. With an increase of online users in the digital world this role can effectively reach a target audience separate from traditional marketing methods.
Median Salary: $83,000
Projected Growth: 10%
Public Relation Specialists
Public relations specialists plan and maintain a public image for the clients and businesses they represent.
Median Salary: $66,750
Projected Growth : 6%
Sales
Solar Sales Representative
Solar sales representatives sell solar equipment to homeowners and businesses. With a demand for clean energy, governmental incentives, falling solar panel costs, and more, interest in solar energy are increasing.
Median Salary: $102,474
Projected Growth: 8%
Sales Engineer
Sales engineers sell products or services, such as software or technical support, that require high-tech expertise. The growing complexity of modern technology requires professionals with technical knowledge to explain and sell sophisticated products and services.
Median Salary: $116,950
Projected Growth: 6%
Insurance Sales Agent
Insurance sales agents contact potential customers to sell various types of insurance plans to customers. With a growing demand for insurance on various sectors, consumers require guidance and personalized advice when purchasing policies.
Median Salary: $59,080
Projected Growth: 6%
Wholesale or Manufacturing Sales Representative
Wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses, government agencies, and other organizations.
Median Salary: $99,710
Projected Growth 1%
Sales Development Representative
A Sales Development Representative is a good entry-level job that leads to more sales opportunities further on. A sales development representative is responsible for the initial stages of the sales process, and generate leads for their sales team to close.
Median Salary: $54,297
Projected Growth: 1%
Creative
Web Developers and Digital Designers
Web developers create and maintain websites. Digital designers develop, create, and test website interface layouts for optimal usability. Some web developers and digital designers work in organizations others are self-employed. As e-commerce continues to expand and increase its online offerings, demand for these workers is expected to increase.
Median Salary: $98,540
Projected Growth: 8%
Technical Writer
Technical writers prepare instruction manuals, how-to guides, articles, and other documents to communicate complex and technical information easily. Although technical writers work in various industries most are concentrated in computer and management, science, and technical industries.
Median Salary: $80,050
Projected Growth: 4%
Content Writer/Content Marketer
Content writers and marketers develop content for various types of media including advertisements, blogs, magazines, movies, plays, and television scripts. Writers can work anywhere they have access to a computer, most are self-employed. Types of writers and authors include content writers, copywriters, bloggers, biographers, speechwriters, screenwriters, and more.
Median Salary: $73,690
Projected Growth: 5%
UX Designer
Graphic designers create visuals using computer software or by hand to create ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. Many of these workers are employed in specialized design services, UX/UI design, publishing, advertising, public relations, and related services.
Median Salary: $58,910
Projected Growth: 2%
Operations and Logistics
Logistics Manager
Logistics Managers analyze and coordinate an organization’s supply chain. The growth of e-commerce means an increase in demand to move products efficiently and identify areas for improvement in supply chain management. The increased volume of inventory has made logisticians’ work vital.
Median Salary: $79,400
Projected Growth: 19%
Project Management Specialists
Project management specialists coordinate, budget, schedule, staffing, and other details of a project. These specialists are needed to help manage various business operations. Demand is expected to be strong in computer systems design services.
Median Salary: $98,580
Projected Growth: 7%
Industrial Product Manager
Product managers oversee the operations of manufacturing and related plants. They coordinate, plan, and direct activities involved in creating a range of goods.
Median Salary: $116,970
Projected Growth: 3%
Business Management
Operations Research Analysts
Operations research analysts use math and logic to help solve complex issues. Technological advances have made it faster and easier for organizations to get data. These analysts evaluate data to improve business operations, supply chains, pricing models, and marketing.
Median Salary : $85,720
Projected Growth : 23%
Actuary
Actuaries use math, statistics, and financial theory to analyze the economic costs of risk and uncertainty. They will be needed to develop, price, and evaluate a variety of insurance products to calculate the cost of new risks. Most actuaries work for insurance companies.
Median Salary: $120,000
Projected Growth: 22%
Personal Finance Advisors
Personal finance advisors provide advice to help individuals manage their money and plan for their financial futures. Most personal financial advisors work in the finance and insurance industry or are self-employed. With the growth of an aging population and the replacement of traditional pension plans with individual retirement accounts, the need for financial planners is growing.
Median Salary: $99,580
Projected Growth: 17%
Financial Analyst
Financial analysts provide informed investment decisions. Emerging markets throughout the world are providing new investment opportunities, requiring financial expertise in those markets.
Median Salary: $96,010
Projected Growth : 8%
Accountant and Auditors
Accountants and auditors prepare and examine financial records. Globalization, a growing economy, and a complex tax and regulatory environment are expected to increase demand for accountants and auditors.
Median Salary: $79,880
Projected Growth: 6%
Human Resources Specialists
Human resources specialists recruit, screen, and interview job applicants. They also handle compensation and benefits, training, and employee relations. Demand for these specialists is strong as workers are needed to meet organizational priorities.
Median Salary: $67,650
Projected Growth : 8%
Recruiter
A recruiter is a good entry-level position with a lot of potential for growth. This role matches individuals with open positions at an organization. They are responsible for screening candidates, conducting interviews, and maintaining relationships with a candidate and their company.
Median Salary: $55,900
Projected Growth: 10%
Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners
Meeting, convention, and event planners arrange all aspects of events and professional gatherings. Event planner services are expected to be in demand by people who want help organizing personal events and professionally planned meetings and events for businesses and organizations that host events.
Median Salary: $56,920
Projected Growth : 7%
Legal Assistant
Paralegals and legal assistants typically need an associated degree, others prefer candidates with a bachelors while others may consider those with a high school diploma and experience.
Median Salary: $60,970
Projected Growth: 1%
Loan Officer
Loan officers evaluate, authorize, and recommend approval of loan applications.
Median Salary: $69,990
Projected Growth: 1%
👉 If you’d like to do additional research on the current salaries for these positions (in your region), check out this list of Top Salary Websites.
How to change careers with no experience
Landing a position with no experience in the field might seem intimidating, but with a growing emphasis on practical skills and real-world experience, it’s more achievable than you’d think.
Read our guide on how you can land a job with little or no experience (with free word-for-word templates)
Here are some ways that you can gain relevant experience in your field.
- Find the target skills that are in demand for your desired career/job. Identify your transferable skills.
- Find Linkedin networks who are in the career you desire.
- Send them a message on what skills you should pursue.
- Learn target skills
- Use online learning resources: Udemy, Linkedin Learning, Coursera, or Hubspot Academy.
- Apply those new skills (most important). Here are some ways to apply your newfound skills.
- Offer your services on a freelance basis.
- Ask your friends, family, or small business.
- Search for volunteer opportunities.
- Do a micro-internship.
Be sure to add these experiences to your resume so that employers know that you have the skills and passion to pursue a career change into your new industry.
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Rara Watanabe is a writer with a background in marketing, sales coordination, and community engagement. With a BA in International Relations and a minor in Literature and Writing from UC San Diego, she has developed expertise in content creation, market research, and marketing in both corporate and non-profit spaces.