10 best jobs for over 50s that pay up to £41k

DREAMING of sipping cocktails on the beach in retirement, but can’t afford it just yet?

It is entirely possible for a career shake-up as you head towards your golden years. Here, we reveal 10 jobs perfect for those aged 50 and above where you can earn up to £40k and how to easily go part-time.

These lucrative job roles offer amazing perks such as your own online GP or free car, and you don’t need a university degree.

Many of these roles can also be done part-time, meaning you could effectively enjoy a semi-retirement on your days off.

Around 90 per cent of over-50s want a new career, while 59 per cent of people retrain to do something completely different at this age, according to studies from Oxbridge Learning.

Helen Wright, founder and director of recruitment agency 9-2-3 Jobs, said that the over-50s can act as great mentors for younger members of staff.

“They’re frequently empty-nesters with time and energy to give back to their career,” she added.

Job site CV-Library has crunched the data and listed the best over-50-friendly jobs that don’t require a university degree. These are jobs which pay the most, and let you easily go part-time.

CV-Library looked at all vacancies for each job listed, regardless of whether it was a part-time or full-time role listed, over the past 12 months, to crunch average salaries.

It means you could earn more or less, depending on how many hours you want to pick up.

So dust your CV off – you could be one step away from your dream job.

Driving Instructor- £40,990

If you are a confident driver, why not teach others how to master the skill?

Instructors are mostly self-employed, which means you can be your own boss – and enjoy the flexible hours and independence the role brings.

However, some driving schools also look for permanent members of staff as driving instructors too.

The average salary for these roles is around £40,900, says CV-Library, based on all jobs listed over the past 12 months.

So, if you want to go part-time, expect to earn less than this.

There were a total of 51 vacant job roles for full-time positions listed over the past two months, so apply now.

But don’t be put off by the lack of openings. This is because many driving instructors are self-employed, which means they set their own hours and work for themselves instead of a company.

However, you will need training before you can get behind the wheel as an approved driving instructor (ADI).

The cost of training varies from school to school. For example, the AA offers courses with prices starting at £1,549.

But you could even get your training for free.

For example, RED driving school charges £2,799 for an instructor course, but you can get a full refund if you qualify and go on to work at the company.

You usually need to take three exams to become a qualified ADI, but these are covered and completed as part of your paid training.

This includes a theory test, driving ability test and instructional ability exam.

HGV Driver – £38,000 a year

If you have a love for the open road, then consider a role as an HGV driver.

Truck drivers spend hours on the road delivering everything from food, fuel and construction materials.

These kinds of roles would also suit earlier risers, as many of these jobs require you to be on the road before dawn to avoid traffic.

The average salary of all jobs listed over the past 12 months was £38,000.

If you wanted to go part-time, expect to earn less than this.

There were 3,896 full-time roles advertised over the last two months and 169 part-time positions.

Perks include lucrative cash bonuses, giving you an extra boost in pay.

Home builder firm Travis Perkins said its drivers have the potential to earn a bonus of £2,700 per year.

However, you need to pass a test before you can get behind the wheel.

You become an HGV driver by obtaining a Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC), which costs between £400 and £500.

You get one of these by passing five tests and taking 35 hours of Driver CPC training every five years to stay qualified.

But you may be able to get these qualifications for free through the government’s skills bootcamp.

These are free, flexible, government-funded courses lasting up to 16 weeks. You can apply if you are aged 19 and over and have your driving license.

You can find more information on how to get free training to become an HGV driver on the government website.

Bookkeeper – £30,744

As a bookkeeper, your day-to-day tasks could include processing payments and handling the company payroll.

You don’t need a degree. But an A-level in business studies, maths, economics or equivalent qualifications can be useful.

You could also complete an accounts or Finance Assistant Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship or Payroll Administrator Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

You will be paid £7,000 to complete the training, which is the maximum government funding for apprenticeship training.

But be aware, these can take between 1 and 2 years to complete.

The average salary of all jobs listed over the past 12 months was £30,744.

There were 2,035 full-time roles open in the past two months and 957 part-time roles.

Estate Agent – £29,809

Estate agents help renters and buyers find properties to live in.

You don’t need a university degree to land one of these job roles, but previous experience in client-facing roles such as recruitment or sales could make you a good candidate for the job.

Many roles offer the chance to earn commission or a bonus when you complete a sale.

There are several perks if you choose this career path, with some UK employers offering a free company car and a chance to earn commission.

For example, estate agent Foxtons gives its employees a Mini Cooper to whizz around in.

The popular group also offer staff uncapped commission, meaning there is no limit to how much you can earn if you are successful at closing a deal.

CV-Library said 1,582 full-time roles were available over the past two months, and 35 were part-time.

The average salary of all jobs listed over the past 12 months was £29,809.

Administrator – £28,311

Office administration can be a great career move for those looking for a change.

Having a background using tools such as MS Office and email systems will help you stand out in the application process.

But even if you are not savvy, you can learn through watching free tutorials on YouTube or by completing self-paced training courses.

Some of these courses can cost around £300 to complete, but the government’s National Careers Service shares details of trainers who offer the service for free.

But not every trainer listed on the site offers free training, so make sure you double-check the cost when applying.

You can find out more by visiting nationalcareers.service.gov.uk.

CV Library said there were 56,954 full-time roles vacant in the past two months, and 7,461 part-time roles.

The average salary of all jobs listed over the past 12 months was £28,311.

Healthcare Assistant – £27,914

If you are naturally kind and caring, consider a role as a healthcare assistant and earn up to £27,914 a year.

Healthcare workers provide hands-on care for patients in hospitals, GP surgeries, and home settings. You might be washing and dressing patients.

You do need some training, but it is not necessary to have a university degree.

You can apply to complete a healthcare support worker Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship, or a Senior Healthcare Support Worker Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

You can search on findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk to see what is on offer near you.

Perks for these kinds of roles include access to a Blue Light Card, which is a special discount scheme for people who work in public service roles.

It can give you access to a range of discounts.

That even includes discounts when booking holidays to places such as Walt Disney World in Florida.

CV-Library said there are 16 of these types of roles vacant on a full-time basis, and four part-time.

Delivery Driver (parcels/supermarket) – £27,847

You can earn up to £27,847 a year as a delivery driver, and better yet, earn a range of perks such as having your own digital GP.

You don’t need any formal qualification to land one of these roles, as training is often offered on the job. But you will need a clean UK driver’s license.

You must also be comfortable working shift patterns ranging from 7am in the morning to past 10pm at night.

CV-Library said there are 3,616 of these types of roles vacant at the moment on a part-time basis, and 12,319 full-time.

That includes Morrisons, which is on the hunt for new delivery drivers.

And landing a role with the supermarket could see you benefit from many perks, including a 15 per cent discount and healthcare benefits, including Aviva Digital GP – which allows you to consult with a doctor from the comfort of your sofa.

Tesco also offers its delivery drivers access to an online GP as part of its perks for staff.

Receptionist – £26,961

As a receptionist, your day could consist of answering phone calls and greeting visitors.

You will likely be the first point of contact for any queries customers may have, so enjoying speaking to members of the public is a must.

Again, you don’t need any formal training to land one of these types of roles.

But your CV should show some admin experience and any examples of customer-facing jobs you have held.

The average salary of all jobs listed over the past 12 months was £26,961.

CV-Library said that there are 4,425 of these jobs available on a part-time basis over the past two months and 10,711 full-time.

Teaching Assistant – £26,869

Landing a job as a teaching assistant could see you supporting classroom activities and providing one-on-one support to students with additional needs.

You don’t need a degree to secure a job in this field. However, some schools may require you to complete an apprenticeship or college course to work in their classrooms.

But there are ways to secure your training for free.

For example, charity ELATT offers a free Level 2 Teaching Assistant course for those interested in the role.

Training usually takes place for one day a week for 12 to 16 weeks.

For more information on how to apply, you can visit latt.org.uk/courses/teaching-assistant/.

Better yet, the job can come with a range of perks, including a full six-week holiday every year when schools close for the summer.

Plus, TAs also get access to a Blue Light Card, giving them access to a range of discounts.

CV-Library said that there were 43,614 of these roles vacant in the past two months, and 3,868 part-time.

The average salary of all jobs listed over the past 12 months was £26,869.

Care Companion – £26,341

As a care companion, you support the elderly or those with additional needs.

You may be required to help vulnerable individuals with tasks such as bathing or administering medication.

But for other roles, you may just need to help with housework and keep your clients company – like playing a game of Scrabble.

This can be a really rewarding job, so ideal if you’re craving a job that gives you a sense of purpose.

Around 25,604 of these roles were advertised in the past two months on a full-time basis, and 5,844 were part-time.

While you don’t need specific qualifications or training to become a care companion, a background in health or social care could give you an advantage over other applicants.

The average salary of all jobs listed over the past 12 months was £26,341.