How much can you really make

You’ve heard that changing careers is the quickest way to increase your income, and until recently you were right. But this is what 70% of workers who are thinking about changing their careers in 2025 do not realize. In the past, moving to a new job often resulted in a larger salary. However, in 2025, many career changers will discover that the financial rewards for changing paths are no longer as generous as they once were.

So, what has changed behind the scenes that could make your jump less profitable? Here’s what data and experts say about salary trends, and what you need to know before you make your decision.

The switching premium is gone

For many years, changing jobs has been a proven strategy to increase your salary. And in 2021 and 2022, job changers routinely earned 20% to 30% more than those who stayed, according to data from industry experts. But 2025 tells a different story. In six of the first eight months of the year, those who stayed in their jobs on average enjoyed larger wage increases — calculated as three-month moving averages — than those who switched jobs, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. The job raiders regained their advantage in August, as reported in the last month.

“The switching premium has evaporated,” says Lasse Kelani DeHaan, CEO of job search engine Metaintro. “In 2021-2022, job switchers saw salary increases of 20% to 30%. Now that has risen to 3% to 5%. The labor market has returned to normal, and employers have regained bargaining power.”

This shift reflects a cooling labor market where hiring budgets have tightened and fewer job openings are available. With interest rates remaining high to control inflation, employers feel less pressure to offer large pay increases to attract new talent.

Where career changers still see big gains

Not all career changes are created equal. The biggest determining factor for salary growth is simple: Are you moving toward demand or away from it? Career changers entering high-growth sectors like technology and healthcare can still expect salary increases of 15% to 35%.

For example, workers with AI skills receive an average 56% pay premium compared to similar roles without AI requirements, compared to just 25% last year.

Meanwhile, those who make lateral moves to saturated or declining fields often face stagnant income or even reduced wages. “Choice of industry is key,” explains Kelani DeHaan. “Upskilling only matters if it is relevant to what employers are looking for. Career stage is less important than it used to be.”

Roles that require human judgment, physical presence, or creative problem solving continue to present powerful opportunities as automation reshapes the workplace. Jobs for nurse practitioners, data scientists, and renewable energy technicians are among the fastest-growing and highest-paying fields for 2025.

How to protect your money during the transition period

Career transitions rarely happen overnight. Even strong candidates should expect the process to take at least four to six months, according to Kelani Dahan. That’s why financial preparation is crucial. She recommends building a runway for six to 12 months of living expenses instead of the three to six months typically recommended for emergency savings. This gives you more leeway to find the right opportunity rather than accepting an early offer out of desperation.

Many successful career switchers use bridge roles, contract work, part-time gigs, or consulting to maintain income while they improve their skills or search for their ideal position. And when you get an offer, remember that negotiating salary isn’t just about a starting number. “Frame the conversation based on where you see yourself in the career path, not just the starting salary,” Keilani DeHaan advises.

The shift to skills-based employment presents both opportunities and challenges. On the one hand, you don’t necessarily need a formal degree to break into new fields. On the other hand, you will need to show your abilities in advance. Employers now evaluate demonstrated abilities on credentials alone.