What is an encore career?

An encore career (also called a second career or purpose-driven career) is a new type of paid work pursued after primary career retirement, typically combining personal fulfillment with income and often a social mission. Coined by Marc Freedman and popularized through Encore.org, encore careers differ from simple retirement jobs in that they typically represent meaningful work aligned with values or deep interests — a former corporate attorney doing legal aid work, a retired engineer teaching at a community college, or an ex-executive running a nonprofit. They are not about needing income as much as about finding purpose while staying financially productive.

How much do encore careers pay?

Income varies widely by field. High-skill encore careers — consulting, teaching at college level, corporate coaching — can pay $50,000-$150,000+ per year. Mid-range options — healthcare support roles, nonprofit management, real estate — typically pay $30,000-$70,000/year. entry-level encore fields like nonprofits, social services, and education assistants often pay $25,000-$45,000/year. Most encore careerists choose to work 20-30 hours per week rather than full-time, which reduces income by roughly half. The goal for most is not to match prior income but to cover a significant portion of living expenses while doing work that matters.

How do I start an encore career?

The transition typically takes 6-18 months to plan and execute. Key steps: (1) Define what matters most — mission, flexibility, development, social impact; (2) Identify transferable skills from your primary career; (3) Research fields where those skills apply; (4) Explore through volunteering, informational interviews, or a part-time bridge job in the new direction; (5) Consider additional education or certification if required (many certification programs are designed for career changers); (6) Network in the new field — many encore career opportunities come through referrals; (7) Plan the financial bridge — what income do you need from the encore career to maintain your lifestyle.

Encore Career Guide: How to Build a Second Career in Retirement That Pays and Fulfills

An encore career is not about needing to work — it is about choosing to work in a way that provides meaning, social connection, and income while you are still active enough to do it well. Many retirees find their encore career more fulfilling than their primary career ever was.

What Makes an Encore Career Different From a Retirement Job

Dimension	Retirement Job	Encore Career
Primary motivation	Income; structure	Meaning, purpose, contribution
Relationship to prior career	Often unrelated	Often builds on prior experience
Expected duration	Short-term; flexible	Potentially 5-15 years
Income level	Part-time/modest	Can be significant; part or full-time
Career development	Minimal	Active growth in new direction
Social mission	Optional	Often central

Top Encore Career Fields

Education and Knowledge Transfer

Role	Typical Earnings	Transition Path
Community college instructor	$35,000-$65,000	Often no additional degree needed; expertise valued
K-12 teacher (career changer)	$40,000-$65,000	State alternative certification; typically 1 year
Corporate trainer / L&D	$50,000-$90,000	Leverage industry expertise as trainer
School administrator	$60,000-$90,000	Typically requires education credentials
Online course creator	$10,000-$80,000+	Self-paced; passive income potential
Private tutoring / test prep	$20,000-$50,000	Flexible; self-directed

Healthcare and Helping Professions

Role	Typical Earnings	Notes
Health coach / wellness coach	$30,000-$75,000	Certification available; growing demand
Mental health counselor (if licensed)	$45,000-$80,000	May need graduate degree; often second-career option
Patient advocate / care coordinator	$35,000-$65,000	Healthcare background valuable; growing field
Gerontology / elder care	$35,000-$70,000	Resonant for people who have cared for aging parents
Physical therapy aide	$28,000-$40,000	Lower pay; meaningful work; active
Medical social work	$45,000-$65,000	Requires MSW; often considered worth the credential

Role	Typical Earnings	Where to Look
Nonprofit executive director	$55,000-$90,000	Smaller nonprofits often seek experienced executives
Program director / manager	$45,000-$70,000	Mission-driven organizations
Fundraising and development	$50,000-$80,000	Business executives often transition well
Policy and advocacy	$40,000-$70,000	Prior government or legal experience valued
Community organizing	$35,000-$55,000	High purpose; modest pay

Consulting and Professional Services

Role	Typical Earnings	Details
Independent consultant	$60,000-$200,000+	Highest earnings; uses prior expertise directly
Small business advisor (SBDC/SCORE)	Volunteer or $25,000-$45,000	High satisfaction; flexible
Fractional executive (CFO, CMO, etc.)	$80,000-$200,000	10-20 hours/week for SMBs
Financial advisor (if licensed)	$50,000-$120,000	Requires licensing; ongoing regulatory requirements
Legal services / mediator	$60,000-$100,000	Law background; mediation certification

Creative, Arts, and Media

Role	Typical Earnings	Notes
Author / writer	$10,000-$60,000	Long development time; rewarding long-term
Photographer / videographer	$20,000-$60,000	Skills transferable; equipment investment
Artist / craftsperson	$10,000-$50,000	Income varies widely; lifestyle appeal
Podcast / content creator	$5,000-$50,000+	Low startup cost; passion-driven

Encore Career Transition Timeline

Phase	Duration	Key Activities
Discovery	2-6 months	Define values, skills, interests; informational interviews; research fields
Exploration	3-6 months	Volunteer, shadow, take a bridge course; test the new direction
Education/Certification	0-18 months	Depends on field — some need nothing; others need certification or degree
Launch	3-6 months	First paid engagement; build experience; refine pitch
Establish	6-18 months	Build reputation in new field; regular clients/employer/role

Financial Planning for the Encore Career Transition Gap

For most retirees, the encore career pays less than the primary career. The question is: how much do you need it to pay?

Calculate your encore income need:

Item	Monthly Amount
Total monthly expenses	$6,500
Social Security income	−$2,400
Pension income	−$0
Portfolio withdrawal (target: max 4%)	−$2,500
Encore career income needed	$1,600/month ($19,200/year)

Most encore careers — even modest ones — can achieve $19,200-$40,000/year, making the math work even for fairly expensive retirement lifestyles.

Resources for Encore Career Discovery

Resource	What It Offers
Encore.org	Community and career resources specifically for encore transitions
AARP Foundation Work for Yourself@50+	Training and resources for self-employment
SCORE	Free mentoring; good for small business encore ideas
LinkedIn Learning	Low-cost skill development for career pivots
Community Colleges’ Workforce Development	Often have encore career programs specifically for 50+
State Employment Development Departments	Job search resources; some have senior-focused programs

Encore Career vs. Part-Time Retirement Job

Factor	Part-Time Job	Encore Career
Planning required	Minimal	Significant (6-18 months)
Upside income potential	Limited	Moderate to high
Fulfillment	Functional	Central goal
Social connection	Some	Often high
Portfolio impact	Reduces draw	Reduces draw significantly
Duration	Short or open	Often 5-15 years

For retirees who retired in their early 60s, an encore career often makes more financial and emotional sense than a series of short-term part-time jobs.