10 Admirable (And Well Paying) Blue-Collar Jobs for People Over 60

Plenty of older Americans work blue-collar jobs that serve critical business needs. Individuals nearing retirement age and looking to change things up can find plenty of satisfaction in a job that is not a typical office role. 

Whether looking for a career transition or something to do as you ease out of your career and towards retirement, these blue-collar jobs could be a great fit for you and help you build wealth later in life.

Here are 10 well-paying blue-collar jobs individuals aged 60 and over can pursue.

Editor's note: All salaries come from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). 

Median annual wage: $42,770

Local trucking and delivery drivers are in high demand. You'll need a commercial driver's license, but many companies seek older, reliable drivers who can handle the workload. If you enjoy driving through cities and long highway stretches, this could be a great job for you.

Median annual wage: $45,210

If you're a fan of driving large vehicles and interacting with children, becoming a bus driver could be a great job for you.

You can create your own schedule and work at your convenience, plus many school districts offer paid training to attract and retain workers. The job provides fairly predictable hours, all built around the school day and after-school sporting events, making it easy to fit into your daily schedule.

Median annual wage: $49,800

This lesser-known but vital role involves identifying and marking underground utility lines before construction or digging work is done. As a utility line locator, you'll utilize your knowledge and experience in a way that's not physically demanding, making it a great career option for older adults.

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Median annual wage: $50,210

In this job, you'll install, repair, and adjust locks on doors, windows, safes, and vehicles. You'll also rekey old locks and unlock doors for people who are locked out of their cars, homes, or businesses.

This job offers flexible hours and minimal physical demands, making it an ideal option for older individuals. You'll need to complete a locksmith training program, and then you'll be ready.

Median annual wage: $50,830

In this job, you will coordinate schedules and communicate with drivers or service personnel to ensure efficient operations. This role is predominantly desk-based and requires strong organizational and communication skills, making it ideal for older adults.

You'll need a strong voice and clear enunciation to communicate effectively with the other employees you're dispatching.

Median annual wage: $57,870

The U.S. Postal Service continually seeks additional mail carriers, particularly in larger suburban areas. You'll drive a mail truck and help your local community by delivering packages and mail. The hours are pretty predictable, and although there may be some heavy deliveries, the job is generally not very strenuous or demanding most of the time.

Median annual wage: $59,810

Buildings and homes constantly need repairs and upgrades to their heating and cooling systems, making an HVAC technician a highly in-demand role. With experience and problem-solving skills, older workers can thrive. A background in HVAC or building repair is a good starting point, but you can acquire the necessary skill set fairly quickly if you're willing to do so.

Median annual wage: $72,120

In this role, you will inspect properties to ensure they're up to code and assess repair needs after a damaged building. This is a great fit for a former contractor or structural engineer familiar with their state's building codes. It's less physically demanding than being an on-site construction worker, so it's an excellent fit for older workers.

Median annual wage: $72,220

You'll be responsible for passenger and freight train operations in this job. Whether it's for a local transit authority or a commercial train operator, plenty of roles are available. While there are some long hours, this job isn't physically demanding and is an excellent position for older Americans.

Median annual wage: $76,790

As an insurance claims adjuster, you will interview claimants and witnesses, review police reports, and inspect property damage (e.g., cars, homes) to gather evidence. You will determine if the claimants meet the insurance policy requirements.

While you will spend part of your time in an office, you will also visit various properties. Since this role requires maturity and a high level of discernment, it's a great job for older and more experienced people. Plus, it offers a great salary, which could help you get ahead financially. 

For older adults who want to stay active, earn a solid income, and use their hands-on skills, plenty of practical, well-paying jobs still don't require a four-year degree. These blue-collar jobs are a commendable means of employment, helping you move beyond living paycheck to paycheck. 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 41.9 percent of installation, maintenance, and repair workers are age 55 or older, making it very common to see older Americans in these blue-collar roles.

So, it's never too late to transition into one of these roles and take on a new and rewarding job.