15 Blue-Collar Jobs for Older Workers

Some blue-collar jobs pay well, are not physically demanding and offer part-time hours

Linda Childers,

AARP

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En español

Published May 21, 2024

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If you’re not ready to retire but want a job that offers a part-time schedule and competitive pay, you might consider applying for what’s known as a blue-collar job.

During the 1920s, people who worked in manufacturing or did other types of manual, skilled labor often wore blue shirts on the job. That garment led to those types of occupations being dubbed blue-collar jobs, in contrast to the white-collar jobs filled by business professionals in white shirts. More recently, the term gray-collar job has been used for occupations that don’t require a college degree like most professional jobs do but may require an apprenticeship or other more advanced training than a typical blue-collar job.

Because older adults are less likely than younger workers to have a college degree, blue-collar occupations can offer job opportunities for retirees or others looking for part-time work. While some blue-collar jobs can be physically demanding, there are other such occupations that don’t require more ability than typical daily activities.

Troy Latuff, 54, founder and president of the Blue Collar Recruiter and Virtual Trade School in Austin, Texas, launched his business in 2020 to connect prospective candidates to jobs in skilled trades. He often works with older job seekers who are semiretired from office roles, retired tradespeople who want to continue using their skills on a part-time basis, and job seekers who want to hone a new skill.

“We have employers in the residential, commercial and industrial space who welcome candidates with transferable skills such as leadership, sales and customer service,” Latuff says. “In addition, some employers offer candidates on-the-job training.”

The following are examples, listed alphabetically, of some of the in-demand blue- and gray-collar jobs. Clicking on the “Find jobs” link will take you to currently available postings on the AARP Job Board, unless otherwise noted. All wage data is from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, unless otherwise noted. Whether you’re looking to make extra money or stave off boredom, here are 15 jobs for people over 50 to consider.

1. Customer service representative

Average wage: $19.08 per hour

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If you have excellent people skills and phone etiquette, many companies are looking to fill customer service positions. These jobs require a high school diploma or GED and good communications and problem-solving skills. Many companies offer on-the-job training and full-time and part-time schedules. The hours can be very flexible, too, because some customer assistance lines are staffed 24 hours a day.

2. Driving instructor

Average wage: $21.25 per hour (per Indeed)

Find driving instructor jobs on Indeed

Driving instructors work full-time or part-time schedules to help teens and adults master the rules of driving and become confident behind the wheel. To become a professional driving instructor, you must become licensed in the state you work in. Although each state has its own requirements, most require driving instructors to have a high school diploma or GED, hold a valid driver’s license, maintain a good driving record, and pass a physical exam.

Many employers, such as the American Automobile Association (AAA), offer paid training and licensing for these jobs, as well as a company car.

3. Event staff

Average wage: $19.29 per hour

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Event staff work at concerts, sporting events and other venues taking tickets, answering questions, greeting guests and helping them find their assigned seats. No prior experience is necessary and part-time shifts are available.

Other event jobs include parking attendants and set-up assistants.

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4. Handyman

Average wage: $23.87 per hour

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If you have a knack for making home repairs and have some experience in home improvement or maintenance, you might do well as a handyman. These jobs typically require you to have your own tools, along with some general repair skills. Some handymen work as independent contractors and get leads through local hardware stores and the neighborhood app Nextdoor.com.

5. Housekeeper

Average wage: $16.66 per hour

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Whether you work in an office, home or business, reliable and motivated housekeepers are needed to provide cleaning services such as vacuuming, mopping, dusting, and cleaning bathrooms, kitchens and other common areas. No prior experience is necessary, and most companies offer paid training, competitive pay and flexible schedules.

6. In-home companion caregivers

Average wage: $17.88 per hour

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In these non-medical jobs, you help seniors and those with disabilities with transportation to appointments, household tasks and errands, social activities and more. A high school diploma, valid driver’s license and previous caregiving experience (can include caring for a family member) are the typical requirements.

Each state has different caregiving training requirements

7. Library assistant

Average wage: $17.29 per hour

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Voracious readers and bibliophiles may find job satisfaction working as library assistants. These positions assist with library programs, shelving books and helping the public. In addition to working in city libraries, library assistants can find employment in schools and universities.

8. Nanny

Average wage: $21.77 an hour

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Families across the country are looking for nannies to care for their children. A perfect job for empty nesters, these positions are often part-time and offer flexible hours. The position usually requires hands-on experience caring for children, CPR/first aid certification and a valid driver’s license. Most nannies also will need to pass a background check.

Many full- and part-time positions are also listed on nannycare.com and care.com.

9. Pet sitter/dog walker

Average wage: $16.12 per hour

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Imagine getting paid to spend time with animals. As a pet sitter or dog walker, you’ll exercise your four-legged clients and ensure they are well-cared for while their owners are working or on vacation. These jobs often require one-year of previous pet care experience — which may include your own — along with excellent customer service skills and possibly a background check.

10. Retail worker

Average wage: $16.30 per hour

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Retail stores, including those that sell clothing, jewelry, food and home improvement products, are looking for employees who can help customers, handle returns and ensure client satisfaction. Prior experience generally isn’t necessary, but most employers look for candidates with strong communication skills and an upbeat attitude.

11. School bus driver

Average wage: $21.74 per hour

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School districts are always on the lookout for regular and substitute bus drivers to transport students to and from school and field trips. To qualify for these jobs, you need a driver’s license and a clean driving record with no DUI convictions or serious traffic violations. You’ll also need a high school diploma or GED, and the ability to pass both a physical exam and a criminal background check.

Many school districts will pay for you to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and any additional training.

12. Security guard

Average wage: $19.44 per hour

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Many businesses employ unarmed security personnel to monitor security cameras and ensure safety of their premises and personnel. Security staff issue visitor badges, write reports and maintain a visible presence.

While many of these jobs don’t require previous experience, you do need a high school diploma or GED and should be able to pass an extensive screening process.

13. Shuttle driver

Average wage: $19.55 per hour

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Airports, car dealerships and assisted living facilities all hire shuttle drivers to deliver passengers to their destinations on time. No prior experience is required, but you do need a high school diploma or GED and a clean motor-vehicle report, must pass a drug and background test, and must be able to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Shuttle drivers who work at airports and assisted living facilities may be required to pass ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) certification and operate the shuttle’s lift ramp.

14. Truck transport driver

Average wage: $26.92 per hour

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To meet the nation’s freight demand, the American Trucking Association says 1.1 million truck drivers will need to be hired over the next decade. If you’re seeking a job with competitive pay, flexible travel schedules and options where you don’t have to help load the freight, this field might appeal to you. Some companies even encourage older couples to share truck driving responsibilities to earn extra money while traveling together.

Truck transport drivers need a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and must pass a basic physical exam.

15. Warehouse worker

Average wage: $19.12 per hour

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The decades-long rise of online shopping also has meant a boom in jobs for warehouse workers. These jobs can be physically demanding, in many cases not because workers must lift heavy items but because they must fill order after order for a whole shift. But if you are healthy and might enjoy a high-energy job, one these positions may be a good way for you to earn money for a while.

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Linda Childers is a contributing writer for AARP. She has written for regional and national publications, including Allure, National Geographic Kids, O, Reader’s Digest, Redbook, U.S. News and World Report, The Washington Post and Woman’s Day.

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