Lucrative small job changes Australian workers should consider

Some Aussie workers could boost their salary by up to $40,000 by making small career switches that require minimal training. Find out where these opportunities exist.

Small career switches requiring minimal extra training, other than a commitment to learn on the job, can reap significant pay increases, with some Aussie workers able to boost their pay packet by up to $40,000 a year.

The lucrative job swaps available to workers, many of which can be made using existing skill sets, have been detailed in new research from tech company ServiceNow.

Retail managers, for example, can use their leadership skills to transition into an event and conference organiser role, increasing their annual salary from $65,000 to up to $105,000.

A call or contact centre operator could see their income jump by as much as $15,000 a year if they change to a teaching assistant position.

And with basic IT training, medical receptionists can become computer user support specialists, taking their salary from $60,000 to $80,000, the research shows.

“The skills gap (between a worker’s current role and a more lucrative role) is usually quite minor,’’ says ServiceNow emerging technology director Danielle Magnusson, who relied on her existing people and project management skills to move from a job in HR to technology.

“It (the key to changing jobs) is not letting that (gap) intimidate you and … knowing there’s some things you can do to shift your career into a higher paying role.’’

ServiceNow emerging technology director Danielle Magnusson.

Making the switch

With artificial intelligence and automation now performing the more technical and routine tasks within roles, Magnusson says employers are preferring to focus on soft, or transferable, skills when recruiting new staff.

Where technical knowledge is still required, employers are increasingly prepared to train workers on the job, often through short, targeted courses rather than lengthy, formal education, she says.

She says swapping to a higher-paying role within a worker’s existing industry is often the simplest career shift. But she advises workers to also take advantage of increases in pay that can be achieved by “pushing themselves out of their comfort zone’’ into an unrelated field.

“When I moved from HR into tech, I had to lean into the technical skills, which I learned on the job … but I still use my HR skills, like the ability to connect with people and manage a project,’’ Magnusson says.

“And I’m thankful I made that move – it was a real game changer when it comes to the finances of my family.’’

When considering a potential career swap, Magnusson recommends workers target roles and sectors with talent shortages.

She says jobs in health, education, technology and the public sector are all well paid for those looking to make a shift, with plenty of opportunities available for those with creativity, problem solving and listening skills.

Jia Yee Chan earned a salary boost when she transitioned from a market research job to a developer role.

‘On the right track’

Sydney-based Jia Yee Chan enjoyed “noticeable differences’’ in salary when she transitioned from a market research job to a developer role.

Yee Chan had no previous IT background but needed only to complete a three-month ServiceNow training program to facilitate the career change. Now working at IT company ND&Co, she says her new role “remains full of challenges but is incredibly rewarding’’.

“Although quite different industries, there were some notable transferable skills which aided in my transition to a new career,’’ she says.

“The ability to communicate effectively, deliver top-tier stakeholder engagement and a commitment to continual learning cultivated during my previous roles really placed me on the right track.

“Coming into work each day and knowing there is more to learn is exciting to me.

“I am constantly upskilling to stay on top of the technicalities and that journey doesn’t end.’’

Upskilling still important

Upskilling remains an important factor in securing higher levels of pay in a tightening job market, RMIT Online workforce solutions director Kade Brown says.

He says microcredentials, typically costing between $1500 and $2000 and taking about six weeks to complete, are often enough for workers to get ahead in their career. Those who focus on basic digital skills are likely to have the best return on investment.

“Four out of five employers want workers with digital skills – things like AI and machine learning, data science, cyber security and programming,’’ Brown says.

“The Australian employer, on average, is willing to pay an 8 per cent premium to workers with an understanding of these skills – that’s a boost of almost $6000.’’

Workers should also ask their employer about the specific skills they need to gain a promotion or pay rise, Brown says.

“An open conversation around what your organisation needs and how you can support the organisation’s growth by upskilling yourself is a really mature and impressive conversation to have,’’ he says.

“In the absence of that conversation, I think it’s on everybody to take charge of their own development and career growth and do some research to find out what (type of upskilling) is out there.’’

Five job swaps, requiring minimal training, that could earn you more money:

•Retail manager ($65,000-$75,000) to event and conference organiser ($85,000-$105,000)

•Receptionist ($55,000-$70,000) to human resources clerk ($65,000-$75,000)

•Sales assistant ($55,000-$60,000) to real estate agent ($60,000-$80,000)

•Call or contact centre operator ($60-65,000) to teaching assistant ($65,000-$75,000)

•Medical receptionist ($60,000) to computer user support specialist ($85,000)

Source: ServiceNow