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10 Part-Time Jobs for Retirees That Pay at Least $40 an Hour

Working a little during retirement could make a big difference in your budget.

By Chris Kissell

Edited by Sara Albertelli

Updated March 3, 2026

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Traditionally, the concept of "retirement" has meant the end of work. But today, many seniors find it difficult to get ahead financially unless they work part-time during their golden years. Rising living costs, longer life expectancies, and unexpected expenses have made it harder for retirees to rely solely on savings or Social Security.

The good news? Working in retirement doesn't have to mean long hours or physically demanding jobs. Many retirees are turning to flexible, part-time roles that allow them to set their own schedules, stay mentally active, and supplement their income, often by leveraging decades of experience and specialized skills.

Fortunately, top-paying part-time work is available for seniors. Here are some jobs for retirees that pay at least $40 an hour.

Editor's note: Hourly wages are sourced from Indeed.com, Salary.com, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

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Application developer

Average hourly wage: $45.40

The world is obsessed with cellphones, and that means apps have become a crucial part of our day-to-day lives. App developers first design apps and then create them.

Workers in this role may also update existing applications, making them more secure or cutting-edge. Retirees who previously worked in this field may find part-time work fun and challenging.

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Midwife

Average hourly wage: $44.94

Midwives guide pregnant women through labor and birth, and also provide care after delivery. A role as a part-time midwife offers a rewarding way to help others while also earning some extra cash.

You likely need to be a registered nurse and complete graduate-level training and other certifications and licensure.

Adjunct professor

Median hourly wage: $49.55

Universities and other schools contract with adjunct professors to teach courses to students.

If you are a senior who has a master's degree and who wants to pass along some information and wisdom, this might offer a good opportunity to make cash for part of the year.

Air traffic controller

Median hourly wage: $69.51

If you are looking for a real challenge in your second career, life as an air traffic controller might fit the bill.

This job requires only an associate degree, but high levels of concentration are necessary, and you might have to work nights and weekends.

Nurse

Median hourly wage: $41.59

If you worked as a full-time nurse prior to retirement, or if you don't mind returning to school to become a nurse, part-time work in this field could be lucrative during retirement.

Education requirements include a bachelor's degree and licensure. However, it could all be worth it as you spend your days helping others in need.

Senior web developer

Average hourly wage: $48.46

Techies who know how to build and fix websites could find high-paying work as a web developer.

Senior web developers may work in a variety of capacities, such as a back-end, front-end, or full stack developer. This is a job that lends itself to remote work, which might be perfect for retirees.

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Computer programmer

Median hourly wage: $47.44

The ability to code is one of the most valuable talents in the modern economy. If you are able to write and test code, you should be able to find part-time work exercising those skills during your golden years.

Computer programmers usually need a bachelor's degree in computer science or a field related to programming.

Veterinarian

Median hourly wage: $60.34

Even if you love animals, starting a new career as a veterinarian in your senior years might be too much of a challenge.

However, if you were a vet during your working years, continuing to work part-time in this capacity could be a great way to pad your nest egg.

Software developer

Median hourly wage: $63.20

Software developers build computer programs and develop applications for phones and computers.

While it's not impossible to begin a career in this field as a senior, it is more likely that part-time and freelance opportunities are available to those who have spent a career in the field.

To become a software developer, you likely need to earn a bachelor's degree in computer and information technology.

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Business consultant

Average hourly wage: $52.59

If you spent a long career in business, it's likely that some company would benefit from your professional expertise and wisdom.

As a consultant, you are likely to be able to forge a part-time career that fits around your schedule. That type of flexibility could be invaluable for retirees who want to travel or to spend time enjoying hobbies they couldn't explore when they had a full-time job.

Bottom line

Working part-time in retirement is a great way to lower your financial stress. Every extra dollar you earn means you could spend less of your Social Security check and avoid tapping too deeply into retirement savings.

The jobs on this list all pay robust wages that could help you make ends meet as you enjoy your golden years.

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