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

Find flexible, high-earning roles that value your life experience.

By Andy Lindquist

Edited by Lisa Dammeyer

Updated Feb. 6, 2026

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It's never too late to change careers, even if you're much later on in your professional life. While the idea of shifting occupations in your 60s might seem daunting, there are plenty of areas of the job market that place a high premium on decades of experience. Many of these careers are also lucrative, so you can end your working years by stacking more money in the bank. That way, you can avoid running out of money in retirement.

Here are 10 second careers that are perfect for people in their 60s and pay $60,000 or more annually.

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

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Human Resources specialist

Median annual salary: $72,910

This role involves managing recruitment, employee relations, and benefits administration, among other duties. It is a perfect pivot for older professionals because it relies heavily on emotional intelligence, attention to detail, and organizational skills developed over decades.

Your ability to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics and mentor younger staff will make you a highly valued asset in any office environment.

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Training and development specialist

Median annual salary: $65,850

In this job, you'll design and lead programs to improve employee skills and knowledge. For older workers, this is a natural fit for sharing a lifetime of industry expertise.

Companies value the patience and authority that older workers bring to a classroom or workshop setting. It's an intellectually stimulating way to stay active in your field while helping others grow.

Technical writer

Median annual salary: $91,670

As a technical writer, you'll translate complex subject material into easily digestible guides, documentation, instruction manuals, and other text-based learning materials. This is a great way for older workers in technical fields like medicine, tech, law, or finance to get into a new career path without going back to school.

If you've proven yourself as an expert in your field, it's an easy way to transition to more autonomous work without your boss peering over your shoulder at all times.

Project manager

Median annual salary: $100,750

A project manager coordinates budgets, schedules, and staffing to ensure projects are completed on time. This role requires a high level of professionalism, attention to detail, and strong interpersonal skills to manage multiple teams across the company. That makes it ideal for older workers who have decades of experience in the office, so you can be the steady hand at the wheel.

Property manager

Median annual salary: $66,700

In this job, you'll oversee the operations of residential or commercial real estate, handling everything from tenant relations to maintenance schedules. This role is well-suited for older professionals because it values local community knowledge and reliability.

It's also a socially active job that benefits from the maturity and negotiation skills you've gathered over time, and you'll need them, given how many different (and potentially difficult) people you will be interacting with.

Fundraiser

Median annual salary: $66,490

As a fundraiser, you'll build relationships and organize events to secure financial support for nonprofits. If you have a background in building social consensus and you're a people person, this can be a great role to transition into. Even more so if you have skills in organization and persuasive communication. It's a mission-driven career that allows you to give back to causes you care about.

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Arbitrator

Median annual salary: $67,710

In this role, you'll help opposing parties resolve legal disputes outside of the court system. This is a prestigious second career that essentially pays you for your wisdom and neutrality. It's ideal for retired managers or legal professionals seeking a quieter, more focused environment. The flexible, often project-based nature of the work is perfect for a transition into semi-retirement.

Market research analyst

Median annual salary: $76,950

As a market research analyst, you'll study consumer spending habits to help companies make more informed decisions about their products. If you have a background in studying consumer markets or marketing, this can be a great second career for you.

Even if you're coming from a different field entirely, if you have skills recognizing trends and patterns in the consumer, you'll be right at home here.

Administrative services manager

Median annual salary: $106,880

In this role, you'll coordinate an organization's support services to ensure the office runs efficiently. This is a great role for someone who has spent years in office environments and has management experience. It draws on your logistical expertise and experience in facility management. If you're looking to transition out of a senior corporate leadership role while staying involved in the day-to-day aspects of the business, this is an ideal role for you.

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Financial examiner

Median annual salary: $90,400

As a financial examiner, you'll be the first line of defense in making sure that banks and other institutions follow laws and maintain stability. If you have a background in accounting or finance, this is an excellent, high-impact pivot. It requires a keen eye for detail and an understanding of regulations, strengths often found in experienced professionals.

Bottom line

It's entirely possible to find a rewarding, lucrative second career in your later working years. There are plenty of jobs out there that prioritize years of professional experience and wisdom, so you can make an impact by sharing your knowledge and skills with others. It's also a good idea if you want to build your savings even more.

A study from the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) showed that working just three to six months longer boosts your retirement accounts as much as saving an additional 1% of your salary for 30 years. So, if you're able to keep working a bit longer in your 60s, you can set yourself up for a stress-free retirement.

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