As you enter the later stages of your working career, you might be searching for the best jobs for people over 50. Whether you’ve been in the workforce continuously throughout your career or have taken a career break and are looking to get back into the labor market, there is a wide range of jobs available for senior workers.
This guide covers the best jobs for people over 50, including job opportunities, their requirements, and companies that hire senior workers. We also break down the highest-paying jobs for 50-year-olds and tips for building professional careers.
Starting a second career late in life doesn’t have to be intimidating. Check out our guide on the best careers to start at 50 if you haven’t quite landed on your dream job yet.
Key Takeaways
- It’s never too late to transition to a new job, industry, or career path if you leverage the skills, experience, and wisdom gained over the years.
- There is a wide range of high-paying job opportunities available for people over 50, including sales manager, nurse, real estate agent, and financial advisor.
- Companies like KPMG, Bucknell University, Rover, Cabell Huntington Hospital, and United Way are known to hire older workers and value their experience.
- When looking for jobs as a person in their 50s, it is important that you take your lifestyle into consideration, seek proper support, and learn to rebrand yourself.
Types of Jobs for People Over 50
There is a wide range of career options for people over 50 in the job market. Some common roles include sales manager, sales director, and business professional. Even some of the best gaming jobs may be an option. However, even if you do not have a college degree or advanced degree, the market offers you options such as a bus driver and real estate agent.
For some jobs, you will need to fulfill the minimum requirements to reenter or transition into the new opportunity. For instance, if you want to become an event planner, you will need great organizational skills and communication skills. However, other career options with minimum requirements include life coach, personal trainer, and commercial driver.
10 Highest-Paying Jobs for People Over 50
| Job Title | Average Salary | Top 10% Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate Agent | $95,185 | $198,297 |
| Nurse | $88,789 | $151,881 |
| Sales Manager | $79,594 | $164,067 |
| Financial Advisor | $102,322 | $186,000 |
| Engineer | $94,721 | $156,278 |
| Writer | $57,580 | $86,501 |
| Tutor | $53,741 | $76,305 |
| Retail Manager | $53,240 | $85,695 |
| Bus Driver | $43,519 | $59,129 |
| Virtual Assistant | $39,915 | $54,000 |
A career for people over 50 should be flexible and high-paying as you need to plan for your retirement. It should offer you convenience and comfort to help you achieve exceptional results. With the following highest-paying jobs, you can be sure to find satisfaction and impact society.
Real Estate Agent
Real estate agents help clients buy, sell, or rent a property. Your primary role will be to create a list for your clients who want to sell or rent their real estate and help potential buyers find the ideal property to rent or buy. Typically, you will be working under real estate brokers, as they are licensed to handle property purchases or sales.
This is one of the best jobs for people over 50, as it does not require you to go back to school as long as you have a high school diploma. To become a real estate agent you will need to complete a pre-licensing course accredited by the state you will be working in. The main skills needed to perform well at this job are communication skills and negotiation skills.
Tutor
Are you passionate about instructing students to help them reach their academic goals? Then, you can become a tutor and work with young people from home, online, or in tutoring centers. This job opportunity not only earns you money but helps you draw satisfaction from impacting the younger generation.
To become a tutor, you must hold at least a high school diploma and be exceptionally knowledgeable about the subject you’re tutoring. Some tutoring positions may require credentials from the American Tutoring Association, National Tutoring Association, or any other organization.
Financial Advisor
The financial advisor role helps you leverage your knowledge to help others plan for their finances while earning you outstanding wages. This career opportunity is especially suitable for people over 50, as you only need a license to kickstart your career. Financial advisors do not have long working hours, can work flexible hours, and can even work remotely.
Writer
Writers compose content for magazines, TV, websites, and advertisements, among other channels. As a writer, you will specialize in specific styles, for instance, blogs and digital content. This profession is quite flexible as you can work on a freelance or contract basis. In addition, you can work at any time and anywhere as long as you deliver the client’s work before the deadline.
Nurse
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the nursing profession is expected to grow by 40 percent from 2021 to 2031. Hence, this female-dominated profession is quite viable for men and women above 50. Some of the requirements you should meet to work in this field include an RN license from hospital-run programs or a local community college and at least two years of experience.
Retail Manager
As a retail manager, you will oversee a store that deals with jewelry, clothing, accessories, beauty products, or other tangible products. You will also recruit new staff members and set employee shift schedules. Your employer will expect you to oversee customer service, the store’s upkeep, and employees’ happiness.
If you’re passionate about nurturing young talent and motivating intermediate or entry-level employees, this is an incredible opportunity. To become a retail manager, you need a high school diploma or equivalent. If you have retail and management experience, it will help you stand out from the rest of the candidates.
Bus Driver
Bus drivers usually pick up and drop off bus commuters on public transit buses, school buses, or private transportation operations. They also ensure the riders are safe by setting and upholding decorum.
The job’s requirements are minimum, making the role suitable for a 50-year-old. They include a high school diploma or equivalent and a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL). Some of the companies you can apply to include Greyhound, Transdev, and First Student.
Sales Manager
A sales manager leads and guides the sales team in an organization. They hire, recruit, and train new employees. Other responsibilities include setting sales goals, analyzing data, and creating training programs for the company’s sales representatives.
To become a sales manager, you will need a bachelor’s degree in business or a related discipline and several years of working experience in sales. You will also need analytical, customer service, and excellent leadership abilities. One of the main benefits of working as a sales manager is the high chance of getting promoted to sales director.
Engineer
A career in engineering has many opportunities for specialization and growth. This job title comes with numerous benefits, including a flexible schedule, relocation assistance, tuition reimbursement, professional development assistance, and health insurance. If you’ve built your career in engineering, as an over-50-year-old, you have access to senior engineering roles with high salaries.
Virtual Assistant
This is another freelance opportunity that offers outstanding flexibility in time and geographical location. Your primary role as a virtual assistant includes communicating with your employer, organizing their files, replying to emails, making phone calls, setting travel plans, and creating presentation materials. You will also manage confidential financial information, orders, and expense reports.
Companies That Hire People Over 50
Most people in this category are considered for senior-level job titles, as they typically have vast work experience and are familiar with different companies’ practices. Companies hiring older workers tend to value employees for their experience and acumen.
Experienced workers can adapt to changes in the industry and help organizations accomplish their goals through the techniques they’ve learned over a long period. Take a look at our list of the best employers for workers over 50.
- KPMG. KPMG is a global company providing business, tax, and audit services to clients in the US and worldwide. The company boasts an inclusive employment policy and they hire employees regardless of their age. If you have vast experience in the accounting industry, you will have an edge over younger candidates.
- Bucknell University. This beautiful campus provides you with an opportunity to nurture young adults. It also supports personal development to enhance your career’s success. Whether you want to be a community director, professor of Italian studies, or project engineer, this University offers a wide array of jobs for 50-year-olds.
- Rover. This company solves problems for different global businesses, including Uber and AirBnB. Moreover, the company provides structure, support, and order that allows you to propel your career to greater heights. Some of the jobs for people over 50 at this company include country launch manager, procurement manager, and senior business analyst.
- Cabell Huntington Hospital. If you are passionate about a health-related career with great pay and benefits, Cabell Huntington Hospital offers great opportunities. You can be a medical assistant, clinical coordinator, pharmacy tech, or physician assistant. The hospital also has supportive colleagues and promotional opportunities you can leverage to advance your career.
- United Way. United Way has numerous career opportunities for people over 50, including content manager, financial coach, and chief development officer. As a health-oriented organization, it has a wide variety of career options, even for people without undergraduate degrees or advanced degrees in the health industry.
Tips for Finding Success for People Over 50
Whether you are reentering the job market or transitioning to a different field, you want to succeed in your profession. However, finding late-in-life careers that will help you accomplish your objectives can be challenging due to different factors, including the common misconception about work and age. Below are tips that will help you find success in the career path of your choice.
- Decide what you want to pursue. Pursuing a new career after 50 demands that you assess its suitability to your lifestyle. Most people at 50 or above prefer a career with a work-life balance to minimize stress and invest more of their personal time in their hobbies or interests.
- Consider your passions. Suppose you’ve been working your whole life as an employee, and now that you’re over 50, you realize you are passionate about business. Is it too late to follow that passion? No, as you can find business loans to help you set up a business and run it to realize success as an entrepreneur.
- Advance your education. Education is key if you want to advance to senior-level positions in your career. Hence, many late-in-life careers might require that you enroll in an advanced degree program or other certifications. If you are breaking into a new field, you will need to evaluate the job’s requirements and apply for the relevant courses.
- Seek support. While people over 50 often have vast experience and proficient skills, they need support to navigate through the new career path they choose. So, do not hesitate to ask for assistance from your family and friends when reinventing your career. Some of them may have contacts that will help you network and find the right job.
- Rebrand yourself. What impression does your LinkedIn or Facebook account give your audience? Regardless of the age group, one of the main projects you should invest in as a jobseeker is rebranding. You should include a technology skill section that showcases your skills and proficiency in different programs and platforms.
Jobs for 50-Year-Olds and Above: Career Outlook
There are countless jobs for people 50 years old and above that draw on industry experience, skills, and wisdom. Many of the best careers for 50-year-olds do not even require a degree in a specific field. If you’re looking to transition to a new job, industry, or career path, it is never too late. All you need to do is evaluate your skill set and get the necessary credentials to pivot in a direction that sparks your interest.
Consider a Second Career After 50
Starting a second career after 50 may seem intimidating, but making a major change can prove worth it. Remember that your years of experience can be extremely beneficial in a variety of job environments, and you may be better prepared than you realize for a new challenge. If you are looking for job satisfaction or a higher salary, starting a new career after 50 might be the answer.
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Once you start reviewing your work history and identifying your strengths, you may be surprised by how many of your soft and hard skills are transferable. Within a year or two, you can gain the skills required to land several of the best jobs for people over 50 on our list.
Best Jobs for People Over 50 FAQ
To find a great career opportunity, emphasize your experience, leverage networking sites, be active in the industry, and enhance your job interview skills. In addition, show the recruiting team or hiring manager that you are familiar with modern technology.
Yes. There’s a common misconception that people over 50 should have an established career. While some people will have built a career at this age, others choose to transition or start pursuing a new career path. Starting a career at 50 is doable, and you can use your vast experience and skills to succeed in it. All you need to do is to research, plan, get support, and take action.
According to Indeed, some of the most satisfying jobs include firefighter, special education teacher, chaplain, real estate appraiser, and financial advisor. These jobs tend to offer benefits such as a great sense of meaning, skills utilization, excellent salaries, great work environments, and fulfillment.
The best jobs for people over 50 include massage therapist, retail manager, mail carrier, administrative assistant, and medical record technician. There are jobs for people over 50 to match every experience and skill level.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
