Jobs for People Over 50: Your 2025 Guide

As you enter the later stages of your professional career, you might be searching for a different job. Whether you’ve been in the workforce continuously throughout your career or have taken a break and are looking to get back into the labor market, there is a wide range of jobs available for senior workers.

Starting a second career later 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 job opportunities available for people over 50, including sales manager, nurse, real estate agent, and financial advisor.
• Companies like United Healthcare and Allied Universal are known to hire older workers and value their experience.
• When job searching 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 positions include sales manager, sales director, and business professional. However, even if you do not have a college degree or an advanced degree, the market offers you options such as a bus driver and a real estate agent.

When considering a new position, assess your qualifications and look for positions where they match the job requirements. For instance, if you want to become an event planner, you will need great organizational and communication skills. However, other career options with minimum requirements include a life coach, a personal trainer, and a bus driver.

It is important to find a good match between your qualifications and the position you are applying for.v

10 Top Jobs for People Over 50

These salaries were verified as of August 2025 and are subject to change.

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 also 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. 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 create 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 from anywhere as long as you deliver the client’s work before the deadline.

Nurse

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of August 2025, the nursing profession is expected to grow by 40 percent from 2023 to 2033.¹⁰ 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 employment in the field.

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 employee 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 minimal, 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).

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, tuition reimbursement, professional development assistance, and health insurance. If you’ve built your career in engineering, you have access to senior engineering roles with potentially high salaries.⁴

Virtual Assistant

This is another freelance opportunity that offers outstanding flexibility. You can work part-time and in practically any location you’d like. 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

Many people in this category may be 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.

As you start your job search, it may be valuable to check out AARP’s job board to find jobs.¹¹ The company is dedicated to fostering an employer network that focuses on diversity and inclusion through its Employer Pledge Program.¹² The AARP Employer Pledge Program is, “a nationwide group of over 1,000 employers that stand with AARP in affirming the value of experienced workers and are committed to developing diverse organizations.”¹² As such, their job board not only offers filters based on location, experience level, and job title, but also “EPP,” which shows employers that have signed the Employer Pledge Program and are AARP-certified, age-friendly employers.

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 employers that are a part of the AARP Employer Pledge Program and are eager to hire workers and older adults over 50.

• Allied Universal. As North America’s largest security and facility services provider, Allied Universal actively welcomes seasoned talent through its “Hiring America’s Seniors” initiative.¹³ It offers flexible full-time and part-time security roles, tailored to keep mature professionals engaged and empowered. Employees benefit from industry training, internal advancement, comprehensive health, 401(k) packages, recognition programs, and a supportive, inclusive workplace where experience is truly valued.
• United Healthcare. Older job seekers are welcome at United Healthcare. This company appreciates the valuable experience, perspective, and stability that seasoned professionals bring to the workplace. With full- and part-time work options, remote opportunities, and a wide range of roles in healthcare support, administration, and customer service, it’s a strong fit for workers 50+.¹⁴ Employees benefit from comprehensive health coverage, retirement plans, and ongoing training. UnitedHealthcare emphasizes inclusion and work-life balance, making it a reliable choice for experienced, older adults who are ready to continue contributing their skills in a supportive environment.
• Healthy Kids Programs. As one of the fastest‑growing early‑learning and childcare providers, this employer offers flexible, meaningful jobs for people over 50. As a certified benefit corporation, it provides on‑demand pay, telehealth, dental, vision, AFLAC, paid holidays, and 401(k) eligibility, plus room to grow via roles from assistant to director and an apprenticeship program covering credentials and job training.
• National Experienced Workforce Solutions (NEW Solutions). This company helps older workers, age 55+, continue their job search by connecting them with certified age-friendly employers across federal agencies. The nonprofit specializes in part-time work and full-time positions that let workers use their valuable experience to stay active in the workforce. For older job seekers, NEW Solutions offers a practical way to find jobs with fair pay and training opportunities—all through employers committed to reducing age discrimination.

Tips for Finding Success for People Over 50

Whether you are reentering the job market or transitioning to a different field, finding late-in-life careers that will help you accomplish your objectives can be challenging. Below are tips that will help you find success in your job search and the career path of your choice.

1. Decide what you want to pursue. Pursuing a new career after 50 demands that you assess its suitability to your lifestyle. Most people over 50 prefer a career with a strong work-life balance to minimize stress and invest more of their personal time in their hobbies, interests, and family.
2. Consider your passions. Suppose you’ve been working your whole life, 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.
3. 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.
4. 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. Additionally, take advantage of online resources specifically designed for older job seekers, such as job boards, career counseling services, and support groups.
5. Attend webinars and online events. Participate in webinars tailored for older workers to gain new skills, stay updated on industry trends, and connect with potential employers. Many organizations offer live or recorded webinars as valuable resources for career development and networking.
6. 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 job seeker 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 before retirement, 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.

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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.

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

Sources:

1 https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/real-estate-agent-salary-SRCH_KO0,17.htm

2 https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/nurse-salary-SRCH_KO0,5.htm

3 https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/financial-advisor-salary-SRCH_KO0,17.htm

4 https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/engineer-salary-SRCH_KO0,8.htm

5 https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/writer-salary-SRCH_KO0,6.htm

6 https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/tutor-salary-SRCH_KO0,5.htm

7 https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/store-manager-salary-SRCH_KO0,13.htm

8 https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/bus-driver-salary-SRCH_KO0,10.htm

9 https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/virtual-assistant-salary-SRCH_KO0,17.htm

10 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm#tab-1

11 https://jobs.aarp.org/jobs?locale=en&page=1&sort=date&country=&state=&city=&zip=&latitude=&longitude=&keywords=&city_state_zip=&job_id=

12 https://employerportal.aarp.org/resource/whats-the-aarp-employer-pledge/

13 https://www.aus.com/security-services/who-we-serve/seniors

14 https://careers.unitedhealthgroup.com/job-search-results/?relocation[]=Yes

15 https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/most-satisfying-jobs