25 Jobs Likely in Demand by 2025: Opportunities for Older Professionals
As we look towards the future, it is important to consider the job market and the opportunities that will be available in the coming years. The year 2025 is just around the corner, and with it, comes a new wave of job opportunities that are likely to be in high demand. For older professionals looking to re-enter the workforce or make a career change, these industries offer robust employment prospects.
Recent events, such as hurricanes Beryl, Helene, and Milton, have highlighted the need for additional actuaries and salespeople in the insurance industry. The damage caused by these natural disasters has resulted in billions of dollars in losses, prompting insurance companies to recruit more professionals to assist in meeting consumer needs. Similarly, the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles earlier this year have further emphasized the importance of the insurance sector and the significant role it plays in mitigating risks.
In addition to the insurance industry, fields such as office clerks and receptionists are also expected to see a surge in demand. Companies like Amazon, Dell, and Disney have announced plans to bring many of their corporate employees back to the office full-time in 2025, creating opportunities for office support staff. The U.S. Department of Labor has identified 25 jobs as “Bright Outlook Occupations,” indicating a growing need for professionals in these fields in the coming years.
AARP has focused on identifying positions that are likely to appeal to older workers or do not require extensive training to enter. These jobs span a wide range of industries, from accounting and actuarial services to customer service and healthcare. With the support of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, AARP has compiled a list of high-demand jobs that offer competitive salaries and job security.
1. **Bookkeeper**
– Median pay: $38.41 per hour
– Job projection 2025–2033: 6% increase
– Demand for bookkeepers remains strong, with opportunities for contract and freelance work available for those with experience in accounting.
2. **Actuary**
– Median pay: $57.69 per hour
– Job outlook 2025–2033: 9% increase
– The insurance industry continues to recruit actuaries to assess financial risks associated with property damage, medical advancements, and cybersecurity threats.
3. **Barista**
– Median pay: $14.20 per hour
– Job projection 2025–2033: 6-8% growth
– With coffee being a staple beverage in American culture, there are plenty of opportunities for baristas in both independent coffee shops and larger chains.
4. **Bicycle Mechanic**
– Median pay: $18.42 per hour
– Job projections 2025–2033: 6-8% growth
– The demand for bike mechanics is on the rise as more cities invest in bike infrastructure and cycling becomes a popular mode of transportation.
5. **Accountant**
– Median pay: $22.81 per hour
– Job outlook 2025–2033: 5% decrease
– While automation is impacting the accounting industry, there are still opportunities for bookkeepers and accountants, especially for those interested in contract work.
6. **Cashier**
– Median pay: $14.29 per hour
– Job outlook 2025–2033: 1% decrease
– Despite the rise of self-checkout options, cashier positions are still in demand, making it a viable job option for those seeking flexible hours.
7. **Customer Service Representative**
– Median pay: $19.08 per hour
– Job forecast 2025–2033: 1% decrease
– Customer service roles offer the opportunity to work from home and provide essential support to customers, making it a valuable job for those with strong communication skills.
8. **Data Scientist**
– Median pay: $51.93 per hour
– Job projection 2025–2033: 9% increase
– The demand for data researchers continues to grow as companies rely on data to make informed business decisions, creating opportunities for those with experience in data analysis.
9. **Driver**
– Median pay: $17.03 per hour
– Job outlook 2025–2033: 9% increase
– Driving jobs, especially gig-based positions like Uber and Lyft, offer flexible hours and the opportunity to earn a steady income.
10. **Flight Attendant**
– Median pay: $32.87 per hour
– Job outlook 2025–2033: 9% increase
– While the job of a flight attendant can be demanding, it offers the opportunity to travel and interact with people, making it a rewarding career for older professionals.
11. **Home Health Aide**
– Median pay: $16.12 per hour
– Job projections 2025–2033: 9% growth
– Home health aides play a crucial role in supporting elderly individuals who wish to age in place, providing essential care and companionship.
12. **Host or Hostess**
– Median pay: $14.05 per hour
– Job prospects 2025–2033: stable
– Hosts and hostesses play a key role in creating a welcoming atmosphere at restaurants and cafes, influencing the overall dining experience for customers.
13. **Hotel Desk Clerk**
– Median pay: $14.80 per hour
– Job forecast 2025–2033: 6-8% increase
– Hotel desk clerks provide essential guest services and help maintain a smooth operation for hotel guests, making it a rewarding career for those with strong customer service skills.
14. **Information Security Analyst**
– Median pay: $57.87 per hour
– Job projections 2025–2033: 9% increase
– As cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, the demand for information security analysts is on the rise, creating opportunities for those with expertise in digital technology.
15. **Insurance Sales Agent**
– Median pay: $28.40 per hour
– Job forecast 2025–2033: 6-8% increase
– With the increasing impact of climate change on insurance premiums, there is a growing demand for insurance sales representatives to help customers find affordable coverage.
16. **Light Truck Driver**
– Median pay: $20.42 per hour
– Job forecast 2025–2033: 9% increase
– Driving positions, such as light truck drivers, offer opportunities for flexible hours and steady work, especially in the package delivery industry.
17. **Medical Assistant**
– Median pay: $20.19 per hour
– Job projections 2025–2033: 9% increase
– Medical assistants play a vital role in assisting healthcare professionals and providing support to patients, making it an in-demand job with promising career prospects.
18. **Nanny**
– Median pay: $14.60 per hour
– Job forecast 2025–2033: 1% decrease
– Despite a slight decline in job growth, there are still plenty of opportunities for nannies and childcare providers, especially as families seek flexible childcare options.
19. **Occupational Therapy Assistant**
– Median pay: $32.22 per hour
– Job forecast 2025–2033: 9% increase
– Occupational therapy assistants work with individuals with disabilities to help them live more independently, offering rewarding career opportunities for those with a passion for helping others.
20. **Office Secretary**
– Median pay: $19.46 per hour
– Job outlook 2025–2033: 1% decrease
– As more companies transition back to in-person work environments, the demand for office secretaries is expected to grow, providing opportunities for individuals without college degrees.
21. **Personal Care Assistant**
– Median pay: $16.12 per hour
– Job projections 2025–2033: 9% increase
– Personal care assistants provide non-medical support to clients, including tasks such as housecleaning and meal preparation, offering essential care services to individuals in need.
22. **Physical Therapist Assistant**
– Median pay: $30.81 per hour
– Job forecast 2025–2033: 9% increase
– Working under the supervision of physical therapists, physical therapist assistants help patients with rehabilitative exercises and treatments, making it a fulfilling job for those interested in healthcare.
23. **Physician Assistant**
– Median pay: $62.51 per hour
– Job projection 2025–2033: 9% increase
– Physician assistants play a critical role in providing healthcare services, making it a high-demand job with promising career prospects for those with a background in healthcare.
24. **Receptionist**
– Median pay: $17.23 per hour
– Job prognosis for 2025–2033: stable
– Receptionists play a key role in welcoming employees and customers back as companies transition back to in-person work environments, making it an essential position in many industries.
25. **Security Guard**
– Median pay: $17.82 per hour
– Employment projections 2025–2033: 1-2% increase
– Security guards provide essential safety and security services, making it a critical job that offers opportunities for those looking for flexible work hours and a chance to protect others.
In conclusion, the job market in 2025 will offer a range of opportunities for older professionals in a variety of industries. From healthcare and customer service to finance and transportation, there are plenty of high-demand jobs that offer competitive salaries and job stability. By exploring these options and considering a career change or re-entering the workforce, older professionals can find rewarding opportunities that align with their skills and interests. The future is bright for those willing to explore new career paths and embrace the changing job market.
