If you’re looking to go back to college for a change of career, check out these careers that MORE magazine has decided are the best for women over 40.
Here’s their list of the top jobs (and how much you can earn). Click on each job to find out where to study the major that can get you into that field!
1. Community Service Coordinator/Manager: Most earn $42,110 to $73,470, with the top 10% making $96,000+. This field is expected to grow 48% by 2016. You’ll need a BA and passion for a cause.
2. Personal Financial Adviser: Earn between $46,390 to $119,290, with the top 10% making $166,000+. This is one of the 10 fastest growing occupations; it’s projected to boom 41% by 2016. Perfect for those with a solid business background plus education in the field. You’ll probably also need Series 7 and Series 63 or 66 licenses.
3. Environmental Scientist: Most earn $4,340 to $78,980, top 10% make $103,000+. The field is expected to grow 25% by 2016. Most positions require a master’s degree in environmental science, hydrology or a related science.
4. Registered Nurse: Salaries range from $51,640 to $76,570, with the top 10% making $92,000+. A projected 587,000 new nursing jobs will be created by 2016. You’ll need a BS or associate’s degree in nursing, or a diploma from an approved nursing program.
5. Computer and Information Systems Manager: Most earn $88,240 to $141,890, with the top 10% making $166,000+. This field will add 43,000 jobs by 2016. You’ll need a bachelor’s degree and sometimes a master’s degree—consider an MBA with a focus in technology.
6. Education Administrator: Earn between $68,360 to $102,830, the top 10% can expect $125,000+. Why now? Many will retire in the next decade. You’ll need experience as a teacher or in a field such as recruiting. Some positions require a master’s degree.
7. Strategic/Crisis Communication Professional: Salaries range from $38,400 to $71,670, the top 10% make $98,000+. This field is expected to create 43,000 new jobs by 2016, and you’ll need public relations experience.
8. Accountant: Expect to earn $45,900 to $78,210, top 10% $102,000+. The field will grow 18% by 2016, adding 226,000 jobs, and these positions are available in every industry. You’ll need a degree in accounting or a related field. You have to pass an exam to become a CPA.
9. Human Resources Specialist: Most earn $35,020 to $67,730, top 10% earn $84,000+. There will be 147,000 new specialist jobs created by 2016. To specialize you may need an MBA with a focus in HR management.
10. Small-Scale Niche Farmer: Make $26,800 to $76,230, top 10% earn $97,000+. Why now? Small farms are growing at a rate of 10,000 a year. No prerequisites here—training is done on the job.
