10 Jobs That Hire Older Workers
Writer
Editor & Writer
Writer
Editor & Writer
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- Age doesn't have to be as limiting as you think when it comes to finding a new job.
- With some planning and research, you can find a job you love.
- Your experience can be an asset to many companies in various ways.
- Finding a fulfilling career doesn't have to end at retirement age.
Whether you are seeking a second career, full-time position, part-time job, or to get in on the gig economy, it can be difficult as an older worker.
There is no clear age range for someone to be considered an older worker. To some, it could mean a large range of ages starting as early as 40. A study says workers over 50 have a harder time finding a new job.
We are here to help.
Many people may try searching for "jobs hiring near me part time," but we have a better way to go about it.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that the number of people in the workforce age 75 and older is expected to grow by 96.5% from 2020-2030.
Good jobs for older workers are out there if you know where to look. Read on to get some ideas.
Writer
If you enjoy writing, there are different writing career opportunities available.
You could do freelance writing as a subject matter expert or be a creative writer/novelist. The first option allows you to draw on your other work experience, while the second will enable you to write that book you've always wanted. You could also choose to do both.
Freelance rates vary widely, but according to the BLS, as of May 2021, the median pay for writers and authors is $69,510 per year ($33.42 per hour).
The keys to finding a writing job are weeding through the opportunities, finding what you love writing about, and creating a portfolio.
Customer Service/Retail
In customer service and retail jobs for hire, flexibility is highly valued.
These positions can be a good option for retirement-age workers because the schedules are flexible. Working in a store environment, such as Target or Walmart, will get you out and give you a chance to interact with people.
If you would rather stay in your home, there are customer service positions where you provide phone or chat support to customers.
As of May 2021, the median pay for retail sales workers is $29,180 a year ($14.03 per hour), according to the BLS. For customer service agents, the median pay is $36,920 a year ($17.75 per hour).
Real Estate Broker and Agent
If you are more interested in the idea of a second career instead of a part-time position, being a real estate broker or real estate agent could be just the thing.
You can interact with people while helping them find their dream home. Hours are flexible, and clients will appreciate your life experience.
According to the BLS, real estate brokers and agents make a median salary of $48,770 per year ($23.45 per hour), as of May 2021.
If you pursue this profession, taking some college courses and a licensing exam may be required. So be sure to look into your state's requirements before you begin. Depending on the college, tuition may be free for senior citizens.
Rideshare
Enjoy driving? Consider being a driver or a courier.
For passenger vehicle drivers, the median pay is $37,540 a year ($18.05 per hour), as of May 2021, according to the BLS. But pay can vary greatly, depending on your downtime between assignments and how many fares you get in a set amount of time.
These positions are fairly easy to get into and start. They also allow for great flexibility. Rideshare companies include Uber, Lyft and Via.
Tutor/Teacher
You can have a great impact by sharing your knowledge with others.
A position as a tutor or teacher could be rewarding in life purpose — and also to your finances.
As of May 2021, the median pay for tutors is $36,470 a year ($17.53 an hour), according to the BLS. Teachers typically make more. Additional training and/or college courses may be required.
Pay varies depending on the type of material that you will be teaching and who you will be teaching — from kids to adult learners.
Consultant
Drawing on your past work experience is helpful when branching into a new career. This knowledge can be leveraged into a retirement job at a new company as a business consultant.
Different companies will need — and value — your expertise as they tackle new projects or deal with business challenges.
This profession allows you to use the things you've already learned in your career to help other businesses. These positions usually offer significant flexibility.
As of April 2022, Payscale reported that the average wage for a business consultant is $76,430 per year ($35.91 per hour).
Tour Guide
Tour guides represent a very versatile profession that allows you to educate others on interesting places and history. You can choose something to fit your interests.
Possibilities include museums, historical or haunted sites, the recreation industry, local government, and other sightseeing tours. Top-paying industries include water transportation, performing arts, parks, and recreational camps.
And don't forget to add in the fun factor!
According to the BLS, as of May 2021, tour and travel guides earn a median wage of $29,780 a year ($14.32 an hour) for something they enjoy.
Caretaker
Depending on your caretaking preferences, you could be taking care of someone recovering from an illness, children, or pets.
According to the BLS, as of May 2021, animal caretakers earn a median wage of $28,600 a year ($13.75 an hour). Personal care aides make a median wage of $29,430 ($14.15 per hour), and childcare workers' median wage is $27,490 a year ($13.22 an hour).
With salaries so close, it comes down to which caretaking option you prefer and find most rewarding.
Administrative Assistant or Virtual Assistant
Do you prefer to work in an office? Or can you assist your co-workers from home? When choosing a job as an assistant, it depends on what you want to do.
For administrative assistants who work in an office setting, your job will likely include answering phones and dealing with paperwork, among other duties. The median pay for these assistants is $39,680 a year ($19.08 per hour), as of May 2021, according to the BLS.
The average pay for virtual assistants, who work from their homes, is $42,560 a year ($16.08 per hour), as of April 2022, according to Payscale. A benefit to working from home is that you avoid traffic and save on transportation costs — and it can be a good job for older workers.
Food Service
If you want to work in food service, there are many opportunities.
Starbucks, Dunkin' Donuts, and Applebee's, for example, hire part-time workers and may be good choices if you like working with the public.
Some businesses offer incentives: health benefits, company stock, and in-store discounts.
According to the BLS, food and beverage service workers earn a median wage of $25,980 a year ($12.49 per hour), as of May 2021. These jobs can offer flexibility.
Frequently Asked Questions About Older Workers
At what age is it harder to get a job?
According to research from a 2017 Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco study, it begins to get more difficult to get a job around age 50. Once people reach 64, it is even more difficult to get a job since they are close to the common retirement age.
The study responded to ads and gauged the callback rates for different perceived age groups. While you may find these survey results discouraging, there are jobs -- like the ones listed above -- that can provide employment opportunities for older workers.
Does age affect job opportunities?
Age can affect job opportunities because employers tend to look at how long someone will stay at the company once hired.
According to a 2020 study published by the National Bureau of Economic Research, if employers know someone's age, people over 40 are less likely to get the job offer than younger applicants.
Changing how you think about jobs and putting in the effort to find a good fit can go a long way in combating ageism and finding something you enjoy. It may be intimidating to change careers, but it could be just what you need.
What age is too late to change careers?
It is never too late to change careers as long as you have the motivation and passion behind what you want to do. Being realistic is also important to find the best fit.
The key is that it is a good fit for your needs.
As you go through life, what you want out of work can change along with your career. Take some time to reflect, and pick something that you're going to enjoy instead of just something you think you should be doing at a certain age.
