Getting a Job for Seniors

Complete Guide to Employment Opportunities for Seniors in 2025

Last Updated: August 2025

If You Need Emergency Help

If you’re facing immediate financial hardship and need work right away, these resources can help:

• Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP): Contact 1-877-US2-JOBS (1-877-872-5627) for immediate placement in paid training positions
• Local American Job Centers: Find your nearest location at CareerOneStop.org for same-day job search assistance
• AARP Job Board: Visit aarp.org/work for age-friendly employer listings
• 211 Helpline: Dial 2-1-1 for local emergency assistance programs

Key Takeaways

• One-in-five Americans ages 65 and older were employed in 2023 – nearly double the share of those who were working 35 years ago
• The typical worker age 65 or older earned $22 per hour in 2022, up from $13 in 1987
• In 2025, if you’re under full retirement age, you can earn up to $23,400 annually before Social Security benefits are reduced
• The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) protects workers 40 and older from age-based discrimination
• Many employers now actively seek older workers for their reliability, experience, and strong work ethic

The Current Reality for Working Seniors

The landscape for older workers has changed dramatically. The older workforce has nearly quadrupled in size since the mid-1980s, numbering roughly 11 million today. This isn’t just about financial necessity – though that plays a role for many. A recent Pew Research Center survey found that workers ages 65 and older are more satisfied with their jobs overall than younger workers.

By 2033, 1 in 4 U.S. workers will be 55+, and adults ages 65 and older are projected to be 8.6% of the labor force in 2032, up from 6.6% in 2022. The reasons are varied: longer lifespans, changes in retirement savings, and employers recognizing the value of experienced workers.

Why Seniors Are Working More

• Financial necessity: 53% of respondents in a 2024 CNBC and SurveyMonkey poll say they returned to work because they are behind on retirement planning and savings
• Policy changes: Changes to the Social Security system, which raised the age that workers receive their full retirement benefits from 65 to 67, likely have encouraged older adults to delay retirement
• Job market changes: Many occupations, on average, have become more “age friendly” since 1990
• Personal fulfillment: Many seniors want to stay active, social, and feel productive

Understanding Social Security and Working

One of the biggest concerns for working seniors is how employment affects Social Security benefits. Here’s what you need to know:

2025 Earnings Limits

Important note: When we figure out how much to deduct from your benefits, we count only the wages you make from your job or your net profit if you’re self-employed. We don’t count pensions, annuities, investment income, interest, veterans benefits, or other government or military retirement benefits.

The Good News About Earnings Reductions

If your benefits are reduced due to excess earnings, it’s not permanent. We will recalculate your benefit amount to give you credit for the months we reduced or withheld benefits due to your excess earnings. This means you’ll get those benefits back in the form of higher monthly payments once you reach full retirement age.

Age Discrimination: Know Your Rights

The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) forbids age discrimination against people who are age 40 or older. This protection covers all aspects of employment including:

• Hiring and firing
• Pay and benefits
• Job assignments and promotions
• Training opportunities
• Layoffs

What Constitutes Age Discrimination

• Job notices with age preferences or limitations, such as phrases like “young and energetic team”
• Offensive or derogatory remarks about a person’s age
• Being passed over for promotion in favor of significantly younger, less qualified candidates
• Being forced into early retirement

Filing a Complaint

If you believe you’ve experienced age discrimination, file a complaint online through the EEOC’s Public Portal. You have 180 days after the alleged unlawful practice occurred to file, or 300 days in states with anti-discrimination laws.

Top Employment Opportunities for Seniors

Based on current data and trends, here are the most promising employment sectors for older workers:

Healthcare and Social Assistance

Health services is a top in-demand job for older workers, employing nearly 1.6 million workers age 65 and older in 2023. Opportunities include:

• Home Health Aides: Growing field with flexible schedules
• Medical Assistants: Part-time positions often available
• Patient Care Coordinators: Draws on life experience and communication skills
• Healthcare Administration: Office-based roles utilizing organizational experience

Median hourly wage: $15-25 depending on role and location

Retail and Customer Service

Retail continues to attract more than 1.5 million seniors, offering:

• Customer Service Representatives: One of the most convenient jobs for older people who enjoy talking on the phone and do not want to leave their comfortable homes
• Sales Associates: Part-time positions with employee discounts
• Greeters: Low-stress positions focused on customer interaction

Median hourly wage: $12-18

Professional and Business Services

More than 325,000 workers ages 55 and older are employed in management consulting, which paid out a median annual wage of $101,190 in 2024. Options include:

• Consulting: Leveraging decades of industry experience
• Bookkeeping: Some 468,000 bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerks are ages 55 and older
• Administrative Support: Utilizing organizational and communication skills
• Virtual Assistants: Remote work opportunities

Education and Training

Popular among seniors who want to share knowledge:

• Tutoring: Tutors make $15 to $150 an hour
• Substitute Teaching: Flexible scheduling
• Corporate Training: Teaching soft skills and industry knowledge
• Adult Education: ESL instruction, GED preparation

Transportation and Delivery

In 2023, 522,000 seniors worked in transportation and warehousing:

• Ride-share Driving: Flexible hours with Uber, Lyft
• Delivery Services: Amazon, DoorDash, grocery delivery
• Medical Transport: Specialized service for healthcare appointments
• School Bus Driving: Part-time with benefits in many districts

Median hourly wage: $15-25

Remote Work Opportunities

According to the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College, remote work has contributed to a 10% increase in employment among older workers. Popular remote positions include:

Government Programs Supporting Senior Employment

Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)

The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) is a community service and work-based job training program for older Americans. Authorized by the Older Americans Act, the program provides training for low-income, unemployed seniors.

Who qualifies:

• Age 55 or older
• Living on a family income of no more than 125% of the federal poverty level
• Unemployed with limited employment prospects

What you get:

• Work an average of 20 hours a week and are paid the highest of federal, state or local minimum wage
• On-the-job training at nonprofits and government agencies
• About 76% reported a better outlook on life while working

To apply: Call 1-877-US2-JOBS or visit CareerOneStop.org

State-Specific Programs

Many states offer additional programs:

• New York: Older Adult Employment Program for training and job placement for those over 55
• Florida: SCSEP programs through Department of Elder Affairs
• Texas: Partnership with AARP Foundation serving 82 counties

Contact your state’s Office for the Aging to learn about local programs.

Overcoming Common Challenges

Technology Skills Gap

Many seniors worry about technology requirements. Solutions:

• Free training: Libraries and senior centers offer computer classes
• Online resources: AARP offers free technology tutorials
• Community colleges: Often have senior-friendly computer courses
• Gradual approach: Start with basic skills and build up

Physical Limitations

An Economic Policy Institute analysis found that about half of workers over age 50 have physically demanding jobs. Consider:

• Accommodations: Employers must provide reasonable accommodations under the ADA
• Different roles: Shift to less physical positions within the same field
• Part-time options: Reduce physical strain with fewer hours
• Remote work: Eliminate commuting and physical office requirements

Salary Expectations

In 1987, the typical hourly wage for workers 65 and up was $13; today, it’s $22. Strategies:

• Research market rates: Use Glassdoor, PayScale for current wages
• Emphasize value: Highlight reliability, experience, mentoring abilities
• Consider total compensation: Benefits, flexibility, and learning opportunities
• Negotiate: Don’t accept first offers without discussion

Special Considerations for Diverse Senior Communities

LGBTQ+ Seniors

LGBTQ+ seniors face unique workplace challenges:

• Know your rights: Title VII protections extend to sexual orientation and gender identity
• Research employers: Look for companies with LGBTQ+ inclusive policies
• Resources: SAGE (Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders) offers employment support
• Networking: Join LGBTQ+ professional organizations for connections

Veteran Seniors

Veterans have special advantages and resources:

• Federal hiring preference: Veterans preference applies to federal jobs
• SCSEP priority: Veterans receive priority in SCSEP enrollment
• VA vocational rehabilitation: May cover job training and placement
• Military skills translation: Services help translate military experience for civilian employers
• Resources: Contact your local American Job Center for veteran services

Disabled Seniors

Seniors with disabilities have additional protections:

• ADA accommodations: Employers must provide reasonable accommodations
• Job coaching: Vocational rehabilitation services offer ongoing support
• Ticket to Work: Social Security program providing employment support
• Assistive technology: Many accommodations are simple and inexpensive
• Resources: Contact your state’s vocational rehabilitation agency

Tribal Community Resources

Native American seniors have access to specialized programs:

• Tribal SCSEP: Special funding set aside for Native American communities
• Native American tribal organizations: Often provide job training and placement
• Bureau of Indian Affairs: Employment assistance programs
• Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act: Tribal-specific provisions

Rural Seniors and Families

Rural seniors face unique challenges but also have specific resources:

• Transportation barriers: Look for remote work or local opportunities
• Limited job markets: Consider online work or seasonal employment
• Agricultural opportunities: Farm work, farmers markets, agritourism
• Rural development programs: USDA offers various employment and training programs
• Telehealth opportunities: Growing field for remote healthcare support

Age-Friendly Employers

These companies have programs specifically designed to attract and retain older workers:

Major Retail Chains

• Home Depot: Actively recruits seniors, flexible scheduling
• Walmart: Age-friendly policies, part-time options
• CVS Health: “Encore” career program for seniors

Healthcare Organizations

• Kaiser Permanente: Values experienced healthcare workers
• Amedisys: Home healthcare company with senior-friendly policies

Financial Services

• AARP: Not surprisingly, values older workers
• Ameriprise Financial: Actively recruits experienced advisors

Other Notable Employers

• National Institutes of Health: Nearly half of the NIH workforce was over 50 as of 2013, and older workers there say they feel revered
• BMW: Made ergonomic adjustments that helped older workers and improved overall productivity by 7%

Building Your Job Search Strategy

Resume Tips for Seniors

• Modern format: Use a clean, current design
• Focus on recent experience: Limit history to 10-15 years unless highly relevant
• Highlight technology skills: Include any software or digital tools you’ve used
• Emphasize achievements: Use numbers and specific accomplishments
• Remove graduation dates: Avoid age-revealing information

Interview Preparation

• Practice common questions: Prepare for “overqualification” concerns
• Show energy and enthusiasm: Counteract age stereotypes
• Demonstrate tech comfort: Mention any digital tools you use
• Ask about culture: Show interest in fitting in with all age groups
• Highlight unique value: Experience, reliability, mentoring abilities

Networking Strategies

• LinkedIn optimization: Update your profile with recent skills and accomplishments
• Professional associations: Reconnect with industry groups
• Informational interviews: Learn about industry changes from contacts
• Volunteer work: Build new professional relationships
• Career fairs: Many now specifically target mature workers

Financial Planning While Working

Tax Considerations

Working while receiving Social Security affects your taxes:

• Provisional income: Social Security benefits may become taxable
• State taxes: Some states don’t tax Social Security, others do
• Estimated taxes: You may need to make quarterly payments
• Deductions: Work-related expenses may be deductible

Healthcare and Benefits

• Medicare coordination: Understand how employer insurance works with Medicare
• HSA contributions: If eligible, these offer triple tax advantages
• Life insurance: Consider whether employer coverage is sufficient
• Retirement contributions: You can still contribute to 401(k)s and IRAs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I work full-time while collecting Social Security? A: Yes, but if you’re under full retirement age, your benefits may be reduced if you earn more than the annual limit ($23,400 in 2025). Once you reach full retirement age, there’s no earnings limit.

Q: Will working affect my Medicare benefits? A: No, working doesn’t affect your Medicare benefits. However, if you have employer health insurance, you’ll need to coordinate coverage.

Q: What if I’m “overqualified” for positions I want? A: Address this directly in interviews. Explain that you’re seeking this specific role for flexibility, work-life balance, or genuine interest. Emphasize your commitment to the position.

Q: Can employers ask my age during interviews? A: No, it’s illegal for employers to ask your age, birth date, or graduation years. They can only ask if you’re over 18.

Q: How do I handle technology requirements I’m not familiar with? A: Be honest about your current skills but emphasize your willingness to learn. Many employers provide training, and basic computer skills can be learned quickly.

Q: Should I mention that I’m retired in interviews? A: Focus on your current situation – that you’re seeking employment. Whether you mention retirement depends on the context and whether it’s relevant to your interest in the position.

Q: What if I haven’t worked in several years? A: Address employment gaps honestly. Highlight any volunteer work, caregiving responsibilities, continuing education, or skills maintenance during your time away.

Q: Are there industries that particularly value older workers? A: Yes, healthcare, education, consulting, retail, and customer service often value the experience and reliability that older workers bring.

Q: How do I compete with younger workers who may accept lower wages? A: Emphasize your unique value: reliability, experience, problem-solving skills, and mentoring abilities. Many employers find the total value of experienced workers outweighs salary differences.

Q: Can I be forced to retire? A: Generally no, mandatory retirement is illegal except in very specific circumstances (like airline pilots or certain safety positions with bona fide occupational qualifications).

Resources

Government Resources

• U.S. Department of Labor SCSEP: dol.gov/agencies/eta/seniors
• EEOC Age Discrimination: eeoc.gov/age-discrimination
• Social Security Work Information: ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/whileworking.html
• CareerOneStop (Federal Job Search): careeronestop.org

Job Search Websites

• AARP Job Board: aarp.org/work/job-search
• Workforce50: workforce50.com
• RetirementJobs: retirementjobs.com
• FlexJobs (Remote Work): flexjobs.com

Training and Skills Development

• AARP Skills Builder: aarp.org/work/skills-builder
• Coursera (Financial Aid Available): coursera.org
• Local Community Colleges: Search for senior-specific programs
• Public Libraries: Often offer free computer and job search classes

Support Organizations

• AARP Foundation: aarpfoundation.org
• National Council on Aging: ncoa.org
• Encore.org: encore.org
• SAGE (LGBTQ+ Seniors): sageusa.org

Regional Resources by State

• New York: aging.ny.gov – Older Adult Employment Program
• California: aging.ca.gov – Senior employment services
• Florida: elderaffairs.org – SCSEP and senior services
• Texas: twc.texas.gov – Senior employment programs

Contact your state’s Office for the Aging for local resources and programs.

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About This Guide

Researched and Compiled by Grants for Seniors

This guide has been carefully researched using publicly available government resources and official program websites. We systematically review federal and state program information to create comprehensive, accurate guides for older Americans seeking employment opportunities.

Our Sources: All information comes from official sources including federal agency websites (DOL, SSA, EEOC, BLS), state government departments, official program documentation, and verified research institutions like Pew Research Center and Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Verification Process: Each program listing and statistic undergoes thorough verification by cross-referencing information across multiple official sources, checking current program status, verifying contact information, and confirming eligibility requirements and current data.

Information Currency:

• Last Updated: August 2025
• Sources Verified: August 2025
• Next Review: February 2026

Important Note: Government programs and employment laws can change without advance notice. While this guide uses the most current available information, we strongly recommend verifying all details directly with program administrators and employers before making decisions.

Found an Error? If you discover outdated information or additional programs that should be included, please contact us at info@grantsforseniors.org.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional legal, financial, or career advice. Always confirm program details with official sources and consider consulting with qualified professionals for personalized guidance regarding employment, Social Security, and financial planning decisions.

This resource is independently researched to help seniors access available employment opportunities and navigate the changing job market.