20 of the Best Part-Time Jobs for Retirees | NewRetirement (2024)

Reaching retirement doesn’t have to mean that you’ll never work again. In fact, it might be a great opportunity to work on your own terms. Part-time work can help you improve your retirement income, keep you active, give you purpose and be fun all at the same time.

20 of the Best Part-Time Jobs for Retirees | NewRetirement (1)

And, in case you haven’t heard, there is a massive worker shortage right now, so you might be able to command top dollar for your part-time retirement gig.

Do You Need the Income or Other Benefits?

While there are many reasons to work beyond money, you may want to know if you need supplemental retirement income.

The best way to find out? Creating and maintaining a comprehensive retirement plan. The NewRetirement Planner makes it easy to see the impact of part-time work on your lifetime financial outlook.

The Best Part-Time Jobs for Retirees

Here are 20 of the best part-time jobs for retirees – great ways to earn part-time income to help you with a more secure retirement and enrich your current life as well.

1. Do What You’ve Always Done, Just Less of It

Phasing out of your job — going part-time before retiring completely – may be the best of all possible part-time retirement jobs (assuming you like the work and the people).

2. Turn a Hobby or Skill Into a Teaching Opportunity

You’ve probably acquired a lot of skills and maybe mastered some hobbies that other people could benefit from. When you retire, you could turn that knowledge into a money-making business.

If you play piano, knit, crochet, sew, work with wood, bake, make beaded jewelry, or any number of other things, there are people who want to learn what you know.

You can hold classes or workshops, or take on individual clients, and help more people learn your art or craft.

3. Become a Tutor

Tutoring is another growing opportunity.

Do you enjoy kids and were a pretty good student back in the day? Wyzant is a platform that connects tutors to kids who need help. From teenagers who need support with AP statistics to grade school kids who just need to get through their homework, tutoring is a great way to make money and be among the young — keeping you young at heart!

Choose to offer in person or online sessions.

4. Hit the Range

Golf is the cliche retirement past time. However, the golf range can be a great place to get a part-time retirement job. You might even get to play for free.

5. Focus on Passive Income

Passive income for retirement are income sources that you benefit from without too much effort — the money just flows in.

Here are a 12 plus ideas for how to create passive income for retirement or any financial goal

6. Offer Consulting or Freelance Work in Your Industry

After years working in an industry, you’re probably filled with valuable knowledge and lots of experience to go with it. But just because you retire, that doesn’t mean you have to stop working in your industry altogether.

As a new retiree, your combination of talent and fundamental understanding of the job can help teach new people entering the industry. Start a consulting business and you could still work doing what you love, but with part-time hours. And if there’s work that could be done from home, don’t discount the possibility of freelancing.

7. Garden

Nearly everyone loves the idea of a vegetable garden or beautiful landscaping. But not everyone has the time to give it the attention that it needs. If you have a knack for horticulture, your skills are worth money.

You don’t have to push around a lawnmower or weed trimmer, not if you don’t want to. You can offer specific services, such as shaping rose bushes and deadheading flowers or tending and harvesting vegetables from a backyard garden. You can convert this into a teaching opportunity, too.

8. Bartend

Do you love nightlife? Bartending might be the gig for you.

Bartending school doesn’t last long, and it can help you earn quick cash on little hours. Reputable schools take about 40 credit hours to complete. Some states don’t even require licensure, so if you already know your way around co*cktails you could pick up extra work tending bar.

Bartending can be tough work standing on your feet, and it usually calls for nighttime hours. But, it’s often a lively environment where you’ll meet lots of people, and the tips for a weekend night could be worth it.

9. Pet Sit or Walk

As pet owners become more attuned to the needs of their furry family members, more of them are less inclined to leave them alone all day. Kenneling pets is expensive, and it’s not always fun or healthy for the animals. Pet sitting is a great alternative for keeping pets in a happy environment when the owners are away at work or on vacation.

If you don’t want to commit to sitting, dog walking is another part-time possibility. Fifi might be able to wait until Mom and Dad come home, but getting a midday walk means there’s less stress on the pet and more money in your pocket.

One of the best things about part-time work is that you have more control. You aren’t committed to the typical 9-5, and you don’t even have to work in an office. There are lots of ways to convert something you love into something that pays you back.

10. Mind the Shop

Retail jobs are relatively abundant, especially at holiday times. If you are social and enjoy customer service, retail can be a wonderful way to spend some time – especially if you find a job selling products that you love.

  • Are you a fashionista? Try a department store or boutique.
  • A bibliophile? Inquire at bookstores.
  • Love cars? Look at auto parts stores.
  • A sports fan?
  • An artist? Find a crafts store or gallery.

11. Substitute Teach

Did you know that there is a teacher shortage in the United States? And, finding a substitute is almost impossible in many school districts — especially a particularly good one.

Substitute teaching is not the easiest job, but it is highly flexible and can be incredibly rewarding – especially when you become a regular at certain schools.

Licensing requirements vary widely by state and are often waived due to high demand for subs. You can learn more at the National Education Association.

12. Tend to the Books

If you have a financial background, you might want to look at bookkeeping or tax preparing. Small businesses often have a real need for someone to manage their financial record keeping.

Specialize in Taxes

Tax day is April 15. And, January, February and March can sometimes be miserably cold months when you could use your time snuggled up preparing taxes.

H&R Block (and others) offer efficient tax preparation courses.

13. Take a Drive

If you own a car and are a good driver, you might consider becoming a driver. New services like Uber make it easy to start making money by using your own vehicle as a taxi service.

You could also look at opportunities with local bus companies and traditional taxi and limousine services.

14. Care for the Elderly

You might be retired, but you are probably still pretty young and healthy.

Jobs taking care of the elderly – especially home health aids – are plentiful.

While the work can sometimes be emotionally taxing, it can also be incredibly rewarding to help someone in so much need. You can also learn a lot by enjoying the company of these people.

15. Try Seasonal Work

When you hear part-time, you probably think working 20 hours a week or less. However, what about working full time for 3 months of the year.

Popular part-time / seasonal retirement jobs include: working at summer camps or ski resorts, retail during the holidays, participating in harvest activities in the Fall, hosting at a campground and more.

16. Coach a Team

Are you a natural leader and like sports? Are you looking to make an impact on people’s lives? Coaches can be some of the most helpful people in an athlete’s life.

17. Go to a Play, Sporting Event, Symphony, Festival

Working as event staff at your local arena or concert hall is a great way to have fun making a few extra dollars.

18. Cruise

Travel is the number one goal for most retirees and cruises are popular.

Have you considered getting a job on one of these ships? It can be hard work, but depending on the job fun too. Many cruise lines employ people to lecture on subjects, take photographs, teach dance classes, work in gift shops and more.

19. Pitch a Tent (or RV)

Workampers typically live in an RV while working at campgrounds, amusem*nt parks and other fun locations. Check out Workamper.com for current opportunities.

20. Start Your Own Business

Owning and operating a business can be all encompassing, but with the right experience and discipline, you can limit your hours. And, older entrepreneurs are proven to be the successful ones.

Here are: 12 ideas for starting a business after 50 and surprising facts about older entrepreneurs

Resources for Finding Part-Time Employment in Retirement

Whether you are going to work for yourself or someone else, here are some organizations that may help you find a job or resources you need for work:

20 of the Best Part-Time Jobs for Retirees | NewRetirement (2)

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20 of the Best Part-Time Jobs for Retirees | NewRetirement (2024)

FAQs

What is the best part-time job for a retiree? ›

Best jobs after retirement
  1. Substitute teacher. National average salary: $10.59 per hour. ...
  2. Retail. National average salary: $11.91 per hour. ...
  3. Resort worker. National average salary: $12.03 per hour. ...
  4. Pet sitter. National average salary: $12.44 per hour. ...
  5. Event staff. ...
  6. Concierge. ...
  7. Driver. ...
  8. Tax preparer.

What are the top 10 things people do when they retire? ›

Here are 25 ideas to get you started as you begin the next fulfilling chapter of your life.
  • #1 Declutter your home and free your mind. ...
  • #2 Explore your local area. ...
  • #3 Become a tour guide. ...
  • #4 Work for wildlife. ...
  • #5 Research your family tree. ...
  • #6 Dress the part. ...
  • #7 Get musical. ...
  • #8 Learn to dance.
1 Dec 2022

What job should I do when I retire? ›

Low Stress Jobs After Retirement
  • Tutoring. Anyone who has retired has decades of experience behind them, and tutoring is an excellent way for you to impart your knowledge and expertise to other people. ...
  • Airbnb Host. ...
  • Librarian or Library Assistant. ...
  • Editor. ...
  • Pet Sitting. ...
  • Blogging. ...
  • Small Business Owner.

What can a retiree do to keep busy? ›

13 Ways to Stay Busy After Retirement
  1. Volunteering. Many charities will welcome a helping hand. ...
  2. Gardening. ...
  3. Book clubs. ...
  4. Painting. ...
  5. Play With a pet. ...
  6. Staying fit. ...
  7. Travel as much as you can. ...
  8. Photography.
2 Aug 2021

What can retired people do to make money? ›

5 Ways Retirees Can Earn Money Without Leaving Home
  • Share knowledge online and tutor others.
  • Freelance in your professional field.
  • Look for remote job opportunities.
  • Rent out space in your home or garage.
  • Tap into your home's equity.

Where are retirees the happiest? ›

1. Charlottesville, Va.
  • Well-being score: 65.0.
  • City population: 46,487.
  • Share of population 65+: 10.4%
  • Cost of living for retirees: 0.2% below the national average.
  • Average income for population 65+: n/a.
  • State's tax rating for retirees: Tax Friendly.

Which is the biggest expense for most retirees? ›

The biggest expense for most retirees is still housing. This expense category includes: Mortgage payments. Utilities.

What should you not do when you retire? ›

10 Things Not to Do When You Retire
  1. Enjoy, but Don't Be Undisciplined. ...
  2. Don't Immediately Downsize Your Home. ...
  3. Don't Blow Your Savings. ...
  4. Don't Neglect Your Estate Planning. ...
  5. Don't Expect Relationships to Remain Unchanged. ...
  6. Don't Be Afraid to Try New Things. ...
  7. Don't Let Loneliness Creep Into Your Life. ...
  8. Don't Neglect Your Appearance.

What is the 4 rule for retirees? ›

One frequently used rule of thumb for retirement spending is known as the 4% rule. It's relatively simple: You add up all of your investments, and withdraw 4% of that total during your first year of retirement.

What do retirees do when they run out of money? ›

You'll have to go back to work

If you run out of money in retirement, you will need a way to make extra money. The best way to do that may be to get a job. That can be a tough decision to make if you've been retired for several years.

What is a good salary to retire at? ›

According to U.S. Census Bureau data, the average retirement income for retirees 65 and older in the United States decreased from $48,866 in 2020 to $47,620 in 2021.

What is the first thing you should do after retire? ›

7 Things To Do as Soon as You're Retired
  • Establish a Budget. ...
  • Check Your Retirement and Investment Accounts. ...
  • Apply For Social Security Benefits. ...
  • Pay Attention to Taxes. ...
  • Update Your Estate Plan. ...
  • Talk It Over With Your Partner. ...
  • Celebrate!
29 Sept 2022

How do I stop being lazy in retirement? ›

Now that you're retired, you can plan your schedule to avoid wasting time. That time can be put to good use in ways that make you more productive. Schedule errands when most people are at work. You can get in and out of the gym, grocery store, or nail salon more quickly during non-busy hours on weekdays.

What makes a happy retiree? ›

Income and wealth do increase retirement satisfaction. Defined benefit pension wealth, defined contribution pension wealth, Social Security, non-financial and financial wealth all increase retirement satisfaction.

What do retirees fear most? ›

After all, we're more likely to need medical care as we age, and covering medical costs on a reduced income isn't exactly easy. But the fear of slowing down in retirement is a big concern too. 71% reported they were worried about being less mentally active in retirement, and 64% about being less physically active.

What is the best business to start after retirement? ›

Here are 9 retirement business ideas to put that experience to good use.
  1. Consulting. Consulting is a favorite business activity among retired seniors. ...
  2. Make and Sell Crafts. ...
  3. Dog Walking. ...
  4. Grow and Sell Plants. ...
  5. Invest in Real Estate. ...
  6. Open a Franchise. ...
  7. Offer Move Management Services. ...
  8. Academic Tutoring.
3 Aug 2022

What is the 100 rule for retirement? ›

According to this principle, individuals should hold a percentage of stocks equal to 100 minus their age. So, for a typical 60-year-old, 40% of the portfolio should be equities. The rest would comprise high-grade bonds, government debt, and other relatively safe assets.

How can I make 50k a month after retirement? ›

Rs 50,000 monthly pension from NPS

If you only use the mandatory 40% NPS corpus for purchasing annuity, then at annuity rate of 6%, you need a Rs 2.5 crore NPS corpus. Out of this, 40% or Rs 1 core will be used for purchasing annuity. This annuity (at 6%) will generate Rs 6 lakh yearly or Rs 50,000 monthly pension.

What is the number 1 state for retirees? ›

The best states to retire, based on what people really want
StateOverall rankingQuality of life
Maine177.8
Vermont270.6
New Hampshire359.4
Kentucky459.3
24 more rows

What is the friendliest state for retirees? ›

1. Delaware. Congratulations, Delaware – you're the most tax-friendly state for retirees! With no sales tax, low property taxes, and no death taxes, it's easy to see why Delaware is a tax haven for retirees.

What age do most folks retire? ›

While the average retirement age is 61, most people can't collect their full Social Security benefits until age 67 (if you were born after 1960).

Where can you retire on $2000 a month? ›

Keep reading to discover 10 cities where you can retire on $2,000 per month.
...
The Best Cities To Retire on $2,000 a Month
  • Baytown, Texas.
  • Parma Heights, Ohio. ...
  • Des Moines, Iowa. ...
  • Florissant, Missouri. ...
  • Longview, Texas. ...
  • San Angelo, Texas. ...
  • North Royalton, Ohio. ...
3 days ago

How much does the average retired person spend a month? ›

The average retired person spends $4,074 a month. This is based on the average annual expenditure of persons aged 65-74 in the United States of $48,885.

What is a reasonable monthly budget in retirement? ›

The rule of thumb is that you can expect your expenses to be 70% to 80% of what they were before you retires. So if you spent $1,000 each month before you retired, you could expect to spend about $700 to $800 each month in retirement.

What three 3 risks will you face in retirement? ›

Here are four of the most common dangers to your retirement strategy and the steps you can take to prepare for them.
  • OUTLIVING YOUR MONEY. Thanks to advances in medical science as well as healthier lifestyles, Americans are living longer than ever. ...
  • CHANGES IN MARKETS. ...
  • INFLATION. ...
  • RISING MEDICAL EXPENSES.

What are 5 risks faced when you retire? ›

Each of these five challenges — low interest rates, market volatility, sequence of returns risk, uncertain government policy, and increasing longevity — can negatively affect retirement savings alone or in tandem with one another.

What are the signs that you should retire? ›

Still, sometimes retirement is the better option, especially if any of these signs ring true.
  • You're disinterested in the job. ...
  • Your health is suffering. ...
  • You're burned out. ...
  • Technology is causing you stress. ...
  • You have no debt. ...
  • You want to pursue a second act.
29 Jul 2022

What is the 90 10 Rule of retirement? ›

The 90/10 investing strategy for retirement savings involves allocating 90% of one's investment capital in low-cost S&P 500 index funds and the remaining 10% in short-term government bonds.

What is the 25 times rule for retirement? ›

The 25x Rule is simply an estimate of how much you'll need to have saved for retirement. You take the amount you want to spend each year in retirement and multiply it by 25. Generally, you can look at your current salary to get an idea of how much you might be able to comfortably live off in retirement.

What is the 85 pension rule? ›

What is the 85 Year Rule? The 85 year rule is a test to assess whether a member's benefits would be reduced, if they retire before their NPA. If a member's age plus their Scheme membership (both measured in whole years), added up to 85 or more, their benefits were NOT reduced.

What to do with your cash if you're retired or retiring soon? ›

Bottom line. As retirement creeps closer and closer, one of the best thing you can do with some of your money is to put it somewhere safe and accessible. High-yield savings accounts and short-term bonds allow your cash to grow with low risk, plus TIPS help to hedge rising inflation.

Where should retirees put their cash? ›

The safest place to put your retirement funds is in low-risk investments and savings options with guaranteed growth. Low-risk investments and savings options include fixed annuities, savings accounts, CDs, treasury securities, and money market accounts. Of these, fixed annuities usually provide the best interest rates.

Can you take money out of retirement to pay off your house? ›

The size of your mortgage

If you're retired, any pre-tax money taken out of your 401(k) is treated as income. So, for example, taking $100K out of your retirement plan to pay off your mortgage could easily bump you up into a higher tax bracket (and end up costing thousands in additional taxes).

How much does the average person retire with? ›

Average Retirement Income in 2021. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, the median average retirement income for retirees 65 and older is $47,357. The average mean retirement income is $73,228. These numbers are broken down into median and mean to more fully understand the average retirement income.

What is the average Social Security check? ›

For those who are collecting Social Security at age 65, the average payment in 2022 is about $2,484 a month, according to the Social Security Administration. That's based on the agency's estimate that the average annual benefit is $29,806 for Social Security recipients who are age 65.

How much money does the average 70 year old have in savings? ›

According to data from the Federal Reserve's most recent Survey of Consumer Finances, the average 65 to 74-year-old has a little over $426,000 saved. That's money that's specifically set aside in retirement accounts, including 401(k) plans and IRAs.

How do I live alone after retirement? ›

Here are 17 tips for navigating retirement on your own:
  1. You Need a Personalized Plan — Retirement Rules of Thumb Don't Work as Well for Singles. ...
  2. Overcome Your Financial Insecurities. ...
  3. Maintain a Schedule. ...
  4. Special Note for People Who Become Single After Retirement. ...
  5. Consider Adopting a Pet. ...
  6. Cultivate a Support Network.

Are most retirees bored? ›

Retirement blues: Average retiree grows bored after just one year, survey finds. New survey finds that two-thirds of retirees feel working part-time would give them a renewed sense of purpose.

What is retirement anxiety? ›

Retirement anxiety is an emotion of concern or worry, experienced by people yet to retire, about the prospect of retirement. Examples include concerns about how they'll fill their time, financial worries and feeling a loss of identity. And as our recent research has highlighted, it's a significant and growing issue.

What is the hardest thing about retirement? ›

For many people, the hardest tasks in retirement are establishing a structure and personal relationships to replace what they had in their work environments. Work dictated the structure of their days and weeks for decades.

What should a retired person always do? ›

What Are Some of the Very First Things You Should Do When You Retire?
  • Move Somewhere New: Have you ever wanted to live in the country? ...
  • Travel the World: ...
  • Get a Rewarding Part-Time Job: ...
  • Give Yourself Time to Adjust to a Fixed Income: ...
  • Exercise More:

What is the retirement smile? ›

A “retirement spending smile” effect is noted. Changes in real consump- tion tend to be greater in both early and late retirement. This means that although the basket of goods consumed by retirees may increase faster than total inflation, total spending actually decreases.

How do retirees make friends? ›

Just put in a little bit of effort with these five helpful tips, and you'll have more friends than you can keep up with!
  1. Making Friends After Retirement Doesn't Have to Be Hard! ...
  2. Stay Confident. ...
  3. Find A New Hobby. ...
  4. Join A Club Or Group. ...
  5. Participate In Community Events. ...
  6. Be Friendly.

Are most people happy they retired? ›

Over half of retirees are financially insecure but nearly all are happy, according to a new survey by the Transamerica Center For Retirement Studies. Less than half are confident they have built a nest egg large enough to carry them through retirement while happiness is the general state of mind for 91 percent.

Can you be retired and work part-time? ›

You can get Social Security retirement or survivors benefits and work at the same time. However, there is a limit to how much you can earn and still receive full benefits. If you are younger than full retirement age and earn more than the yearly earnings limit, we may reduce your benefit amount.

Should retirees work part-time? ›

People who work after retirement often remain more active and socially connected, which can mean better overall health and fewer medical issues. Working part-time can give you a sense of being part of something without being tied to a career and long hours.

Can I retire at 65 and still work part-time? ›

If you work, and are full retirement age or older, you may keep all of your benefits, no matter how much you earn. If you're younger than full retirement age, there is a limit to how much you can earn and still receive full Social Security benefits.

What is the average Social Security check at age 65? ›

For those who are collecting Social Security at age 65, the average payment in 2022 is about $2,484 a month, according to the Social Security Administration.

How much money can a retired person make without paying taxes on it? ›

If you are at least 65, unmarried, and receive $14,700 or more in non-exempt income in addition to your Social Security benefits, you typically must file a federal income tax return (tax year 2022).

What do rich retired people do all day? ›

They spent more time on things like personal care, eating, household activities, shopping, leisure, civic activities and talking on the phone. In all, a typical retiree took 2.5 hours per day away from activities like work and added those 2.5 hours into activities like leisure. Too much T.V. Not enough travel.

What do old retired people do all day? ›

Retirees enjoy over seven hours of leisure time per day, according to 2019 data from the American Time Use Survey. They use their newfound free time in a variety of ways, including taking up new hobbies, relaxing at home, watching TV and lingering over daily activities. Many retirees also continue to work or volunteer.

What is the number one mistake retirees make? ›

Among the biggest mistakes retirees make is not adjusting their expenses to their new budget in retirement. Those who have worked for many years need to realize that dining out, clothing and entertainment expenses should be reduced because they are no longer earning the same amount of money as they were while working.

Is it worth working past 65? ›

Continuing to work past the traditional retirement age gives many the opportunity to add more money to their nest egg — and delay Social Security, which will bump up their eventual benefits check.

What is the biggest expense in retirement? ›

The biggest expense for most retirees is still housing. This expense category includes: Mortgage payments. Utilities.

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