Career Change at 40: The Best Paying Jobs To Have at 40

Published August 18, 2023

Changing careers at 40 years old may seem daunting and scary. Most people think a new job is the least they need as they age. Career stability and familiarity matter most, as they say. 

Suppose you find yourself lacking interest in your current career. Perhaps, you feel stuck at your current job without any room for growth. Or, if you want to alter your professional life altogether, you can successfully do so. There is no fearing career change at 40; it can be a positive and exciting new life chapter. A career change at 40 can give you happiness and more success. 

Continue reading, as we’ll provide a comprehensive guide on all the best-paying jobs to have at 40. This article will discuss all there is to know about navigating a midlife career change. So you’ll be empowered to take control of your professional life at 40 or any age. Let’s get started.

What Is a Career Change?

According to the American Institute for Economic Research, people who attempt a career change over 40 are successful and much happier. The big leap of change they execute gives them a more fulfilling and joyful life. Thus, if you’re contemplating a career change and are well past your twenties, this is the perfect time to do so. 

A career change is when you make any job change. It requires you to learn new skills in a different industry or position. It may sound overwhelming. Yet, it is an exciting opportunity to change the whole trajectory of your life.

Benefits of a Career Change

A career change will indeed feel unsettling and frightening. However, many benefits await the other side when you overcome these feelings. It is true whether this change is your choice. And if it is the result of circumstances outside your control.

• Pay growth for women peaks around age 44. If you’re a woman seeking a midlife career change, you will likely greet increased pay growth. 
• 90% of career changes reported feeling happier. These individuals also feel less stressed. More importantly, they are more successful professionally. 
• 50% of successful career changes received increased pay. 
• 72% report feeling like a new person—an improved version of themselves after their career change. 

Reasons People May Consider a Career Change

Making a career change is a result of many circumstances. It’s never the same for everyone. Still, it can allow you to pursue forgotten or discarded dreams. It can also give you the ability to build a new plan. Here are some reasons people may pursue a career change at 40. 

1. Becoming a parent or life partner meant setting aside your career when you were younger. Your kids are grown up. It’s time to prioritize yourself. 
2. You never believe in yourself strongly enough to pursue what you love. Now you’re ready. 
3. You spend your younger years caring for an aging parent or a loved one. Now you’re exploring career options. 
4. You’re on your expected career path. However, you are now questioning your decision. 
5. You lost your job for any reason. You do not want to keep doing the same thing. 
6. You feel stagnant and are looking for a change. 
7. You have accomplished everything in your first career. You are looking for a new challenge. 
8. Your job has become toxic and stifling. 
9. Retirement can be boring. You want to pursue something more meaningful. 

Whatever the reason you want to change your career, you’re welcome. You’re free to take control of your professional life. Now let’s discuss the best jobs to start at 40. 

Top 10 Best-Paying Careers To Start at 40

1. Medical administrative assistant 

National average salary: $40,245 per year 

A medical administrative assistant or secretary fulfills office and customer service tasks. They support the clinical staff. They perform duties such as booking appointments and filing medical charts. A medical secretary also bills insurance companies. 

They might also use medical knowledge to communicate in their workplace. It is also needed to explain services to patients. Assuming that your current job exercises efficiency, organization, and professionalism. This job is for you.

2. Patient care technician 

National average salary: $49,392 per year 

A patient care technician serves as a frontline health career employee. They assist doctors and registered nurses. They might perform tasks such as assisting with patient examinations and treatments. They may also collect samples. Record medical information. And discuss their care plans with patients. This career path is widely accessible. Individuals with prior healthcare industry experience excel well in this path.

3. Event planner 

National average salary: $50,042 

An event planner coordinates events and celebrations. Meetings, conventions, parties, weddings. They use time management and organizational skills in this job. These abilities are needed to manage budgets, negotiate contracts, and lead teams. 

This may be your professional path. Considering if your current position involves multitasking, hospitality, or public relations.

4. SEO Specialist

National average salary: $54,367 per year

An SEO specialist provides search engine optimization to a website’s presence online. These workers implement strategic codes for their clients. They also create optimized content for a website. Furthermore, they collaborate with the marketing team to craft a cohesive advertising strategy. SEO specialists often have skills such as digital marketing and web design. The ability to stay on top of online business trends is also needed for this job.

5. Translator 

National average salary: $56,883 per year

A translator manages written communication between two parties. At the same time, they are maintaining each speaker’s original tone and message. These individuals might perform translation services for legal cases, conferences, or businesses. It is typically across global markets. 

Translator jobs usually need candidates to be fluent in more than one knowledge. They must also have the cultural understanding demanded to translate messages.

6. Dental Assistant 

National average salary: $69,062 

A dental assistant aids the work of dentists. They speak to patients. They prepare tools and equipment for dental procedures. They also assist with X-rays. Furthermore, dental assistants perform general administrative work. They do so by updating patient records and booking appointments

7. Human resource manager 

National average salary: $78,919 per year 

A human resource manager facilitates a company’s employees. They ensure their well-being. They are responsible for sustaining various aspects of the employee life cycle. They act as a liaison between upper management and their employees. A human resource manager ensures the organization realizes corporate policies and legal obligations. 

8. Web developer 

National average salary: $79,397 per year 

A web developer is a programmer who codes to build websites. They listen to client requirements to ensure the final product meets design requirements. They also render appropriate website functionality. 

This job also includes tasks such as collecting and analyzing user feedback. Implementing test tools is also a skill too. A web developer may perform services for an organization in-house. Some may work for an agency, and some as freelancers. 

9. Project manager 

National average salary: $84,278 per year 

A project manager oversees and facilitates all aspects of a project. These projects may relate to construction, engineering, and healthcare. Project managers exist in the field of technology, or marketing too. The job responsibilities include the creation of a detailed plan. They also establish a budget for the task. Project managers also manage team members. As well as communicating progress to clients. 

Relevant traits for this position include time management and cost management. Leadership and communication skills too. 

Guidance for a Successful Career Change at 40: How To Change Careers at 40

1. Weigh the positives and negatives. 

Before you change careers in your 40s, weigh the positives and negatives of doing so. A new job might help you overcome burnout. It will also give you a sense of purpose and more opportunities for personal growth. It could also support you in creating a better work-life balance. It allows for permitting more free time for your family. 

A potential downside is decreased pay if you enter a new field. But you can always overcome this by planning your finances accordingly. You can also pursue advanced education. Another con is it would also take too much time to get new qualifications. You can always speed up this by accomplishing many online courses.

2. Rule out your ideal career path. 

Determine your career path. Analyze what you lack in your current job and what you want to gain in your new role. For instance, you might want to change careers in the same field if you want to earn more. You may also advance your career by switching to an industry where your skills are in high demand. 

You may also create an entirely new field if you’re unsatisfied. It may be feeling discontent with your current industry. It is possible to switch between unrelated professions. It is due to your transferable skills.

3. Earn the appropriate qualifications. 

The next step to a successful career change is earning suitable qualifications. Analyze your current abilities to know the transferable skills you can apply in a new role. It might also be necessary to pursue additional qualifications. It will make you a more desirable candidate. 

Research the career requirements you want. Enroll in an appropriate certification class to advance yourself professionally. Online courses are beneficial for this. 

4. Apply for jobs 

And all that is left is to begin your job search. Update your resume to mirror your new credentials and career goals. You can improve this step by building your professional network. You can also research average compensation packages for different roles. Apply for jobs that are in high demand. Also, do not forget to collect references from your supervisors and colleagues.