Different types of jobs attract different types of people. For instance, introverts might prefer behind-the-scenes positions, while extroverts might be more attracted to client service or communications-related jobs. Demographics can also affect career choices -- age, sex, location and other factors may play a role in influencing the types of jobs people pursue.
In his book "150 Best Jobs for a Secure Future," author Laurence Shatkin, Ph.D., shares some of the most secure jobs by demographic -- jobs that tend to attract a high volume of certain types of workers. In one such list, Shatkin reveals the best secure jobs with a high percentage of workers age 55 and over.
To create this list, Shatkin first identified the 150 most secure jobs based on various data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Next, he sorted those jobs in order of the list's primary criterion: workers age 55-plus. He then sorted the list further using earnings, growth rate and number of openings.
Shatkin is not implying that workers in this age range should consider these jobs based solely on their inclusion on this list. The list is just meant to provide a different perspective on the types of jobs that are popular among workers in this demographic. Mature workers might be drawn to these positions for different, personal reasons. Certain roles, such as chief executives, often require a significant amount of experience. If this list makes you consider a potential job that you might have otherwise overlooked, you'll find yourself in good company.
Here are 14 secure jobs with a high percentage of workers age 55-plus.
1. Clinical, counseling and school psychologists
Percent age 55 and over: 41.9
Median annual salary: $67,880*
2. Psychologists, all other
Percent age 55 and over: 41.9
Median annual salary: $90,010
3. Chief executives
Percent age 55 and over: 35.5
Median annual salary: $166,910
4. Physicists
Percent age 55 and over: 33.8
Median annual salary: $106,360
5. Urban and regional planners
Percent age 55 and over: 33.8
Median annual salary: $64,100
6. Management analysts
Percent age 55 and over: 32.3
Median annual salary: $78,490
7. Education administrators, elementary and secondary school
Percent age 55 and over: 32.2
Median annual salary: $87,470
8. Education administrators, postsecondary
Percent age 55 and over: 32.2
Median annual salary: $84,280
9. Education administrators, all other
Percent age 55 and over: 32.2
Median annual salary: $76,730
10. Administrative services managers
Percent age 55 and over: 31.9
Median annual salary: $79,540
11. Instructional coordinators
Percent age 55 and over: 31.9
Median annual salary: $59,280
12. Writers and authors
Percent age 55 and over: 31.9
Median annual salary: $55,870
13. Transportation inspectors
Percent age 55 and over: 31.3
Median annual salary: $62,230
14. Social and community service managers
Percent age 55 and over: 30.8
Median annual salary: $58,660
*Salary figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Source: careerbuilder
