16 part-time jobs for retirees

The number of Americans working after retirement has been growing steadily. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 19.5% of Americans aged 65 and older were working or looking for work in 2024, nearly double the 10.8% rate in 1985.

For some, it's financial. Longer life expectancies and rising costs mean retirement savings need to stretch further than they used to, and Social Security payments may not cover the gap. For others, the motivation has less to do with money and more to do with purpose, as they benefit  from the social connections, daily structure, and sense of contribution that work provides.

With so many seniors working part-time, the demand for flexible, senior-friendly roles is growing. Here are 16 worth considering.

Looking for a quick overview of different popular jobs for retirees? Here’s what you need: 

Whether you're looking for something low-key, something that uses your professional skills, or something seasonal, here's a closer look at each role.

Low-stress roles for extra income

1. Bookstore clerk. Bookstore work can be a relaxed way to stay busy, particularly at smaller, independent stores with a slower pace. Tasks typically include serving customers, shelving books, and helping with inventory.

2. Library assistant. Libraries offer a quiet environment and predictable hours. You might check in books, assist visitors, or help coordinate activities. Check your local public library's website for openings.

3. Front desk receptionist. Greeting visitors and answering phones at a small clinic, community center, or senior center can suit retirees who enjoy working with people but prefer a manageable workload. The key is choosing a location with a steady rather than hectic pace.

Skills-based roles

4. Tutor. If you have a strong background in a subject like math, science, or writing, tutoring can be a rewarding way to share what you know. Private tutoring platforms typically don't require a teaching degree, just subject knowledge and a willingness to help others learn. Many positions are fully remote.

5. Consultant. Decades of experience in a single field can translate into consulting work. You can find hourly opportunities through online platforms or connect with companies hiring experienced professionals for short-term projects. This can be one of the higher-paying part-time options for retirees.

6. Writer or editor. Freelance writing and editing offer high flexibility and can be done from anywhere. There's growing demand for writers who bring a human-oriented perspective and real-world experience. Job platforms, content agencies, and local businesses are all potential sources of work.

7. Craft seller. Whether you make pottery, jewelry, baked goods, or woodwork, there can be a market for handmade items. Online marketplaces make it easy to reach customers, and local craft fairs offer a lower-commitment way to test the waters.

People-facing roles

8. Museum or tour guide. If you enjoy history, art, or your local community, guiding visitors through museums or landmarks can be fulfilling. Many cultural organizations hire part-time guides and provide training. Some experienced guides earn $50 to $100 per group tour.

9. Retail greeter or associate. Many retail stores offer flexible hours suited to retirees. The work typically involves welcoming customers, assisting with questions, and light stocking. You might try it on a seasonal basis first to see if it's a good fit.

10. Non-profit volunteer coordinator. If giving back is a priority, coordinating volunteers for a non-profit lets you contribute meaningfully while staying organized and connected. Some organizations offer a small stipend for this role, even if it's not a traditional paid position.

Flexible remote or gig jobs

11. Virtual assistant. Businesses increasingly hire remote help for administrative tasks like managing appointments, handling email, and conducting online research. All you typically need is a computer, a reliable internet connection, and basic organizational skills.

12. Remote customer support representative. Many companies hire remote workers to handle customer inquiries by phone, chat, or email. Shift work is common, but you may be able to choose your shifts. This role suits retirees who are comfortable with technology and want to work from home.

13. Pet sitter or dog walker. For animal lovers, pet sitting and dog walking can be an active, enjoyable way to earn extra income. You can set your own schedule and take on as many or as few clients as you'd like.

Seasonal or temporary opportunities

14. Seasonal tax preparer. If you have a finance background or are willing to take a training course, seasonal tax preparation runs from roughly January through April and offers steady work during a defined period.

15. Election poll worker. For a very short-term commitment, working the polls during elections typically requires only a day or two. You might check in voters, hand out ballots, or assist with accessibility. Training is usually provided.

16. Garden center assistant. If you enjoy being outdoors, garden center work during the spring and summer planting season can be a good seasonal fit. Tasks range from watering plants to helping customers choose what to grow.

Finding the right role starts with knowing what you're looking for. A few places to start:

• Job boards. General job platforms let you filter for part-time roles. Several sites are specifically designed for job seekers aged 50 and older.

• Your local community. Libraries, community centers, and senior centers often advertise part-time openings or volunteer roles.

• Your network. Many part-time jobs come through word of mouth. Let friends, family, and former colleagues know you're open to opportunities.

• Staffing agencies. Temporary staffing agencies can match you with part-time or seasonal roles based on your experience and preferences.

Extra income in retirement is valuable, but it comes with a few financial considerations worth planning for.

Social Security earnings limits

If you've reached full retirement age (67 for anyone born in 1960 or later), you can earn as much as you want with no impact on your Social Security benefits. But if you claimed benefits early and are still under full retirement age, a yearly earnings limit applies.

For 2026, the limits are:

Any benefits withheld due to the earnings test aren't permanently lost. Once you reach full retirement age, the SSA recalculates your monthly benefit to account for the months that were reduced.

Tax implications

Part-time income is taxable. Depending on how much you earn, it could push you into a higher federal tax bracket or increase the portion of your Social Security benefits subject to federal income tax.

You’ll need to pay taxes on up to 85% of your Social Security benefits if you file a:

• Federal tax return as an "individual" and your "combined income" exceeds $25,000.

• Joint return, and you and your spouse have "combined income" of more than $32,000.

Medicare premium surcharges (IRMAA)

Higher income in retirement can also increase your Medicare Part B and Part D premiums through the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA). This surcharge kicks in when your modified adjusted gross income exceeds certain thresholds (approximately $109,000 for single filers or $218,000 for joint filers in 2026). 

Most part-time retirees won't hit these thresholds, but those combining part-time income with pension payments, retirement account withdrawals, and investment income may want to check.

Where to put the extra income

Even a few hundred dollars a month can go a long way when directed toward a specific goal.

• If you don't already have an emergency fund, a high-yield savings account can help you build one while keeping the money accessible and earning a competitive rate.

• If your savings are solid and you have a defined timeline in mind, a CD can lock in a fixed rate on money you won't need until a specific date.

• If your retirement accounts have room, additional contributions (especially to a Roth IRA, if you qualify) can grow tax-free and won't be subject to required minimum distributions.

"Part-time income in retirement has a compounding effect that goes beyond the paycheck," Wood said. "If you're earning $800 a month from a part-time job and putting $500 of that into a high-yield savings account, you've built over $6,000 in additional savings in a year — plus the interest it earns. That's not life-changing money on its own, but over five or ten years of retirement, it can meaningfully extend how long your savings last."

Part-time work in retirement can bring in extra income, add structure to your day, and keep you connected to the people and skills that matter to you. The key is finding a role that matches your energy, your interests, and your goals — and making sure the extra income is working for you financially.

With Raisin, you can put your part-time earnings to work in high-yield savings accounts, CDs, and money market accounts across multiple federally insured banks and credit unions, all from a single account.

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