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Original poster

AIBU to ask if this salary progression after retraining is good?

12 replies

Careerchanger2 · 14/09/2026 18:48

AIBU to ask, what do you think of this progression after a career change at the age of 35.
2020-training yr1-25,000
2021-training yr2-28,000
2022-training yr3-31,000
2023-qualified graduate position 40,000
2024-Annual increase 41800
2025-new position/promotion 50,000
2026-Annual increase 51,700
2026-New position 56,000

The only goal I said myself was to be earning 50 K by the time I hit 40. Which I did. So now I’m wondering should I aim for 60 K or 70 K by the age of 45?

I know to some people this will seem like a lot of money and I know this will seem like not much to others. I feel like I'm adequately paid for my role, but in terms of progressing do you think it’s good?

OP posts:
Random321 · 14/09/2026 18:58

Impossible to say without knowing what you retrained in and area you are working in.

I think you look at if you are paid in line with market rates as opposed to salary progression.

You should benchmark it using sector salary reports - qualifivations and year's experience etc.

If you can't find them speak to recruiters.

Original poster
Careerchanger2 · 14/09/2026 19:01

I’m paid slightly better than the average for my industry.

OP posts:
Sprig1 · 14/09/2026 19:03

It looks fine to me.

RuffledKestrel · 14/09/2026 19:07

Looks like good progression to me.
I look much more at the whole package for my work these days. Work-life balance, flexible working, time off allowance, pension contributions and any other benefits.

Gross salary isn't everything, especially so when earning more in my experience.

Original poster
Careerchanger2 · 14/09/2026 19:12

Yes definitely a good overall package 8-8.5% bonus, private healthcare and flexi time etc

OP posts:
Lmnop22 · 14/09/2026 19:59

You’ve more than doubled your salary in 6 years so I would say that looks great! Well done.

metameta · 14/09/2026 20:23

What did you retrain as?

BugOnARugDrinkingTeaFromAMug · 14/09/2026 21:03

Well done OP, just proves that it's never too late to retrain. I did a professional qualification at 38 and now at 40 I am earning more than I ever dreamed I would.

What are the prospects for promotion/progression in your new field?

Original poster
Careerchanger2 · 14/09/2026 21:39

metameta · 14/09/2026 20:23

What did you retrain as?

I would rather not state on here tbh. It’s a paid degree/apprenticeship in an industry

@BugOnARugDrinkingTeaFromAMug thank you. Yes there’s plenty more scope I’m way off maxing out. There’s about 3 more levels but side steps are just as lucrative.’

OP posts:
BugOnARugDrinkingTeaFromAMug · 14/09/2026 21:43

On that case I would go with the step that most interests you. You are earning a great salary now and I imagine you are fairly comfortable financially so go with what you fancy.

Original poster
Careerchanger2 · 15/09/2026 07:33

BugOnARugDrinkingTeaFromAMug · 14/09/2026 21:43

On that case I would go with the step that most interests you. You are earning a great salary now and I imagine you are fairly comfortable financially so go with what you fancy.

thank you, I definitely have a path in mind so I will plough on with my goal. I think 70k by the time I hit 45 is realistic.

OP posts:
Juniorp · 15/09/2026 07:40

I did a degree apprenticeship, 2 years later than you, and my salary progression has been nearly identical; started on 24k in 2022 and move to a new employer for 51k next week.
But I'm public sector so none of the bonus or health care perks.

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