As of the latest available data, here are some insights into the participation of women over 50 in the U.S. workforce:
- In 2023, women aged 55 and older made up approximately 10.6% of the total U.S. labor force, according to averages from the first quarter of the year. This figure is derived from analyses of Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, which tracks labor force participation across age and gender groups.
- Looking at broader trends, the labor force participation rate for women aged 55 and over has been increasing over time. For instance, in 2014, about 34.9% of women aged 55 and older were in the workforce, up from 26.1% in 2000. More recent projections suggest this trend continues, with the BLS estimating that by 2031, women over 55 will account for 11.7% of the labor force, adding roughly 2.2 million more women in this age group to the workforce between 2023 and 2031.
- In terms of numbers, the BLS projected that between 2020 and 2030, the growth in the labor force would be significantly driven by older workers, with women aged 65 and over contributing to more than 60% of the labor force growth in that decade. This translates to an increase of about 5.5 million workers aged 65 and older, a substantial portion of whom are women.
- Specifically, for women aged 50 and over, while exact counts vary year to year, the labor force participation rate for those aged 55 and older provides a proxy. In 2021, the participation rate for women aged 55 and over was around 35-36%, and with the U.S. female population aged 55 and older being approximately 35-40 million (based on Census estimates), this suggests roughly 12-14 million women over 55 were in the workforce. Extending this to include women aged 50-54 (with a participation rate closer to 70% in their prime working years), the total number of women over 50 in the workforce likely exceeds 15 million as of recent years.
These statistics reflect a growing presence of women over 50 in the workforce, driven by factors like economic necessity, changing demographics, and increased labor force attachment among older adults. For the most precise and up-to-date figures as of March 28, 2025, I’d need real-time BLS data, but based on trends and projections, the number is likely approaching or exceeding 16 million, given the continued growth trajectory.
