The 5 Best Jobs If You Want To Retire Early

Do you see yourself hitting the snooze button on your career? Not just for an extra 10 minutes of sleep, but for good — years ahead of schedule. That's the dream, a life where the daily grind is whatever coffee bean you select for your morning brew. As whimsical as it sounds, it is possible. The workforce is evolving, and how you retire tomorrow could depend on what kind of 9-5 you have today or what kind you begin with.

Reports from the Congressional Research Service shows that individuals in higher-paying jobs tend to retire earlier, often up to five years before the typical retirement age of 62 to 65. A trend credited to compound interest; a person who starts planning retirement at 25, can stash away $5,000 yearly with a 7% return, and watch it grow to over $1 million by 65 — literally turning time into money.

But there's more. A great career path often comes decked out with perks like flexible schedules, remote work options, and beefy employer-sponsored retirement plans like the Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) where an employer contributes 25% of their employee's salary into a retirement account after they meet certain criteria. This is why you will find that the following jobs can fill your days with enough silver (and perks) to chase those golden years sooner than those in other professions.

Software development is for those savvy enough to code their way to the top. Freelance developers net hourly rates from $50 to a $150, depending on their experience, niche, and location. For full-timers, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics places the median annual salary for software developers at $132,500, with the "elite" 10% pulling in upwards of $180,000. A newbie could start off with around $70,000, and those in artificial intelligence or cybersecurity command even heftier paychecks.

Tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Meta have compensation packages that are more than generous. You get stock options, bonuses, and retirement plans that promise a cozy future. Microsoft can reward your stellar performance with stock awards and dish out a 401(k) plan that matches half of your contributions, up to $9,750 yearly (subject to the IRS limits).

Meta's job perks can help you plan the future. The company offers Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) — employees` interest in their employer's equity — which you get to keep after four years. Plus, the company boosts your 401(k) savings big time by matching 50% of what you put in, up to 7% of your salary. That means if you save 7%, Meta adds another 3.5%, making your retirement fund grow even faster.

Nurse practitioners really step up to the plate in healthcare, covering all the bases from cardiology to dermatology. They're often the first face you see, handling everything from the common cold to complex conditions. Whether they're serving out critical mental health care or rounding the bases in hospitals and clinics, they do so much work to keep us healthy. And it is only fair they get to retire early.

As compensation for their worth, nurse practitioners as of 2023, earned a median annual salary of $121,610, though top earners in specialized fields or high-demand locations can exceed $150,000 per year. The hourly wages of nurse practitioners average around $41.99, making overtime or additional shifts an excellent opportunity for increasing income.

Combined with robust benefits, including retirement plans and student loan forgiveness programs, their financial footing enables nurse practitioners to save aggressively. If a nurse engages in an early investment of saving $2,000 monthly, they could amass over $1 million in 20 years (assuming the savings option offers a 7% annual return). There are also the flexible career options that allow many to shift to telehealth or part-time roles as they near retirement.

When you think of general and operations managers, think of the people who oversee every moving part in a company, from strategy to team performance. Their role is much more than management; they're the backbone of organizational success and that level of responsibility doesn't just come with prestige — it's also one of the most lucrative career paths out there.

The median annual salary for general and operations Managers in the U.S. is around $98,100 (as of 2023), with top earners making well over $208,000 per year. Given the industry variations, those in technology & finance can earn between $120,000-$200,000+, with those in healthcare and manufacturing doing $90,000-$150,000 in numbers. The retail and hospitality sector offers its managers a salary scale of $70,000–$130,000. Many receive profit-sharing, stock options, and performance-based bonuses, significantly boosting total earnings.

The demand for operations managers has remained strong, especially as companies become more complex and need seasoned professionals to maintain smooth operations. Given the job demand, the industry for operation managers is expected to grow 4.2% from 2022 to 2032, adding over 200,000 new jobs in the U.S. No matter the market, businesses will need managers to keep them competitive. Some transition into consulting or entrepreneurship, using their expertise to build their own companies. As they gain more experience and advance in their careers, they often find themselves positioned for financial security that allows them to plan for an earlier retirement.

Registered nursing is one of the most in-demand professions in healthcare. With an aging population and increasing healthcare needs, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the employment of RNs will grow by 6% from 2022 to 2032, adding approximately 194,500 new job openings annually. This demand ensures job stability and consistent income, critical factors in long-term financial planning.

Registered nurses earn a median annual salary of $77,600, with the top 10% earning over $120,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In addition to their base salary, RNs often benefit from overtime opportunities, shift differentials, and bonuses, especially in specialized fields like critical care, oncology, and surgical nursing. For instance, working extra shifts can add $10,000 to $20,000 annually to an RN's income, enhancing their earning potential.

Registered nurses (RNs) have a clear shot at financial independence thanks to their steady income. An RN pocketing $80,000 a year who tucks away 20% of their paycheck and invests it wisely with a 6% annual return can watch their savings balloon to over $1.5 million in 30 years. Couple this with an employer-matching 401k and it's easier to choose when you retire.

Climbing the ladder in the legal professions pays. As lawyers gain experience and specialize in hot areas like intellectual property or mergers and acquisitions, it's not unusual for them to pull in over $200,000 a year. Working in a private law firm can be lucrative, especially when handling big-ticket cases like personal injury lawsuits or class actions. On average, lawyers in the United States earn about $145,760 annually, and the top 10%, $208,000, via the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

If you run your own practice, you can ease off the gas and take it slow as you near retirement, calling your own shots. Meanwhile, those who like a bit more routine can switch gears and settle into a steady gig as legal advisors for companies, keeping their days structured and their expertise sharp.

Lawyers can shape their careers to chase both their financial and personal dreams. Let's say you pocket $150,000 a year and save 25% of it. If you invest that savings and on a 6% annual return, you could grow $2 million in just 25 years. And don't forget the cherry on top: retirement benefits like 401(k) plans with employer matches that thicken their financial safety net. It's a solid strategy for a cushy retirement.