Experience brings wisdom, and in many professions, that wisdom translates into valuable expertise. Recent workforce data reveals certain occupations consistently attract and retain professionals in their later career stages. Whether through flexible scheduling, remote work options, or the necessity of deep experience, these roles prove particularly appealing to seasoned workers.
Based on comprehensive data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), we’ve identified twenty occupations where the average worker age exceeds 49 years. The following analysis ranks these positions based on the total number of employees aged 45 and above, from highest to lowest concentration. All salary information comes directly from BLS data.
1. Corporate Leadership (Chief Executives)
- Median age: 52.2 years
- Workers 45+: 1,260,000
- Hourly compensation: $91.12
Leadership isn’t confined to major corporations. Organizations of all sizes require experienced executives, explaining the substantial number of CEO positions. The role naturally gravitates toward seasoned professionals who bring decades of business acumen to the table.
2. Financial Record Management
- Median age: 49.2 years
- Workers 45+: 720,000
- Hourly compensation: $22.05
Financial professionals, including bookkeepers, accountants, and auditing specialists, benefit from extensive remote work opportunities. These positions frequently offer contract-based arrangements and flexible schedules, making them particularly attractive to experienced workers seeking work-life balance.
3. Real Estate Professionals
- Median age: 50 years
- Workers 45+: 632,000
- Hourly compensation: $25.02
Industry data shows that real estate rarely serves as an initial career choice – only 6% of National Association of Realtors members started in the field. This makes it an ideal transition for career changers who bring valuable experience from other sectors.
4. Higher Education Instructors
- Median age: 49.5 years
- Workers 45+: 630,000
- Hourly compensation: $38.86
Beyond traditional university professors, this category includes instructors at technical schools and professional training programs. The role leverages decades of practical experience to educate the next generation.
5. Agricultural Enterprise Management
- Median age: 56 years
- Workers 45+: 613,000
- Hourly compensation: $36.42
Agricultural managers and farm operators represent the most senior workforce in our analysis. Remarkably, BLS data indicates these professionals report the highest job satisfaction and sense of purpose across all industries.
6. In-Home Healthcare Support
- Median age: 49.1 years
- Workers 45+: 345,000
- Hourly compensation: $14.51
With projected growth of 22% over the next eight years, this field offers abundant opportunities. Previous caregiving experience, whether professional or personal, provides valuable preparation for this role.
7. Municipal Transit Operations
- Median age: 52.8 years
- Workers 45+: 203,000
- Hourly compensation: $24.47
The American Public Transportation Association reports that nearly all transit agencies face driver shortages. While potentially demanding, the position offers stable employment prospects.
8. Educational Transportation
- Median age: 55.5 years
- Workers 45+: 159,000
- Hourly compensation: $19.84
The split-shift nature of school bus driving particularly suits retirees and those seeking part-time work. Morning and afternoon schedules create an appealing routine for many mature workers.
9. Aviation Professionals
- Median age: 49 years
- Workers 45+: 125,000
- Hourly compensation: $101.82
Commercial pilots and flight engineers command the highest wages among these professions, reflecting the extensive training and responsibility required.
10. Property Operations Management
- Median age: 53.6 years
- Workers 45+: 110,000
- Hourly compensation: $48.98
Facilities managers combine technical knowledge with interpersonal skills, overseeing everything from building maintenance to staff supervision. Success requires broad experience managing both infrastructure and people.
11. Industrial Textile Production
- Median age: 52.1 years
- Workers 45+: 90,000
- Hourly compensation: $15.26
This manufacturing role typically values hands-on experience over formal education, with most training occurring on the job. Previous manufacturing experience often proves valuable.
12. Compensation Administration
- Median age: 49.5 years
- Workers 45+: 79,000
- Hourly compensation: $23.86
These specialists manage the complex process of employee compensation, handling everything from time tracking to tax calculations and benefit administration.
13. Real Estate Valuation
- Median age: 53.2 years
- Workers 45+: 70,000
- Hourly compensation: $29.60
Property appraisal offers an alternative path in real estate, requiring specialized certification rather than sales expertise. Most jurisdictions mandate specific training and licensing.
14. Construction Quality Assurance
- Median age: 50.3 years
- Workers 45+: 68,000
- Hourly compensation: $31.00
Building inspection provides a less physically demanding alternative within construction. Most positions require certification but not necessarily college degrees.
15. Private Transportation Services
- Median age: 54.3 years
- Workers 45+: 52,000
- Hourly compensation: $15.77
Shuttle and chauffeur services offer schedule flexibility and leverage local knowledge. Part-time options make these roles particularly attractive to experienced drivers.
16. Judicial Professionals
- Median age: 53 years
- Workers 45+: 51,000
- Hourly compensation: $72.61
Judicial appointments often favor extensive experience and established professional networks. Note that many states implement mandatory retirement ages, typically at 70.
17. Emergency Services Leadership
- Median age: 52.1 years
- Workers 45+: 39,000
- Hourly compensation: $38.53
While frontline firefighters average 38.5 years old, supervisory roles skew significantly older, highlighting the value of experience in emergency management.
18. Legal Office Administration
- Median age: 53.9 years
- Workers 45+: 38,000
- Hourly compensation: $23.45
These specialists manage law office operations, focusing on administrative duties rather than legal research. Their role supports both attorneys and clients through organizational expertise.
19. School Safety Personnel
- Median age: 55.8 years
- Workers 45+: 36,000
- Hourly compensation: $16.05
Crossing guards typically work near schools, following schedules similar to bus drivers. The role offers meaningful community service with predictable hours.
20. Custom Clothing Specialists
- Median age: 49 years
- Workers 45+: 30,000
- Hourly compensation: $16.48
While less common than historically, tailoring and dressmaking remain viable careers. These artisans combine technical skill with creativity to enhance clothing fit and appearance.
