5 Jobs That Could Be Smart Career Pivots in 2027
It might be time for a career change. If you’re consistently feeling underwhelmed by your line of work, consider assessing your skills and starting a new chapter.
This sentiment might be more common than you realize. Nearly half – 43% -- of professionals are trying to change career fields in 2026, according to a FlexJobs survey.
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Of course, this move shouldn’t be made in haste. There’s plenty to think about, including your interests and transferrable skills, as well as job outlook and salary.
Sam DeMase, a career expert at ZipRecruiter, shared five jobs that could serve as a good career pivot in 2027. Keep reading to see if any could be a good fit for you.
1. Healthcare Administrator
2025 median pay: $123,860 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
Projected growth (through 2035): 24%
If you’re ready to trade your corporate job for one that centers on helping others, healthcare administration could be a good fit, DeMase said. Roles like operations coordinator, office administrator and human resources coordinator serve as a natural pivot into this type of position.
“Those who have a mix of high empathy and operational savvy do well in this role,” she said.
As a healthcare administrator, you’ll oversee the medical and health services for an entire facility or a specific area. A bachelor’s degree is typically needed, but requirements vary by facility.
2. HVAC Technician
2025 median pay: $61,010 per year
Projected growth (through 2035): 11%
The demand for central heating and air conditioning isn’t going anywhere, making an HVAC technician a solid career pivot. In this role, you’ll install and repair heating, air conditioning and refrigeration systems in residential and commercial buildings.
“If you enjoy problem-solving and working with your hands, this is a career to consider,” DeMase said.
The current demand for energy-efficient appliances is fueling growth for this career path, she said. You can pivot from other skilled trades, such as electrician or mechanic or serve as a paid apprentice and learn on the job.
3. Instructional Designer
2025 median pay: $69,280 per year
Projected growth (through 2035): 11%
“The prevalence of remote work and the constant evolution of new technology drives the need for this role, which breaks down complex concepts into digestible training material for employees,” DeMase said. “This role requires skills in needs assessment and the ability to craft specialized training content.”
Some of your job duties might involve gauging the effectiveness of existing training programs, creating training manuals and teaching training courses.
If you’re a K-12 teacher, user experience specialist or technical writer, this could be a great pivot, she said.
4. Data Analyst
2025 median pay: $120,230 per year
Projected growth (through 2035): 35%
The AI explosion is largely behind the need for more data analysts, DeMase said.
“If you’re detail-oriented, love solo work, are great with numbers and have experience in finance, research or marketing, this is a great pivot to consider,” she said.
In this type of role, you’ll use software to collect data, study patterns and gain meaningful takeaways that can be used to make business decisions. For this type of job, you’ll likely need at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field – i.e., mathematics, statistics, computer science – but some employers may require a master’s degree or doctorate degree.
5. Nurse Practitioner
2025 median pay: $134,920 per year
Projected growth (through 2035): 36%
A nurse practitioner may provide patient care independently or with physicians as part of a medical team. The extent of care they’re able to offer varies by state, but typically includes prescribing medications, ordering medical tests and diagnosing patients.
“This is an intentional career change that takes time, but the payoff is high in terms of salary and available opportunities,” DeMase said. If you have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, opt for a direct-entry master’s program in nursing, which takes two to three years."
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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