Consider these career alternatives if you’re 65 years of age or older and looking for a job. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are a lot of senior workers in these industries.
These 15 senior-friendly jobs are in high demand:
Medical services
Retail and wholesale commerce
Business and professional services
Manufacturing Education
Finance, insurance, and transportation for construction
The hospitality of real estate
Recreational Land-Related Work Data
Utility Services for Animals
1. Medical Services
According to the BLS, there were around 1.6 million people 65 and older working in health care and social support in 2023. If you’re interested in medicine or want to give health advice to others, this field can be a wonderful fit for you. The median yearly wage for registered nurses is $81,220. Additionally, there might be chances to work as a home health aide or part-time.
2. Trade in Retail and Wholesale
In the job market, being able to interact with clients can be quite beneficial. According to the BLS, about 1.5 million people aged 65 and over were employed in wholesale and retail commerce in 2023. A retail salesman makes, on average, $30,600 a year. Asking for a part-time job in retail is frequently possible, particularly if you value flexibility. Ask small companies, apparel stores, and grocery stores if they need assistance.
3. Business and Professional Services
For people who have worked in a different field for years, administrative jobs provide a change of pace. You might be expected to make calls, plan events, and maintain records in these positions. The BLS estimates that 1,496,000 seniors held professional and business services-related jobs in 2023. An administrative assistant might make a median of $41,000 per year.
4. Instruction
A career in education can be the ideal fit for you if you are passionate about assisting others in their learning. According to BLS data, there were 935,000 senior workers in this industry in 2023. You could look at ways to improve your abilities and obtain new certifications if you don’t have an education degree. Training sessions may be a component of the onboarding process for certain positions. Although the average income for elementary and middle school teachers is $70,950 annually, your pay will vary based on your experience and background.
5. Production
According to the BLS, 845,000 seniors worked in the manufacturing sector in 2023, where businesses frequently require assistance. The median annual wage for fabricators, who put together goods and the components that make them up, is $43,470. There may be a high demand for this kind of work if you live close to an expanding industrial area.
6. Building
According to BLS data, 642,000 employees working on construction projects were 65 years of age or older in 2023. Some people may need to perform manual labor as they get older in order to meet their financial obligations. The median yearly wage for construction workers is $40,750, although part-time work is frequently offered.
7. Travel
Those who want to spend time on the road may find a job as a driver appealing. According to the BLS, 522,000 seniors were employed in the transportation and warehousing industry in 2023. The average hourly wage for a delivery truck driver is $18. Depending on the business, you might be able to pick your own hours.
8. Insurance and Finance
Reliable assistance and trustworthy staff are frequently needed by banks, financial institutions, and insurance companies. According to the BLS, 408,000 employment in the finance and insurance sector were held by seniors in 2023. You may be able to ask to work part-time or complete parts of this job remotely. Seek out in-person chances at nearby branches if you like to interact with people. The typical hourly wage for financial professionals is $39 per hour.
9. Property
Helping people buy and sell houses or companies can be enjoyable for you. According to the BLS, 382,000 individuals 65 and over were employed in the real estate industry in 2023. The average annual salary for real estate agents is $69,610. If you’re a self-starter, you might want to take this job on your own. Those who would rather collaborate with others should check to see if local offices are hiring.
10. Hospitality
Serving diners and tourists may come naturally to you if you worked in the service sector in the past. According to the BLS, 377,000 seniors were employed in the food and lodging services sectors in 2023. These occupations provide opportunities for social interaction and physical activity. The median hourly compensation for desk clerks at hotels, motels, and resorts is $15.
11. Recreation
Benefits of working at a theater or performing arts center include free admission to performances. Participating at a museum or recreation center might also result in discounts. According to the BLS, 325,000 seniors worked in the leisure sector in 2023. The median hourly wage for ushers, lobby workers, and ticket takers is $14.
12. Work Associated with Land
According to BLS data, 202,000 workers 65 and older were engaged in crop production in 2023. The hourly salary for the median agricultural worker is $17. If you worked in an office for decades, you may enjoy being outside.
13. Details
A job in broadcasting can be a good fit for you if you enjoy telling stories and have media abilities. There are other chances to work quietly as an editor in the publishing industry or at a library. According to the BLS, 162,000 information occupations in 2023 were held by seniors 65 and older. The typical hourly wage for writers and editors is $37.
14. Care for Animals
If you are passionate about animals of all sizes, you may find fulfilling employment in the animal care industry. According to BLS data, 159,000 seniors worked in aquaculture and animal agriculture in 2023. Employees who provide services and care for animals often make $18 per hour. If you reside in a city, you could inquire about openings at local animal shelters or veterinary clinics. You might be able to learn on the job, so you might also inquire about training opportunities.
15. Services
For people who are enthusiastic about house maintenance, lending a hand with repairs can be rewarding. Numerous businesses that specialize in this kind of employment provide flexible schedules and hire part-timers. According to the BLS, there were 59,000 seniors employed by utilities in 2023. The median hourly wage for mechanics and installers of refrigeration, air conditioning, and heating systems is $29 per hour.
