I’m changing industries – how much should I worry about salary?

Today I’m analysing the situation of Maren. Maren reached out to me because she needed to change industries and wanted to join my Creative Career Level Up programme to help her make the move.

What’s the challenge?

Maren has spent her whole career working in SEO. With the introduction of AI, she’s seeing the writing on the wall for SEO specialists. She knows she needs to pivot before her role is completely replaced.

She joined my Creative Career Level Up programme and she’s already getting interviews, which is so encouraging. 

But here’s the issue: she’s senior, she’s used to a certain lifestyle, and she’s worried about taking a pay cut. She doesn’t want to go backwards, but at the same time she knows she needs to move. 

The question she asked me was: How much should I worry about salary?

How can she move forward?

The instinct is always to protect what you have - your title, your salary, your lifestyle. But when you’re changing industries, you sometimes need to zoom out and look at the bigger picture. 

It’s not about “winning” in the next role. It’s about setting yourself up to win long-term.

My advice

1. A “less-than-perfect” salary can still be the right move

Sometimes the smartest step isn’t the one with the biggest paycheck — it’s the one that builds momentum. 

Even if the salary isn’t exactly what you hoped for, the role might still be worth taking if it moves you forward. It gives you leverage, adds fresh experience to your CV, and positions you for your next opportunity — whether that’s a promotion, a better offer down the line, or simply proof you’re not stuck.

2. Brand can be your shortcut and leverage

Salary pays you today. Brand equity pays you tomorrow.

When you join a household name — Red Bull, Nike, Apple, Air BnB — you’re not just collecting a paycheck. You’re gaining credibility that opens doors for years to come. For career changers, especially, this is huge. A strong brand signals to the market that you’ve already proven yourself in a new space, so the next employer doesn’t need to wonder if you can make the leap. 

That brand name on your CV can do the heavy lifting for you — and it can often outweigh a slightly higher salary from a company nobody’s heard of.

3. You might not need to take a pay cut at all

Here’s the part most people overlook: moving industries doesn’t always mean earning less. If you learn how to position yourself, pitch your existing experience, and nail your interviews, you can still command a strong salary.

In fact, if you move into industries where salaries are higher — like tech — you may find yourself in an even better place financially. 

I’ve had clients on my programme who have doubled, even tripled their salaries after making this exact move. It comes down to how you market yourself: making sure you’re positioned as the “must-hire” candidate, not just another applicant.

Come join us! 

If you’re ready for the next move in your creative career, I can help.  This week, I’ve got 5 spots open for a free Career Strategy Session. 

These usually get snapped up fast — so if you’re serious about making your move, don’t wait. Apply below and let’s map out your personalised roadmap to your next perfect role in Marketing, Creative, or Tech.