Brits often work until the age of 65 to ensure a comfortable retirement, but depending on your job, you could retire as early as 50.
Those who want to enjoy the benefits of labor early should consider specific careers. Here are the top jobs to pursue if you want to retire early.
police officer
With a base salary of around £32,000 a year, working as a police officer is incredibly rewarding.
Working in the public sector also means you have access to more generous pension plans, which could mean you can retire as early as 50.
According to the Office for National Statistics, over 19% of police officers retire by the age of 54, making them by far the top of the list of professions surveyed.
fire department staff
Firefighters at the level of shift manager and below rank second in the percentage of people retiring by the age of 54, with 12% taking their pension early.
The average salary for a firefighter is £30,000 a year, but it can reach up to £40,000.
Like police officers, working in the public sector means a much more generous pension scheme than in other professions.
noncommissioned officer
Non-commissioned officers, military personnel who have not earned a rank or commission, also retire earlier than other professions.
The average salary for a non-commissioned officer ranges from £35,000 to £42,000 per year.
Approximately 10% of these executives will retire by age 54, 27% will retire by age 59, and 47% will receive a pension by age 64.
Senior staff (fire department, ambulance, prison)
Those with the rank of senior officer in the fire brigade, emergency services, and prisons can receive large pensions.
Approximately 9% of people in this career will retire by age 54, 31 by age 59, and 68% by age 64.
With an annual income of £44,000 and generous pension plans, it’s no wonder so many people are able to enjoy their golden years early.
military officer
Those at the top of the military also rank among the top jobs that allow for early retirement.
The most senior executives can earn a whopping £124,000 a year, but average salaries start at around £29,000.
However, 5% of armed officers receive their pension early and almost all retire by age 64.
Exam proctor
Experienced exam proctors can earn up to £26,000 a year and have access to a generous pension scheme.
According to the Office for National Statistics, 5% will retire by the age of 54 and 22% by the age of 59.
It may not be the highest paying profession, but the pension seems to make it worth it.
professional secretary
A professional company secretary can earn between £56,000 and £130,000, depending on seniority level.
Whether in the civil service or in the private sector, secretaries seem to be able to retire relatively quickly.
About 5% will receive a pension by age 54, 6% will receive a pension by age 59, and 30% will retire by age 64.
broker
Brokers are known for earning high salaries, with average earnings ranging from £40,000 to £57,000.
In competitive jobs, 4% will retire by age 54, 15% by age 59, and a whopping 35% by age 64.
Generous pension plans seem to attract many people who want to reach their golden years quickly.
pilots and air traffic controllers
Flying a plane and helping to tune it can earn you more than £85,000 a year.
Generous retirement plans are also available, allowing many airport workers to retire early from stressful jobs.
mine and quarry workers
Last but not least, 4% of mining and quarry workers often leave their jobs and receive a pension by the age of 54.
About 20% then retire by age 59, and 39% fully retire by age 64.
The work is tough, but if you have experience, you can earn up to 3 million yen per year.
