If you're over 50 - top 20 jobs for a change

Research by Money Magazine and Salary.com: You're ready to retire from the rat race. Now you want work you can feel passionate about.

By Jennifer Merritt, Carolyn Bigda and Donna Rosato

5 of 20

A top 5 pick

Public School Teacher

5 job tips if you're over age 50
Full report at Salary.com

There's a huge demand for teachers, particularly in science and math. Alternative certification programs aimed at older workers can pay for and speed up the process of becoming a teacher. Most public school teachers still get two months off each summer, but workdays are longer than you think.

	Salary	Total compensation (includes bonus)
Median Pay: $47,500
Most people make: 90% in this job make more than:	$36,100	$36,100
Top earners: 10% in this job make more than:	$64,100	$64,100

10-year Job Growth: 14%
Growth in Jobs	147,879
Total openings	436,111

Career Description

Prepares lesson plans and instructs students. Evaluates and monitors students' performance.

Education/Experience

Bachelor's degree, teacher education program and state licensing

Non-profit Executive Patient Rep Celebrant Financial Adviser Teacher Appraiser College Professor Day Care Teacher IRA Specialist Labor Relations Manager Leasing Consultant Lobbyist Medical Records Technician Pension Administrator Religious Educator Retail Manager Retail Sales Staff Staff Nurse (RN) Tax Accountant Tutor

Best Places to Retire if...

You're young and restless

You've been in the job long enough to know what you want: more pay, more upside and more control over where you're going. Top 20 jobs... (more)

You're a parent returning to work

You traded working lunches for PTA meetings and PB&Js. Now you want a challenging job that can bend to make room for family life. Top 20 jobs... (more)

You've retired from the military

When it's time to stand down, you'd like an easy transition, a lot of stability and a job that makes use of what you know. Top 20 jobs... (more)