After decades of hard work as an electrician, you’re probably thinking 'Ow, my back!" But after that you might be thinking "what's next?" Luckily, there are a ton of career options for you to consider that are easier on your back and can be done part-time with ease.

1. Home Inspector 

Salary Range: $40,000 - $80,000 
Average Age: 50-60 
If you’ve got a sharp eye for detail and know how to spot issues in a home’s electrical system (and more), becoming a home inspector could be your perfect fit. It’s a job that takes advantage of your years of knowledge but doesn’t require you to do the heavy lifting anymore. Plus, the hours are flexible, and you get to work independently. 

2. Safety Consultant 

Salary Range: $60,000 - $100,000 
Average Age: 55-65 
With all the safety protocols and regulations you’ve followed throughout your career, transitioning to a safety consultant role is a natural next step. Companies often need experts to ensure their work environments meet safety standards. You can offer advice, conduct safety audits, and even design training programs—all without breaking a sweat. 

3. Project Manager (Construction) 

Salary Range: $65,000 - $120,000 
Average Age: 45-60 
If you’ve worked on construction sites, you probably have a good understanding of how projects run. Why not take it a step further and manage projects from start to finish? As a construction project manager, you'll be responsible for coordinating teams, timelines, and budgets. It’s a leadership role that lets you apply your experience while still staying involved in the industry. 

4. Instructor/Trainer 

Salary Range: $40,000 - $75,000 
Average Age: 50-65 
If you love sharing your knowledge, teaching could be a rewarding path. You could teach aspiring electricians at a trade school or community college or even become a corporate trainer for companies looking to improve their electrical teams. Bonus: It’s typically more classroom-based, so you’ll spend less time on your feet. 

5. Building Maintenance Manager 

Salary Range: $50,000 - $85,000 
Average Age: 50-65 
Many larger buildings need someone to oversee their maintenance operations. As an experienced electrician, you’ve likely worked on all sorts of systems (HVAC, plumbing, etc.), which makes you a great candidate for this job. The role is often more about management than hands-on work, but your electrical expertise will still be a huge asset. 

6. Technical Writer (Electrical) 

Salary Range: $55,000 - $85,000  
Average Age: 50-60 
As an electrician nearing retirement, transitioning into a Technical Writer (Electrical) role can be a great way to leverage your extensive hands-on experience while stepping into a less physically demanding career. You could work for manufacturers, trade publications, or as a freelancer. This career shift allows you to continue contributing to the industry by helping others understand complex technical concepts in a simplified way. Plus, with your experience, you’ll have the credibility to create highly specialized content, making you an invaluable asset to companies in need of expert documentation. 

7. Sales Representative for Electrical Products 

Salary Range: $50,000 - $90,000 
Average Age: 45-60 
After years of working with electrical equipment, you know exactly what works and what doesn’t. Why not turn that expertise into a sales career? Whether it’s selling lighting systems, wiring, or electrical tools, your deep knowledge of the products will make you a trusted advisor to clients. It’s a great way to use your experience and still interact with the industry. 

8. Electric Vehicle (EV) Technician 

Salary Range: $45,000 - $75,000 
Average Age: 40-60 
As electric vehicles become more common, the demand for EV technicians is on the rise. This job still involves electrical work but focuses on cars instead of buildings. If you're into new tech and want to stay hands-on with a growing industry, this is a great option that’s a bit less physically demanding. 

9. Energy Auditor 

Salary Range: $50,000 - $85,000 
Average Age: 45-65 
Energy auditors assess how efficiently buildings use energy and recommend ways to improve. This role leverages your electrical background to evaluate systems like lighting, HVAC, and insulation, all while working to help businesses and homeowners save on energy costs. Plus, you get to work with cutting-edge green technology. 

10. Consulting Electrician 

Salary Range: $60,000 - $100,000+ 
Average Age: 50-65 
If you’re not quite ready to give up electrical work entirely, consider becoming a consultant. You can lend your expertise to contractors, businesses, and even government projects. It’s a more flexible option, allowing you to choose the projects that interest you most, and you can often set your own schedule. 

Final Thoughts 

Transitioning from a hands-on electrical career to something a bit more relaxed (or maybe still hands-on in a new way) is totally doable! Whether you decide to teach, consult, or move into a whole new industry, your skills are transferable and highly valuable. The best part? You can often work on your terms—whether that’s part-time, on your own schedule, or in a less physically demanding role.