The 30 best part-time jobs for retirees in 2024
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In the 21st century, the landscape of work and retirement is shifting. We’re living longer and wanting to make more of our retirement years.
Longer lifespans carry increased costs, and your pension pot may not be enough to meet them. As a result, you may consider the benefits of continuing to work in your senior years.
Despite the economic disruptions of COVID, there are plenty of part-time jobs available for seniors—from flexible side hustles to work-from-home opportunities. These jobs let you dial back your work hours while continuing to top up your bank balance.
What we’ll be covering
While writing this article, we’ve researched a wide range of part-time jobs for seniors. Some will get you out into the workplace, others you can comfortably do at home.
This article will help you find the 30 best jobs for seniors and provide some excellent links and resources to help you dig deeper.
In calculating median pay and evaluating relevant job skills, we’ve drawn on information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Handbook, ZipRecruiter, and Indeed.com.
Now that we’ve got the introductions out of the way. Let’s get to work! :)
Top 30 best part-time jobs for retirees
1. Dog Walker & Sitter
Median Pay
$13.81 per hour.
Job Outlook -2020-30
33% (Much faster than average)
Skills Required:
With so many households adding a dog during the pandemic, opportunities for dog walkers are plentiful. If you’re a physically fit senior with a genuine love of dogs, this gig could be your ideal ’walk-in-the-park!’
You’ll understand dog behavior and pet first-aid, be flexible, patient, compassionate, and willing to work outdoors in all weathers.
Duties
You’ll be walking and watching dogs around your neighborhood—performing house visiting duties and (possibly) offering grooming, daycare, boarding, or house-sitting services.
Where to start?
Self-employed or via a verified agency.
More info.
2. Gig Worker
Potential Earnings
$36,853 per annum
Job Outlook -2020-30
Not enough information.
Skills Required
On-demand apps are creating new niches for casual workers. If you’re a motivated self-starter, you can find work in the gig economy.
Work is available for delivery drivers, task helpers, grocery shoppers, writers, designers, handypersons, etc. You complete the task and pocket the profit.
You’ll need a phone and an account with one of the many apps available.
Duties
Duties will vary according to the task and gig niche.
Where to start?
Sign up with apps like:
Check out a current list here.
3. Customer Support Representative (Remote)
Median Pay
$14-20 per hour
Job Outlook -2020-30
-1% (Little to no change)
Skills needed?
If you’re an active listener with technology and notetaking skills, you may enjoy a customer support role. You’ll be quick-thinking, friendly, and able to resolve conflicts.
Duties
You’ll focus on helping customers solve product problems, using the customer support system, creating support tickets, and improving the customer experience.
You’ll create long-term value and (where appropriate) funnel customers back to sales.
Where to start?
Job and freelance boards, company websites, social media, and local advertising.
More info.
4. Virtual Personal Assistant (VPA)
Median Pay
$19.08 per hour
Job Outlook -2020-30
-7% (Decline)
Skills needed?
If you’re a retired admin assistant, secretary, or PA who’s proactive, efficient and possesses high-level management skills, why not continue to make money with a less hectic schedule?
You’re already comfortable with business software, and you understand the need for VPAs to shift priorities on the fly—so you come highly recommended!
Duties
You’ll schedule appointments, book travel, manage email, phone calls, social media, and more.
Where to start?
Dedicated VPA agencies and job boards like Upwork or Fiverr.
More info.
5. Handyperson
Median Pay
$20.76 per hour.
Job Outlook - 2020-30
8% (As fast as average)
Skills needed?
With a high degree of physical fitness & stamina, you’ll be skilled in various trades. You’ll also handle tasks such as interior and exterior maintenance and repair.
Qualifications or competency in a range of home-improvement skills is required. You’ll need transport and an extensive toolkit.
Duties
You’ll maintain, repair, install, and remove items in various properties, ranging across multiple trades.
Where to start?
Your local community, friends, contacts, and local advertising.
More info
6. Delivery Driver
Median Pay
$17.62 per hour
Job Outlook - 2020-30
12% (Faster than average)
Skills needed?
If you’re an excellent driver with a clean driving license and good physical fitness, this job could be right up your street! You must excel at time management and planning mapping out a route.
Duties
You’ll be delivering and collecting packages, communicating with dispatchers, tracking deliveries, obtaining signatures, meeting deadlines, and loading and unloading cargo.
Where to start?
Delivery drivers are in high demand post-COVID. Check online job sites to find opportunities.
More info
7. Umpire/Referee
Median Pay
$35,860 per year
Job Outlook
29% (Much faster than average)
Skills needed?
If you’re in excellent physical shape with a background in sports, working as a coach or an umpire could be a great decision. You’ll stay calm under pressure, make quick decisions, and show competence and confidence.
You’ll have stamina, good eyesight, and the ability to work well with others. You’ll be comfortable working evenings and weekends.
Duties
You’ll officiate games and ensure the sport is played within the rules. You’ll inspect the equipment, uniforms, or facilities and ensure compliance with standards.
Where to start?
Schools, colleges, and universities. Other opportunities exist in gyms, sports clubs, and health facilities.
More info
8. Content Writer
Median Pay
$33.42 per hour
Job Outlook
9% (As fast as average)
Skills needed?
Creative and adaptable, with exceptional writing skills, you’ll employ a mixture of marketing, networking, and technical savvy alongside HTML, CSS, keyword search, and photo editing to create a compelling offering.
Opportunities come by offering your writing services to clients and developing your blog.
Duties
Researching, writing, and editing blog post content. Promoting and marketing your business to maximize its effectiveness.
Where to start?
Create a compelling portfolio and pitch your services to clients. Job boards such as Upwork and Fivver provide opportunities.
More info
9. Antiques Reseller
Median Pay
Variable
Job Outlook
Not enough information.
Skills needed?
If you have extensive knowledge of antiques and collectibles, you can uncover the rich rewards of reselling antiques!
You’ll need haggling and restoration skills and somewhere to store your stock. With proper knowledge and experience, you’ll soon restore your worse-for-wear bank account to its former glory!
Duties
You’ll hunt for bargains on and offline and build your contacts. Once you find a gem, you’ll ensure it’s renewed to fetch the highest value.
Where to start?
Your profit-hunting grounds will be flea markets, estate sales, auctions, and second-hand shops.
More Info.
10. Baker
Median Pay
$14.31 per hour
Job Outlook
10% (As fast as average)
Skills needed?
If you have a knack for perfect pastries or the skills to bake delicious goods, this job could be a treat!
As well as baking, decorating, and presentation skills, you’ll have the ability to follow recipes, measure ingredients, and maintain a high level of hygiene.
Duties
Baking bread, pastries, cakes, biscuits, and other goods. Decorating and preparing items for sale as needed,
Where to start?
Enquire at bakeries, cafes, restaurants, hotels, and other food outlets.
More info
11. Proofreader/Editor
Median Pay
$30.46 per hour
Job Outlook
5% (Slower than average)
Skills needed?
With impeccable grammar skills and the ability to write concisely, you’ll possess a keen eye for detail. The ability to revise, proofread, and format text is vital.
Duties
You’ll write and rewrite for online/offline publications. Your emphasis will be on improving the performance of content writers and ensuring house style is followed.
Where to start?
Specialized job boards, social media, writer’s forums, and freelance job sites.
More info
12. Entrepreneur
Median Pay
Unlimited
Job Outlook
NA
Skills needed?
Creativity, innovation, and the ability to spot opportunities are ground-level requirements. You’ll need enthusiasm and lots of determination to see your venture succeed.
Duties
You’ll manage the product, marketing, finances, inventory, and customer service. As the head cook and bottle washer, you’ll be manning ALL the stations!
Where to start?
Start with a good idea, market research, and a business plan.
More info
13. Retail Sales Worker
Median Pay
$14.03 per hour
Job Outlook
Job-1% (Little or no change)
Skills needed?
You’ll provide excellent customer service, handle cash and card transactions, and maintain a high level of hygiene. You’ll also be physically fit as the role may involve some lifting.
Persuasion and negotiating are highly desirable. Resilience and a high degree of patience are vital, as is the ability to learn on your feet.
Duties
You’ll assist customers with purchases, restocking shelves, and maintaining a clean and tidy work environment.
Where to find it?
Supermarkets, independent retailers, job boards, and local retail outlets.
More info
14. Bookkeeper
Median Pay
$21.90 per hour
Jobs Outlook
-3% (Decline)
Skills needed?
If you understand accounting, can maintain accurate records, reconcile accounts, and prepare reports, your winning numbers have come up!
You’ll need excellent mathematical skills, be highly detail-oriented, and experience with popular accounting software.
Duties
You’ll maintain accurate financial records, prepare financial statements and liaise with accountants.
Where to find it?
Job boards, online listings, and popular freelance sites.
More info
15. Home-Based Market Researcher
Median Pay
$12-15 per hour
Jobs Outlook
4% (Slower than average)
Skills needed?
You’ll possess an excellent telephone manner allied with accurate computer skills, persistence, and a degree of determination.
Comfortable with lone working, you’ll enjoy talking to various people and seeking their opinions.
Duties
You’ll conduct computer-based surveys, asking people their opinions on various topics and recording their answers. You’ll clarify unclear responses and record reactions.
Where to find it?
Contact market research companies and check job boards.
More info
16. Online Course Creator
Median Pay
$21.11 per hour
Job Outlook
4% (Slower than average)
Skills needed?
If you have a clearly defined skill, bags of patience, and a likable personality you may be able to teach others. You’ll be an excellent communicator, and your technology skills will be top-notch.
Planning and evaluating lessons while encouraging participation will be a key measure of success.
Duties
Teaching students via online platforms. Planning and preparing lessons, setting assignments, and providing feedback.
Where to start?
Start with a good online guide and some tutorials
More info
17. Crafter/Artist
Median Pay
$24.02 per hour
Job Outlook
14% (Faster than average)
Skills needed?
If you can paint, draw, sculpt, or handcraft, retirement may be your ‘old master’ moment. You’ll specialize in your art/or craft and possess the required business and interpersonal skills to be able to sell any work you create.
Duties
You’ll use various techniques to create original art. Selecting materials, shaping, joining, or cutting them, and selling the work at auctions, shops, craft fairs, galleries, and online.
Where to start?
Start with research. This guide may help.
More info
18. Administration Assistant
Median Pay
$19.08 per hour
Job Outlook - 2020-30
-7% (Decline)
Skills needed?
If you can work fluently with office software, this role may be a good fit. You’ll need excellent communication abilities, an eye for detail and accuracy, and the confidence to make decisions on your employer’s behalf.
Duties
You’ll provide administrative support, schedule appointments, manage emails and reports, and answer the phone and email queries.
Where to find it?
Job and freelance boards, social media, and local advertising.
More info
19. Home Care Assistant
Median Pay
$14.15 per hour
Job Outlook - 2020-30
33% (Much faster than average)
Skills needed?
With high levels of empathy and compassion and an understanding of senior health issues, you’ll be physically fit and a good listener. You’ll have strong interpersonal skills and a desire to help elderly people.
Duties
You’ll provide care and assistance to elderly people in their homes. This can include cooking, cleaning, transportation, and basic medical care.
Where to find it?
Job and freelance boards, social media, and local advertising.
More info
20. Nursery Daycare Worker
Median Pay
$13.22 per hour
Job Outlook - 2020-30
8% (As fast as average)
Skills needed?
If you have experience working with children, a good understanding of child development, and can meet minimum requirements, nursery work might be a good choice.
You’ll have great communication skills, work well in a team, and possess plenty of patience.
Duties
You’ll supervise and monitor the safety of children, ensuring mealtimes and snacks are organized. You’ll help them learn and play with stimulating activities, keep records, and bring any problems to the notice of parents.
Where to find it?
Enquire at local daycares and check relevant local advertising.
More info
21. Seamstress/Tailor
Median Pay
$16.14 per hour
Job Outlook - 2020-30
NA (Statistics unavailable)
Skills needed?
If you’re a retiree with the gift of sewing, you have a high-demand talent. With a sound knowledge of fabrics and garments and excellent customer service, you’ll be stitching your way to a tidy retirement income in no time.
Duties
Responsible for the creation and alteration of garments. You’ll sew, cut, and fit clothing. You may also be responsible for mending ripped or damaged clothing.
Where to start?
With the right equipment, a business plan, and adverts in your local community.
More info
22. Bartender
Median Pay
$12.67 per hour
Job Outlook - 2020-30
32% (Much faster than average)
Skills Needed?
If you can mix a drink and mix with people, a retirement career as a bartender might just be your happy hour.
Your empathy, time-management situational awareness, and communication skills will be legendary. You’ll have a great memory to help recall the names and faces you meet along the way.
Duties
You'll prepare alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages and interact with customers. You'll make payments, maintain cleanliness, restock bar supplies and check IDs.
Where to start?
Speak to the bar owners in your community and check local listings.
More info
23. Gardener/Grounds Maintenance
Median Pay
$15.00-20 per hour
Job Outlook - 2020-30
NA (not enough data)
Skills needed?
If you can create a blossoming garden and identify different types of plants, gardening might be a flourishing retirement career. You'll mow, prune, water, trim, and have strong manual skills.
You’ll need to be able to lift 40-50 lbs, squat, bend and kneel for long periods, and be comfortable in all weathers. You’ll also show incredible attention to every living detail.
Duties
Maintain established gardens and help create new ones.
Where to start?
If it’s your own business, make local inquiries. Otherwise, check job listings and online job sites.
24. Housekeeper
Median Pay
$14.00 per hour
Job Outlook - 2020-30
NA (not enough data)
Skills needed?
A housekeeping gig can help you clean up financially if you can make a home sparkle.
You'll be sweeping, mopping, dusting, doing laundry, and other various tasks. You're organized, efficient, and personable, with great stamina and attention to detail.
Duties
You're responsible for cleaning and maintaining the cleanliness of a home. You may also be responsible for cooking, laundry, and running errands.
Where to start?
Check the online classifieds for private clients. Many large hotels and care home facilities will also employ housekeepers.
25. Photographer
Median Pay
$18.73 per hour
Job Outlook - 2020-30
17% (Much faster than average)
Skills Needed?
If you understand cameras and photographic equipment and have an eye for detail, composition, and lighting, why not develop a photography gig in your senior years?
You'll use technology to edit and enhance your photos, mixing artistic, technical, and interpersonal skills. You'll communicate effectively and deliver the results your clients are hoping for.
Duties
A photographer's duties vary based on the job. Everyday tasks include taking pictures of people, events, and objects, editing photos, and researching topics. In some cases, you may be responsible for setting up photo shoots.
Where to start?
Start with some simple Google searches and progress from there. Build a portfolio and develop your photography to suit the market you wish to work in.
26. Adjunct Professor
Median Pay
$79,640 per year
Job Outlook - 2020-30
12% (Faster than average)
Skills Needed?
At a minimum, you'll have a Master's degree —and possibly a Ph.D. You'll be an exceptional communicator with deep subject matter knowledge. You’ll work well with other faculty members and staff to collaborate on projects and share resources.
You can adapt to different learning styles with high-functioning critical skills, resourcefulness, and problem-solving abilities.
Duties
Your duties will vary depending on the institution. All will involve preparing and teaching classes, grading assignments and exams, and providing feedback to students.
You’ll meet with students to discuss their academic progress, serve on committees, and participate in departmental activities.
Where to start?
Talk to other professors and make inquiries. Then, shine up your CV, and look for institutions that hire people like you.
More info
27. Voiceover talent
Median Pay
$37 per hour
Job Outlook - 2020-30
32% (Much faster than average)
Skills Needed?
If you've often been complimented on your dulcet tones, a career as a voiceover artist may be calling.
You'll be gifted at conveying emotion through your voice, read scripts well, and have good pronunciation. It's helpful if you can create different characters and change your inflection and tone as needed.
Duties
You’ll work on a range of projects to record off-camera dialogue and narration. You may record at home in your studio, or on location. You’ll read scripts, take directions, and provide various ‘takes’ and accents.
More info
28. Tour/Amusement Guide
Median Pay
$37 per hour
Job Outlook - 2020-30
32% (Much faster than average)
Skills needed?
You’ll have a wealth of knowledge about the locations and attractions around you and your communication skills will be exceptional. You’ll be polite, helpful, and likable, with a calm approach and the ability to handle large groups of people.
Duties
You’ll provide safe and effective guidance and deliver information about facilities, attractions, and opportunities. You may also sell tickets, provide refreshments, and keep records of attendance, sales, or repairs.
Where to start?
Indeed.com has a list of current theme park vacancies here. A tour guide ‘how-to’ is at the following link.
29. School Bus Driver
Median Pay
$17.41 per hour
Job Outlook - 2020-30
NA (Not enough data)
Surrounding yourself with the energy and enthusiasm of children is a great way to keep yourself feeling young. To work as a school bus driver, you’ll need a commercial driving license, a large reserve of patience, and the ability to enforce order on a bus packed with rowdy teenagers!
Experience working with children is preferred, and you’ll have to pass a background check. You’ll need to be meticulous about vehicle safety and properly observe road and traffic safety rules.
Duties
You’ll follow the planned route and report any delays, accidents, or emergencies.
Where to start?
Check the online classifieds and job boards for vacancies in your area.
More info
30. Landlord
Median Pay
$44k-130k per year
Job Outlook - 2020-30
NA
Skills
If you’ve invested in properties throughout your working life, renting them to tenants can provide a tidy nest egg in your retirement years.
An excellent communicator with plenty of financial savvy, you’ll stay on top of maintenance and repairs and keep abreast of relevant legislation and laws.
Duties
You’ll ensure safe, habitable, and sanitary living conditions for your tenants and address any maintenance or repair issues in a timely manner.
Where to start?
Once you’ve ensured your property is up to the mark, prepare the listing or contact agents.
More info
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