For a growing number of Americans, turning 65 no longer automatically means retirement. Between 2015 and 2024, the number of Americans 65 and older who worked increased by more than 33%, according to a 2025 CNBC analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data.
If you want to keep up the 9 to 5 into your golden years, there’s a wide range of options for you to explore. This is especially true if you’re a skilled senior interested in full-time employment.
Tips When Finding a Job as a Senior
There are pros and cons and working after retirement. If returning to the daily grind is right for you and your financial situation, then there are a few things you’ll want to keep top of mind:
• Weigh the pros and cons of working for a company versus freelancing or consulting.
• Think about whether you’d prefer to work from home or go into an office or to a job site.
• Read the job listing carefully, paying close attention to the requirements listed.
• Remove graduation dates from your resume unless they’re fairly recent.
• Include a couple of your key accomplishments in a cover letter.
• During an interview, be sure to strategically share key career highlights from the past 10 to 15 years, and spotlight the ways in which you’ve kept your skills up to date.
• Move ahead with confidence!
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12 Jobs for Skilled Seniors That Pay Well
Working can help provide seniors with extra income as well as other benefits, such as connecting with coworkers and creating a sense of purpose. Let’s take a closer look at jobs for skilled seniors that suit a variety of skills and interests.
#1: Teacher
If you have the appropriate credentials, teaching can be a rewarding job. Don’t fret if you don’t have the right credentials — you might still be able to land a position. Many high schools, career centers, and community colleges may be open to hiring experienced people to teach general interest or professional development courses. Educational organizations may also be seeking teaching assistants or tutors, both of which can be excellent jobs for skilled seniors.
#2: Pet Groomer
Have a way with four-legged friends? Consider a career as a pet groomer, where the average worker earns around $31,830 a year. You can find work in a number of settings, including grooming salons, veterinary clinics, pet stores, zoos, and animal shelters. Or, you may decide to strike out on your own. The field is experiencing a boom right now. There are more than 422,000 jobs today, according to the BLS, and the field is expected to grow by 15% between 2023 and 2023.
#3: Tax Preparer
Interested in becoming a tax preparer? If you have an accounting background, then this type of work may be a natural fit. That said, you don’t need to be a certified accountant — you just need to obtain a Preparer Tax Identification Number from the IRS and pass a competency exam.
#4: Real Estate Agent
You can earn a good income helping people buy and/or sell their home or property. But there’s another selling point to being a real estate agent: the ability to set your own schedule, as long as you can still satisfy your clients. In fact, this flexibility can be useful if you’re deciding whether you want to work part time or full time. Before you start working, you’ll need to get a license, and requirements vary by state.
#5: Bank Teller
You typically only need a high school diploma or the equivalent to qualify for a bank teller’s job, and you may be required to undergo a short period of on-the-job training. In this position, you’d handle the standard transactions at the financial institution. So if you’re comfortable handling a steady flow of cash and enjoy working with customers, this could be a job to consider.
Need help managing your own finances? A money tracker can help you keep tabs on where your money is going.
#6: Medical Biller
A medical biller works for a healthcare organization such as a hospital or doctor’s office and is responsible for appropriately billing insurance companies, managing the status of claims, and addressing problems that arise. This is one of those jobs for skilled seniors that require organization and the ability to follow through — in this case, with both patients and the insurance companies.
Plenty of small businesses in the United States need help with daily administration tasks. Depending on your skills, virtual tasks could include making phone calls, managing emails, scheduling appointments, maintaining calendars, offering bookkeeping services, handling social media, and so forth. Although many virtual assistant jobs are part time, if you wanted more work, you could have multiple clients to whom you provide your services.
#8: Telework Nurse or Doctor
Telehealth services have greatly expanded since 2020, and demand for remote healthcare providers remains high. If you’re a recently retired nurse or doctor, and are still licensed, you may want to explore a telehealth position. It could allow you to continue providing care but from the comfort of home (or a home office).
#9: Counselor
More than half of all Americans live in an area with a shortage of mental health care professionals, according to data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources. If you’re a retired counselor or therapist and are interested in working again, re-entering the field could allow you to provide much-needed services.
#10: HVAC Technicians
From installation to maintenance to repairs, HVAC pros can find themselves in great demand all year long. If you have this kind of experience, or are handy and able to incorporate HVAC into your skill sets, then this type of work can be a steady source of income.
Busy attorneys need plenty of help researching information, creating documentation, and contacting clients. If you have the education and experience — and you’re highly organized and able to multitask — then a paralegal job may be right for you.
#12: Grant Writer
Grant writing is a specialized type of writing where you’d write proposals to help nonprofits and other agencies to obtain funding for their programs. To succeed at grant writing, it’s important to research the requirements and deadlines of the funding, write compelling proposals to receive the grant dollars, follow up with the proposals, and write reports about them.
The Takeaway
Your golden years are what you make of them — and for some, that can mean re-entering the workforce or pursuing a new, rewarding career path. Fortunately, there are plenty of jobs for skilled seniors that suit different skills and interests and provide a source of extra income.
Take control of your finances with SoFi. With our financial insights and credit score monitoring tools, you can view all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see your various balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score. Plus you can easily set up budgets and discover valuable financial insights — all at no cost.
See exactly how your money comes and goes at a glance.
FAQ
Can seniors still work full time and receive Social Security benefits?
According to the Social Security Administration, the answer is “yes.” If you’ve already reached your full retirement age, then you can work and earn as much as possible without a reduction in benefits. If you aren’t yet at full retirement age, then you can earn up to $23,400 in 2025 without a reduction. For income earned beyond that annual limit, your benefits would be lowered by $1 for each $2 earned.
What types of job skills are in high demand?
Management and leadership skills are appreciated by many employees, and these are skills seniors may well have developed over the years. It’s important to be able to effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing, and to work well with others. For many jobs, sales and marketing abilities are key, while in others the ability to research and analyze are crucial. Note that these are general categories. Specific skills will depend upon the job you’re applying for.
What type of work-life balance should working seniors expect?
Maintaining a work-life balance is especially important for working seniors. As you consider re-entering the workforce, you’ll want to consider your physical and mental health as well as your finances, and ensure that whatever job you take on will fit in your lifestyle. As an older adult, you may discover that you don’t have quite as much stamina as you once did. On the other hand, having children out of the home and on their own may open up more time than you expected.
Photo credit: iStock/Vesnaandjic
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Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
According to the latest figures from the Bureau of Labor Services, the average salary for a construction worker is $49,280, or $23.69 per hour. Construction workers are a crucial part of the labor force across the country, and the industry is expected to grow through the end of the decade. Without a formal education requirement, construction work can be a viable option for anyone uninterested in getting a college degree right after high school.
That said, construction labor can be grueling. The job is physically demanding and at times dangerous. You’ll need to consider your physical limitations before pursuing a career in construction work.
Knowing what your income will look like may be the most important consideration of all. We’ll break down the average construction worker starting salary, as well as their typical responsibilities and required skills, below.
Key Points
• The average annual salary for construction workers is $49,280.
• Salaries vary by location and experience, with Massachusetts at $67,780 and Texas at $38,990.
• Construction work involves handling heavy machinery, using hand tools, and performing tasks like plumbing and electrical work.
• Career growth potential exists, with construction management roles averaging $104,900 annually.
• It is possible to earn a higher-than-average income without a college degree, exceeding the average of $37,000.
What Do Construction Workers Do?
Construction crews work on building sites for new homes, multi-family units, commercial buildings, roads, and bridges. Following detailed plans, construction workers are responsible for taking apart old structures and erecting new ones.
Depending on the job site, construction workers may operate heavy machinery, use hand tools, and perform plumbing and electrical tasks.
Construction work requires significant strength, endurance, and tolerance for extreme temperatures. The industry also has one of the highest rates of injuries on the job, so construction laborers must be familiar with safety protocols.
Construction Worker Job Responsibility Examples
What kinds of things might you be responsible for as a construction worker on a job site? Here are some examples:
• Removing debris
• Loading and unloading materials
• Assembling bracing, scaffolding, and other temporary structures to help with the construction
• Operating heavy machinery and using hand tools when building and taking apart structures
• Digging trenches, compacting earth, and backfilling holes
• Conducting minor plumbing, electrical, and carpentry work
Construction Worker Skills
Though you don’t need a secondary education to be a construction worker, you’ll need to learn specific skills. You might learn some of these on the job:
In addition, construction workers must be able to problem-solve on the fly and must embrace teamwork. This is not a job for introverts!
How Much Do Starting Construction Workers Make?
Construction worker entry-level salaries vary by state, but you can expect pay to be on the lower end when just starting out. The bottom 10% of earners in the industry bring home about $31,510 per year.
If you’re entering the construction industry with a degree, you will likely make more starting out. With an education, you might go straight into construction management. The bottom 10% of construction managers earn $64,480 a year. The average annual salary is $104,900.
What Is the Average Salary for a Construction Worker?
The average salary for a construction worker in 2022 was $49,280, but rates vary significantly across the country. The average hourly rate for a construction worker is $23.69 per hour. Total income is about the same whether you get a salary vs. hourly pay.
As you’d expect, areas with a higher cost of living (think California, New York, and Hawaii) generally have more competitive pay than areas with a lower cost of living (states like Alabama, Mississippi, and Arkansas). But no matter where you live, a budget planner app can help you keep tabs on your spending and saving.
How much do construction workers make in California? $61,710, on average. In New York, the mean salary is even higher, at $63,830 a year. But it’s Massachusetts where construction workers make the most money on average: $67,780.
Check out the following table for additional state insights:
State
Average Construction Worker Salary
Alabama
$36,300
Alaska
$55,690
Arizona
$46,030
Arkansas
$36,690
California
$61,710
Washington
$56,630
California
$56,210
Colorado
$45,760
Connecticut
$55,160
Alaska
$53,270
Connecticut
$53,050
Delaware
$46,940
Florida
$40,680
Georgia
$39,580
Hawaii
$65,570
Idaho
$44,260
Illinois
$66,670
Indiana
$50,570
Iowa
$46,730
Kansas
$41,790
Kentucky
$43,540
Louisiana
$43,640
Maine
$43,980
Maryland
$43,260
Maryland
$46,610
Massachusetts
$67,780
Michigan
$49,760
Minnesota
$58,490
Mississippi
$36,860
Missouri
$53,920
Montana
$49,130
Nebraska
$44,170
Nevada
$51,060
New Hampshire
$45,980
New Jersey
$67,280
New Mexico
$39,610
New York
$63,830
North Carolina
$40,830
North Dakota
$48,930
Ohio
$53,550
Oklahoma
$40,150
Oregon
$50,980
Pennsylvania
$52,290
Rhode Island
$58,070
South Carolina
$41,430
South Dakota
$39,400
Tennessee
$42,230
Texas
$38,990
Utah
$47,910
Vermont
$44,680
Virginia
$39,520
Washington
$59,680
West Virginia
$41,330
Wisconsin
$53,860
Wyoming
$42,150
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 data
💡 Quick Tip: Income, expenses, and life circumstances can change. Consider reviewing your budget a few times a year and making any adjustments if needed.
Pros and Cons of Construction Worker Salary
Being a construction worker has some advantages, but there are also drawbacks to consider:
Pros
• Higher-than-average salary: The average salary for someone without a college degree is just over $37,000. Construction workers earn more than $9,000 a year over that, without any formal education — and without any student loan debt.
• Job growth: The job market is projected to grow by 7% from 2023 to 2033, meaning there should be ample opportunities available.
• Flexibility: Construction jobs are available across the country. If you want to relocate somewhere else, you shouldn’t have trouble finding a job.
• Difficult work: Construction labor can be physically demanding. It may lead to injury and illness, and you can leave job sites tired and sore each day.
• Less money: Construction workers make significantly less money than construction managers. (A money tracker can help you take control of your finances.) If you’re able to get a bachelor’s degree in construction management, you may earn more money over your lifetime.
• Long-term career options: As you age, you may become less equipped to keep up with the physical demands of the job. This could force an early retirement, right when you should be in your earning prime. You may instead need to look for a work-from-home job for retirees to ensure you have enough income until you’re eligible for Social Security benefits and other retirement income.
Construction workers can make decent money over the course of their careers, and you won’t have to take out a student loan to get a degree to land a job. However, the work can be exhausting and lead to injury. Weigh all the pros and cons carefully before starting a career as a construction worker.
Take control of your finances with SoFi. With our financial insights and credit score monitoring tools, you can view all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see your various balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score. Plus you can easily set up budgets and discover valuable financial insights — all at no cost.
See exactly how your money comes and goes at a glance.
FAQ
How much do most construction workers make?
How much money a construction worker makes depends on where they live and their level of experience. However, the average construction laborer brings in $49,280 a year.
Who is the highest paid construction worker?
Massachusetts has the highest paid construction workers, with an average salary of $67,780.
What job pays the best in construction?
Pipeline transportation of natural gas is the highest paying job in construction, with laborers earning $94,640 a year on average. Other high-paying construction jobs include electric power generation, transmission, and distribution; construction support services; construction work for medical and surgical hospitals; and rail transport construction.
Photo credit: iStock/damircudic
SoFi Relay offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.
Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
Living paycheck to paycheck is defined as spending almost all of your income on essentials and everyday expenses so you may not be able to save for future goals nor deal with a financial emergency.
According to a December 2024 report by PYMNTS.com, more than 67% of respondents reported they were living paycheck to paycheck at the end of last year. What can you do if you want to beat those odds and get ahead of your bills? Read on for some steps that may help you achieve financial breathing room.
Key Points
• Living paycheck to paycheck means your earnings are going towards essential and everyday expenses, meaning you have little for savings or emergencies.
• To stop living paycheck to paycheck, track your spending for at least 30 days to understand your financial habits.
• Prioritize the essential expenses, such as food, utilities, shelter, and transportation, as well as gradually building an emergency fund in a separate savings account.
• Reduce your debt using the snowball or avalanche method, and try to increase your income.
• Set financial goals and use budgeting apps to manage money efficiently.
6 Ways to Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck
Maybe it’s inflation eating up your paycheck these days. Or maybe it’s just… life.
Either way, there are likely adjustments you can make — both big and small — to get yourself to a better place financially. Here are a few basics to consider if you’re wondering how to stop living paycheck to paycheck.
1. Set a Budget
Admit it: You knew the b-word was coming.
Making a budget is the best way we know of to get a better handle on your spending and saving. It can show you where your hard-earned money is going every month — and help you nudge it in a different direction if you don’t like what you see.
Yes, it involves sitting down and doing math. You can look at how much money is going in (say, the amount of direct deposits of your paycheck) and how much is flowing out to debt payments, living expenses, and one-off charges (like your home insurance).
If this feels daunting, know that spending apps that can help you set up budget categories and monitor your money movements all in one place, the process isn’t nearly as tedious as it used to be.
You’ll probably have to tweak your budget from time to time — to deal with quarterly or seasonal bills, for example, or if costs go up. And if you’re a freelancer or seasonal worker, it can be tough to budget on a fluctuating income. But creating a comprehensive and realistic budget you can stick to through thick and thin can help you make your paycheck go further.
2. Focus on the Essentials
As you determine your personal budgeting categories, you’ll also be setting spending priorities. That starts with focusing on the essentials. Unless you’re still living with your parents rent-free, it can be a good idea to figure out the amount you’ll need for food, utilities, shelter, and transportation before anything else.
After that, you can play around a bit with what’s most important to you — your “needs” vs. “wants.” You may have to let go of a few things (sorry, Netflix) when you run out of money to spend. That can help keep you from teetering on the edge of overdrafting your checking account.
No matter what happens, you’ll have a roof over your head and something to eat. The lights, heat, and water in your home will keep working. And you can get where you need to go.
Prepare for the Unexpected
If you’re worried that an unexpected bill could come along at any time and take a huge bite out of your finances, you aren’t alone. About 59% of Americans are unable to cover a $1,000 surprise bill with their savings, according to a 2025 survey by Bankrate.
Financial advisors typically recommend keeping at least three to six months’ worth of expenses stashed away in an emergency fund. If that amount is too daunting, you can start with a much smaller amount. Anything you can put away will help if you suddenly have to pay a medical, home, or car repair bill.
You might want to start an automatic savings program, transferring a small amount of money every paycheck into a dedicated savings account. That can help your emergency fund grow with a minimum of effort.
Two more tips:
• Consider keeping your emergency fund in an online bank account which often offers low or no fees and higher interest rates, which can help your money grow faster.
If debt payments (credit cards, student loans, etc.) are a big part of your monthly budget, you may want to rethink your debt payoff strategy.
To truly dump your debt burden — and reclaim the money you’re paying in interest every month so you can save it or use it for other things — it can help to have a debt reduction plan. There are many options to choose from, including these popular strategies:
• The snowball method: With this strategy you put any extra money you can toward paying off your smallest debt — while making the minimum payment on the others. When that balance is paid off, you can move on to the next smallest bill, and so on — slowly eliminating all your debts.
• The avalanche method: The avalanche method focuses on high-interest debt. With this strategy, you would put any extra you can toward the credit card or loan with the highest interest rate. When that bill is paid off, you move on to the bill with the next highest interest rate, and so on.
If you’re using credit cards just to keep your head above water, you could end up drowning in debt — especially as interest rates are rising. Try to budget with your credit card wisely, instead of thinking of it as a life raft. Charge only what you can afford to pay off each month.
5. Increase Your Income
If your main income stream just isn’t enough — and a pay raise isn’t coming anytime soon — you may want to consider your options for earning extra cash.
That might mean taking on a side hustle (something you can do when you’re not at your regular job), selling stuff you don’t use any more, or maybe renting out a room in your home. Whatever you choose, try to make it fun (or at least bearable), so you aren’t tempted to give up. And make sure the hours, effort, and money you put into the side gig (for supplies, uniforms, etc.) are worth it and you’re really getting ahead.
If you’re on the verge of buying a house, consider your options. You may want to think about ways to lower your ongoing monthly mortgage expenses. That’s another idea for how to stop living paycheck to paycheck.
A 20% down payment usually isn’t required to finance a home purchase, and most buyers put down less. Yes, your Realtor® and your lender can help you decide how much your down payment should be. But keep in mind that if you can scrape together more, you’ll borrow less, which means you can have lower monthly payments. You’ll also have more equity sooner, and you’ll pay back less interest over the life of the loan.
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More Tips to Budget and Save Money
Okay, now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s drill down to some other lifestyle changes that can help you spend less and save more.
See the Benefits of Owning Less
It’s tough to say no to buying new, or better, or more — especially when you can make online purchases with just a couple of clicks and use a credit card to pay. But embracing financial minimalism and the mantra that “less is more” can help you change your spending behavior.
Budgeting is a great way to focus on needs vs. wants, and tracking your spending with an app, or even going old-school and writing down every penny you spend in a notebook, can help you set priorities.
Sit Down and Do the Math
It’s easier to get where you want to be if you know where you are. So it can be helpful to pull out all the paperwork when you’re creating your household budget. That means sitting down with purchase receipts, bank and credit card statements, income info, etc., to figure out how much you’re spending every month, what you’re spending it on, and how much you actually have to spend.
Look for Things to Cut
This is the painful part. If you really want to stop living paycheck to paycheck, there’s a good chance you’re going to have to get rid of some of the things you love.
That might mean cutting back on concert or theater tickets (or just choosing cheaper seats). You might have to back off on the morning trips to Starbucks. Or cancel app subscription services. The good news is, you get to pick your priorities — as long as those things track with what you realistically have and want to spend each month.
Embrace a No-Spend Period
It’d be pretty difficult to not spend any money at all for a year — or even a week. (Although some people are trying as part of the “no-spend challenge” trend.)
But by challenging yourself to only spend on things you absolutely have to have for a pre-set period of time, you can really get a feel for what’s important to you. And of course, you save money.
You can go big or small. You can challenge yourself for a year, or a month, or a week. You can try to go without buying anything new, or limit yourself in a specific category: no spending on clothes, shoes, or jewelry; no movies (at the theater or streaming); or no eating at restaurants, for example. And you can post your progress on Twitter or Instagram — if that helps push you to keep going — or you can keep it all private in your diary.
Put Your Savings into a Separate Account
It may seem super convenient to put all your money into a checking account. But that can also make that money super easy to spend.
Funneling some of your funds into a separate savings account can help you keep your hands off your cash as you set up your emergency fund or save for other short- and long-term goals.
And if you put the money into a high-yield online savings account, you typically can earn a higher interest rate than you would with a traditional checking account.
Don’t Be Afraid to Consider Drastic Changes
Some people need to make only a few minor changes to pull out of the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle. Others may need to get more radical. If you can’t get your spending under control, for example, you may need to cut up your credit cards. If you can’t afford your car payments or gas, it might make sense to take the bus or carpool to work. Or you may have to make some uncomfortable budget cuts — like going without cable or shopping at less expensive clothing stores.
When you’re thinking about what moves might help you get ahead, consider crunching the numbers first to see if the change really makes financial sense. Then, try to stay motivated by thinking about what you can do with the money you’ll save. Consulting money management guides can also give you a deeper understanding of how to make changes and spend less.
Avoid Lifestyle Creep
Another idea for how not to live paycheck to paycheck is to be aware of “lifestyle creep.” That’s when your personal cost of living increases as your income increases, perhaps so slowly that you may not notice until you are scrambling to pay your bills.
Maybe you got a raise and thought you could afford to spend a bit more on the things you want. Or maybe your friends are earning more money than they used to — and keeping up socially is hurting you financially.
If you’re overshooting your budget every month and can’t figure out why, it may be time to reexamine your priorities and focus on the larger goals (saving for a house or college for your kids) that could slip away if you can’t get a handle on your spending.
Set Financial Goals
When you’re just winging it financially from month to month and year to year, it can be much harder to live within your means. Setting short- and long-term goals — whether it’s to reduce your debt, build your emergency fund, or save for a new car or home — can motivate you to stay on track.
• Think about what you hope to accomplish and how it would make your life better. (Be specific.)
• Give yourself a timeline. (Be realistic.)
• Try to make your goals measurable. (Baby steps are akay!)
Be Patient and Stay Positive
Getting your finances on track can be a little like dieting. You’re bound to slip up from time to time. And getting to your goals may take longer than you planned.
You may even be tempted to give up completely.
But if you stick with your plan, you can improve your financial health — and feel better about yourself and your future.
If your goal is to save more, you’ll have to spend less. And one way to get the ball rolling is to track your spending for at least 30 days to see where your money is going.
Once you spot the things you can change, you can start cutting back on current and future spending, and catch up on old debts. Then you can move more and more money to savings — and get closer and closer to your goals.
It may help to choose a budget strategy that focuses on saving, such as the 70-20-10 budget rule, which divides after-tax income into three basic categories: 70% to monthly spending, 20% to savings and debt repayment, and 10% to donations (or to more saving and investing).
The Takeaway
Living paycheck to paycheck is like treading water: You may not be drowning in debt (yet), but you also aren’t getting any closer to your goals.
By taking six critical steps, including budgeting and reducing debt, you can be on a path to end the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle. Doing so can allow you to start building up more money in your bank account.
Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with direct deposit, you’ll get a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), pay zero account fees, and enjoy an array of rewards, such as access to the Allpoint Network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs globally. Qualifying accounts can even access their paycheck up to two days early.
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FAQ
What is the 70-20-10 rule for money?
The 70-20-10 rule is a budgeting strategy that focuses on both spending and saving. It says that, from your take-home pay, put 70% toward living expenses, 20% toward savings and debt repayment, and 10% toward donations (or you could put more toward saving and investing).
What is considered not living paycheck to paycheck?
If you aren’t living paycheck to paycheck, you’re living comfortably within or below your means, you’re putting savings away for future goals, and you have an emergency account set up so unexpected bills don’t send you spiraling.
What’s the best way to stop living paycheck to paycheck?
A good first step toward ending the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle is to find out where your money is going every month, and to set up a budget that prioritizes smart spending and saving.
Is living paycheck to paycheck stressful?
Yes, living paycheck to paycheck can be stressful. Living this way can create financial anxiety since you know you likely don’t have enough money to cover unexpected expenses, nor can you save for future financial goals.
How many Americans live paycheck to paycheck?
According to a study conducted in December 2024, fully two-thirds (67%) of Americans were living paycheck to paycheck. That can be seen as a sign that people need to manage their money more carefully to free up funds for savings and long-term goals.
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If someone has a love of animals and is looking to embark on a rewarding new career path, they may consider becoming a vet tech. While earning potential is not the only reason to pursue a career, it’s helpful to get an idea of a possible salary range before working towards a career as a vet tech. So, how much does a vet tech make? According to the latest figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for a vet tech is $44,040.
Read on to learn more about how much vet techs make, how salaries vary by state, and what this type of job entails.
Key Points
• Veterinary technicians earn a median annual wage of $44,040.
• Annual salary range is from $30,180 to $59,310.
• Salaries vary by state, employer, and experience level.
• The role is rewarding but physically and emotionally demanding.
• Tasks include taking patient histories, assisting in surgeries, and providing specialized nursing care.
What Is a Vet Tech?
Vet techs, also known as veterinary technologists and technicians, work in veterinary clinics and hospitals, under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. A vet tech can help with a wide variety of tasks around the office, such as obtaining patient case histories, collecting specimens, assisting in diagnostic and surgical procedures, and preparing animals and equipment for surgery. Other vet techs tasks may include:
• Ensure humane care of animals
• Provide specialized nursing care
• Bathe and groom animals
• Expose and develop X-rays
• Collect and perform laboratory tests
• Restrain animals during exams or procedures
• Provide client education
Working as a vet tech can be a good fit for introverts, as the role allows for a significant amount of one-on-one interaction with animals. However, it’s important to note that there will still be some degree of interaction with pet owners and colleagues.
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How Much Is a Vet Tech’s Starting Salary?
How much money does a vet tech make? The answer to that question depends on many different factors, such as how much experience someone has.
The median annual wage for a vet tech is $44,040, but salaries can range from $30,180 to $59,310. Generally speaking, entry-level vet techs earn lower salaries at first, though they’ll likely earn at least the minimum wage.
The type of employer can also impact how much a vet tech earns. Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing, for instance, tend to pay more (around $73,640 per year) than a college, university, or professional school (around $50,420 per year), according to the latest BLS data.
Of course, no matter how much you earn, it helps to keep tabs on where your money is coming and going. An online budget planner can give you insight into your budgeting and spending at a glance.
What Is the Average Salary for a Vet Tech?
An annual salary is one figure to consider. But how much can a vet tech make an hour? The median hourly pay rate for a vet tech nationwide is $21.18 per hour, though that rate — and the annual salary — can vary greatly by state.
For example, the annual median salary for vet techs in California is $47,880, which is much more competitive than in, say, West Virginia, where the median salary is $29,850.
On top of being paid for their labor, many vet techs also receive a suite of benefits that enhances their overall compensation package. Full-time vet techs often qualify for medical and dental insurance, as well as 401(k) retirement plans and paid sick days or vacation time.
Some unique benefits that come with working in this industry can also include discounted pet care or continuing education reimbursements.
Pros and Cons of a Vet Tech Salary
Before pursuing a career as a vet tech, you may want to consider the advantages and disadvantages associated with this career path.
Pros
• Work with animals all day
• Usually qualifies for health insurance
• Can make a difference in a pet’s life
• Fast-growing field (projected to grow 19 percent from 2023 to 2033)
Cons
• Physically demanding work
• Potentially dangerous
• Can be emotionally draining
• May have to work nights, holidays, or weekends
The Takeaway
The median annual salary for vet techs is $44,040 per year. But as they progress in their career and gain specialties, these professionals can expect to earn more. Many people find working as a vet tech to be a fun and rewarding job, especially if they love animals. While it can be a hard job and may often be physically (and emotionally) demanding, it also provides opportunities to care for animals. And that can feel really good at the end of the day.
Take control of your finances with SoFi. With our financial insights and credit score monitoring tools, you can view all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see your various balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score. Plus you can easily set up budgets and discover valuable financial insights — all at no cost.
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FAQ
What is the highest-paid vet tech?
One question potential vet techs likely have top of mind is how much a vet tech makes? According to the BLS, the median annual wage for veterinary technologists and technicians is $44,040. But it’s possible to earn more than $59,310 per year as a vet tech.
Is vet tech a stressful job?
Being a veterinary technician can be a demanding and sometimes stressful job. They often work in fast-paced environments, handle emotional situations with owners, and may encounter challenging cases or emergencies. However, the fulfillment of helping animals and the satisfaction of making a positive impact can also make it a rewarding career.
What state pays the best for vet techs?
How much someone stands to earn as a vet tech depends on a couple of different factors, including where they live. The District of Columbia pays vet techs the most, with median salaries reaching $56,420. Vet techs in California ($55,740) and New York ($55,540) earn the next best salaries in the countries.
About the author
Jacqueline DeMarco
Jacqueline DeMarco is a freelance writer who specializes in financial topics. Her first job out of college was in the financial industry, and it was there she gained a passion for helping others understand tricky financial topics. Read full bio.
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Concerned about the rising price of eggs? You’re not alone. Prices have soared around the country as a widespread avian flu outbreak affects the availability of eggs. As of January 2025, the average cost of a dozen eggs in the U.S. is $4.95, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This is higher than in previous years, including the $4.82 consumers paid on average in January of 2023, when concerns about egg shortages sent the cost of eggs skyrocketing.
Why does knowing the cost of a dozen eggs today matter? If you’re trying to manage your household budget, then keeping food costs as low as possible might be a priority. Where you live can play a part in determining how much you’ll pay for a dozen eggs.
• Egg prices in the U.S. average $4.95 per dozen as of January 2025.
• Avian flu, severe winter weather, and inflation are the main factors driving egg price increases.
• Hawaii and California have some of the highest egg prices in the country.
• The USDA predicts egg prices will decrease to $2.10 per dozen by the third quarter of 2025.
• Shopping at farmer’s markets and buying in bulk can help consumers find cheaper eggs.
What Is the Average Cost of a Dozen Eggs Today?
On average, Americans are paying $4.95 for a dozen Grade A large eggs, based on the BLS data. That price reflects the most recent Consumer Price Index (CPI) data available as of January 2025. The CPI Consumer Price Index tracks prices for a basket of consumer goods and services over time.
In tracking egg price data, the CPI looks at average numbers by city, rather than state. Prices are based on the cost of a dozen eggs only and don’t take into account pricing for smaller or larger quantities of eggs sold, or pricing for different sizes of eggs. The CPI’s egg price data offers a snapshot of how egg prices have moved up or down over time. The average cost of a dozen eggs increased sharply in the beginning of 2023, declined for a while, and then began going back up in July 2024. Whether you live alone or are supporting a family, these types of fluctuations can impact your grocery budget.
If you’re trying to manage a higher-than-normal grocery bill, tracking your spending can help.
Where the Cost of Eggs Is Highest
As evidenced by the price data, some states are more expensive than others when it comes to what you’ll pay for a dozen eggs on average. In descending order, here are the 10 states that had the highest cost overall for a dozen eggs:
• Hawaii
• California
• Florida
• Alabama
• Nevada
• California
• Arizona
• Georgia
• Wyoming
• Maine
• Colorado
Where the Cost of Eggs Is Lowest
Where is the average cost of a dozen eggs the cheapest? Shoppers paid the least for a dozen eggs in these states:
• Missouri
• Nebraska
• Indiana
• Ohio
• Kansas
• Iowa
• Kentucky
• Pennsylvania
• Alaska
• West Virginia
As you can see, most of these states are located in the central, southern, and eastern U.S., though Alaska is the outlier. Assuming food costs are lower overall in these states, the average grocery budget for a family of 5 is likely to be less compared to the states where eggs are more expensive.
Why Did the Cost of Eggs Increase
The current spike in egg prices is largely fueled by scarcity. An outbreak of avian flu sent egg production into decline as more than 20 million laying hens were lost to the disease or depopulation efforts just in the last quarter of 2024. With fewer eggs in supply but demand not easing, egg prices began to climb. Severe winter weather events across the country didn’t help matters.
But inflation can also be pointed to as a contributing factor to rising egg prices. In simple terms, inflation is a rise in prices for things consumers buy, like eggs and other household items. Knowing how to find the inflation rate and what’s considered to be a normal range matters for making the most of your money.
You don’t need a money tracker to know that when inflation is higher, everything costs more and your money doesn’t go as far. A difference of a few cents in the price of a dozen eggs might not seem like much. But when everything else is going up in price too, and inflation doesn’t appear to be easing any time soon, it can take a serious toll on your wallet.
When Will the Cost of Eggs Go Down?
While it’s nearly impossible to know exactly when egg prices will decline, the USDA is predicting that it will happen by April 2025. Prices are projected to fall to $2.50 per dozen in the second quarter of the year and to $2.10 by the third quarter.
Monitoring prices for different goods and services can help you stay on top of your budget. Making and sticking to a spending and savings plan is one of the most basic steps for building wealth and increasing your net worth. Being able to measure your liquid net worth can give you an idea of how well you’re doing financially when it comes to accumulating assets and paying down debt.
Tips on How to Shop for Cheap Eggs
Shopping for eggs on the cheap can save you money and make it easier to live below your means. Living below your means benefits you in a few ways. For one thing, you may be less reliant on credit cards to cover expenses if you always have extra cash in your budget. And for another, it can make it easier to adapt to economic changes that can affect your budget and spending.
With that in mind, here are a few quick tips to help you pay less for eggs.
• Shop the farmer’s market. Buying eggs locally from a farmer’s market vs. a supermarket could save you money if you’re able to find lower prices. You may even be able to work out a barter or trade with a local farmer or neighbor who has a backyard flock, which could allow you to get eggs for free.
• Choose store brands. Store-brand products, including eggs, typically cost less than name-brand ones. If you’re not partial to any one egg brand, you may save a little money by choosing your local store’s brand.
• Buy eggs in bulk. Buying in bulk could save you money if you’re paying a lower unit price per egg. But the catch is that you have to be sure you’re actually going to use them all; otherwise, you could be wasting money.
• Use fewer eggs. A simple way to save money on eggs is to not consume as many. For instance, you might opt to get your daily protein from other sources or swap out your favorite baking recipes for ones that don’t incorporate eggs.
• Shop with coupons and cash back apps. Couponing may seem tedious but supermarkets make it easier by allowing you to load digital coupons to your store loyalty card. You can pair coupons with a cash back app that pays you a percentage back when you shop at partner grocery stores, which can add to your savings.
The Takeaway
The average cost of a dozen eggs might not be something you think about on a day-to-day basis. But knowing how much you’ll pay for eggs matters when it’s time to go to the grocery store and do your weekly shopping. Keeping an eye on egg prices and implementing some different hacks for finding cheap eggs can help you keep your food budget in check.
Take control of your finances with SoFi. With our financial insights and credit score monitoring tools, you can view all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see your various balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score. Plus you can easily set up budgets and discover valuable financial insights — all at no cost.
See exactly how your money comes and goes at a glance.
FAQ
How much did a dozen eggs cost in 2023?
As of July 2023, the average cost of a dozen eggs was $2.09, according to Consumer Price Index data. Overall, egg prices were on the decline by mid-2023 after peaking at $4.82 on average per dozen at the beginning of the year.
What state has the most expensive eggs?
Hawaii residents pay the most for a dozen eggs. On average, a dozen eggs there costs just under $10.
Do eggs last longer than sell by date?
Eggs can stay fresh past the sell by date, but there are limits on how long you’ll be able to use them. A simple way to tell if an egg is fresh is to place it in a glass or bowl of water. Eggs that float to the surface are no longer fresh, while ones that lie flat on their side are the freshest.
About the author
Rebecca Lake
Rebecca Lake has been a finance writer for nearly a decade, specializing in personal finance, investing, and small business. She is a contributor at Forbes Advisor, SmartAsset, Investopedia, The Balance, MyBankTracker, MoneyRates and CreditCards.com. Read full bio.
Photo credit: iStock/nd3000
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Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.
Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
