Maine has the largest essential workforce who over age 50 in the country, on a per capita basis — and the workers also are among the lowest paid, according to a study of essential workers throughout the U.S.
The study, conducted by Concord, Calif., medical alert system company Bay Alarm Medical, used monthly U.S. labor force and current population survey data to determine where and what occupations have the largest populations of essential workers aged 50-plus. Maine stood out in two areas.
• Maine has the highest percentage of essential workers aged 50 and older in the country, 41.9%.
• On average, Maine’s essential workers over 50 are the second-lowest paid in the country, at $47,600 annually.
The U.S. government defines essential workers as having critical infrastructure roles in sectors like transportation, energy, health care and retail.
Nationwide, 34% of essential workers are age 50 or older, and 7% may not be covered by health insurance.