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9 Second Careers Perfect for People Over 60 That Pay $90,000+

Use your years of experience to land a higher-paying job in a new career.

By Michelle Smith

Edited by Esther Carlstone

Updated Feb. 25, 2026

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If you aren't making enough at your current career to save for a retirement plan, it could be time to switch careers. While changing jobs can be a scary move to make later in life, plenty of high-paying careers let you capitalize on your experience and bring home more money than before.

Keep reading for our list of second careers where you can expect to make $90,000 or more, depending on your experience and credentials.

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

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Computer network architect

Median annual salary: $130,390

Top earners: $198,030

Do you already have a bachelor's degree in computer science and years of work experience in the field? If so, think about switching to a network architecture role where you'll create and implement intranets, wide area networks, and local area networks.

According to the BLS, most computer network architect jobs require at least five years of experience in a related computer science field, which makes it a great choice for older, experienced workers. Plus, the network architect job market should grow around 12% over the next decade, meaning there won't be any shortage of jobs in the field.

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Administrative services or facilities manager

Median annual salary: $106,880

Top earners: $173,080 - $200,010

If you have a good eye for details, strong communication skills, and a history of effective leadership, you could be qualified for an administrative services or facilities management job. Individuals in these positions ensure organizations run efficiently by supervising staff, organizing records, managing offices, and maintaining facilities.

Most positions in this field require a bachelor's degree, often in business, but you may also find work with a high school diploma as long as you have a lengthy work background and demonstrable leadership skills.

School principal

Median annual salary: $104,070

Top earners: $165,820

Do you enjoy teaching but want to make a difference at your school in a different way? Becoming a principal will likely require going back to school for a master's degree in education leadership or administration, though you might be able to get a degree online while continuing to work as a teacher.

Individuals with a decade or more of teaching experience already are best qualified to move into administrative levels at elementary, middle, and high schools as soon as they graduate.

Advertising, promotions, or marketing manager

Median annual salary: $159,660

Top earners: $239,200

If you're a skilled salesperson with top-notch management skills, consider moving into an advertising, promotions, or marketing management role. You'll collaborate with top executives to strategize promotional or advertising campaigns, work up budgets, and research customer trends.

Most people in these fields have bachelor's degrees, not master's degrees, in fields like business or communications. Having hands-on sales experience is also a plus, and work experience may be a solid substitute for higher education for this job.

Personal financial advisor

Median annual salary: $102,140

Top earners: $239,200

As you've gotten older, perhaps you've realized that working for a company just isn't for you. If you have strong financial skills and excel at keeping your books, establishing your own business as a personal financial advisor could be a good place to pivot.

Working for yourself as a personal financial advisor means you can keep your own hours, choose your own clients, and help other individuals find financial security. Individuals who excel in this field often have a degree in business or finance. Those who sell insurance policies, stocks, or bonds might need to acquire additional licenses that vary by state.

Actuary

Median annual salary: $125,770

Top earners: $206,430

Interested in finance but don't have an accounting degree? Consider becoming an actuary. These mathematicians help businesses and individuals assess economic risk, weighing uncertainty to protect profits.

You'll need to pass multiple certification exams and may spend up to seven years training with senior mentors. Some employers cover education costs, and the long-term investment can lead to executive leadership opportunities down the road.

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Software developer, quality assurance analyst, or tester

Median annual salary: $131,450

Top earners: $211,450

If you already have a strong computer science background but are tired of your current job, try a lateral move into software development or quality assurance. You'll likely do more user analysis and take the lead on guiding programmers to create software and applications that meet specific user needs.

Postmaster or mail superintendent

Median annual salary: $92,730

Postmasters manage individual U.S. Postal Service branches. Along with ensuring the mail is sorted and delivered in an accurate and timely fashion, they schedule employees, manage customer service, and collaborate with other branches.

Becoming a postmaster usually requires just a high school diploma. You can expect on-the-job training in a fast-paced work environment, which could be a good change of pace if you're tired of working a nine-to-five desk job.

Fundraising managers

Median annual salary: $132,870

Top earners: $216,660

Do you have strong people skills and a solid network after spending decades in the workforce? Consider transitioning from a production role to a fundraising one, using your life experience and career connections to raise money.

You'll need to be a people person to fill this role: expect to spend your time contacting donors, hosting fundraisers, applying for grants, and coordinating volunteers and staff members.

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Bottom line

Changing careers might feel drastic when you're 60 or older, but if you're willing and able to take the risk, it could change your life for the better.

Along with lowering your financial stress, a new job can open up new friendships and prepare you for a lifetime of learning, two surefire ways to set yourself up for a smooth retirement.

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