16 part-time jobs for retirees

In later life, individuals can face additional costs that increase as they get older, coupled with longer life expectancies. This means that savings need to be robust and last for what could be a long retirement. Social Security payments might not be enough to cover these higher costs, forcing many to re-enter the workforce.

But it’s not always out of financial necessity. Some people simply enjoy working and the social connections it brings. Having a job gives structure to the day, encouraging retirees to continue contributing their skills and keep active, both physically and mentally.

The growing number of people working after retirement can be seen in figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.¹ In 2024, 19.5% of Americans aged 65 and older were working or looking for work. That’s nearly double the 10.8% for this demographic in 1985.

With around 40% of employed seniors now working part-time, it’s clear that many are looking to continue working in a reduced way. Below, we explore some part-time jobs options for retirees.

Whether you want to continue using your existing skills in a reduced capacity or try something you’ve always been interested in, the following five job categories offer some inspiration.

We all experience stress in different ways, but there are some positions that may be less demanding than others.

Bookstore work can be a relatively relaxed way to stay busy, and may be one of the best part-time jobs for retirees who enjoy reading. It is worth targeting the smaller, independent stores, which may have a slower pace. You could be on the cash desk serving customers or putting books out on shelves.

Libraries offer a quiet and calm environment for retirees to work in. Your job could involve checking in books and other library media and assisting visitors. You could even get involved in activities for children. Check your local public library website and navigate to the careers section to find a role to suit you.

A receptionist role where you greet visitors and answer the phone can suit those who want to work with people but without a high-pressure workload. It’s important to choose a location that isn’t going to run you off your feet. Suitable part-time jobs for seniors may be found at local health clinics, senior centers, or community recreation centers.

If you’d rather use your skills in some way, there are several options.

Do you have a background in a subject like math or science? While public K–12 schools typically require a teaching degree, many private tutoring platforms simply ask for individuals with strong academic knowledge and a passion for helping others learn. There are several online marketplaces that can help connect tutors with students.

If you’ve worked in a single field for most of your working life, consulting offers a way of applying the expertise you’ve likely built up. For hourly work, you can find online platforms that allow you to advertise your services. Alternatively, if you want to lend your skills for a limited time only, you might find companies hiring experienced professionals for short-term projects.

If you have a way with words, you could try writing on a freelance basis. Nowadays, you might find there is demand for writers who can share a unique, human-oriented perspective. To find writing work, you could check job platforms or contact small businesses in your area to see if they need any extra help with their content.

Whether you spend your spare time making pottery, jewelry, or cakes and cookies, there could be a market for your talents. It doesn’t necessarily have to become a full-time hustle, but earning some extra cash from doing what you enjoy can be highly rewarding. You can sell handmade art and crafts to customers throughout the U.S. and overseas using different online marketplaces. For a smaller-scale approach, you might try showcasing your creations at local craft fairs or community events.

If you’re a people person and enjoy the interactions that come with working with the general public, here are three options.

If you are an art or history buff, you might look into becoming a tour guide to share your passion. Many cultural attractions look for part-time staff to show visitors through museums or local landmarks. While training isn’t usually necessary, there is the option of becoming a licensed tour guide. Depending on the location, you may earn wages as high as $100 for group tours.

Many retail stores offer flexible hours suitable for retirees. Your tasks may include welcoming customers or providing assistance. No specific requirements are typically needed; just a helpful and friendly attitude and the energy to be on your feet for what could be a few hours at a time. You might even try it out on a seasonal basis, covering the holiday period, to see if it suits you.

As a part-time coordinator for a non-profit organization, you could be involved with managing the volunteer schedule and keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes. This would be a suitable part-time job for a retiree who wants to give back in some way and isn’t necessarily in it for monetary gain. However, the organization may offer a small stipend for the right person.

In retirement, you may find you’re busy with activities you didn’t have time for while in work. With a gig job, you can pick up a few tasks when you have the time, fitting around you and your chosen retirement lifestyle.

More and more businesses are running services remotely, opening up opportunities for tech-savvy retirees to help out with administrative tasks such as managing appointments and conducting research online. All you typically need is a good internet connection. Job openings can typically be found on recruitment platforms.

These days, many companies are willing to hire remote workers to answer questions from customers by phone, online chat, or email. This kind of role can make an ideal flexible part-time job for retirees who want to work from home and have the technical setup to manage the tasks. Customer support may involve shift work, but you might be able to choose your shifts.

If you’re passionate about working with animals, pet sitting or dog walking can be a fun and active way to make a little money on the side. You can also offer services like drop-in visits or even boarding pets in your own home.

Retirees who want some income but are not ready to commit to a year-round part-time job might opt for a seasonal opportunity. The job comes to an end once the season or specified period ends.

Whether you’ve worked in finance before or you’re willing to take some extra training, working as a temporary tax preparer can be an ideal part-time job for retirees. The tax season typically runs from January through April, and you’d be responsible for assisting clients with filing returns. 

For an even shorter time commitment, you might want to simply dip your toes in the world of work by working the polls during elections. You earn some money and usually only need to sacrifice a day or two of your time. You could be at the front desk checking in voters or handing out ballots. Training is often provided beforehand. 

If you don’t mind being outside from time to time, a part-time job at a garden center could be a good fit. Tasks are varied, from watering the plants to serving customers. The work is typically seasonal, since most people start preparing their planting and landscaping in spring and early summer. This could be an ideal option for those who follow an active lifestyle.

You could start by asking yourself: How much do I need to save for retirement, and how will a part-time job fit around my lifestyle? Having seen the list above, you might be inspired to try something new. Here are some ideas for where to find your dream retirement job:

• Job board websites. There are a range of job search engines in the U.S. You can enter keywords based on your skills or add a filter to see part-time jobs only. You may also be able to find job boards that are specifically aimed at those aged 50 or over.

• Your local community. Libraries and community centers often advertise job openings or volunteer roles suitable for seniors.

• Your network. Many jobs come through recommendations. Let your friends, family, and former coworkers know you’re looking for a part-time role.

• Temporary staffing agencies. They may be able to find you part-time or temporary work based on your background and what you want to do.

With some extra money coming in, you might start thinking about how to make the most of it.

1. Consider how working could affect your Social Security

At full retirement age, you can earn however much you want with no impact on Social Security. But if you started taking benefits before then, a yearly earnings limit applies. In 2025, the limit is $23,400.² If you earn more than that, Social Security will reduce your benefits slightly until you reach full retirement age.

2. Think about where you're putting the money

Even if it’s a few hundred dollars a month, it can go a long way when placed in the right account. When choosing, think about your goals. If you don’t already have an emergency fund, for example, you might put the income in a no-penalty certificate of deposit (CD) account or an easily accessible high-yield savings account to earn interest on your money.

Have a plan for your spending.

This is an important step for anyone’s personal finances. With a purpose-driven budget (for example, zero-based budgeting), you decide in advance how each dollar will be spent. By having a clear structure for your income and spending, the idea is you will be less tempted by impulse buys.

Working part-time in retirement can bring several benefits. Not only are you earning cash, you’re also adding a sense of purpose to your golden years. As a senior, it’s important to find a role that matches your energy and ultimate goals for retirement. Perhaps equally important is to make sure your extra income is used in a way that strengthens your financial safety net. 

Explore what you could be earning on your savings and start boosting your returns today!

The above article is intended to provide generalized financial information designed to educate a broad segment of the public; it does not give personalized tax, investment, legal, or other business and professional advice. Before taking any action, you should always seek the assistance of a professional who knows your particular situation for advice on taxes, your investments, the law, or any other business and professional matters that affect you and/or your business.

Sources

1. https://www.bls.gov/opub/btn/volume-14/golden-years-older-americans-at-work-and-play.htm
2. https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/whileworking.html