10 Great Jobs for Retirees Who Want to Go Back to Work (2024)

When retirement isn’t all you thought it would be or your retirement income isn’t cutting it, consider going back to work. Today’s workplace is trending toward flexible work options, and there are many opportunities available for retirees who want to stay active and earn a paycheck. You don’t have to commit to full-time employment to get hired.

There are many jobs available that you can do on a freelance, temporary, short-term, part-time, or seasonal basis.

Work isn’t all about money, especially when you have spent a lot of your life doing it already. Keep an open mind and think about what you could do, rather than what you did in the past. Also, think about jobs you might enjoy doing, especially part-time.

One of the easiest ways to keep working after retirement is to keep your old job or another job with the company on a part-time schedule. If you’re interested in staying on, check with your boss about what options are available.

If that’s not feasible, consider these jobs that work well for retirees. Look at jobs that fit your lifestyle, personality, and interests. All the jobs on the list have a flexible schedule you can tailor to fit your work preferences.

Review these good jobs for retirees to find an option that works for you.

01

of 10

Consultant/Freelancer

10 Great Jobs for Retirees Who Want to Go Back to Work (1)

Working for yourself is a great way to earn extra money on your schedule. There are freelance jobs available for just about any skillset, so keep an open mind.

Freelancing gives you a way to do what you want, as well as to boost your earnings.

Pay: Varies considerably by area of expertise. However, ZipRecruiter reports that freelancers make an average wage of $32 per hour.

02

of 10

Driver

10 Great Jobs for Retirees Who Want to Go Back to Work (2)

Do you like to drive? If you have your own car and know your way around town, you can turn driving into a flexible side job. You could work for yourself for companies like Uber, Lyft, or Amazon, or get on the payroll and drive limos, school buses, or transport vans.

Pay: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), delivery drivers earn a median wage of $15.39 per hour.

Companies that hire drivers:

03

of 10

Tax Preparer

10 Great Jobs for Retirees Who Want to Go Back to Work (3)

You don’t need to be an accountant to prepare taxes. Work on a short-term, seasonal basis as a tax preparer. H&R Block, for example, hires for seasonal tax and administrative positions at more than 10,000 offices in the U.S.

The company also offers a tax preparation course (for a fee) you can take to get the skills you need to get hired. Other tax preparation companies have similar programs and job opportunities.

Pay: Per PayScale, tax preparers earn an average wage of $13.56 per hour.

04

of 10

Pet Sitter

10 Great Jobs for Retirees Who Want to Go Back to Work (4)

If you’re an animal lover, you can get started as a pet sitter in a variety of different ways. Family, friends, and neighbors may need someone to help out when they are at work or away on vacation or business.

You could start your own pet sitting business, or you could work for a company that provides animal care. You can sign up to be a dog walker or pet sitter on Rover or Wag. If you have extra time, consider volunteering for your local animal shelter. Even though you won’t get paid, it’s a great way to help out, and shelters do occasionally hire paid employees.

Pay: According to Indeed, pet sitters earn an average wage of $11.97 per hour.

05

of 10

Retail

10 Great Jobs for Retirees Who Want to Go Back to Work (5)

Retail is always hiring, especially around the holidays. If you’re not looking to commit to a long-term position, consider a holiday season retail job. You may be able to schedule your hours based on your availability, and many retailers offer discounts and other perks to employees.

For holiday season work, also consider package delivery services. For example, UPS and FedEx hire thousands of holiday helpers.

Pay: The BLS reports that retail salespersons earn an average wage of $14.12 per hour.

06

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Substitute Teacher or Aide

10 Great Jobs for Retirees Who Want to Go Back to Work (6)

When you’re interested in working with children and want to work on your schedule, consider a job as a substitute teacher or aide. At many school districts, you don’t need a degree in education to get hired.

Once you’re hired, you’ll be able to choose to accept an assignment based on your availability. In addition to teacher positions, there are many other school job options which include food service and cafeteria positions, bus drivers and monitors, and administrative jobs.

Pay: According to Glassdoor, substitute teachers earn an average annual salary of $28,003.

07

of 10

Caretaker/House Sitter

10 Great Jobs for Retirees Who Want to Go Back to Work (7)

Caretaking and house sitting are great ways to travel without all the expenses. If you’re part of a couple, you may both be able to get hired. Many caretaker jobs offer positions for both. You can find short term or long-term options, and, if you’re very flexible, you could use work as a house sitter as a way to see the world. Search Google using terms like “house sitter” or “caretaker” to find sources of job openings.

Pay: PayScale reports that caretakers earn an average wage of $12.05 per hour.

08

of 10

Hotel Concierge

10 Great Jobs for Retirees Who Want to Go Back to Work (8)

When you live in a town or city you know well, consider a concierge job at a hotel. The hours are flexible though you may need to work weekends. You’ll be helping guests choose restaurants, tours, events, and activities.

If you know all the best things to do and places to go, consider a second career as a concierge.

Pay: According to Glassdoor, hotel concierges earn an average annual salary of $29,357.

09

of 10

Event Staff

10 Great Jobs for Retirees Who Want to Go Back to Work (9)

When you’re a fan of music, theater, and the arts, you can get paid to help out at events at performing arts centers, concert venues, and theaters. As an event staffer, you’ll be able to watch the show while you work, and you’ll get perks like free or discounted tickets to other events.

Depending on your location, you may be able to get hired to work at conferences, professional association meetings, seminars, and other business events.

Pay: Indeed reports that event staff earn an average wage of $12.40 per hour and receive tips of $60 per day.

10

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Work at a Resort

10 Great Jobs for Retirees Who Want to Go Back to Work (10)

Resorts are wonderful places for retirees who want to get away from the 9-to-5 office routine.If you’re near the beach or the mountains, consider a resort job. Many ski and beach resorts are open year-round, so you’re not limited to just seasonal work.

There are part-time and full-time positions available. You’ll be able to use the skills you acquired during your career or do something completely different. If you’ve got the flexibility, a resort job offers a lot of great benefits and perks.

Pay: Glassdoor reports that resort workers earn an average annual salary of $29,050.

How to Get Hired for a Retiree Job

Once you’ve decided what you want to do there are a variety of ways to find a job.

  • Try job search sites likecomand Monster.com, using keywords that match the job type and location.
  • Usecomto look for seasonal and resort jobs. You’ll find a lot of listings at resorts around the country. You can search all jobs, or browse jobs listed by season, state, category, and national park.
  • CheckCraigslistfor freelance, part-time, flexible, and short-term jobs. Visit the site for your location and check the “Gigs” and “Part-Time” sections as well as the jobs section.

Word of mouth works, too. Tell everyone you know that you’re interested in going back to work, even if it’s on a limited part-time basis. You may be able to get some good leads that pan out into a job.

10 Great Jobs for Retirees Who Want to Go Back to Work (2024)

FAQs

10 Great Jobs for Retirees Who Want to Go Back to Work? ›

People who work after retirement often remain more active and socially connected, which can mean better overall health and fewer medical issues. Working part-time can give you a sense of being part of something without being tied to a career and long hours.

Is it worth going back to work after retirement? ›

People who work after retirement often remain more active and socially connected, which can mean better overall health and fewer medical issues. Working part-time can give you a sense of being part of something without being tied to a career and long hours.

What job has the best retirement? ›

According to RetirementInvestments.com, these jobs will get workers the closest to their ideal retirement scenarios.
  • GENERAL AND OPERATIONS MANAGERS.
  • REGISTERED NURSES. ...
  • LAWYERS. ...
  • PHYSICIANS' ASSISTANTS. ...
  • PRESCHOOL TEACHERS. ...
  • ACCOUNTANTS AND AUDITORS. ...
  • ELEMENTARY, MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL TEACHERS. ...
  • ACTUARIES. ...
Mar 27, 2023

What is the quickest job to retire from? ›

31 jobs that may help you retire early
  1. Soldier. National average salary: $40,286 per year. ...
  2. Airline pilot. National average salary: $42,803 per year. ...
  3. Firefighter. National average salary: $44,486 per year. ...
  4. Secondary teacher. National average salary: $47,794 per year. ...
  5. Computer programmer. ...
  6. Electrician. ...
  7. Police officer. ...
  8. Accountant.
Feb 3, 2023

Is 70 too old to go back to work? ›

You're almost definitely not going to be able to work past 70. According to ERBI's survey, while 39% of workers expected to retire after turning 70, just 4% of current retirees report they were able to work that long.

What is a good income after retirement? ›

Most people wrestle with this question, especially those that lack financial experience, literacy or familiarity with the retirement planning process. Generally, a good retirement income is about 75% to 85% of the pre-tax income earned in your last working year.

What happens if you collect Social Security and go back to work? ›

Your benefits may increase when you work:

As long as you continue to work, even if you are receiving benefits, you will continue to pay Social Security taxes on your earnings. However, we will check your record every year to see whether the additional earnings you had will increase your monthly benefit.

How to make $1,000 a month in retirement? ›

The (Overly) Simple Math Behind the “$1000/Month Rule”

The math behind the $1000-a-month rule is simple. If you take 5% of a $240,000 retirement nest egg each year, that works out to $12,000/year, which, divided into 12 months, gives you $1000 each month.

What is the best monthly income for retirement? ›

According to data from the BLS, average incomes in 2021 after taxes were as follows for older households:
  • 65-74 years: $59,872 per year or $4,989 per month.
  • 75 and older: $43,217 per year or $3,601 per month.
Apr 20, 2023

How can a retired person make money? ›

  1. Teaching. One of the few perks of the pandemic is that online teaching and tutoring have flourished. ...
  2. Consulting or freelancing. Retirees often have decades of valuable experience. ...
  3. Filling community needs. ...
  4. Hosting guests. ...
  5. Tax preparation or bookkeeping.
Jan 4, 2023

What is the hardest part of retiring? ›

Common challenges of retirement include:

Feeling anxious at having more time on your hands, but less money to spend. Finding it difficult to fill the extra hours you now have with meaningful activity.

Where can retire well $5,000 a month? ›

5 Amazing Places to Retire on $5,000 a Month
  • If You Want a Walkable City Near the Beach: Savannah, Georgia.
  • If You Want a Thriving Downtown: Provo, Utah.
  • If You'd Like to Live Near a Lake: Bella Vista, Arkansas.
  • If Warm Weather and Good Health Care Are a Priority: Gainesville, Florida.
May 3, 2021

What job do you live the longest? ›

A 2021 study on Occupation-Based Life Expectancy found that people working in non-skilled general, technical and transport domains lived on average 3.5 years less than those in academic professions. Those working in the transport sector had the shortest life expectancy, and teachers had the longest.

At what age do most people stop working? ›

Key Takeaways
  • Rules surrounding Social Security benefits established age 65 as a common retirement age.
  • Men retire at an average age of 64.6 years, while women remain at work until age 62.3. ...
  • Retirees at the age of 65 qualify for Medicare benefits.

What percent of Americans choose to go back to work after retiring? ›

Among adults ages 65 to 74, the workforce participation rate was 25.8% in 2021, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That share is expected to grow to 30.7% by 2031. In the 75-and-older crowd, the portion in the workforce is expected to reach 11.1%, up from 8.6% in 2021.

What age is best to stop working? ›

Working-life expectancy

He found that Americans who are healthy at age 50 can expect to have roughly 23 more years free of disability, plus about eight years living with disability. That would suggest people's maximum working life expectancy, on average, is age 73.

What is the average Social Security check? ›

Average Social Security retirement benefits in 2023

Average payments for all retirees enrolled in the Social Security program increased to approximately $1,827, according to the Social Security Administration (SSA).

How much does the average retired person live on per month? ›

This depends on a person's anticipated expenses and the lifestyle they'd like to lead in retirement. That said, the average retiree in America spends $60,593 per year, or $5,049.42 per month.

Is $4000 a month enough to retire on? ›

First, let's look at some statistics to establish a baseline for what a solid retirement looks like: Average monthly retirement income in 2021 for retirees 65 and older was about $4,000 a month, or $48,000 a year; this is a slight decrease from 2020, when it was about $49,000.

How do I get the $16728 Social Security bonus? ›

To acquire the full amount, you need to maximize your working life and begin collecting your check until age 70. Another way to maximize your check is by asking for a raise every two or three years. Moving companies throughout your career is another way to prove your worth, and generate more money.

What is the one year rule for Social Security? ›

That's why there is a special rule that applies to earnings for 1 year, usually the first year of retirement. Under this rule, you can get a full Social Security check for any whole month you're retired, regardless of your yearly earnings.

What is the Social Security 5 year rule? ›

You must have worked and paid Social Security taxes in five of the last 10 years. • If you also get a pension from a job where you didn't pay Social Security taxes (e.g., a civil service or teacher's pension), your Social Security benefit might be reduced.

Can you live off $3000 a month in retirement? ›

If you have a low living cost and can supplement your income with a part-time job or a generous pension, then retiring on $3,000 a month is certainly possible.

How long will $500 000 last me in retirement? ›

If you retire with $500k in assets, the 4% rule says that you should be able to withdraw $20,000 per year for a 30-year (or longer) retirement. So, if you retire at 60, the money should ideally last through age 90.

Is $1,500 a month enough to retire on? ›

That means that many will need to rely on Social Security payments—which, in 2021, averages $1,544 a month. That's not a lot, but don't worry. There are plenty of places in the United States—and abroad—where you can live comfortably on $1,500 a month or less.

What is a realistic retirement income? ›

Some advisors recommend saving 12 times your annual salary. 12 Under this rule, a 66-year-old $100,000 per year earner would need $1.2 million at retirement.

What is the average 401k balance for a 65 year old? ›

To help you maximize your retirement dollars, the 401(k) is an employer-sponsored plan that allows you to save for retirement in a tax-sheltered way. You can contribute up to $22,500 in 2023.
...
The average 401(k) balance by age.
AgeAverage 401(k) balanceMedian 401(k) balance
55-60$199,743$55,464
60-65$198,194$53,300
65-70$185,858$43,152
6 more rows

What is a good side hustle for seniors? ›

Life after retirement: side hustles for seniors
  • Set up an Etsy shop or market stall. Are you a keen sewer or knitter? ...
  • Use your writing, photography, or translation skills. Do you love getting out and about with your digital SLR? ...
  • Ride share. ...
  • Gardening support. ...
  • Pet sitting and walking. ...
  • Babysitting. ...
  • Rent out your spaces.

Are retirees earning $20,000 per month with one side hustle? ›

Retirees Are Earning Up to $20,000 Per Month With One Fully Remote Side Hustle. Quitting your day job doesn't mean you can't have an additional — and extremely lucrative — income stream. Retirement doesn't mean you have to stop earning altogether — in fact, it could allow you to make more money than ever before.

What to do once retired? ›

Here are 25 ideas to get you started as you begin the next fulfilling chapter of your life.
  • #1 Declutter your home and free your mind. ...
  • #2 Explore your local area. ...
  • #3 Become a tour guide. ...
  • #4 Work for wildlife. ...
  • #5 Research your family tree. ...
  • #6 Dress the part. ...
  • #7 Get musical. ...
  • #8 Learn to dance.

What are the worst retirement mistakes? ›

Plan for healthcare costs in retirement, pay off debt and delay Social Security until age 70 to help maximize your benefits.
  • Quitting Your Job. ...
  • Not Saving Now. ...
  • Not Having a Financial Plan. ...
  • Not Maxing out a Company Match. ...
  • Investing Unwisely. ...
  • Not Rebalancing Your Portfolio. ...
  • Poor Tax Planning. ...
  • Cashing out Savings.

What are the worst retirement mistakes to avoid? ›

Five retirement mistakes to avoid
  • Retirement Mistake #1: Failing to take full advantage of retirement saving plans. ...
  • Retirement Mistake #2: Getting out of the market after a downturn. ...
  • Retirement Mistake #3: Buying too much of your company's stock. ...
  • Retirement Mistake #4: Borrowing from your QRP.

What not to do after retirement? ›

10 things you should not do when retiring
  • Ignoring the implication of the process. ...
  • Not having an updated financial plan. ...
  • Tapping into your 401(k) or other retirement accounts early. ...
  • Accruing debt. ...
  • Making risky investments without diversifying. ...
  • Don't neglect your estate planning. ...
  • Don't live a sedentary life.
Dec 27, 2022

Where do the happiest retirees live? ›

The 5 Best Places To Retire
  • Wilmington, North Carolina. iStock. Living on a coast boosts happiness, health and well-being, according to a 2020 report. ...
  • Lewes/Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. iStock. Delaware tied with Montana as the No. ...
  • Fredericksburg, Texas. visitfredtx.
  • Ogden, Utah. iStock. ...
  • Charlottesville, Virginia. iStock.
Jan 4, 2023

Where can I retire on $2,500 a month in the US? ›

11 Best Cities To Retire on $2,500 a Month
  • Omaha, Nebraska. Monthly expenditures: $2,499.39. ...
  • Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Monthly expenditures: $2,481.37. ...
  • Lafayette, Louisiana. Monthly expenditures: $2,474.06. ...
  • Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Monthly expenditures: $2,399.81. ...
  • Abilene, Texas. ...
  • Brownsville, Texas. ...
  • Lake Charles, Louisiana. ...
  • Ft.
5 days ago

What states do not tax retirement? ›

Fortunately, there are some states that don't charge taxes on retirement income of any kind: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming.

What job requires the most? ›

12 high demand jobs
  • Financial manager. ...
  • Medical assistant. ...
  • Software developer. ...
  • Market research analyst. ...
  • Substance abuse counselor. ...
  • Health services manager. ...
  • Statistician. ...
  • Nurse practitioner.
Feb 21, 2023

What is the hardest job in life? ›

All military roles have their difficulties, but challenging roles such as a marine and mercenary are among the hardest in the world. These positions require soldiers to put their lives at risk on a daily basis. However, the high paycheck can make up for the serious stress and possible trauma that may result.

What percentage of 70 year olds are still working? ›

Even past age 70, a growing number of seniors are declining to, or unable to, retire. Last quarter, 19 percent of 70- to 74-year-olds were working, up from 11 percent in 1994. Older Americans are working more even as those under 65 are working less, a trend that the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects to continue.

What is the average age people retire? ›

The average retirement age in U.S. is 64 years old, with the average retirement age across all states spanning from 61 to 67 years old. The Social Security Act sets the minimum age to retire at 65 to receive full retirement benefits, although the minimum retirement age will continue to rise.

Why retiring at 62 is a good idea? ›

One of the most significant benefits of retiring at 62 is early access to Social Security benefits. Although you will receive a reduced monthly benefit, you can start receiving benefits earlier than if you wait until your full retirement age.

What is the average age an American retires? ›

The average retirement age in the United States is 61, according to a 2022 Gallup survey. In 1991, the average retirement age in the U.S. was 57; in 2002, it was 59. According to the poll, people still working in 2022 expect to retire at 66 on average.

What is the average American income after retirement? ›

What Is the Average Retirement Income? For adults 65 and older, the average income is $75,254, according to the most recent research published by the U.S. Census Bureau in 2022. The median income, on the other hand, is $47,620. Adjusted for inflation in 2023, those numbers become $83,085 and $52,575.

Do you live longer if you retire early? ›

The finding echoes a few others, the New York Times reports: “An analysis in the United States found about seven years of retirement can be as good for health as reducing the chance of getting a serious disease (like diabetes or heart conditions) by 20 percent.

Is 70 too old to get a job? ›

Seniors can get many kinds of jobs. Aside, perhaps, from some extremely physically demanding occupations, almost any job that can be done by a younger person can be done by someone older. It really just depends on the individual, since everyone ages differently.

Should you work past 70? ›

Working after age 70 can increase your Social Security benefits, especially if you didn't earn much in your younger years and are earning significantly more now. Keep in mind that increasing your income can affect your taxes and medicare premiums, and plan accordingly.

What percentage of retirees have to go back to work? ›

Among adults ages 65 to 74, the workforce participation rate was 25.8% in 2021, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That share is expected to grow to 30.7% by 2031. In the 75-and-older crowd, the portion in the workforce is expected to reach 11.1%, up from 8.6% in 2021.

How many retirees have returned to work? ›

Per the report, 62% of respondents have already returned to work after retirement, and about 55% of those who have returned to the workforce said they did so because they needed more money.

Why do people retire then go back to work? ›

“Very often, some people work for money and/or health benefits. Some work for the money to travel and/or do things they are interested in, such as hobbies. Other people work because they feel valuable doing the work, and it gives them a sense of purpose. Or, a retiree might work due to any combination of the above.”

What percentage of people work after retirement? ›

Behind the numbers (Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis):

"Seniors aged 65 to 69, past the standard retirement age, are actually more likely to have a job than teenagers. A full 32 percent of these post-retirement-age seniors have jobs, up from less than one-quarter in 2000."

Why the 4% rule no longer works for retirees? ›

The traditional 4% rule has served retirees well for decades but may no longer be relevant due to rising costs and increased market volatility. Retirees should consider using a rate closer to 3.3% withdrawal rate instead, as well as looking into other sources of income.

What age do most workers retire? ›

about 65 years old

What is the 70 year rule for retirement? ›

The Rule of 70 is a calculation that determines how many years it takes for an investment to double in value based on a constant rate of return. Investors use this metric to evaluate various investments, including mutual fund returns and the growth rate for a retirement portfolio.

How many retirees have no savings? ›

About 27% of people who are 59 or older have no retirement savings, according to a new survey from financial services firm Credit Karma.

How many years does the average person work to retire? ›

The average age of retirement, however, is about 64. This suggests a working career of 46 years is someone who starts at 18, and 42 years for a college graduate. And some people wait until between the ages of 65 to 67 to receive full Social Security benefits. A small number hold off until age 70 to receive the maximum.

How many retirees have home paid off? ›

But paying off a mortgage before retirement age isn't feasible for everyone. In fact, more than 10 million homeowners paying off their mortgages across the U.S. are 65 and older.

How much money do you need to retire and never work again? ›

Using the 4% rule to estimate how much money you need to never work again involves knowing how much you plan on spending that first year or retirement. For example, if you want to spend $200,000, the math is $200,000/. 04 = $5,000,000. Another way to calculate this is that you would need 25x your annual spending rate.

What is a resume for retired going back to work? ›

A retiree resume is a resume written for someone who has already retired from traditional employment and wants to return to work. The structure of a retiree resume helps you highlight why you are an ideal candidate for the position you want, including the experience and skills gained from your years of employment.

Is 72 too old to work? ›

It's not uncommon for baby boomers to continue to work well into their 60s, 70s or even 80s. Some people decide to continue working because they need the money, while others love what they do and can't imagine not doing it anymore or just need to stay busy.

How many 67 year olds are still working? ›

While about eight in 10 boomers in their early 50s are in the workforce, the percentage employed drops to about 50% for boomers who are 60, and the proportion accelerates downward with each year of age thereafter. Only about a third of those aged 67 and 68 -- the oldest boomers -- are still working in some capacity.

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