A growing number of workers plan to keep working after age 65, including people who have already retired once. Recent Gallup research found that 74 percent of current workers expect to remain in the workforce past age 65, showing that retirement no longer always means leaving work completely.
For many retirees, a part-time job can provide extra income, regular social interaction, and something enjoyable to do each week. If you want to work without taking on a complicated position or going through years of training, there are plenty of jobs.
Pet Sitter
Pet sitting can be a great fit for retirees who enjoy spending time with animals. According to Grand View Research, the global pet-sitting market was valued at $2.69 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at an annual rate of 11.8% from 2025 through 2030.
The work may include feeding pets, taking dogs for walks, cleaning litter boxes, giving medication when needed, and keeping pets company. Retirees can find clients through Rover or Care.com, with typical pay ranging from $15 to $30 per hour or a set daily rate.
Related: 15 Offbeat Careers That Pay Better Than Many Traditional Jobs
Freelance Writer
Freelance writing can work well for retirees who enjoy writing or know a lot about a particular subject. Jobs may include blog posts, articles, product descriptions, newsletters, or even ghostwriting projects, and getting started usually requires a computer and an internet connection.
Beginners can look for assignments through Upwork, Fiverr, or Textbroker before choosing a subject they enjoy. Writers may earn anywhere from $20 to $100 per article, depending on the assignment, length, and amount of research involved.
Related: 20 Reasons More Young Adults Are Walking Away From Traditional Jobs
Library Assistant
Working as a library assistant gives retirees a quiet place to work while staying connected to their local community. The job can include shelving books, organizing materials, helping visitors find what they need, and assisting with library programs or events.
Many libraries provide training, so previous library experience may not be necessary. Part-time positions can pay around $12 to $18 per hour, depending on the location and duties.
Tour Guide
Retirees who know their city or town well may enjoy working as tour guides. Guides can lead visitors through museums, historic sites, neighborhoods, or other attractions while sharing stories and facts about the area.
Many tour guide jobs are part-time, seasonal, or freelance, which can make them easier to fit around a retirement schedule. Pay can range from $20 to $50 per hour, with tips sometimes adding to the total.
Related: 16 Bizarre Jobs You Never Knew Could Be Your Next Gig
Tutor or Online Instructor
“Nothing is more rewarding than children wanting you. Their faces light up when you show up. You’re able to focus on them and give them a sense of caring, a sense of success,” says Linda Burgin, 78, a tutor in Potomac, Md. Online tutoring lets retirees teach from home, with platforms such as VIPKid, Chegg Tutors, or TutorMe connecting instructors with students.
Subjects can include math, English, music, art, foreign languages, and other areas a retiree knows well. Many tutoring jobs do not require formal teaching credentials, although some subjects may call for qualifications such as TEFL certification, and pay can range from $15 to $100 an hour.
Retail Associate
Retail jobs can be a good choice for retirees who want a reason to get out of the house and interact with people. Daily tasks usually include helping shoppers, stocking shelves, operating a cash register, and keeping merchandise organized.
Many stores offer part-time shifts, making it easier to work a few days a week instead of committing to a full schedule. Pay typically falls between $12 and $16 an hour, with some stores also offering employee discounts or bonuses.
Related: 16 Low-Stress Jobs Retirees Can Start With Little to No Experience
House Sitter
House sitting gives retirees a chance to earn money by looking after someone’s home while they are away. Tasks may include collecting mail, watering plants, checking the property, and handling small household needs, with some homeowners also asking for pet care or light cleaning.
Retirees can sign up with services such as TrustedHousesitters to find homeowners looking for sitters. Pay varies from one arrangement to another, but some house sitters receive $30 to $60 per day or stay in the home for free as part of the agreement.
Gardener
Gardening can be a good job for retirees who enjoy spending time outdoors and working with plants. A large study in Stockholm found that regular gardening was linked to a 30% lower risk of stroke and heart attack among people over 60, while gardening work itself can include planting, weeding, pruning, mowing, and yard cleanup.
Retirees can find private clients, work with nurseries, join community gardening projects, or advertise their services through sites such as TaskRabbit. Gardeners typically earn $15 to $25 per hour, with specialized work such as landscape planning bringing in more.
Child Care Provider
Childcare responsibilities can include babysitting or working as a part-time nanny for families that need help during the day. Tasks may involve watching children, preparing meals, helping with homework, playing with them, and keeping them safe.
Previous experience with children can help, but many parents also value retirees for their reliability and patience. Pay often ranges from $15 to $25 per hour, depending on the number of children and the type of care involved.
Customer Service Representative
Customer service jobs can be a practical option for retirees who prefer working from home. Companies hire representatives to answer phone calls, emails, and online chats, help customers solve problems, process orders, and answer questions about products or services.
Remote positions can cut out commuting and may offer part-time schedules. Pay can range from $12 to $20 per hour, with some employers offering bonuses, discounts, or other benefits.
Handyperson
Retirees who enjoy fixing things around the house can turn those skills into part-time work as a handyperson. Projects might include assembling furniture, painting, making minor repairs, or helping with basic home maintenance.
Local bulletin boards, neighborhood groups, social media, and platforms such as TaskRabbit can help retirees find customers. Handypersons may charge around $25 to $60 per hour, depending on the type of work and their level of experience.
Event Usher
The event usher job can be a fun option for retirees who enjoy concerts, theater, sports, and other public events. Ushers usually greet guests, scan tickets, direct people to their seats, and answer basic questions during the event.
Training is often short, and some positions come with perks such as free admission to events. Pay generally ranges from $12 to $18 per hour, making this a social part-time job for retirees who enjoy being around people.
