10 Jobs That Could Rebound in 2021

4. Security guard

Portion of part-time workers over age 55: 28 percent

Median hourly pay: $12.38

In many cases, the pandemic added new responsibilities to the roles security guards play. For example, many security guards are now responsible for checking employees’ temperatures before letting them in to work. And at some stores, security guards are the ones who keep an eye on whether everyone is wearing a mask.

While those two particular duties might diminish in 2021 as more people get vaccinated, applicants for security guard positions should still expect some variety in their work. In addition to responding to emergencies in the workplace and preventing shoplifting or vandalism, some security guards may be required to write reports, handle public relations or administer first aid.

5. Administrative assistant

Portion of part-time workers over age 55: 22 percent

Median hourly pay: $14.77

This field already was contracting before the pandemic, with demand for these workers projected to drop by 20 percent by 2028, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). But one area where opportunities are on the rise in this field is in freelance and contract positions through the gig economy. The flexibility those roles offer could be a good fit for many older adults. You can learn more about such opportunities by visiting AARP Foundation's Work for Yourself@50+ Freelancing Resource Center.

6. Paralegal

Portion of part-time workers over age 55: 20 percent

Median hourly pay: $17.48

The pandemic is transforming this occupation, as law offices and government agencies turned to “virtual or V-paralegals” — remote employees who help get all of the important paperwork done while teleworking. The position is becoming so essential that more states are passing laws that give V-paralegals authority to do some things remotely that previously had to be done in person, such as notarizing documents.

Prior to the pandemic, BLS projected that the demand for paralegals would grow by 12 percent by 2028. That need may actually rise over the next couple of years, as experts say the economic and social disruption caused by the pandemic could lead to increases in bankruptcies, mortgage foreclosures, medical malpractice suits, and social justice lawsuits, among other proceedings.

7. Dental hygienist

Portion of part-time workers over age 55: 17 percent

Median hourly pay: $35.42

Slightly more than half of all dental hygienists—52 percent—said they were not working last May, according to one trade association. Many dental offices were temporarily shut down during the early months of the pandemic. And when they reopened, hygienists were concerned about how well their offices’ personal protective equipment (PPE) could shield them from becoming infected and about how much additional time they would need to spend sterilizing equipment and treatment spaces.

Many dental offices already have reopened, with heightened safety practices to deter the spread of COVID-19. And the need for dental hygienists — an occupation that was growing in demand before the pandemic — should quickly pick up as more people are vaccinated.

8. Customer service representative

Portion of part-time workers over age 55: 15 percent

Median hourly pay: $11.73

Because many of these positions can be done while working from home, customer service representative became a good option for many people who were laid off or concerned about going to work in-person during the pandemic. Hiring in this field is expected to continue to grow even once the current health emergency subsides.

These jobs — which can be found in a wide range of industries — typically involve answering phone calls to help customers place their orders or to address their complaints. They can be a great fit for older workers who prefer flexible hours and the opportunity to work remotely.

9. Retail sales worker

Portion of part-time workers over age 55: 15 percent

Median hourly pay: $10.73

The pandemic hit these jobs especially hard, with nonessential stores temporarily closed during the spring then operating under limited capacity for much of the rest of the year. Fewer customers in stores means less need for employees to help them make their shopping decisions.

Hiring in this field could pick up in 2021, as more stores return to business as usual. While the salary for these positions tends to be lower than for the other occupations on this list, many of these businesses do offer employees an in-store discount.

10. Nanny

Portion of part-time workers over age 55: 11 percent

Median hourly pay: $15.03

With more parents working from home in 2020, there was less demand for nannies. While some nannies who also were able to serve as tutors and teachers were able to get positions, many others were out of work for months.

But as more parents return to the office, hiring for nannies could rise. These positions can be physically demanding, but providing care for the next generation also can offer a high sense of fulfillment.