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6 Great Side Jobs if You’re Retired but Bored

Part-time work may bring joy and the opportunities to meet new people.

 having fun during harvest
Updated May 3, 2025
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Once it's time to retire, many people wonder how they're going to spend their time. One smart money move for seniors involves picking up a part-time job. It can help bring in money, but also help you avoid boredom as you transition into retirement life.

Here's a look at six great side jobs to consider in retirement that won't take a huge time commitment or add lots of stress to your life as a retiree.

All pay information is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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Tutor

Astarot/Adobe grandfather tutoring his grandson

Median pay: $19.02 per hour

Want to use some of your time in retirement to help educate others? Consider taking on a part-time tutoring gig. You can use your expertise in certain subjects to help teach others, all while earning a few extra bucks.

Technology today makes it possible to be a tutor without even leaving your home.

Home health aide

Chinnapong/Adobe arthritis hand gout knee pain or mental health care

Median pay: $16.78 per hour

While this may seem like a good job for someone who already had a career in nursing, being a home health aide can be a great side job for lots of retirees. In this role, you'd help people with daily living activities.

As a home health aide, you could potentially set your own hours and have the joy of meeting and helping people.

Sales associate

Minerva Studio/Adobe family talking to the salesman

Median pay: $16.70 per hour

You may find lots of flexibility if you work as a sales associate in retirement. You can set hours that work for you and secure a position at a retail location you enjoy. Being a sales associate can help you meet new people and stay active.

Best of all, there's no specific educational background required for most sales associate jobs, so you don't have to have a degree to start working in one of these positions.

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Library clerk

yossarian6/Adobe librarian taking one book from library bookshelf

Median pay: $18.05 per hour

The slow-paced and quiet world of the library may be appealing for a side job as a retiree, where you'll likely be tasked with helping those who visit the library to find materials and learn about the world around them.

These positions may be available at your town library or nearby educational institutions, and you can likely secure this job without any specific educational background.

Landscaper

auremar/Adobe landscaper working on yard

Median pay: $18.50 per hour

The great outdoors may be calling your name. Landscape and grounds positions can be excellent side jobs if you're retired and want to do some hands-on work. In addition to being outside and meeting new people, you may find satisfaction from completing landscaping projects.

No experience, no problem! You can learn most of what you need to know on the job.

Writer

Andrey Popov/Adobe content writer working from home using laptop

Median pay: $34.75

The job of a writer is another side gig you can secure without leaving your home, since there are many remote positions out there.

Your background in life and education may give you a unique perspective to bring to the role of a writer, which can help you determine what kind of position to take. You may even find work writing for popular websites and publications for retirees.

Bottom line

shurkin_son/Adobe talented mature woman writer sitting in front of laptop

Retirement may be a great time to find a side hustle. You could spend a few hours a week or more doing a side job you enjoy, while also meeting new people and learning new skills.

One starting place may be to think about locations you enjoy visiting and then head in to check them out. While you're there, you can even talk to current employees to see if the vibe matches what you're looking for, and submit an application directly to the manager if you think it will be a good fit.