Tech Jobs for Older Adults: How to Change Careers at 60

Changing careers is an unnerving yet exciting journey, especially for professionals with decades of experience in other sectors. As tech companies race to adopt AI, enhanced cybersecurity, and cloud computing technologies, career switchers may be daunted by the prospect of learning technical skills from scratch and searching for a new job. 

If you’re past 60, you might wonder about your chances of breaking into an industry where the average age for workers is 38, compared to 43 in the non-tech sectors. However, with the growing popularity of micro-credentials, online courses, coding bootcamps, and other ways to upskill quickly and cheaply, older workers can cultivate an edge over their younger counterparts by bringing transferable skills and life experience.

As companies pivot towards skills-based hiring—a preference for technical abilities over formal credentials—older programmers with a well-rounded portfolio, demonstrable soft skills, and work ethic can gain an edge. Moreover, nearly 3,000 companies including LinkedIn, Microsoft, Lenovo, and DoorDash, have signed the AARP Pledge to hire “experienced workers.” 

RelevantDB, an Indiana-based database startup, went viral in 2021 for stating “We hire old people (and young people, too)” in a programming job description. 

Why does tech have an ageism problem?

• Older workers’ skills are perceived as outdated relative to the fast pace of emerging technologies. 
• Companies are less willing to invest in upskilling mature professionals, who are seen as more likely to leave the workforce.
• Entrenched biases remain even as over-60 workers have grown accustomed to email, social networking, and online shopping.  

Read on to learn more about starting a new career, the best tech jobs for older workers, and how you can thrive in this dynamic field. 

What the figures say

Today’s stats in tech: 

• Over 1.5 million Americans ages 55+ had a computer- or math-related job in 2023. 
• Of these, 88,000 were employed as computer programmers and software developers. 
• Another 11,000 were employed as web developers.  - Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 
• However, workers ages 55+ still comprise just 17% of tech workers.

But the numbers are getting better…

• Many older, semi-retired tech professionals see high demand for their skills as IT consultants, tech leads, project managers, and architects. 

Tech literacy among older adults shatters stereotypes:

• On average, people 55 and up use 4.9 forms of technology per week, compared to an overall average of 4.7 per week. 
• They’re also less likely to feel stressed about using technology in the workplace, according to a Dropbox survey. 

Meanwhile, tech companies are offering more flexible hiring criteria:

• Nearly 80% of companies surveyed say they hire candidates with non-traditional backgrounds for tech roles, according to a recent TripleTen report, ‘Breaking Into Tech: Employer Secrets for Success,’ 
• Moreover, 68% of employers said the deciding factor in hiring decisions is a candidate’s hard skills.  

Why you can do it 

Even as a newbie in tech, you have a lot to offer. Your wealth of experience, soft skills, and knowledge of other industries make you competitive. Here’s why. 

You have sought-after soft skills 

Soft skills like communication, teamwork, and time management take decades to hone, making workers more effective at managing others, getting buy-in from stakeholders, and leading projects. 

• In its most recent ‘Future of Jobs’ report, the World Economic Forum ranked soft skills like ‘creative thinking’ and ‘curiosity and lifelong learning’ higher than ‘AI and big data’ as part of the top 10 skills on the rise. 
• Problem-solving, critical thinking, and attention to detail are extremely useful in tech and many other industries.
• Whatever soft skills helped you thrive in your previous career will be indispensable now. Perhaps you’re a former ER nurse_{From Nursing to Coding: How to Transition from Healthcare to Tech} accustomed to handling high-pressure situations or an ex-teacher_{Alternative Careers for Teachers: Why Tech Is the Way to Go} with a penchant for reframing complex concepts in simple terms. 

I’ve always liked challenges ever since I was a kid—I think it’s a way of life. Carlos Coral-Gomez, TripleTen grad

“I like the process of solving a problem and finding a solution,” says Carlos Coral-Gomez_{How TripleTen and Machine Learning are Helping Carlos Coral-Gomez Repurpose His Experience}, a former physicist turned software engineer and a graduate of TripleTen’s data science program.

Finally, consider the soft skills you cultivated outside of the workplace. Say you took a career break to travel, teach yourself how to code, or raise three children. Time management, adaptability, and conflict resolution are in-demand skills every parent must master.

You’re loyal, flexible, and dependable 

As someone over 60, you’ve probably attained many life goals and dealt with numerous curveballs. You know the value of effort and dedication—something employers will appreciate. 

While your younger counterparts are still soul-searching, you know what you want. You’re more likely to be an intentional job seeker who stays with a company long-term. Employers value commitment as it lowers hiring costs—according to data from SHRM, the average cost per hire is nearly $4,700. 

Dedication and work ethic make you an excellent candidate for starting a new career later in life—and a go-to colleague and mentor once hired. 

You bring fresh ideas to the table, advancing creativity and innovation  

Any forward-looking company should hire from a diverse talent pool. Inclusive workplaces with a mix of ages and diversity of thought are less susceptible to groupthink, biases, and the innovation-killing mindset of “this is how we’ve always done things.”

Here’s how you can do it 

A targeted game plan, skill acquisition, and networking strategy will help you land the tech role you’ve always wanted. 

1. Define your passion 

Consider your motivations for pursuing a new career after 60. Perhaps you’ve always wanted a more fulfilling career. Now the kids are grown, you can prioritize your happiness. Or you’re fascinated by big data and dying to learn more. Other reasons for career changes_{The Career Change That Pays Well: Switching to Tech} at 60 include a desire to work remotely, or reduced working hours. Mechanics, builders, 9tool operators, and other skilled tradesmen may wish to pursue a career posing less wear and tear on their bodies. 

Defining your motives helps you decide the following: 

1. Which career path to pursue (tech offers many options!_{The Career Change That Pays Well: Switching to Tech})
2. How to get there
3. What type of job you are looking for

For example, do you want to work for large corporation, startup, or nonprofit? Do you prefer a hybrid, remote, or onsite role? Part-time or full-time? Perhaps you’d like a non-technical role such as marketing, HR, or finance (tech companies need non-techies, too!). Consider your existing commitments and how you’ll make time to update your skills, build your network, and job search. 

2. Set realistic goals 

Next, determine a path to reach your goal. Consider your experience level, and how much time (and money) you’ll spend on upskilling. 

• Identify what skills you’ll need. If you lack programming experience, you can learn to code_{Your Guide to Learning How to Code: Unleash Your Coding Potential} through a coding bootcamp. If you have an IT-related degree or know a programming language, take a few domain-specific online courses and brush up on computer science fundamentals. 
• Determine how you’ll acquire these skills - Decide if you need a formal credential (eg: a bootcamp certificate or degree), or prefer to learn independently. Beware that self-teaching makes it harder for prospective employers to validate your skills and doesn’t offer the structure, accountability, and mentorship of a bootcamp. 
• Set a timeframe - Set time-constrained, measurable goals for each step. For example, how much time can you devote each week to a coding bootcamp, and how quickly do you want to graduate? Most coding bootcamps can be completed part-time in 20 hours/week. 

3. Identify your transferable skills

Don’t think of it as starting over at 60 with nothing. The best jobs for seniors leverage their expertise and soft skills. Here are some examples:

• Project management: Many older adults have extensive experience leading teams, managing projects, and mentoring others. 
• Problem-solving: Years of navigating workplace challenges equip seniors with critical thinking skills crucial in tech roles like software development or quality assurance.
• Communication: Seasoned professionals bring polished communication skills, which are valuable for roles such as technical writing, customer support, or even UX design.
• Attention to detail: This transferable skill is highly sought-after in tech, especially in software testing and data analysis.

4. Update your baseline technical skills 

The tech industry evolves rapidly, so seniors must update their technical skills_{The Programming Skills That Will Get You Hired in 2024} to remain competitive. Here are some popular programming jobs for older adults and the required skills:

• Software developer: Learning Python, JavaScript, or Java can open doors to various tech roles.
• Web developer: Understanding HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and frameworks like React or Angular is essential for web development positions.
• Data scientist: Machine learning, Python, and statistical analysis are beneficial for data science roles. Knowledge of tools like Excel, SQL, and data visualization software is valuable for data analysis or business intelligence analytics. 
• Quality assurance (QA) analyst: Learn software testing methodologies, tools like Selenium or JUnit, and how to write and execute test cases. Grown adults with an eye for detail and problem-solving skills are well-suited for these positions.

Start by enrolling in online courses or bootcamps that offer comprehensive training in these skills.

5. Grow your network 

Networking is often more effective for older adults looking for a software developer job than relying solely on online applications. Here's how:

• Attend tech events: Join tech meetups, conferences, or workshops to meet industry professionals and stay updated on trends.
• Join online communities: Use industry-specific forums, Slack channels, and LinkedIn groups to connect with tech professionals. 
• Use existing contacts: Seniors have built a vast network over their careers. Reconnecting with former colleagues, industry contacts, or alumni can lead to job opportunities or valuable referrals.

6. Refresh your resume and portfolio 

• Highlight relevant experience: Even non-technical accomplishments can apply to the tech industry. For example, if you managed a team, highlight your leadership skills. Emphasize your thought process and decision-making approach. 
• Showcase tech projects: Create a portfolio showcasing coding projects, websites, or apps you've developed, along with a brief description of each project and the technologies used.
• Customize each application: Tailor your resume and portfolio for each role. Research the company and position, and highlight the skills and experiences most relevant to the role.
• Seek feedback: Ask tech professionals or career coaches to review your resume and portfolio. Their insights can help you improve your candidacy.

7. Believe in your abilities

You’re never too old to get a job in tech. While ageism in tech remains an issue, having a strong technical foundation and industry connections will make you unstoppable.

How we can help

There are many ways to break into the tech industry_{I Work In Sales - Is It Possible for Me to Break Into Tech?}, showing that you’re never too old to start a new career. For example, you can earn a bachelor’s degree from a four-year university. This is the longest, most expensive option, and likely the least suitable for people in their 60s and up. Self-education is the cheapest learning method but lacks a structured curriculum, career coaching, and mentorship. 

What’s more, bootcamps offer the flexibility of self-paced learning, can be done remotely, and are much more affordable than degree programs. 

Coding for seniors has never been so accessible. A survey by AARP found that 32% of people over 50 have taken job-related skills training or courses online, and another 57% said they would “learn new skills if an employer asked them to.” 

What TripleTen offers

TripleTen is one of the best online coding bootcamps in the US that teaches in-demand skills, with most of our bootcamps available to absolute beginners. We offer a hands-on education that helps anyone break into tech regardless of background or age.

You’ll have a whole team supporting you while you learn—from tutors and code reviewers to career coaches—who prepare you for a successful job hunt. As many as 87% of our graduates land a job in tech within six months of graduation, and more than half of those get hired while still studying.

With TripleTen, it’s never too late to start a career in tech. Take our quiz and find out which tech career suits you best! Begin your journey in the tech world today!