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10 Second Careers Perfect for People Over 60 That Pay $70,000+

These flexible, $70,000+ jobs let older workers stay sharp and earn good pay.

By Andy Lindquist

Edited by Lisa Dammeyer

Updated Feb. 9, 2026

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It's never too late to make a career shift, even if you're nearing retirement age. Workers in their 60s provide plenty of wisdom, experience, and trust to any company. Starting your second career while earning a lucrative salary is a great way to lower your financial stress as you near retirement. Plus, you'll keep your mind and body sharp, as you'll have something to do every day.

Here are 10 jobs that pay $70,000 or more a year and are perfect second careers for individuals 60 and older.

Editor's note: Salary information comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

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Editor

Median annual salary: $75,260

If you're a big-time reader of digital content and you have a stack of blog subscriptions, making the shift to become an editor could be a great role for you. You'll scour manuscripts and articles looking for errors and opportunities to improve flow and sentence structure.

A good portion of this work can be done remotely as well, making it a perfect pre-retirement role. A background in writing, editing, or digital publishing is a good entry point into this career.

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Financial analyst

Median annual salary: $101,910

In this role, you'll guide companies and individuals to help them make wise financial decisions to grow their wealth and cash reserves. If you have a background in finance or business and you want to move into a more advisory role, this is a great job for you.

If you don't, having a portfolio of successful investments and financial moves is another way into this profession.

Accountant

Median annual salary: $81,680

In this role, you'll record, analyze, interpret, and report financial records and prepare tax documents. Becoming an accountant usually requires a bachelor's degree in accounting and some combination of experience doing accounting work and tax preparation.

This role is ideal for older professionals because it offers stability and values the integrity and organizational skills honed over a long career. It often allows for seasonal flexibility, especially around tax season.

Labor relations specialist

Median annual salary: $93,500

This role will have you interpreting and administering labor contracts regarding wages, health care, and pensions. For professionals over 60, this could be an excellent fit because it requires high-level negotiation skills and experience.

The job is perfect for someone with decades of experience in workplace dynamics and legal frameworks.

Technical writer

Median annual salary: $91,670

In this job, you'll translate complex technical information into easy-to-understand manuals and guides. You'll need knowledge of a technical subject and a very strong writing ability to break into the field, but it's the type of role that you can transition into.

It is highly rewarding for older professionals who want to use their expertise to simplify complex concepts, often from the comfort of a home office.

Management analyst

Median annual salary: $101,190

A management analyst, also known as a consultant, helps organizations become more efficient through various processes. This role typically requires a bachelor's degree and several years of work experience, which most workers over 60 already possess.

It's a role that allows you to capitalize on your lifelong industry expertise to solve high-level problems on a contract or project basis if you so choose.

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Postsecondary teacher

Median annual salary: $83,980

Teaching at a community college or university is a great option for those who want to share their career wisdom. Requirements range from a master's degree to extensive field experience to a Ph.D.

For older professionals, academia offers a stimulating environment and a place to connect with the younger generation. Many adjunct positions allow for a part-time schedule while still maintaining a high hourly pay rate.

Project manager

Median annual salary: $100,750

As a project manager, you'll coordinate budgets, schedules, and staffing for specific company goals. A bachelor's degree is standard, along with experience working on projects in a corporate setting.

This career is a great fit for the 60+ demographic because it relies heavily on people skills and conflict resolution, all traits that improve with age. It is a high-responsibility role that keeps the mind sharp.

Compensation specialist

Median annual salary: $77,020

In this job, you'll oversee an organization's wage and benefits programs. A bachelor's degree is usually the entry requirement, but a background in HR and benefits can help make the transition easier.

This is an ideal second career for those over 60 because it prioritizes emotional intelligence and data-driven decision-making. It is a stable, office-based role that values professional maturity.

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Market research analyst

Median annual salary: $76,950

Market research analysts study market conditions to help companies understand what products people actually want. This role may be a perfect choice for those over 60 who enjoy data and research. The work can often be done remotely, and many companies hire senior analysts for specific projects, offering variety and seasonality.

Bottom line

Starting a second career after 60 is becoming increasingly common. The roles on this list offer strong pay, flexibility, and opportunities to leverage decades of experience, making them ideal for staying engaged, sharp, and financially secure heading into retirement. The longer you're able to work, the more you're able to maximize your retirement savings.

And the trend is only growing. According to the BLS, one in five Americans aged 65 and older were in the labor force in 2024 (the most recent year of data).

That means that many older workers are using flexible or transitional roles to stay in the workforce longer, so many of these careers are even more practical as second acts than you might think.

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