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10 Part-Time Gigs for Retirees That Pay Surprisingly Well

Well-paying side gigs that fit your schedule — and boost your retirement income.

By Chris Adam , Edited by Calista Headrick

Updated April 15, 2026

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Retirement can be the perfect time to pick up a rewarding part-time job, whether you want to leverage your professional experience or try something completely new. The right role can boost your bank account while giving you the flexibility, purpose, and variety many retirees are looking for.

Here are 10 part-time jobs for retirees that pay more than $35 an hour and come with engaging, worthwhile work.

Editor's note: All salary information is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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Project management specialist

Median hourly pay: $48.44

You can work as a project management specialist either from home or in an office, and many retirees like that the role exists in nearly every industry. It's also a great way to work with an organization that aligns with your interests or values.

Day to day, you're the one keeping projects moving — coordinating timelines, tracking progress, and helping teams stay organized. A degree or certification can help, but plenty of employers are open to candidates with solid experience in a related field.

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Editor

Median hourly pay: $36.18

You may be a professional who finds joy in helping writers improve their work. If so, look for a part-time editor position for a website, magazine, or even corporation.

Most editor roles can be done from home on your own time. You'll often need a background in journalism, previous editorial work, or the like.

Buyer

Median hourly pay: $38.38

Use your love for shopping to become a part-time buyer, purchasing manager, or purchasing agent. If you don't already have related experience, try finding an employer who will help train you on the job.

Buyers and purchasing agents secure products and services for their employers, while purchasing managers oversee the work of these professionals.

Accountant

Median hourly pay: $39.27

If you previously had a full-time job in the financial field, transitioning to a part-time accountant role in retirement may be an ideal fit. You could even work from home.

Try looking for a position at a small business in your community or start by offering your services to people within your network.

Claims adjuster

Median hourly pay: $36.92

Claims adjusters, appraisers, examiners, and investigators evaluate insurance claims, making this a great fit for anyone who enjoys research and numbers.

Many retirees find flexible work through local offices, and some roles even let you hit the road to inspect vehicles for claim reports. Best of all, most positions only require a high school diploma.

Compensation analyst

Median hourly pay: $37.03

Compensation, benefits, and job analysis specialists oversee wage and nonwage programs that an organization provides to its workers. They also evaluate position descriptions to determine details such as classification and salary.

These positions are found in just about every industry, and it'll help if you already have a background in human resources or a similar field.

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Computer programmer

Median hourly pay: $47.44

Computer programmers write, modify, and test code and scripts that allow computer software and applications to function properly. They use their computer and technical knowledge to help organizations succeed.

If you have a background in computer programming or a related education, this could be a great, flexible part-time opportunity.

Dental hygienist

Median hourly pay: $45.32

You can help people maintain healthy smiles, make good money, and have flexibility with a part-time dental hygienist job in retirement. If you're ready to leave the full-time grind of working in a dental office or want a new career, consider going part-time as a dental hygienist. In order to become a hygienist, you typically need an associate's degree and a license.

You may find more job options if you live in a medium-sized or larger city, as it can be tough for dentists to find hygienists looking for part-time opportunities.

Insurance underwriter

Median hourly pay: $38.40

If you currently or previously worked in insurance, use your experience to work part-time for a local agent. An insurance underwriter evaluates insurance applications to decide whether to approve them.

You may need a degree and certification to find work as an underwriter, although they aren't always required. The offices of local insurance agents may be good places to start looking for this job.

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Web developer

Median hourly pay: $45.85

Web developers create and maintain websites for their employers. A related job is a digital designer, where you develop, create, and test website layouts, functions, and navigation for usability.

If you already have the skills, you can market yourself to local businesses for some part-time income or look for contract roles at corporations to allow you greater flexibility but more steady pay.

Bottom line

Lots of part-time jobs offer retirees flexible options and solid pay to help you get ahead financially. Look for jobs in health care, business, or with organizations that align with your values.

Explore roles that utilize skills and degrees you already have, or if you're ready for something completely new, consider online courses to get certified in the field you're interested in.

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Author Details

Chris Adam

Chris Adam was a writer for FinanceBuzz with 24 years of journalism experience covering personal finance, with a focus on taxes. He helps readers understand how tax policies and life events can impact their finances and how to budget accordingly, from navigating unexpected tax bills to planning around major changes like retirement and hitting certain financial milestones. His articles break down complex tax topics into practical strategies readers can apply to reduce liabilities and avoid costly mistakes.