12 Side Hustles That Won’t Put Social Security Benefits in Jeopardy for Retirees

Some people collect Social Security retirement benefits before they reach full retirement age, but not all early retirees are ready to leave the workforce.

Some find they need to supplement their Social Security benefits. Others find themselves bored. However, if you earn more than the Social Security limit, you could see your monthly benefit amount decrease.

Here’s what you need to know about the Social Security income limit and which part-time side hustles should keep you from exceeding it.

If you are under the full retirement age for the entire year, the Social Security Administration will deduct $1 from every $2 you earn over the annual limit ($22,320 for 2024).

In the year that you reach full retirement age, the Administration will only deduct $1 for every $3 you earn above the annual limit ($59,520).

Personal care aides help others with daily living tasks. This might mean taking them to appointments and helping them maintain personal hygiene.

The average hourly rate for personal care aides is $16.12, significantly higher than the federal minimum wage. However, working part-time isn’t likely to put you over the Social Security income limit.

Gone are the days when all administrative assistants work in offices. As a virtual assistant, you can answer emails, schedule meetings, and complete other administrative tasks from home.

A median hourly wage of $22.12 makes becoming a part-time administrative assistant a good choice for retirees who are skilled with computers.

Working as a local delivery driver can get you out of the house while putting extra cash in your wallet. You’ll need a driver’s license, and you might need to use your vehicle for some jobs.

The need for local drivers has increased, so there’s a good chance you’ll find a part-time gig if you have a clean driving record. The median pay is $19.21 per hour, but earnings can vary and depend on several factors, including where you live.

School bus drivers typically drive in the mornings and afternoons, but they might also drive in the evenings and on weekends. You probably won’t need a college degree to become a bus driver, but you will need a CDL, and you’ll likely need to undergo a background check.

The median hourly wage for bus drivers is more than $23. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statics projects nearly 80,000 openings for bus drivers each year. So, even if there aren’t any openings in your area, there’s a good chance you’ll find some in neighboring districts.

If you love animals, consider working part-time in a kennel, walking dogs, or pet sitting. Animal workers earn a median hourly wage of $15.31, so it’s unlikely you’ll hit the Social Security income limit if you work part-time.

The need for animal care workers is increasing at an above-average rate, partially because other retirees have left the industry.

If you prefer children to animals, consider offering part-time childcare services. These jobs exist in some youth centers and daycares, but you don’t necessarily need to go that route. Some online platforms allow childcare workers to advertise their services.

The median pay rate for childcare workers is $14.60, but earnings can vary significantly, depending on where you live and whether you freelance or work as an employee.

You can tutor students without a teaching degree and earn an average of $23.36 an hour. Some tutoring jobs allow you to work from home and set your own hours. You can even set up your own part-time tutoring business.

The need for tutors is increasing slower than most other occupations, but it’s not declining.

If you enjoy cleaning or don’t want to work with a lot of people, cleaning or janitorial work is something to consider. With a median hourly pay rate of more than $17, a part-time cleaning job isn’t likely to interfere with your retirement benefits.

Of course, you can also go into business for yourself and clean houses for others. That way, you can decide exactly how much to charge and how often to work.

Here’s another driving job for retirees to consider. You might need a special driver’s license, but you won’t need a college degree. And the need for taxi drivers and chauffeurs is growing faster than most other jobs.

The median hourly rate for these types of drivers is $16.91. Job opportunities are typically more prevalent in highly populated areas.

Customer service might be a good option for retirees who love talking to others. Some customer service jobs can even be performed at home.

The median hourly pay is more than $19, higher than some jobs on this list. However, the need for customer service representatives is declining, so finding a job in this field might prove difficult.

Photography isn’t always just a hobby. The median hourly pay for photographers is $19.60. You might not need a formal education, but be prepared for extensive on-the-job training.

If you can’t find a job opening as a photographer, consider offering services on a freelance basis. To do this, you’ll need your own equipment, so it’s a good idea to consider the costs and probable profits before you take the leap.

If you enjoy making crafts, why not make some money while doing what you love? The median hourly wage for craft artists is more than $25, but you don’t need to work for an employer to sell your work.

Various online marketplaces, such as Etsy, allow you to sell your creations. And the best part is you can set your own prices.

Working a part-time job is a good way to earn extra income in retirement. Just keep in mind that if you make too much before you reach full retirement age, you might see smaller Social Security checks.

Earned income can also increase your tax bill, regardless of your age. It’s a good idea to consider your full financial picture when working as a retiree so you don’t end up with any unpleasant surprises.