According to reports from the Pew Research Center, 19% of Americans aged 65 and older were employed in 2023. Their average hourly income increased from $13 in 1987 to $22 in 2022.
This rise in employment and income highlights the increasing participation of older adults in the workforce and the evolving landscape of job opportunities available to them. Many seniors are finding new or continued career paths that not only provide financial stability but also offer personal fulfillment and a sense of purpose.
If you are eager to start or re-start your career at 65 or older, here’s a list of the top 12 career options for you, based
Managerial Roles

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Senior citizens often find that management roles and other professional positions are a good fit for their skills and experience. Approximately 15% of working Americans aged 65 and older hold managerial positions. Depending on your background and qualifications, you might explore opportunities as a CEO, general and operations manager, financial manager, or sales manager, among other specific roles.
Sales and Related Roles

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Many companies are open to hiring senior citizens for positions such as first-line supervisors of both retail and non-retail sales staff. In 2023, about 11% of American seniors were employed as retail salespersons, cashiers, and sales supervisors. If you have prior experience in sales, these roles could be a great fit for you in your later years.
Office and Administrative Support Roles

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Pursuing a career in office administration, where you help maintain the efficient functioning of an organization, can be a rewarding choice for older Americans. According to 2023 BLS statistics, around 10.5% of seniors in the U.S. held clerical positions. If this field interests you, opportunities include roles such as bookkeeper, accountant, auditor, operator, collector, and teller.
Transportation and Material Moving Roles

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The transportation sector provides appealing job opportunities for older Americans. As of 2023, about 7.5% of employed citizens over the age of 65 were working in this field. Potential positions include air traffic controller, flight attendant, or bus driver. For those who enjoy being on the water, roles such as sailor, ship engineer, or boat captain might be worth considering.
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Roles

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For seniors with the necessary degrees and certifications, the healthcare sector offers viable career opportunities. In 2023, nearly 6% of employed Americans over 65 were working as surgeons, therapists, pharmacists, or in other medical roles. This field also offers positions such as physician, dietitian, and nurse practitioner.
Education, Training, and Library Roles

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Teaching is a rewarding profession that allows you to engage with young minds and lifelong learners. According to the 2023 BLS report, approximately 6% of employed American seniors were working as teachers, tutors, and library technicians. Your salary in these roles will vary based on your educational background and experience.
Business and Financial Operations

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Business and financial operations occupations encompass a wide range of roles like agents, analysts, and specialists who keep the financial lifeblood of companies pumping. While not typically associated with older workers, in 2023, nearly 6% of Americans over 65 were employed in this sector.
Production Occupations

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Do you have a knack for fixing things and enjoy the satisfaction of working with machinery? Then the production occupations sector could be a great fit for exploring future employment opportunities. While it may not be the most common path for older workers, some Americans over 65 find fulfilling careers here as assemblers, fabricators, or machinists. This field is often hands-on and requires using various tools. For older adults with a passion for mechanics and practical experience, this sector offers a potentially lucrative option to stay engaged in the workforce.
Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance Occupations

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While not the most common choice, the building and grounds cleaning and maintenance sector offers employment opportunities for seniors who enjoy keeping things tidy.
In 2023, nearly 3% of working Americans over 65 found themselves in this field, working as janitors, maids, or cleaners. If you find satisfaction in maintaining a clean and organized environment, this could be a perfect fit for part-time or full-time work during your senior years. The sector also extends beyond cleaning duties, with opportunities for tree trimming, pest control, and landscaping – activities that can provide a rewarding combination of physical activity and maintaining a well-kept environment.
Construction and Related Fields

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While demanding physically, construction offers opportunities for experienced seniors whose health allows for it. BLS data shows a small but active group of Americans over 65 working as construction laborers, electricians, or carpenters. The industry extends beyond those roles, with options for painters, tile installers, and plumbers who can leverage their existing skills.
Food Service Industry

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For those with a background in hospitality, the food preparation and serving sector offers a plethora of possibilities. Don your chef’s hat or pick up a whisk – even bartending can be on the menu for active seniors over 65. Interests can guide your choice, from becoming a server at a cozy cafe to managing a fast-food counter.
Keeping Things Running: Installation, Maintenance & Repair

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Do you have a knack for fixing things? The installation, maintenance, and repair sector offers various opportunities for handy seniors. While BLS data suggests less than 3% of employed Americans over 65 work in these roles, there’s still a demand for experienced installers, repairers, mechanics, technicians, and helpers.