AARP Hearing Center
While there are millions of jobs available now, that could quickly change if the economy falls into a recession. When employers need to lower their overall expenses, one fast way to do so is to stop hiring or to lay off workers. Even though the nation is not currently in a recession, an extended period of decline in economic activity that impacts businesses and consumers alike, some high-profile companies such as Amazon, Meta (previously known as Facebook), Microsoft and UPS have already announced thousands of layoffs.
Businesses, both in the United States and abroad, are adapting to the uncertainties of tariffs under the current presidential administration. When tariffs go into effect, companies often have to make tough decisions depending on how high the tariff rates are and how long they last. Because the affected businesses have no control over the tariffs themselves, they look to manage their costs in other ways, payroll in particular.
It hasn’t yet been determined whether the nation is entering a recession, but older workers—who tend to experience longer periods of unemployment—should keep in mind which jobs offer better security in tough financial times. Payscale, a compensation data and software firm, analyzed its surveys of workers to find which ones saw the largest salary increases in 2022. “These jobs can be considered ‘recession-proof’ because employers are spending more to fill these roles due to labor scarcity and increased competition,” the report says. “The jobs on the list tell a story, with a mix of essential service jobs and office jobs, where the opportunity to continue working remote is also part of what is driving the market.”
Where available, the median wages have been updated with BLS data that is more recent than 2022.
Clicking on the “find jobs” links will take you to a search of current nationwide openings in that field posted on Indeed. AARP and Indeed have teamed up to provide career services to older adults.
1. Waiter/waitress/server
Median wage: $15.36 per hour
Find waiter/waitress jobs
A recession likely would be less disruptive for restaurants than the first two years of the pandemic were. With fewer customers willing to eat and talk indoors around strangers, many restaurants switched entirely to takeout or delivery orders, a move that led to layoffs for many waiters. With appetites for dining out increasing, demand for skilled waiters and waitresses is bouncing back. According to a February report from the National Restaurant Association, the industry was expected to add 200,000 jobs in 2024, for a total 15.7 million people employed.
2. Police, fire or ambulance dispatcher
Median wage: $24.44 per hour
Find dispatcher jobs
No matter what’s happening with the economy, there will always be emergencies. Most 911 dispatcher jobs don’t require a degree, but you generally must undergo a rigorous training program affiliated with the city, county or state agency you hope to work for. Many applicants also must pass an exam before they are hired.
3. Sales consultant
Median wage: $27.31 per hour
Demand for sales consultants currently is still climbing and could continue during an economic downturn. If employers decide to lay off some of their sales staff, as Dell announced it would this month, consultants could help employers fill in the gaps. This field also offers opportunities for flexible contract work.
