If you're tired of needing side hustles that work with a full-time job to boost your bank account, it may be time for a career switch . A mid-career change can be daunting, so it's important to choose a path in demand: one that won't leave you overqualified, underpaid, and regretting your degree.
Several fields are projected to grow through 2034, and these offer the highest-paying opportunities.
Editor's note: All figures come from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt
National Debt Relief could help you resolve your credit card debt with an affordable plan that works for you. Just tell them your situation, then find out your debt relief options.1 <p>Please note that all calls with the company may be recorded or monitored for quality assurance and training purposes. Clients who are able to stay with the program and get all their debt settled realize approximate savings of 45% before fees, or 20% including our fees, over 24 to 48 months. All claims are based on enrolled debts. Not all debts are eligible for enrollment. Not all clients complete our program for various reasons, including their ability to save sufficient funds. Estimates based on prior results, which will vary based on specific circumstances. We do not guarantee that your debts will be lowered by a specific amount or percentage or that you will be debt-free within a specific period of time. We do not assume consumer debt, make monthly payments to creditors or provide tax, bankruptcy, accounting or legal advice or credit repair services. Not available in all states. Please contact a tax professional to discuss tax consequences of settlement. Please consult with a bankruptcy attorney for more information on bankruptcy. Depending on your state, we may be available to recommend a local tax professional and/or bankruptcy attorney. Read and understand all program materials prior to enrollment, including potential adverse impact on credit rating. "Debt-Free" applies only to enrolled credit cards, personal loans, and medical bills. Not mortgages, car loans, or other debts. Results vary.</p>
Sign up for a free debt assessment here.
Data scientist
Median salary: $112,590
If you love sorting through data and using analytical tools to extract insights, a data scientist position might be the right fit for you. A bachelor's degree is typically required for entry-level roles, and the field is projected to grow by 34% over the coming years.
Experience and education in mathematics, statistics, or computer science are helpful.
Medical and health services manager
Median salary: $117,960
It's no secret that there's a severe shortage of healthcare workers, which is expected to continue unless major changes occur. Education requirements for an administrative role can vary, but you'll likely need at least a bachelor's degree and experience in a hospital or healthcare facility.
With job growth of 23% expected within the next 10 years, this field looks to add 142,900 jobs by 2034.
Information security analyst
Median salary: $124,910
Computer system and network security are only increasing in importance as society continues to embrace technology, and a growth of 29% is expected to continue until at least 2034. That translates to about 52,100 job openings by 2034.
Typical requirements for this position include a bachelor's degree in computer science and professional certifications.
Veterinarian
Median salary: $125,510
As a society, we have more non-working pets than ever before in history, which means higher demand for veterinary care. Employment rates for veterinarians are expected to grow 10% through 2034.
If you love animals and want to keep them healthy, you'll need a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree and a state license.
Actuary
Median salary: $125,770
Actuaries analyze economic costs, including risks and uncertainty, by using mathematics, statistics, and financial theory. Typically, actuaries work for insurance companies. If you have a strong background in mathematics and business, it may be worth pursuing the required certifications to make the career switch.
This involves a series of exams, but once you're done, you'll be eligible to enter a field projected to grow by 22% through 2034.
Nurse practitioner
Median salary: $132,050
Nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners have been consistently in high demand since the pandemic, and that demand is projected to continue at a 35% rate through 2034. Without new candidates in the field, there could be critical shortages as soon as 2028.
One reason for the shortages is a high barrier to entry: a rigorous academic path to earn a master's degree in an APRN role, followed by a series of required licensure and certifications.
Physician assistant
Median salary: $133,260
In 2024, there were 162,700 jobs for physician assistants and that's expected to grow 20% through 2034. The position requires a master's degree and state licensure; without changes to make education more accessible, the field could continue the healthcare trend of being perpetually understaffed.
Computer and information research scientist
Median salary: $140,910
If you love pushing tech to its limits and turning breakthroughs into real-world innovations, consider a career in computer and information research science. Most roles require a master's in computer science, though the federal government now allows a bachelor's for some positions.
The field is expected to grow at a rate of 20% through 2034; however, that may be overly optimistic for a field largely focused on forcing generative AI into everything.
Bottom line
The high demand for these $95,000+ jobs isn't because they're undesirable; it's because education and living costs put many qualified candidates out of reach.
Making it easier to access training and degrees could help fill these roles faster and give more people a chance at lucrative careers all bolstering their financial fitness.
More from FinanceBuzz:
- Retire like the rich: 14 ways you could build wealth in your 50s.
- Find out if you could pay less for car insurance in just a few clicks.
- Make these 7 savvy moves when you have $1,000 in the bank.
- 14 moves seniors could benefit from but often forget about.
Add Us On Google