How Much Can You Really Make

You’ve heard that switching careers is the fastest way to boost your income, and until recently you’d be right. But here’s what the 70% of workers who are contemplating a career change in 2025 don’t realize. In the past, making a move to a new job often led to a bigger paycheck. However, in 2025 many career changers are discovering that the financial rewards for switching paths aren’t nearly as generous as they used to be.

So, what has shifted behind the scenes that could make your leap far less lucrative? Here’s what the data and experts say about salary trends, and what you need to know before making your move.

The Switching Premium Has Vanished

For years, changing jobs was a proven strategy for boosting your paycheck. In 2021 and 2022, job switchers routinely earned 20% to 30% more than those who stayed put, according to data from industry experts. But 2025 tells a different story. In six of the first eight months of the year, job stayers on average enjoyed larger wage hikes—calculated as three-month moving averages—than job switchers, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. Job switchers did regain the edge in August, the latest month reported.

“The switching premium has evaporated,” says Lacey Kaelani-Dehan, CEO of job search engine Metaintro. “In 2021-2022, job switchers saw 20% to 30% salary bumps. Now it’s 3% to 5%. The job market has normalized, and employers have the negotiating power back.”

This shift reflects a cooling labor market where hiring budgets have tightened and fewer openings are available. With interest rates remaining elevated to control inflation, employers feel less pressure to offer significant 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 ranging from 15% to 35%.

Workers with artificial intelligence (AI) skills, for example, command a 56% wage premium on average compared to similar roles without AI requirements, up from just 25% last year.

Meanwhile, those making lateral moves into saturated or declining fields often face income stagnation or even pay cuts. “The selection of industry is fundamental,” Kaelani-Dehan explains. “Upskilling only matters if it’s relevant to what employers are seeking. Career stage matters less than it used to.” 

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

How to Protect Your Finances During a Transition

Career transitions rarely happen overnight. Even strong candidates should expect the process to take a minimum of four to six months, according to Kaelani-Dehan. That’s why financial preparation is critical. She recommends building a runway of six to 12 months of living expenses instead of the three to six months customarily recommended for emergency savings. That gives you more breathing room 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 do land an offer, remember that salary negotiation is about more than just the starting number. “Frame the conversation based on where you see yourself in a career trajectory, not just at starting salary,” Kaelani-Dehan advises.

The shift to skills-based hiring presents both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, you don’t necessarily need a formal degree to break into new fields. On the other hand, you’ll need to demonstrate your capabilities up front. Employers now evaluate demonstrated abilities over credentials alone.