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Think you're in the market for a whole new career, one you're willing to go back to school to get? You're not alone: Of the 21 million people enrolled in post-high school programs, 2.3 million are between the ages of 40 and 64, up from 1.9 million in 2007, reports the National Center for Education Statistics. (About 1.5 million of them are part-time students.)
At midlife, you want to choose wisely. You've got decades of experience in the workplace, which is all to the good, but also fewer years in which to undertake lengthy additional schooling. Finding a career in a growing field that will continue to add jobs, offering pay that will justify the cost of your added education is the mission. The cherry on top is enjoying the work you will do. With all that in mind, suggestions for the best midlife career change, based on projections of the fast-growing jobs from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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Registered Nurse
Number of new jobs expected by 2022: 526,800
Increase in number of jobs, 2012 to 2022: 19.4%
Educational requirements: Associate’s or bachelor's degree
Average cost: Earning a two-year degree at a community college costs an average of $3,200 per year. The four-year path to RN, which leads to higher paying jobs, costs about $8,900 per year at public four-year schools, according to the College Board.
How long to earn: At least two years
Median salary, 2012: $65,470
Upside: Rising job satisfaction. A recent survey found 91% are happy with their career, and 73% satisfied with their current job
Downside: In many parts of the country, newly minted nurses struggle to find work
Truck Driver
Number of new jobs expected by 2022: 192,600
Increase in number of jobs, 2012 to 2022: 11.3%
Educational requirements: In addition to a commercial driver's license, you'll need a certificate
Cost: Anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000, according to the Professional Truck Driver Institute
How long to earn: Between four and eight weeks
Median salary: $38,200
Upside: High turnover means good truckers can always find work, sometimes with signing bonuses
Downside: Be prepared to be away from home for weeks at a time
Medical Secretary
Number of new jobs expected by 2022: 189,200
Growth rate, 2012 to 2022: 36%
Educational requirements: Some vocational or community college
Average cost: About $3,200 per year
Median salary: $31,350
Upside: Widespread demand makes this an easily transferable occupation
Downside: Busy medical offices translate into higher-than-average stress levels
Kindergarten or Elementary School Teacher
Number of new jobs expected by 2022: 167,900
Increase in number of jobs, 2012 to 2022: 12.3%
Educational requirements: At least a bachelor's degree; some areas require pursuit of a master's
Average in-state tuition, four-year school: About $8,900 per year, according to the College Board
How long to earn: At least four years
Median salary: $53,400
Upside: Summers off, and the chance to channel Dr. Seuss
Downside: Starting salaries are considerably below median
Accountant or Auditor
Number of new jobs expected by 2022: 166,700
Increase in number of jobs, 2012 to 2022: 13.1%
Educational requirements: Bachelor's degree. Many also pursue a Certified Public Accountant certification.
Average in-state tuition, four-year school: About $8,900 per year, according to the College Board
How long to earn: At least four years
Median salary: $63,550
Upside: Better-than-average job flexibility and upward mobility
Downside: Expect to put in plenty of overtime, especially during tax-season crunch
Restaurant Cook
Number of new jobs expected by 2022: 150,100
Change in number of jobs, 2012 to 2022: 14.7%
Educational requirements: While many land jobs without even a high-school diploma, you'll need culinary training to get in at trendy restaurants
Average costs: A two-year degree from Johnson & Wales (Emeril Lagasse's alma mater) or the Culinary Institute of America costs about $54,000. But many public colleges also offer two and four year programs, at about $8,900 per year.
Median salary: $22,030: chefs and head cooks earn $42,480
Upside: Work is fun, creative and constantly evolving
Downside: Long hours and fallen arches
