Career Change Statistics By Demographics, Job Tenure, Seniority Level Insights, Income Insights, Job Satisfaction and Facts

Introduction

Career Change Statistics: If you’ve been thinking about leaving your job more than focusing on your work, you’re not the only one. Since the pandemic, nearly half of us have thought about changing careers. The idea that there’s something better out there is growing quickly, with over 60% of workers planning to switch jobs this year. The days of staying in one job forever are gone.

Whether it’s because of burnout or feeling stuck, the numbers don’t lie – it’s a big shift in how we think about our careers, and you might be the next one to break free from the corporate routine. We shall shed more light on the Career Change Statistics through this article.

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• In 2023, more than a third (38%) of UK employees wanted a raise due to financial pressures from the cost-of-living crisis.
• CIPD data indicates that 2 million people in the UK changed careers in 2023.
• Day-to-day engagement has a 3.8 times greater impact on employee stress than work location (Gallup, June 2023).
• 40% are still deciding what field to move into, 37% lack the necessary education for a new job, and 31% feel too old to switch careers.
• Low employee engagement costs the global economy USD 8.8 trillion, which is 9% of global GDP (Gallup, June 2023).
• Only 13% of European employees are engaged with their work, while 72% are not engaged and are quietly quitting (Gallup, June 2023).
• Almost 60% of the workers said that a flexible working location is a basic condition they use when they are assigned a new role.
• Between ages 25 and 34, workers typically hold 4.3 to 4.6 jobs. Between ages 35 and 44, they take on two or three more positions.
• Career Change Statistics stated that almost 45% of workers who change their careers do so because they are dissatisfied with their prior jobs.
• Around 2.5% of employees in the UK switched jobs in the first quarter of 2023, compared to 2.7% in the second quarter of 2023.
• Experienced managers see a significant income boost, with 34% earning more than USD 45,000.
• 62% of 18-24-year-olds earning less than USD 25,000 per year are likely exploring different career options.
• Federal employees usually stay in the same job for an average of 8.2 years, local government employees for 6.6 years, and state employees for 5.6 years.

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What is Median Job Tenure?

• In 2020, the average time people stayed at a job was four years. Workers aged 25-34 usually keep a job for 2.8 years.
• This goes up to 4.9 years for those aged 35-44. For people aged 45-54, the average job duration is 7.6 years, and those aged 55-64 have a median tenure of 10.1 years.
• Public sector workers tend to stay in their jobs almost twice as long as those in the private sector, with median tenures of 6.5 years and 3.7 years, respectively.
• Federal employees usually stay in the same job for an average of 8.2 years, local government employees for 6.6 years, and state employees for 5.6 years.
• In the private sector, people working in manufacturing have the longest job tenure, averaging 5.1 years, while those in the leisure and hospitality industry have the shortest tenure, averaging just 2.3 years.
• According to Career Change Statistics, food service workers have the shortest job duration at 1.9 years, while those in management and legal jobs stay the longest, with a median tenure of 5.8 years.

General Career Change Statistics

• Almost 60% of the employees would choose a different career if they could start again.
• Nearly 38% of the workers who made career switches after 45 years of age were successful and happy with the change in their careers.
• Around 25% of the employees go into their present role through a career change.
• Career Change Statistics stated that about 20% of workers fantasize every day about a career change.
• Nearly 60% of workers in the United Kingdom wish to switch careers, but 16% report that they lack the necessary skillset.

(Reference: enterpriseappstoday.com)

• In the above chart, we can see why workers change their careers.
• 27% of the workers witness a noteworthy career change after having children.
• On average, workers make a career change 5 to 7 times in their career.
• Around 33% of the career switching moved to industries because of burnout.
• Roughly 44% of the employees considering a job change wish to pursue a hobby or a personal passion.
• Almost 19% of the employees have changed their careers more than four times.
• According to Career Change Statistics, nearly 20% of career changers make the switch for a better work-life balance.
• 50% of the career changers agree that they earn less than before.
• Roughly 88% of millennials are open to making a career change or a job change.
• 80% of the employees between 45 and 55 years old have a considerate career change.
• Almost 30% of the workers take in mind a career switch because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Career Change Statistics stated that almost 49% of the employees in the United States have made a notable career change.
• 45% of the workers who change their careers do so due to dissatisfaction with their prior jobs.
• The career change generally goes back to school, with almost 60% pursuing further certifications or education.
• Mostly, 75% of the workers who switch their jobs report being happy after the job switch.
• Millennials stay in jobs for a median of 2 years, as per Career Change Statistics.
• According to Career Change Statistics, career changers generally find jobs with better growth potential and almost 70% state that professional development is a key factor.
• The decision to career switch is influenced by 69% better compensation, 65% better work-life balance, and 65% more fulfilling work.
• Career changes particularly witness a salary growth of 10 to 20% after their transition.
• 55% of working professionals claim that they would change their careers if they were given an option.
• Women are more likely to consider a career change than men, with 60% of women compared to 50% of men.
• Career Change Statistics stated that most employees think about switching careers for almost 11 months before taking action.
• 35% of the employees change jobs around the different industries.
• Generally, 60% of workers look for new job opportunities within the first six months of starting a new job.
• Nearly 30% of the office will change jobs every 12 months.
• Almost 90% of the workers who changed their jobs said that it was worth the effort.
• Nearly 80% of workers in their 20s and 30s are interested in changing careers.
• According to Career Change Statistics, around 41% of employees change careers due to a change in their work.

By Demographics Statistics

• Career Changes by Age

(Reference: zippia.com)

• 20s and 30s: Almost half (49%) of people in their 20s and 30s have switched jobs at least once. They often look for new experiences, challenges, and work that matches their interests and passions.
• 40s: About 33% of people aged 40 and up change jobs regularly. This is often due to a search for more satisfaction, midlife reflections, or adjusting to changes in their industry.
• 50s and Older: People aged 50 and above also think about changing careers, but less often. In 2022, 7% of Americans aged 55 or older changed jobs, usually to follow long-held dreams or respond to shifts in the job market.
• Between ages 25 and 34, workers typically hold 4.3 to 4.6 jobs. Between ages 35 and 44, they take on two or three more positions.
• As Career Change Statistics states, career changes can vary based on factors like country, industry, and economic conditions.
• Informal job changes, like self-employment or gig work, are becoming more common but are only sometimes included in official statistics.

Successful Career Changes

• To change careers successfully, planning, learning new skills, and expanding professional networks are important.
• Many people get help from career coaches or mentors to improve their chances of success.

(Source: zippia.com)

Gender and Career Changes

• Women: Women change careers more often than men. A 2022 LinkedIn survey found women were 20% more likely than men to switch industries. Women often look for better work-life balance, follow their passions, or leave bad work environments. Women make up 28% of all employees, while men account for 31%.
• Men: Men are often motivated by career advancement or higher pay.

(Reference: jobera.com)

• In the above pie chart, we can see the Job tenure by generation:

• Women may switch to fields like technology, finance, entrepreneurship, or healthcare, while men might move into roles in healthcare or the arts.
• Life events like having children significantly impact women’s career changes, leading many to look for flexible work options, according to Career Change Statistics.
• Women may also change careers to break through glass ceilings or escape gender inequality in their current jobs.
• Many women are turning to self-employment and entrepreneurship for more independence.

Race and Career Changes

• Different racial groups experience varying rates of career changes, influenced by factors like education access, job opportunities, and professional networks.
• Underrepresented Groups: These individuals may face more obstacles and fewer opportunities for advancement, which can influence their job changes. Higher self-employment and entrepreneurship rates are seen among Asian Americans and African Americans.
• Career Change Statistics stated that people from marginalized backgrounds may find it harder to switch careers due to unequal access to resources like funding and professional networks.

Education and Career Changes

(Reference: enterpriseappstoday.com)

• In the above chart, we can see the likelihood of pursuing a new career.
• Higher education levels are linked to higher rates of career changes. People with degrees tend to adapt better to new job opportunities.
• Some people pursue more education or training, such as certificates or vocational programs, to move into their desired fields, as per Career Change Statistics.
• Graduates: About 29% of graduates have switched careers since starting their first post-graduate job.
• Industry Demands: Certification requirements can drive career changes. Some people return to school to improve their employability.
• Non-Traditional Education: Online courses, boot camps, and vocational training are becoming popular for career changers.
• Lifelong learning and skill enhancement are crucial for successful career changes.

Career Change Statistics Seniority Level Insights

(Reference: tribeandseek.com)

• 72% of people changing careers are workers or managers.
• 94% of those changing careers work for someone else, while only 6% are self-employed. This shows that self-employed people might be more satisfied.
• Career growth tends to improve with age, but even by age 44, only 19% of those changing careers feel they have a senior role, according to Career Change Statistics.
• The biggest boost in career growth happens between the late twenties and early thirties, with the number of experienced managers nearly doubling from 16% to 29%.

(Reference: tribeandseek.com)

• People who change careers are twice as likely to be senior leaders with over ten years of experience compared to those with 5-10 years in their current industry.
• As people move up in their careers, they feel their responsibilities grow. About 31% of workers feel this way, compared to 47% of experienced managers.
• The desire for autonomy increases with seniority. While only 9% of workers prioritize autonomy, 20% of senior managers do.
• The need for support decreases as people gain seniority. 34% of workers rank support as their top priority, but only 20% of executives do.
• Career Change Statistics stated that experienced managers are more likely to prioritize having a vision for their work, with 19% of them focusing on this, compared to 28% of executives.
• Among senior managers, 53% are parents, while 50% of executives are parents.
• Senior manager parents are 2.1 times more likely to have already found flexibility in their careers compared to worker parents.
• The less senior someone is, the more they value work-life balance: 80% of workers prioritize it, compared to 74% of senior managers and 68% of executives.

Career Change Income Insights Statistics

(Reference: tribeandseek.com)

• In the above chart, we can see the income insights as per percentage.

Income Levels:

• 62% of 18-24-year-olds earning less than USD 25,000 per year are likely exploring different career options.
• 65% of people aged 25-29 earn less than USD 37,000 per year.
• Earnings generally increase with age and experience, but even at age 44, 67% of people are still earning under USD 45,000 per year, according to Career Change Statistics.

Experience and Earnings:

• People with 5-10 years of experience are 2.1 times more likely to earn over USD 45,000 compared to those with 2-5 years of experience.
• Among those with over 20 years of experience, 32% still earn less than USD 37,000.

(Reference: tribeandseek.com)

• In the above chart, we can study the income and age statistics in career change statistics.

Managerial Roles and Income:

• Experienced managers see a significant income boost, with 34% earning more than USD 45,000.
• Career Change Statistics stated that earning more than USD 70,000 is common only in senior roles, with 33% of senior managers earning above this amount.

Income and Job Priorities:

• 26% of people earning USD 0-25,000 prioritize job security, compared to 19% of those earning over USD 100,000.
• The desire to have an impact at work increases as the need for job security decreases, with 22% of those earning USD 100,000+ valuing impact compared to 14% of those earning less, as per Career Change Statistics.

Flexibility and Earnings:

• 35% of parents earning under USD 37,000 have job flexibility, while 46% of parents earning over USD 100,000 have this flexibility.

How Long Employees Stay Retained In A Job Statistics

• The length of time people stay in a job can depend on various factors, like the industry, type of job, personal preferences, and market conditions.
• While there isn’t a set amount of time people stay in one job, data can show trends and typical lengths of employment.
• As of January 2022, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the median tenure for workers in the US was 4.1 years.
• This means that, on average, people stay with one company for about four years before moving on.

(Source: zippia.com)

• In the above chart, we can see the median years of tenure with current employers by industry.
• BLS data shows that job tenure usually increases with age.
• People aged 55-64 had the longest median job tenure at 10.3 years, while younger workers aged 25-34 changed jobs more frequently as they explored careers, gained experience, and sought better opportunities.
• Career Change Statistics show that Caucasians change jobs more often than any other racial or ethnic group.
• For those aged 18-24, Caucasians held an average of 5.9 jobs, with 30% working at one company for more than ten years.
• Career Change Statistics stated that workers under 45 typically held an average of two jobs. For those aged 34-44, this average drops to 1.95 jobs.
• Job duration varies widely by industry. BLS data shows that workers in leisure and hospitality have a median job tenure of just 2.3 years, while those in management, professional, and related occupations average 6.7 years. Seasonal or part-time work often leads to shorter job tenures.
• Generational differences also affect how long people stay in jobs.
• Millennials and Generation Z tend to change jobs more frequently than previous generations, according to Career Change Statistics.
• According to LinkedIn, they often switch jobs four times in the first decade after college.
• Several factors influence how long people stay at their jobs, including job security, pay, work-life balance, wage potential, and company culture.
• People may stay longer in jobs that align with their long-term goals or provide high satisfaction.
• Shorter job tenures are common in non-traditional work arrangements and the gig economy.
• Freelancers, independent contractors, and gig workers often move between clients or projects, leading to frequent job changes.
• Career Change Statistics stated that economic conditions can also impact job tenure. During economic uncertainty or recessions, people tend to seek stability and stay in their jobs longer.
• Conversely, during economic growth, people switch jobs more often to seek better opportunities.

Statistics On A Good Workplace Environment

• Lower worker engagement costs the worldwide economy USD 8.8 trillion, which is 9% of worldwide GDP (Gallup, June 2023).
• 23% of worldwide workers are urging at work, 59% are not busy and are quietly quitting, and 18% are disengaged very actively(Gallup, June 2023).
• In 2022, 23% of employees worldwide were busy at work, the highest level from Gallup started to measure worldwide engagement in 2009 (Gallup, June 2023).

(Reference: jobera.com)

• In the above chart, we can see the Reasons for Career Change.

• Day-by-day engagement has a 3.9 times greater impact on workers’ stress than work location (Gallup, June 2023).
• About 85% of quiet quitters cite issues related to culture, pay, work-life balance or benefits. (Gallup, June 2023).
• 41% of the workers consider quiet leaving will improve engagement, 28% will change pay and benefits, and 16% will improve workplace well-being (Gallup, June 2023).
• Just 13% of European workers are related to their work, while 73% are not related and are quietly quitting (Gallup, June 2023).
• Being Valued: 82% of workers think that it is essential for their company to see them as individuals, but just 45% feel their organization does (Gartner, March 2023).
• Pay Equity Perceptions: Negative views on pay equity can show in a 15% lowering in intent to stay, a 14% growth in job searching, and a 13% drop in engagement (Gartner, March 2023), as per Career Change Statistics.
• Mental Health Responsibility:69% of remote workers and 61% of office workers believe that mental health is a shared responsibility between employees and employers (Superhuman, December 2022).
• Purpose-Driven Companies: Job seekers rate the essentials of a company being purpose-driven as 8.5 out of 10 (Escape the City, October 2022).
• Career Purpose: 89% of people want a job with a clear purpose (Escape the City, October 2022).
• Inclusivity and Accessibility: 53% of employees felt their company had a renewed focus on accessibility and inclusivity in 2022 (InVision, January 2022).
• Resilience and Adaptability: 58% said their work in 2021 required new levels of resilience and adaptability (InVision, January 2022).
• Flexible Work Culture: In 2021, 70% of employees adjusted their work schedules or took flexible time off (InVision, January 2022).
• Remote Work: Almost 90% of employees were either fully remote or hybrid in 2021, and 40% of Americans will only consider hybrid or remote jobs (InVision, January 2022).
• Young Workers and Flexibility: Over half (53%) of 18-34-year-olds won’t join organizations that are not flexible about how employees work (Sonovate, November 2021).
• Key motivators for teams are ownership (20%), purpose (39%), other factors (17%), respect (9%), and money (6%), promotion (9%).
• Beliefs and Values: 61% of people choose their manager based on shared beliefs and values.
• Commitment to Issues: Employees are 8 to 9.5 times more prone to want to work for a company that takes a stand on, economic inequality, gender equality, healthcare access, human rights, or climate change.
• One-third have left jobs because the company didn’t talk about important issues (Edelman, August 2021).
• Stress in the UK: 35% of United Kingdom employees have thought about quitting due to stress, and 59% said work has impacted their mental health at some point (Investors in People, April 2021).
• Support for Mental Well-being: 36% of United Kingdom workers say their workplace supports mental well-being (Investors in People, April 2021).
• Causes of Stress: Workplace stress in the UK is caused by workload (40%), poor management (21%), or challenging targets (12%) (Investors in People, April 2021).
• Industry-Specific Stress: 41% of social security workers have thought about quitting due to stress, while 77% of law enforcement employees have never observed it.

A Career That Will Have Maximum Jobs In The Future?

(Source: jobera.com)

• Over 50% of US Workers Thought About Changing Careers in 2020.

Even though the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the job market, 52% of US workers considered changing careers in 2020, and 44% planned to switch jobs.
Among middle-income workers making between USD 50,000 and USD 75,000 a year, 59% were likely to change careers.

• 57% of Workers Say Financial Security is the Main Reason They Don’t Change Careers.

Despite the rise in career changes, many people hesitate due to concerns about finances, uncertainty, and lack of skills.
40% are still deciding what field to move into, 37% lack the necessary education for a new job, and 31% feel too old to switch careers.

• Only 7% of Employees Think Their Job is Excellent.

93% of US workers are unhappy with their jobs.
Before the pandemic, many workers were already considering leaving due to dissatisfaction.
A positive work environment can boost productivity.

• 52% of Workers Prefer Job Flexibility Over Higher Pay

Many employees value flexible work hours more than a higher salary. While increasing pay is important, offering flexible schedules can help retain employees.

• 62% of Workers Want More Job Stability.

More than 60% of job seekers prefer working for large companies over startups, showing a desire for stability after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Startups with stable products and good employee benefits can attract and keep top talent.

• 80% of Workers Want to Work Remotely at Least Twice a Week
• Allowing employees to work from home a few days each week helps build trust and loyalty, which reduces the chances of them leaving for other jobs.
• 15% of Employees Change Careers for Better Advancement Opportunities.
• Some workers switch careers to find better promotion opportunities. Job satisfaction is important for mental health, so many invest in training to advance their careers.
• 15% of Employees Change Jobs Due to Poor Management.
• Poor management is a reason 15% of workers switch jobs. Good management practices help keep employees loyal.

Job Satisfaction Post Career Change Statistics

(Reference: zippia.com)

• In the above chart, we can see the most common barriers to changing careers:

Survey Findings On Career Change Success And Job Satisfaction

• Career Change Success: In our survey, 97.48% of participants said their career change was successful.

Job Satisfaction in 2023:

• 51% of employees are very satisfied with their job.
• 67% are very satisfied with their co-workers.
• 62% are very satisfied with their manager.
• 78% feel they are treated with respect.
• 72% have at least one friend at work.
• 65% feel their contributions are valued.

These elements contribute to job satisfaction and help employees stay in their roles longer.

Career Change Regional Statistics

(Reference: statista.com)

• In the above chart, we can see the proportion of employees making job-to-job moves in the UK from Q4 2001 to Q1 2024.
• Around 2.5% of employees in the UK switched jobs in the first quarter of 2023, compared to 2.7% in the second quarter of 2023.
• Data from the ONS shows that about 1 in 10 UK workers have switched careers in the last decade.
• PWC reported that 25% of UK workers are expected to change jobs within the next year.
• CIPD research found that 4 million people have changed careers since the pandemic due to a lack of flexibility in their previous jobs.
• CIPD data indicates that 2 million people in the UK changed careers in 2023. A KPMG survey found that 40% of UK employees are thinking about changing careers because of rising living costs.
• A survey by training provider Le Cordon Bleu revealed that half of Brits dream of turning their hobby into a career.
• A UK YouGov poll showed that only 17% of British workers love their job.
• Research from Allen Associates found that 51% of UK workers look for new jobs primarily to get better pay, as per Career Change Statistics.
• A CIPD survey of career changers found that 35% wanted better pay and benefits, 27% sought improved job satisfaction, 24% wanted a better work-life balance, and 23% wanted to do a different type of job.
• One in five recent career changers said being unhappy with leadership was the main reason for leaving their last job (CIPD).
• In 2023, more than a third (38%) of UK employees wanted a raise due to financial pressures from the cost-of-living crisis.
• As per Career Change Statistics, one in five people change jobs because of toxic company culture.
• A survey by Career Change Statistics revealed that 65% of career changers were prompted to switch jobs due to the impacts of Covid-19.

(Reference: linkedin.com)

• In the above chart, we can see the number of jobs in the United States in 2024.

(Source: intheknow.insead.edu)

• The above chart shows the changes in regions and countries regarding regions, homes, and abroad.

How Many Times Do People Change Careers In Their Lifetime?

• It’s hard to get exact numbers on how often people change careers because people have different ideas about what a career change means. However, we can look at typical job change rates for different age groups.
• Career Change Statistics stated that the following people were born between 1957 and 1964 until they were 52 years old.

It shows that people tend to switch jobs less often as they get older. Here’s the average number of job changes by age group:

• Ages 18 to 24: 5.7 times
• Ages 25 to 34: 2.4 times
• Ages 35 to 44: 2.9 times
• Ages 45 to 52: 1.9 times

These numbers may not match career changes, but generally, the older you get, the less likely you are to change careers.

Conclusion

Career Change Statistics gives us important information on how often people switch jobs in different industries, education levels, and age groups. They also show why people make these changes, which can be for personal growth, dissatisfaction with their current job, changes in the job market, or financial reasons. These numbers emphasize how important it is to keep learning and developing new skills. To successfully switch careers, people need to adapt quickly to changing job requirements and learn new abilities to create new opportunities. Career change data also shows that work is evolving.

More people are starting their businesses, exploring new markets, and focusing on work-life balance and personal fulfillment. This information highlights that careers are not fixed and that both individuals and companies should focus on helping employees grow and stay satisfied in their jobs.

Saisuman Revankar

Saisuman is a professional content writer specializing in health, law, and space-related articles. Her experience includes designing featured articles for websites and newsletters, as well as conducting detailed research for medical professionals and researchers. Passionate about languages since childhood, Saisuman can read, write, and speak in five different languages. Her love for languages and reading inspired her to pursue a career in writing. Saisuman holds a Master's in Business Administration with a focus on Human Resources and has worked in a Human Resources firm for a year. She was previously associated with a French international company. In addition to writing, Saisuman enjoys traveling and singing classical songs in her leisure time.

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