Industry and Occupation: Percent of Workers Age 45+ Leaving Occupations 1998-2008

The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that 25 million people will leave the workforce between 1998 and 2008; 22 million, or 88 percent, will be 45 or older. After 2008, as more workers reach retirement age, the impact of their retirements will continue to grow. Industries and occupations most affected include public administration, education and healthcare. In addition, more than 50 percent of all federal government workers will be eligible for retirement by 2005.⁵

Public Administration, Business
Researchers, analysts	74.2%
Supervisors, police, detectives	70.9%
Postal workers	65.8%
Technical writers	59.0%
Dispatchers	55.4%
Personal clerks	53.4%
Supervisors, general office	48.2%
Administration, officials	41.7%
Education
Secondary teachers	66.8%
Elementary teachers	54.4%
College and university teachers	50.1%
Counselors	48.4%
Administrators	47.1%
Librarians	46.4%
Health Care, Social Services
Welfare service aids	65.1%
Dental and lab techs	64.7%
Licensed practical nurses	59.1%
Dieticians	57.3%
Registered nurses	47.2%

Source: BLS, Monthly Labor Review, July 2000, p. 22-23