Retirement doesn’t always mean slowing down. Many retirees seek part-time or flexible opportunities to stay engaged, share their expertise, supplement their income or offer a sense of purpose.
Whether you’re looking to share your expertise, try something new, or simply stay connected, there are plenty of roles that value the experience and reliability retirees bring. Here are some great jobs that actually hire retirees—and make the most of your skills and schedule.
Substitute Teacher
Substitute teaching allows retirees to work with students while enjoying flexible hours. Many states allow quick certification programs, making it easier to get started. Duties typically include following lesson plans, supervising classrooms, and ensuring student safety.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median hourly pay of substitute teachers is $11.74. This role suits patient individuals with strong communication and organizational skills. Schools, especially in rural areas, are always looking for dependable substitutes.
Bookkeeper
Retirees with a knack for numbers can thrive as part-time bookkeepers, helping small businesses and nonprofits manage finances. Tasks include tracking expenses, generating invoices, and using software like QuickBooks. While a CPA license isn’t required, attention to detail is essential.
Payscale reports a median hourly pay of around $19.96 for bookkeepers. This role is ideal for retirees with prior accounting experience or familiarity with spreadsheets. The BLS projects steady demand, with 5% job growth expected through 2032, driven by small business needs.
Tour Guide
Becoming a tour guide stands out as an excellent path for those who enjoy historical storytelling. Travel companies along with museums and historical sites selectively recruit retirees because they bring expertise and social skills to the workforce. Guides direct groups while responding to inquiries and occasionally receive additional payments outside their base wage.
The median wage according to ZipRecruiter stands at $18.81 per hour along with potential tips. This role suits outgoing retirees with deep expertise in a region or subject. Job prospects are strongest in tourist-heavy cities, though seasonal opportunities exist nationwide.
Real Estate Agent
Retirees can thrive in real estate with the right state license and training. Many brokerages offer mentorship and courses to help new agents get started. Income comes from commissions, with a median annual earning of $54,300 (BLS, 2023).
This role suits self-driven individuals who enjoy networking, marketing, and negotiation. Demand stays steady, especially in growing cities, making this a reliable long-term option.
Virtual Assistant
For tech-savvy retirees, virtual assisting offers a flexible work-from-home opportunity. Tasks include managing emails, scheduling appointments, and handling social media for busy professionals. According to Indeed, virtual assistants earn a median of $27.47 per hour.
This role suits organized retirees with administrative experience. Demand is rising as more businesses embrace remote operations, creating consistent opportunities nationwide.
Tax Preparer
Tax preparers help individuals and businesses file accurate tax returns, ensuring compliance with IRS regulations. Seasonal demand peaks between January and April, with firms like H&R Block, TurboTax, and Jackson Hewitt hiring retirees for flexible, part-time roles. For retirees with no prior tax experience, many companies provide paid training.
CPAs or Enrolled Agents can command higher fees for complex filings. This role suits detail-oriented individuals who enjoy working with numbers and interacting with clients. As per Indeed, on average, tax preparers are paid $19.29 per hour.
Customer Service Representative
Customer service roles allow retirees to work remotely or in call centers, assisting clients with orders, returns, or technical issues. The BLS reports a median hourly wage of $19.08 in 2023. This role suits patient problem-solvers with strong communication skills. Companies increasingly value older workers for their reliability, ensuring steady job growth in industries like retail, healthcare, and telecommunications.
Freelance Consultant
Retirees can turn their industry experience into income by offering consulting services. Common fields include marketing, finance, healthcare, and IT. ZipRecruiter lists the median pay at $47.71 per hour. This role allows for remote work and flexible hours, ideal for retirees seeking autonomy.
Highlight your expertise on platforms like LinkedIn or Upwork, and reconnect with former colleagues for referrals. Specializing in in-demand areas like cybersecurity or ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) can increase opportunities.
Freelance Writer
Retirees with writing or editing skills can earn through freelance gigs like blogging, technical writing, or content creation. According to Payscale, pay starts at $27 per article, depending on complexity. This role fits those who enjoy working with words and meeting deadlines. Digital content demand is rising, making this a steady opportunity. To begin, retirees can explore platforms like Contently or Freelancer and create a simple portfolio to showcase their work.
Pet Sitter or Dog Walker
Animal lovers can earn extra income through pet sitting or dog walking via platforms like Rover. Tasks include feeding pets, administering medication, and providing companionship. Rover reports earnings of about $21 per visit. This role is perfect for responsible retirees with flexible schedules. Demand is highest in urban and suburban areas with busy pet owners.
Library Assistant
Retirees who enjoy quiet, community-focused work can thrive as library assistants. Duties include organizing materials, helping patrons, and managing checkouts. The BLS lists a median hourly wage of $17.29. This role suits tech-savvy book lovers. Libraries often prioritize mature hires for their interpersonal skills, ensuring stable prospects.
Retail Sales Associate
Stores like Home Depot and Kohl’s actively hire retirees for their customer service expertise. Tasks include assisting shoppers, restocking shelves, and processing payments. The BLS reports median earnings of around $16 per hour. This role is ideal for friendly, patient individuals. Seasonal demand spikes during holidays, offering flexibility.
Caregiver
Many retirees find fulfillment in part-time caregiving roles, supporting seniors or individuals with disabilities. Tasks include companionship, light housekeeping, meal prep, and medication reminders. No formal medical training is usually required, though patience and empathy are essential.
According to Ziprecruiter, the average hourly pay of a caregiver is $16.. This role offers flexible hours and meaningful work, especially for those with a nurturing nature.
Hotel Concierge
Upscale hotels value retirees for their professionalism and local knowledge. Concierges recommend attractions, book reservations, and assist guests. ZipRecruiter reports median earnings of $17.88 per hour. This role is perfect for social retirees in tourist destinations, where demand remains strong year-round.
