Would a Career Change Accomplish a $14K Salary Increase?

Karen writes:

I’ve been a travel agent for 10 years and am making less than $25,000 per year. I’ve recently received my bachelor’s degree, and am very interested in changing careers to the human resources field. Since my salary is so low, do you feel even with my degree it would be hard to even change careers and achieve a salary over $39,000 per year? What is the best route to break into a new career in human resources?

The Career Doctor responds:

There are any number of reasons why people change careers, though usually it revolves around discovering a new career passion or interest — and not so much on the money. I’m a little concerned that you have such a focus on salary and not on other issues.

Often when you change careers — no matter how many years of work experience you have in other fields — you take a pay-cut because you have achieved a certain level within your old career. The good news for you, though, is that you should see a pay increase from the $25,000 you have been making — but don’t expect a huge jump.

The salary offer you may receive depends greatly on the position within HR you are hired for, the geographic location, the industry, and the company itself. You can get an idea of salary ranges you might expect based on some of these criteria by using a resource such as Salary.com.

I would also consult with the professionals in your college’s career services office, a few of your former HR professors, and the resources of the Society of Human Resource Management — one of your professional organizations.

Your best method of finding a new job in this field is through networking. Use professional organizations, alumni, career services, friends and family, and other sources for building your network of contacts. Let them know you have recently received your degree and are in the midst of a career change.

Resources that can help you in this career change: