If you love spending time with older adults, then you may be thrilled to learn about a variety of rewarding jobs working with seniors. By 2040, roughly 78.3 million Americans will be 65+, according to the National Council on Aging, which means jobs in the senior care industry are growing fast. From tech innovators helping seniors stay connected to hands-on caregivers improving daily life, these roles aren’t just jobs working with elderly people — they’re also meaningful ways to make a difference.
Jobs for seniors typically fall into a few main categories: direct care (like personal care assistants and respite caregivers), skilled medical care like certified nursing assistants (CNA) and home health aides (HHA) and non-medical support positions that focus on companionship or meal prep. “If you’re creative, patient and love meaningful conversations, [a job working with seniors] might be perfect for you,” says Michelle Mintz, a communication and cognition specialist in Los Angeles. She says people should keep an open mind about the elder care industry.
Whether you’re just starting your career or looking for a purposeful pivot, here are 16 expert-backed suggestions for jobs working with seniors in which you can help make life better, brighter and more dignified for older adults.
1. Communication & cognition specialist
A communication and cognitive specialist works with medical centers and nursing homes to provide specialized care that focuses on supporting and improving brain health. These specialists run both one-on-one sessions and small group programs that include brain exercises, memory games and attention-boosting challenges for older adults. Cognitive specialists spend most of their time working directly with seniors and will have to prepare activities ahead of time keeping physical and cognitive limitations in mind.
Experience and/or schooling required: Bachelors or advanced degree and a cognition specialist certification by the IBCCES (International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standard)
Average pay: Salary for a communication and cognition specialist will vary depending on background and location but Mintz says rate of pay ranges from $75–$150 per session. Group sessions can also be arranged through senior centers or facilities, often on a recurring basis.
If you’re creative, patient and love meaningful conversations, a job working with seniors might be perfect for you.
— Michelle Mintz, a communication and cognition specialist in Los Angeles
2. Elder law attorney
Elder law attorneys specialize in legal issues that affect older adults, including estate planning, guardianship and long-term care. They also provide guidance for drafting wills, trusts, and health care directives.
Experience and/or schooling required: A Juris Doctor (JD) degree and licensure to practice law are required, along with experience in elder law.
Average pay: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor, salaries for elder law attorneys are $145,760 per year or $70.08 per hour but pay does vary based on location and experience.
3. Adult family mediator
An adult family mediator helps families navigate difficult conversations around care and end-of-life planning.
Adult family mediator Kimberly Best of Best Conflict Solutions in St. Louis, Missouri says that unlike case managers or care coordinators, she focuses on creating the space and structure to help families effectively make sensitive decisions without fracturing family bonds.
Best says she specializes in both senior care and end-of-life planning — “a position that sits at the critical intersection of health care, family dynamics and conflict resolution.” In this role she collaborates with therapists, social workers and attorneys to ensure she is providing the most comprehensive support for families.
Experience and/or schooling required: Typically a bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field, certification in mediation and experience in family dynamics
Average pay: According to Salary.com, family mediators can make up to approximately $177,890 per year.
4. Senior-focused fitness instructor
Senior-focused fitness instructors create safe, age-appropriate fitness programs that help older adults maintain mobility, strength and balance.
You might work as a personal trainer in private homes or work at a gym or rehabilitation center to teach stretch and strength classes. If you are already certified in yoga or Pilates, you may want to specialize by working with seniors as a private or group exercise instructor with programs like Silver Sneakers.
Experience and/or schooling required: You may want to get a senior fitness certification from organizations like the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). For group classes, the American Council on Exercise (ACE) provides a special senior fitness specialist certification. To become a SilverSneakers instructor, you will need to have CPR certification, a Tivity-Health-approved fitness credential and a nationally recognized fitness instructor/trainer certification.
Average pay: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor, fitness instructors without specializations make approximately $46,000 a year. The average annual salary for a SilverSneakers instructor will vary from state to state, but the average rate is around $52,166.
5. Resident engagement coordinator
A resident engagement coordinator facilitates various activities at assisted living facilities, rehabilitation centers and nursing homes to keep seniors mentally, emotionally and socially engaged.
Lauren Maloney serves older adults in this role at 10 Wilmington Place in Dayton, Ohio. “As a resident engagement coordinator, I help new and current residents thrive by connecting them with welcoming ambassadors, promoting fun amenities like Nintendo Switch and bowling. She also educates them about features on their devices such as smartphones, e-readers, printers, TVs and smart watches.
Experience and/or schooling required: A bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation, gerontology or related field may be required.
Average pay: According to Salary.com, the average salary for resident engagement coordinators is around $78,426 annually, but pay rates will vary depending on background, location and experience.
6. Private patient advocate
Many seniors feel overwhelmed by the volume of medical information they receive (test results, medication instructions and/or insurance paperwork). A patient advocate can step in to prioritize what matters most. Similar to aging life care managers who provide direct support to seniors, patient advocates act as liaisons between seniors, their families and health care providers to ensure informed decisions about prescription drugs and coordinated care between their providers.
Dr. Gerda Maissel, a physician, private patient advocate and founder of My MD Advisor in New York, ensures her clients are not taking conflicting medications or taking too many. She also helps them effectively communicate with their doctor by bolstering their understanding of unfamiliar medical jargon, which can help ease anxiety. Maissel considers herself a coach who gives her clients not only sound medical advice but also the clarity and emotional support they need.
Experience and/or schooling required: A background in health care or social work is beneficial to meet a senior’s advocacy needs. Maissel recommends reaching out to the National Association of Healthcare Advocacy (NAHAC) and the Greater National Advocates (GNA) to learn more about becoming a medical/patient advocate.
Average pay: Salaries vary but typically range from $50,000 to $80,000 annually.
7. Companion or home health aide
Companion care positions or home health aide roles provide non-medical support such as companionship to ensure safety and emotional support to light housekeeping or help with daily activities.
For those interested in providing direct care, companions provide non-medical support in a variety of settings, including private homes and nursing facilities, helping with tasks like meal prep, reading or simply being present to ensure safety. Unlike home health aides, companions don’t provide hands-on care but they play a key role in helping older adults remain at home.
“There’s an enormous need for responsible people who can help someone stay safe and independent in their home,” Maissel notes. She notes that most companions work hourly, while others live full-time.
Experience and/or schooling required for companions: High school diploma or equivalent. Home health aides need a certification. You can get certified by the National Association of Home Care and Hospice (NAHC), but many community colleges offer their own home health aide certification.
Average pay: According to U.S, Bureau of Labor, salaries range for $33,530 per year or $16.12 per hour for home aides. Companion caregivers’ salaries are approximately $27,000 a year.
8. Dietary manager
If you have a passion for nutrition, this may be a good fit. Dietary managers oversee meal planning and nutrition services in facilities that care for seniors such as nursing homes and assisted living communities. They ensure dietary needs are met and that food safety standards are maintained.
Experience and/or schooling required: A bachelor’s degree in dietetics, nutrition or a related field, along with Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) certification.
Average pay: Pay will vary based on state, facility and experience, but according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor, the salary for a dietary manager is approximately $63,000 annually.
9. Daily money manager
For someone who has patience and good money management skills, a more entrepreneurial job as a daily money manager could be a good fit. Seniors often need help with managing their fixed incomes, paying their bills on time. They sometimes work with families or guardians as well to help reduce stress and stay on top of finances.
Maissel notes money managers are not financial advisors. “They help a senior by collecting their bills, bringing them cash, collecting and organizing statements needed for taxes or insurance,” she explains.
Experience and/or schooling required: A background in finance or accounting is beneficial as is a certification from the American Association of Daily Money Managers (AADMM).
Average pay: Salary for a daily money manager varies but listed in a range of $40,000 to $60,000 per year.
10. Medicare advisor
Medicare advisors help guide older adults through Medicare enrollment, plan selection and understanding benefits.
Advisors must have a strong understanding of Medicare and Medicaid Advantage plans and be able keep track of updates that affect seniors to ensure they are helping them navigate and understand eligibility and limitations. Some advisors may also support correctly filling out applications.
Experience and/or schooling required: Certification in Medicare counseling or a related field
Average pay: According to Salary.com, the average pay for a Medicare advisor will vary state to state but will be in the range $42,645 and $76,832 a year. Compensation tends to be commission-based, but there are private options as well.
11. Recreational therapist
Recreational therapists can work in private senior communities, nursing homes and assisted living communities to bring expressive opportunities to seniors. They utilize music, art and other therapeutic activities to support seniors’ emotional, mental and physical health.
Maissel says there is a growing need for recreational therapists to work with folks with dementia to help them express themselves. She notes beyond music and art, therapists are adding horticultural therapy so that seniors can learn how to grow plants.
Experience and/or schooling required: A bachelor’s degree in recreational therapy or a related field is required
Average pay: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor, the average salary for a recreational therapist is approximately $47,000 per year.
12. Senior transportation coordinator
Senior transportation coordinators plan and manage transportation options for older adults, helping them stay mobile and connected. Transportation coordinators may work with nonprofit organizations, senior living communities or healthcare facilities to schedule rides, manage volunteer drivers and ensure seniors can safely reach medical appointments, social activities and essential services.
Experience and/or schooling required: A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required. Some positions may require a background check and clean driving record.
Average pay: Salary information varies widely based on location, organization type and experience level.
“Come with a caring heart and know that for some of these folks all they are really looking for is connection. Ask open-ended questions about what they enjoy and really get to know who they are.”
— Lauren Maloney, a resident engagement coordinator at 10 Wilmington Place in Dayton, Ohio
13. Occupational therapist
By addressing physical, cognitive and sensory challenges, occupational therapists help seniors maintain their independence and quality of life. They evaluate clients’ abilities and environments, then develop personalized interventions to help them safely perform daily activities. These professionals may work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, senior living communities or provide home-based services.
Experience and/or schooling required: A master’s degree in occupational therapy from an accredited program is required, along with state licensure. Many geriatric specialists pursue additional certifications such as Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) or Board Certification in Gerontology (BCG) through the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).
Average pay: Compensation varies based on setting, geographical location, and years of experience. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor, occupational therapists earn $96,370 per year or $46.33 per hour.
14. Technology coach for seniors
If you want to teach older adults how to use smartphones and tablets while staying away from scams on the internet, become a technology coach for seniors.
Tech coaches may work with senior centers, libraries or independently to provide both group classes and personalized one-on-one support to keep seniors safe and connected. Coaches help seniors navigate essential online services, video calling platforms and basic cybersecurity practices.
Experience and/or schooling required: Strong technology skills and teaching ability are essential. While formal education requirements vary, many tech coaches have backgrounds in education, information technology, or library science. Patience and clear communication skills are crucial for success with this demographic.
Average pay: As this is an emerging field, compensation structures vary widely.
15. Aging-in-place home consultant
Aging in place consultant positions are especially relevant with baby boomers, who frequently express a strong preference for staying in their own homes as they age. As the senior population grows, the need for experts who can assess safety risks, recommend home modifications and coordinate community resources is on the rise.
Home consultants assess living spaces and recommend modifications to help seniors live safely and comfortably at home. By highlighting potential hazards and suggesting practical solutions ranging from simple grab bar installations to more extensive renovations. They often work with occupational therapists and contractors to implement recommendations.
Experience and/or schooling required: Many consultants have backgrounds in occupational therapy, interior design, or construction. Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) could be required by some employers and clients.
Average pay: Compensation models vary, with some consultants charging per assessment while others work on salary for agencies or healthcare organizations. For current salary information, check with the National Association of Home Builders, which offers the CAPS certification, or research job postings in your region.
16. Senior relocation specialist
Senior relocation specialists, also known as senior move managers, assist older adults and their families with downsizing, moving or transitioning into senior living. These specialists help with sorting possessions, organizing estate sales, coordinating movers and setting up new living spaces in ways that preserve dignity and reduce stress during major life transitions.
Experience and/or schooling required: While no specific degree is required, certification from the National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM) is highly regarded in the industry.
Average pay: Hourly rates, project-based fees and annual salaries will vary depending on employment arrangement when you’re working as a senior relocation specialist. For the most accurate and current salary information, consult the National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM), Salary.com or current job listings in your area.
A final note on jobs working with seniors
More compassionate, skilled and creative professionals are needed to support seniors in living healthier, more connected lives. Whether you’re drawn to direct care, advocacy, wellness or engagement roles, there’s a wide range of opportunities to make a meaningful impact. Some positions require specialized certifications, while others simply call for empathy, energy and a willingness to listen.
For her part, Maloney is grateful to have found a job with seniors in which she can bring joy to older adults and go home knowing what she does makes an impact. “Most [seniors] are happy to have someone listen to their stories and impart some wisdom,” says Maloney. “Come with a caring heart and know that for some of these folks all they are really looking for is connection. Ask open-ended questions about what they enjoy and really get to know who they are.”
