Want to keep working? Discover these 10 part-time jobs for seniors

Getting older doesn’t mean you have to stop working. Maybe you need something to fill the time, or want to make some extra money. Many older Americans are working longer, but taking it slower by working part-time jobs. If you’re thinking about this, we’ll give you some info about some good jobs to look for.

Here’s specifically what we’ll talk about:

• 10 excellent part-time positions for seniors

• Is it hard to get a job if you’re older?

• Why do seniors continue to work?

10 Great part-time jobs for seniors

1. Retail

Working in a retail business is a good option because there are a lot of positions available, and many retailers know older workers are more dependable. The retail environment gives you the chance to get out and interact with people and feel productive. You can expect to earn an average of $12 to $14 per hour.

2. Restaurants

Another great place for seniors to work is in a restaurant. There are many types and they’re always looking for help. This is another area where your life experience and ability to interact with people will shine. Depending on where you live, many restaurants can pay up to $14 an hour for part-time staff.

3. Tutoring

If you love teaching and working with younger people, then tutoring may be a great choice for you. Tutoring is ideal for seniors because it allows you to work when and where you want. It’s also the perfect way to share your life experience and expertise. Today, there are even ways you can tutor people online. You can easily earn over $20 an hour as a tutor.

4. Deliveries

If you enjoy driving around and interacting with a variety of different people, then delivering food, packages, and more can be a good option for you. There are a number of companies like Uber, DoorDash, Shipt, and Amazon Flex that allow you to work flexible hours on your schedule. Delivery jobs can pay up to and over $20 an hour.

5. Consulting

If you’re an expert in your field, and you haven’t been out of the industry for long, then being a consultant is a very well-paying area to get into. Depending on what area you’re in, there can be lots of opportunities to sell your experience and knowledge to those in the field. Being a part-time consultant also offers you the flexibility to work when you want to. The income potential can be unlimited, based on your area of expertise.

6. Tour guide

Being a guide can be a fun job for those who love to talk and show people things. There are many opportunities for tour and travel guides. Check around your local area for historical sites, museums, and other attractions. Or, if you’re interested in traveling or outdoor activities, there are jobs for guides and trip leaders you may like. Tour guide pay rates vary widely, but expect an average of around $18 to $19 per hour.

7. Travel agent

Whether your traveling was for business or pleasure, if you enjoy traveling and have done a lot of traveling in your life, you may want to consider being a part-time travel agent. You can give others the benefit of your travel experience and make some money. The average hourly wage is around $20.

8. Interpreting or translating

Do you know another language? If so, this is a great skill to monetize. Lots of people need bilingual talent to translate written and verbal content. Look online at any of the major job sites for part-time jobs as an interpreter or translator. The rate for this starts around $15 an hour and goes up, depending on the language and content you’re translating.

9. Sales

If you’re great at selling, then you can look for a part-time job in direct sales. There are many online jobs where you can work from home on your computer and phone doing sales work. The pay for direct sales varies widely and some are based on commission, but generally, they pay between $20 and $50 per hour.

10. Campsite host

If you have an RV and the ability to travel, this could be perfect. The pay varies widely here, as some parks only offer a free campsite in exchange for your services (usually around 20-30 hours a week, with a lot of flexibility), while others offer a salary as well. If you're interested, you should apply for these jobs early, as most parks do their hiring a season in advance. 

Is it difficult to get a job as a senior?

The reality is, yes, it’s more difficult to get hired if you’re an older person. Even with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission making it illegal for employers to discriminate against applicants due to age, ageism in the working world does exist. This affects not just seniors, but also people around 40 years old in the middle of their careers. The perception that younger workers have better skills and can be hired for less money is prevalent. Don’t let that stop you. You can still find many jobs that value the experience and wisdom older people bring to the job. Get your resume up to date, focus on your great skills, and highlight the advantages that age and experience boost like mentoring, confidence, reliability, and leadership.

Why do people over 65 still work?

There are several good reasons for people to continue working beyond the age of 65. First and foremost is the income. Some people just need the money, or they may need to save more for retirement, or perhaps they want more money for traveling or other activities. Many people continue to work because they want or need the health insurance benefits. There are also a lot of people who want to work because it makes them feel valuable and keeps them from getting bored. And, the best reason of all is that some people just love their jobs.

Is it worth it to work after retirement?

Before jumping right into a part-time job, it might be helpful to do some self-reflection and consider whether it's beneficial for your unique circumstances. A few things you might consider include:

• Finances. Do you need the money? If you can't cover your basic necessities on your retirement income, then you likely need a part-time job. If you can, it still might be nice to have a little extra income for travel or other fun activities. 

• Social connections. If you're an outgoing person who is used to working in an office or another place where you're often interacting with people, retirement can seem lonely. On the other hand, if you're an introvert with a love of reading, you might be looking forward to time alone. It depends on your personality. 

• Health. For folks currently struggling with an ongoing medical issue, a part-time job might just add to the stress and interfere with healing. However, others might benefit from something that keeps them active and engaged. It might be helpful to talk with your doctor about your options. 

Whatever your choice, remember it doesn't have to be permanent. You might take a break after retirement then pick up a new job later, or dive right into something else and decide you'd rather be home. Try a few different options and see what works best for you!

If you’re older and looking for a new job, then you need to get your resume up to date and looking sharp. Check out our Resume Builder to create a great resume and land your new part-time job. 

Key takeaways 

1. More seniors are continuing to work.

2. Part-time jobs are a good way to slow down your pace but continue to earn an income.

3. Look for something you’re interested in and go for it.

4. Being older doesn’t mean you have to stop working. Stay active and be happy!