Retirement doesn’t always look exactly the way you imagined it, and that’s OK. Maybe you’ve found yourself with more free time than expected, or you might be wondering if your nest egg is large enough. 

You’re not alone in feeling this way. Plenty of retirees look for practical ways to stay financially comfortable as the reality of retirement sets in.  

Taking on a retirement side hustle can be the perfect solution. It offers a way to stay sharp and social without the commitment to a 9-to-5. Ready to explore your options? Check out these top side hustles for retirees (or those getting ready to take the leap). 

Key Points

• Many retirees choose side hustles that are flexible and financially (or personally) rewarding. 
• The best side hustles for retirees can bring a renewed sense of purpose and keep you active in the community while supplementing income. 
• When exploring side jobs for retirees, consider startup costs, schedule flexibility, pay, predictability, and location alongside your career-related skills and interests. 
• Starting small and staying consistent can help you build a rewarding side hustle that complements your retirement lifestyle. 

Why Consider a Side Hustle in Retirement?

Many retirees rely on Social Security and retirement accounts (like IRAs and 401(k) plans) to fund their golden years. But, according to Pew Research Center, 39% of seniors 65 or older work either full or part time. 

For some, working in retirement is financially necessary. Rising health care costs and inflation can make a fixed income feel tight, and a side hustle can help bridge the gap between a modest nest egg and the cost of living. 

But finances aren’t the only reason seniors pursue side hustles. Nearly half of retirees (45%) keep working for the emotional and social benefits. 

Taking on another job (or even starting an encore career) can provide a renewed sense of purpose or identity. Sticking to part-time work (which most side gigs are) also helps you stay mentally stimulated without committing to a strict routine. 

Retirees interested in starting a side hustle often look for work that’s manageable and predictable. Learning bookkeeping or tax skills, for example, can be a great way to find that kind of flexible, part-time role. 

What to Look for in a Retirement Side Hustle 

The best side hustles for seniors (and retirees of any age) are ones that fit your lifestyle and needs. What works for someone else might not make sense for you, but here are some things to think through: 

• Schedule flexibility: Some side hustles for retirees require only a few hours a week or occasional weekend work. Others demand more consistent time. Find what works for how you want to spend your days. 
• Pay vs. startup costs: A side hustle can provide helpful income, but earnings vary widely depending on the gig and how often you work. Consider this alongside any potential upfront costs to make sure the work is worthwhile. 
• Nature of the work: Some retiree-friendly side hustles involve in-person work, while others can be done remotely. If long commutes or physically demanding tasks are a concern, remote or desk-based gigs may be a better fit. 
• Your skills: Building on skills you already have can make it easier to get started. At the same time, learning new skills can expand your options and keep you mentally engaged. 
• Risk and predictability: The best side jobs for retirees tend to be steady and low risk. While no gig comes with guarantees, you should feel comfortable with how consistent the work is likely to be. 

Ultimately, the right side hustle you choose should feel rewarding and manageable. And if the first option doesn’t work out, you can always try again. 

Best Side Hustles for Retirees 

From tax prep to selling products online, side hustle opportunities are seemingly endless. Check out the list below to compare earning potential and see what it takes to get started. 

Note: Income ranges are based on information obtained from publicly available data, including job boards and BLS data. Actual income can vary based on various factors such as experience, location, and time commitment.

Tax Preparation Assistance

Pay estimate: Up to $48/hour 

A tax prep side hustle is perfect for retirees who like consistency and clear processes. In this line of work, you help clients (businesses or individuals) with their taxes. That might mean explaining complex tax laws and regulations and helping clients find tax credits and deductions that apply to their situation. 

The role is structured and can be done in person or remotely. It can become a full-blown second career (or third or fourth), but it can also remain seasonal. Demand is usually highest from January to April. 

Getting started usually requires a credential such as an IRS-issued preparer tax identification number (PTIN). And many retirees build foundational bookkeeping skills through programs like Intuit’s free bookkeeping certification. 

Consulting or Freelance Work 

Pay estimate: Up to $78/hour 

Consulting work is a way to put your past experience to good use. Consulting opens the door to nearly any industry, including business, health care, financial services, education, law, engineering, and science. 

Some consultants work on a per-project or freelance basis. This gives them more control over their schedule and earnings potential. Work can be done remotely or in person. 

Tutoring or Mentoring 

Pay estimate: Up to $39/hour 

You don’t need a teaching degree to pass on what you know. While academic subjects like math and reading are always in demand, you could also focus on skills-based coaching that fits your expertise. Examples include: 

• Art or design 
• Music lessons (vocal or instruments) 
• Computer science 
• Career-related skills 

Tutoring work is typically flexible, allowing you to set your own schedule based on student availability. You can work with kids or adults and choose between virtual or in-person sessions. 

Child or Pet Care 

Pay estimate: Up to $19/hour (child care workers) or up to $22 (pet care) 

Parents and pet owners are constantly looking for trustworthy caregivers, making this an ideal side job for retirees who love working with kids or animals.  

• For the kids: You might handle occasional babysitting, after-school pick-ups, or part-time nannying. 
• For the pets: If you prefer four-legged clients, pet sitting and dog walking are fantastic ways to earn money. 

These roles are naturally flexible, often falling on evenings or weekends, and require no formal degree. 

House Sitting or Home Check-Ins 

Pay estimate: Up to $23/hour 

Looking for a side hustle with low physical demand and a predictable routine? Becoming a house sitter can check both boxes. 

It offers all the flexibility of other gig work but with much more quiet time. Typical tasks include watering plants, collecting mail, or staying in the home while the owner is out of town. 

Virtual Assistance or Administrative Support 

Pay estimate: Up to $50/hour 

If you are organized and comfortable with a computer, you likely already have the skills for this. Virtual assistance is a practical way to earn from home by handling daily administrative tasks businesses need help with, like: 

• Emailing 
• Scheduling appointments 
• Taking phone calls 
• Data entry 

You typically need only a reliable home computer and a secure internet connection. And you can often pick up hours when it suits you, whether that’s on weekday mornings or over the weekend. 

Customer Support or Call Center Work 

Pay estimate: Up to $29/hour 

This side hustle calls for the same types of skills (and tasks) as virtual or administrative assistant work. The main difference is that you’ll spend more time working 1-on-1 with customers. You might be expected to answer questions or resolve concerns, so patience is a welcome trait in these roles. 

Because these jobs exist in almost every industry, it’s often easy to find part-time, remote work that fits your schedule. 

Selling Products Online

Pay estimate: Up to $31/hour 

Some seniors build entire side businesses selling online goods. Getting started may involve some upfront investment, particularly if you need materials or inventory. But you can make a decent income through selling and reselling things like apparel, collectibles, print-on-demand items (e.g., stickers), or handmade goods (e.g., candles or coasters). 

There’s a lot of flexibility in terms of earning potential and scheduling. Starting small and steady can help you scale without getting overwhelmed. 

Local or Task-Based Work 

Pay estimate: Up to $29/hour 

If you’re looking for an excuse to get out of the house and stay active, task-based work may be the perfect solution. Many people need a reliable hand with simple chores, such as picking up dry cleaning, waiting for a repairperson, or dropping off packages. 

You can find opportunities through dedicated apps or community boards, making it an ideal way to stay active in your neighborhood without committing to a permanent schedule. 

How Much Time Should Retirees Invest in a Side Hustle? 

This is ultimately up to you. If you’ve got a lot of free time (and the energy to match), you could dedicate 15, 20, or even 30 hours a week to a side hustle. But if you’re hoping for a more leisurely retirement, a few hours here and there could be plenty. 

When it comes to senior side hustles, flexibility tends to matter most. There’s no need to rush into something you’re not fully prepared for or aren’t excited about. Take your time and start small. You can always commit more time down the road. 

Find a Side Hustle That Fits Your Retirement Goal

Taking on a side job as a retiree can be a great way to supplement your income. But the best ones should support (not disrupt) your retirement. 

Ask yourself why you’re looking for a side gig. Is it because you need money for basic expenses or new hobbies? Are you trying to pad your savings to leave a larger legacy? Or are you simply looking for a way to stay mentally and physically active during this exciting new stage of life? 

Whatever your goal, you need the right tools to get there. Building in-demand skills can be a great place to start. Explore free accounting classes to build skills in a high-demand field. And when you’re ready to put those skills to work, check out Intuit’s accounting jobs to launch your next chapter with confidence. 

FAQs 

How much time should retirees invest in a side hustle? 

Side hustles for retirees don’t come with a specific time investment. However, you can generally devote as much (or as little) time as you like to them. Typically, the more time you spend, the greater your earning potential. The drawback, though, is that you have less free time for other pursuits. 

Can retirees earn significant income from side hustles? 

It’s certainly possible. Some side jobs for retirees pay as much as $30 to $50 an hour. These types of roles usually require more experience or advanced skills. More entry-level positions pay closer to $10 to $20 an hour. 

What websites or platforms can retirees search for side hustles? 

If you’re looking for a side hustle perfect for retirees, check out popular free job boards like Indeed or even LinkedIn, which list part-time, contract, and remote roles across industries. If you don’t mind paying a small fee, platforms like FlexJobs can also be useful.