Background Ageing labour force is a growing challenge in China. Understanding the labour market characteristics and health status of middle-aged and older workers is crucial for the sustainable development of an ageing society.

Methods This study aimed to assess the association between employment status and all-cause mortality of Chinese middle-aged and older workers using data from China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (2011–2018). Cox proportional-hazards models were estimated. Proportional hazards assumption was tested using Schoenfeld residuals (p of global test=0.24). 14,567 men and women aged 45 years or over are included in the analytical sample. 1,585 deaths occurred during 7 years of follow up. Totally 105,949 person-years were observed. Multiple imputation was performed for missing data in covariates.

Results When controlling for sociodemographic factors (age, sex, education, household wealth, marital status, type of residence, and region) and health behavioural factors (smoking status and alcohol drinking), compared with non-agricultural employed individuals, individuals doing non-agricultural unpaid family business have 1.64 times the hazard of death (95% CI,0.79–3.41 ,p=0.18), individuals who are non-agricultural retired have 1.97 times the hazard of death (95% CI,1.30–3.00,p=0.002), and individuals who are agricultural retired have 2.87 times the hazard of death (95% CI, 1.90–4.32, p<0.001). There is not enough evidence for differences in mortality rate between non-agricultural employed with non-agricultural self-employed workers and agricultural workers.

Conclusions Non-agricultural unpaid family business workers and retired workers are at higher risk of death compared with non-agricultural employed individuals.