Retirement at 65? Here's which states have the most senior workers

Nearly one in five Americans age 65 and older remained in the workforce in 2025, according to a new analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data, highlighting significant differences in employment patterns among older adults across states and occupations.

Researchers at LendingTree analyzed data from the U.S. Census Bureau's Current Population Survey Annual Social and Economic Supplement for 2023 through 2025, examining employment and retirement trends among Americans 65 and older. They also used Bureau of Labor Statistics data to identify occupations with the highest concentrations of older workers.

18.7% of Americans 65 and older worked in 2025

By the numbers:

The study found that 18.7% of Americans age 65 and older were employed either full-time or part-time in 2025. While that figure represents a slight decline from 19.1% in 2023, it underscores the continued presence of retirement-age Americans in the labor force.

While the data does not explain why many retirement-age Americans continue to work, the findings suggest that some likely continue working out of financial necessity, while others may simply enjoy their jobs. 

Nebraska has highest percentage of retirement-age people working – and it’s rising

Local perspective:

Nebraska emerged as the state with the highest share of employed residents age 65 and older, with 31.3% of retirement-age residents working in 2025. South Dakota, Maryland and Alaska also posted employment rates above 25%.

Nebraska also recorded the nation's largest increase over the two-year period. The share of employed residents age 65 and older jumped 9.4 percentage points from 21.9% in 2023, moving the state from 10th place nationally to first. 

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Maine, Alaska and West Virginia also saw gains of at least six percentage points. Many of the states with the largest two-year gains were smaller and less densely populated, according to the data. 

Washington has lowest percentage

The other side:

Meanwhile, Washington recorded the nation's lowest employment rate among retirement-age residents, with just 11.6% of people age 65 and older working. Indiana ranked second-lowest at 12.6%, while several other states reported employment rates below 15%.

Overall, 19 states experienced declines of at least one percentage point. Michigan posted the steepest drop, falling 5.8 percentage points, followed by Indiana at 4.1 points and Iowa at 3.7 points.

Broadcast announcers, legislators have highest share of retirement-age workers

The analysis also revealed substantial differences across occupations.

Broadcast announcers and radio disc jockeys had the highest concentration of workers age 65 and older, with 44.4% of people in the profession falling into that age group. Legislators ranked second at 38.9%, highlighting the prevalence of older elected officials nationwide.

Farmers, ranchers and other agricultural managers followed at 32.2%, while funeral home managers ranked fourth at 30%. By comparison, artists and related workers had the smallest share of workers age 65 and older, at 10.9%.

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