Many of America's oldest workers are earning less than $20 an hour. Some take pay cuts just to get by.

"Scidone retired from a higher-paying career in carpentry over two decades ago. He now works about 20 hours a week at OnCue, earning $14.90 cooking pizzas, quesadillas, and tacos, because he and his wife need the money. They receive $104,000 annually from Social Security and his pension, but their monthly expenses add up: $2,500 for two cars, nearly $2,700 in mortgage payments, $1,400 in church tithes, and utilities. His savings account holds under $100."

"For many of the US's oldest workers, job opportunities are sparse. It's common for those in their 80s to land low-paying roles as grocery cashiers, front-desk assistants, or retail salespeople, according to a Business Insider analysis of Census Bureau data. The median income for this demographic is about $57,000 annually, slightly higher than earnings for all workers at about $45,000."

A 90-year-old works about 20 hours weekly at a convenience store earning $14.90 an hour to supplement retirement income. He and his wife receive $104,000 annually from Social Security and a pension, yet face monthly obligations including $2,500 for two cars, nearly $2,700 in mortgage payments, $1,400 in church tithes, and utilities, with under $100 in savings. Many workers in their 80s take low-paying roles such as cashiers, front-desk assistants, or retail salespeople. Census Bureau data show a median income near $57,000 for this group; many earn under $20 per hour. The federal minimum wage remains $7.25, unchanged since 2009, while inflation has risen over 50%.

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