With retirement savings declining in the bear market and inflation increasing, more senior citizens are considering returning to work. An older worker brings experience, critical thinking, and sheer knowledge that can’t be taught. They ask questions, call in sick less, and are more loyal. There are many reasons for companies to hire older people. Below is a list of jobs that many retirees enjoy.
Jobs for the elderly
Before retirement, a significant proportion of older workers transition to new positions. The work may pay less than earned at their career’s pinnacle, but it might be personally satisfying and provide an opportunity to interact with or assist others. It can be difficult to get a new job in your 60s or later, but a few businesses and professions tend to hire older people. According to an Urban Institute examination of Health and Retirement Study data, the following are the most prevalent occupations for college graduates who are newly employed at age 62 or older.
Teaching
A second career in teaching is frequently pursued by retirees seeking a new challenge and the chance to contribute to their communities. The occupation is most popular among women who begin second careers at 62 or older (10.3%), but the Urban Institute reported that 3% of older men have also entered the area. By 2026, the Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates a 7 to 8% rise in teaching positions. Pay varies widely by state, but the national median compensation for high school teachers is $60,320, and for elementary school teachers, it is $57,980.
College instructors
Often, baby boomers with advanced degrees and decades of expertise in their industry might find a retirement position as a college professor at a university, professional school, or community college. The Urban Institute discovered that 4.1% of men and 1.4% of women began working as postsecondary teachers at 62 or older. By 2026, the Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates a 15% growth in postsecondary teaching positions. The median annual pay is $78,470.
Administrative assistant positions
Administrative assistant work is available full-time or part-time for retirees who miss the bustle of the office. It is usual for women to take up office positions after retirements, such as secretaries and administrative assistants (5.9%), receptionists and information clerks (3.7%), office clerks (2.3%), and bookkeeping and accounting clerks (1.9%). You can work from home as a virtual assistant, whereas these roles typically involve an office trip. The compensation is slightly higher for supervisors of office and administrative staff, a job held by 1.2% of newly-hired older women.
Nursing jobs in retirement
Numerous women find employment as personal care aides (5.2%), registered nurses (4.6%), and home health aides (2.8%). The highest income is for registered nurses, who make a median of $71,730 per year, and a 15% growth in nursing jobs is anticipated over the next decade. Typically, registered nurses must hold a bachelor’s degree and be licensed. As the older population grows, home health aides and personal care aides are expected to become more in demand. However, less education is necessary, and the hourly income is significantly lower.
Real estate agent
Numerous retirees pursue second jobs as real estate brokers and sales agents, assisting customers with purchasing, selling, and renting homes. Real estate brokers earn a higher median pay ($58,210) than real estate sales agents ($48,690), who are required to work with a broker. Real estate agents are mostly self-employed, meaning they determine their hours but may be subject to client schedules. The average salary for property managers, real estate agents, and community association managers is $58,340. Over the next ten years, an estimated 32,600 new property, real estate, and community association manager jobs are anticipated.
Sales jobs for retirees
It may be possible to find fulfilling work in sales for retirees who want to leave the house and interact with consumers. Over 3% of men and women over the age of 62 find new employment as retail salespeople, and 2% as managers of retail salespeople. The median annual salary is $24,340, and part-time employment is prevalent. Many males find employment as wholesale and manufacturing sales agents, which pay significantly more at $61,660 annually, with those selling technical and scientific goods earning even more. Cashiers and product advocates are two more frequent sales vocations for senior workers.
Driver jobs for retirees
You may be able to augment your retirement income with a driving job if you are familiar with the local area. Many men find employment as drivers at 62 or older. Delivery drivers, truck drivers, taxi drivers, chauffeurs, and bus drivers are a few driving alternatives available. The median wage for bus drivers is $34,450, which is more than the median salary for taxi drivers, which is $25,988. Some driving occupations may demand unpredictable hours, such as nighttime and weekend shifts, although some individuals have a regular route with more consistent earnings.
Retirement within the priesthood
This presents an opportunity for retirees to become more involved in their spiritual community, as they frequently sever ties with their job community. The Urban Institute revealed that 1.7% of male clergy members are 62 or older. The typical annual salary for clergy positions is $48,990, and demand is anticipated to increase by 8% over the coming decade. Members of the clergy may encourage religious education and offer members of the congregation counseling, guidance, or services. A bachelor’s degree is typically required, but this varies by role.
Providing childcare during retirement
Childcare staff is privy to youthful delights such as bubble-blowing and learning to speak. However, parents are also responsible for dressing, bathing, and feeding young children, who are not always reasonable regularly. About 3.4% of 62-year-old and older women are employed in child care. The annual salary is only $23,240, but it offers the chance to make a difference in children’s lives.
Before retiring, assume a managerial position.
In the years preceding retirement, some individuals assume progressively more responsible positions. The Urban Institute discovered that many males aged 62 and older transition into new managerial or executive jobs (1.6% and 1.1%, respectively). The remuneration package for top executives may include stock options and performance bonuses in addition to a six-figure salary; nevertheless, the company size can significantly impact pay and perks. Managers are frequently accountable for the performance of a department or the entire firm, which can be demanding and necessitate long hours and travel.
Using your experience as a management consultant
Management consultants are hired to examine an issue and recommend solutions to increase the profitability of a business. The field is projected to increase by 14% over the next eight years, with a typical salary of $83,610 per year. Numerous consultants make six-figure incomes and have the opportunity to earn bonuses. Numerous analysts work more than 40 hours, frequently under tight deadlines, and must travel to meet with clients or do on-site evaluations. Independent consultants may be compensated by the hour or by the project.
Financial services jobs for elders
Financial managers monitor a company’s financial health and direct its financial strategy. A bachelor’s degree plus five years of experience in a related financial occupation are usually required, and a median salary of $127,990 per year. The median salary for accountants and auditors is $70,500 annually, and many elderly workers find new employment. During tax season, seasonal workers may be able to find employment as tax preparers.
Become a writer
Whether it’s to share what they’ve learned on the job or explore their creative side, many people in their sixties and older take on writing employment. There are options to freelance or work on a project basis, but a bachelor’s degree is frequently required for full-time employment. Writers may work independently on a book, receive jobs from a newspaper, or become entrepreneurs who launch blogs. Writers and authors must be able to generate ideas and communicate clearly and effectively, often under pressure.
Jobs in engineering for senior citizens
New technologies, such as communication systems and GPS devices, are created and tested by electrical and electronic engineers. They may also supervise the production of electronic equipment or solve technical issues. Engineers are often required to have a bachelor’s degree and practical experience. It is advantageous to have exceptional math skills and the capacity to adapt them to new gadgets. Numerous electronic engineers (18%) are employed in the telecommunications sector. The annual median wage is $99,000.
Musician
Re-discovering musical abilities laid aside while working and having a family is a possibility during retirement. Some senior citizens find part-time employment as musicians and singers. The median hourly compensation for musicians and vocalists is $28.15, although remuneration varies depending on the employment. Weddings, gatherings, and bars may have solo or ensemble musical performances. To acquire gigs, marketing may be necessary. Some perform preexisting songs, while others compose and record their music. Musicians may also teach youngsters or adults how to play an instrument.