The ideal retirement looks different for everyone. For some people, it means seeking part-time work to boost the bank account, stay busy, and enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done.
If you're searching for a part-time job that can add $2,000 or more to your monthly income and fit well with a semi-retirement schedule, take a look at these 15 options. And if you're also exploring other legit ways to make extra cash, there are plenty of options beyond a traditional job.
Editor's note: All median hourly rates come from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Buyer and purchasing agent
Median hourly pay: $37.36
Buyers and purchasing agents secure products and services for their employers, while purchasing managers oversee their work. If you love shopping, this can be a fit, and some employers train on the job for candidates without direct experience.
Dental hygienist
Median hourly pay: $47.16
If you're ready to leave the full-time grind of working in a dental office or want a new career, consider part-time hygienist work. You typically need an associate's degree and a license to examine patients for signs of oral disease and provide preventative care.
Project management specialist
Median hourly pay: $48.00
You can find project management specialist roles in nearly any industry, helping coordinate timelines and keep projects on track. A degree or certification can help, but plenty of employers are open to candidates with strong experience in a related field.
Editor
Median hourly pay: $37.46
With a background in writing or publishing, look for part-time editor positions for a website, magazine, or even a corporation. The work can often be done remotely, and a degree in journalism or communications may help.
Claims adjusters and appraisers
Median hourly pay: $37.51
Claims adjusters and appraisers evaluate insurance claims, which is a great fit for anyone who enjoys research and numbers. Many semi-retirees find flexible work through local offices, and most positions only require a high school diploma.
Accountants and auditors
Median hourly pay: $40.23
Accountants and auditors prepare and review financial records. If you've worked in finance, transitioning to a part-time accountant role can be a natural fit. Try looking at small businesses in your community or offer your services to people in your network.
Computer programmer
Median hourly pay: $48.26
Strong computer skills open a lot of part-time doors. Programmers write, modify, and test code and scripts that allow software and applications to function. With a programming background or related education, this can be a great flexible opportunity.
Compensation analyst
Median hourly pay: $37.60
Compensation analysts oversee wage and nonwage programs and evaluate position descriptions to determine classification and salary. These roles are found across industries, and a background in HR or a similar field is helpful.
Insurance underwriter
Median hourly pay: $39.12
Underwriters evaluate applications to decide whether to approve them. If you currently or previously worked in insurance, your experience can translate directly into part-time work for a local agent. A degree and certification may be required, but not always.
Web developer
Median hourly pay: $44.54
Web developers create and maintain websites, while digital designers develop and test layouts, features, and navigation. Try local businesses or look for contract roles at larger corporations to find part-time work.
Logistician
Median hourly pay: $39.58
Logisticians analyze and coordinate supply chains across many industries. If you have supply chain experience or a degree in the field, you can find part-time openings, especially with companies looking for flexible expertise.
Respiratory therapist
Median hourly pay: $39.56
Respiratory therapists help care for patients with breathing difficulties. These healthcare professionals usually have associate's degrees and licenses, and the work can suit a semi-retirement schedule when you choose your shifts carefully.
Technical writer
Median hourly pay: $43.46
Technical writers prepare instruction manuals and supporting documents that translate complex information into something readable. A college degree or extensive experience may be needed, and big names like Google and Microsoft regularly have part-time technical writing openings.
Registered nurse
Median hourly pay: $46.90
Part-time nursing work in a medical facility, senior living community, or hospital is one of the most accessible options on this list. A nursing diploma or degree opens the door, and major healthcare systems often need this flexibility.
Speech-language pathologist
Median hourly pay: $47.05
Speech-language pathologists assess and treat patients with communication disorders, and part-time work is common in this field. A master's degree and a license are typically required.
Bottom line
Your retirement plan may include holding a part-time job to add income on the side and feel satisfied with what you can accomplish. Some of the strongest part-time options sit in healthcare and business, where employers actively want flexible workers.
If you feel out of place looking for part-time work in retirement, you're not alone. Many retirees still make some extra money on the side, which means companies understand what you need.
Editor's Note: Portions of this story were drafted with assistance from generative AI tools. All final creative decisions, edits, and fact checking were done by human writers and editors.
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