Changing careers is easier to evaluate when you compare the work, training, and likely entry route—not just a list of jobs with impressive salaries. The five options below range from roles with short on-the-job training to occupations that usually require a degree or apprenticeship, so the right fit depends on your interests, finances, location, and the skills you already have.
The figures are U.S. national data, not a ranking or a promise of local hiring. The median annual wage is for 2025; it is not an entry-level salary. The growth descriptions summarize projected employment growth from 2025 to 2035. O*NET OnLine's occupation profiles cite Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) wage data and employment projections, and provide state-level information as well. Check the linked profile and local requirements before making a training or relocation decision.
| Career | 2025 U.S. median annual wage | Projected growth, 2025-35 | Training to investigate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software developers | $135,980 | Much faster than average (7% or higher) | A bachelor's degree is typical; some employers consider relevant experience and demonstrated skills |
| Pharmacy technicians | $45,750 | Faster than average (5% to 6%) | High school completion and employer training are common; state registration or certification rules vary |
| Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians | $62,930 | Average (3% to 4%) | Technologists typically need a bachelor's degree; technicians commonly need an associate degree |
| Landscaping and groundskeeping workers | $39,150 | Faster than average (5% to 6%) | Many entry-level jobs train on the job and do not require a formal credential |
| Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters | $63,800 | Much faster than average (7% or higher) | Apprenticeship is a common route; licensing rules depend on state and locality |
1. Software developer
Software development can suit people who enjoy breaking a problem into steps, learning continuously, and working with abstract systems. Skills from other jobs—such as documenting processes, analyzing data, or understanding a specific industry—can help, but they do not replace the technical skills an employer needs.
A bachelor's degree is the typical education listed for software developers, though some employers consider candidates with relevant experience and a strong body of work. A course or boot camp can help you learn, but completing one does not guarantee a developer job. Before leaving paid work, build and document a small project, compare local job postings, and check what those employers actually require.
2. Pharmacy technician
Pharmacy technicians support pharmacists with tasks such as preparing prescriptions, maintaining records, and helping customers. The role can be an option if you are detail-oriented and comfortable working in a regulated, customer-facing setting. It is not the same career as a pharmacist and does not have the same education or responsibilities.
Some technicians receive much of their training on the job, while others complete a pharmacy-technology program. Requirements differ by state: check the relevant state board before paying for a course, and confirm whether registration, an exam, or certification is required for the setting where you want to work. Shifts, customer interaction, and accuracy under time pressure are also part of the decision.
3. Clinical laboratory technologist or technician
Clinical laboratory staff analyze samples that help healthcare teams diagnose and monitor disease. The work may appeal to people who like careful, repeatable procedures and science, but it is not a general entry-level healthcare role.
Technologists commonly need a bachelor's degree, while technicians often enter with an associate degree. The job title, tasks, and education requirements vary by employer and state, and some roles require a license or professional certification. Compare accredited programs and local job postings for the specific role you want; a shorter technician program may not qualify you for a technologist position.
4. Landscaping and groundskeeping
Landscaping and groundskeeping can be a practical change for someone who prefers active, outdoor work over a desk-based job. Many entry-level positions provide on-the-job training rather than requiring a degree.
The trade-offs matter: work can be physically demanding, exposed to heat or cold, and seasonal in some locations. Entry-level pay can be below the occupation-wide median, so compare local starting wages with your expenses. Some specialized tasks may require additional training or local certification.
5. Plumber
Plumbers install and repair systems that carry water, gas, and waste. The work is hands-on and can offer a route that combines paid employment with structured training rather than a four-year college program.
Apprenticeships commonly include supervised work and classroom instruction over several years. Entry requirements, apprenticeship availability, and licensing rules vary across states and localities, so check the local licensing authority and apprenticeship sponsors before committing. Consider whether you are comfortable with physical work, safety procedures, and schedules that may include urgent repairs.
Compare the transition before you resign
For any of these careers, use the national wage as context—not as a promise of what a new worker will earn. A median includes both newer and experienced workers, and local wages, job openings, and credential rules can be very different.
Before spending money on training or leaving your current role:
- Search local job postings for the exact occupation and note the required credentials, experience, and starting pay.
- Contact a local employer, apprenticeship sponsor, or training program to confirm admission requirements, total cost, completion time, and job-placement information.
- Check state or local licensing rules for the exact job title and work setting.
- Map your transferable skills to actual duties, then try a low-cost course, job shadow, or informational interview to test your interest.
- Compare the likely entry wage and time out of work with your savings and monthly expenses; do not plan a move around the national median.
A career change is a decision about the day-to-day work as much as the long-term outlook. Use current local requirements and costs to narrow the options, then choose a path you can realistically complete and sustain.