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Top 25 Part Time Jobs for Retirees
Whether you need to earn money or just want to stay sharp, you can find a good job. The Top 25 Part Time Jobs for Retirees
Working in retirement may seem counterintuitive, but today’s retirees and near-retirees are redefining what it means to transition to the next stage of life. In fact, according to a study by the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies, the majority of workers in the United States (55%) plan to continue working in retirement; 41% plan to work part time and 14% full time. Research cited by the AARP Public Policy Institute shows that employees aged 65 and older are twice as likely to work part-time as those aged 25 to 64.
Their reasons for working in retirement vary: the majority (53%) of Transamerica survey participants who plan to work in retirement say it’s for the added income. Others (35%) say they need to work because, otherwise, they won’t be able to pay their bills when they’re retired. Many also cite health benefits, wanting to stay active (47%) and staying mentally sharp (39%). And some like to work and perceive that their work gives them motivation (34%) and a way to maintain social connections (21%).
No matter why you want to work, we can help you find a part-time job that’s right for you when you’re retired. To start, we identified the 25 most common part-time jobs among nearly 190,000 workers age 55 and older, based on data collected over the past two years by Payscale, a salary research firm.
We then ranked those part-time jobs from 1 to 25 based on our analysis of five factors: the percentage of part-time employees age 55 and older; the typical hourly wage; the percentage of employees who said they are “extremely” or “fairly” satisfied with their job; if employees say their work is meaningful; and the physical demands of the job. Below are the results.

Check out our list of the top 25 part time jobs for retirees.
1. Accounting Clerk
Percentage of part-time employees over the age of 55: 73% (all part-time jobs: 19.1%)
Median hourly wage: $20.56 (all part-time jobs: $14.68)
Satisfactory qualification: 77% (average of the top 25 works: 65%)
It is very significant: 51% (average of the top 25 jobs: 57%)
Percentage of time spent standing or walking: 10% (all jobs: 70%)
Do you have a talent for numbers? These employees handle all accounting matters for a business, including preparing and keeping track of invoices, paychecks, and other financial records. Additionally, they might supervise lower-level bookkeepers and accounting clerks. You’ll most likely find this opportunity at a small company whose finances are relatively straightforward.
2. Bookkeeper ( bookkeeper )
Percentage of part-time employees over the age of 55: 47%
Median hourly wage: $17.72
Satisfactory rating: 76%
It is very significant: 45%
Percentage of time spent standing or walking: 10%
If “ full charge ” is removed from the job title, you will have no additional responsibilities. Bookkeepers focus on creating and maintaining financial records, including sending payments to vendors and billing customers. But they don’t supervise other people. Just keep in mind that with less responsibility comes lower pay: The median hourly wage for bookkeepers is $2.84 less than for accountants, but it is still $3.04 higher than the median salary for all part-time jobs.
3. Dental hygienist
Percentage of part-time employees over the age of 55: 17%
Median hourly wage: $35.42
Satisfactory rating: 75%
It is very significant: 76%
Percentage of time spent standing or walking: 25%
To become a dental hygienist, you generally need a two-year degree in this field, as well as a license to practice, which is obtained by passing written and practical exams. Additionally, to maintain your license, you must meet continuing education requirements and pay fees ranging from $37 (in Utah) to $325 (in New Mexico). (Licensing requirements vary by state.) Think about those demands when deciding if it’s worth working in this field part-time for several years. Also, keep in mind that this is the highest-paying job on this list.
4. School bus driver
Percentage of part-time employees over the age of 55: 73%
Median hourly wage: $16.96
Satisfactory rating: 64%
It is very significant: 71%
Percentage of time spent standing or walking: 14.3%
Being around school-age kids in your retirement can help you feel young again—or age you exponentially, depending on your tolerance for extreme behavior from boys. Make sure you’re willing to not only transport students to and from school safely but also keep order and enforce school rules on a bus full of rambunctious teens. Easier employment requirements: a commercial driver’s license, a clean driving record, and a clean background check.
5. Office Manager
Percentage of part-time employees over the age of 55: 30%
Median hourly wage: $17.26
Satisfactory rating: 75%
It is very significant: 67%
Percentage of time spent standing or walking: 25%
Experienced workers should be very familiar with what it takes to run an office. Specific tasks can vary greatly from business to business, but in general, you will plan, direct, and coordinate all administrative services to keep the organization running efficiently. In this field, you can find opportunities in a wide variety of industries, but there is also likely to be a lot of competition. If you now work full-time in a position like this, the best thing might be to talk to your boss about reducing the number of hours and working part time to make a slow transition to retirement.
6. Registered nurse (RN)
Percentage of part-time employees over the age of 55: 24%
Median hourly wage: $31.84
Satisfactory rating: 68%
It is very significant: 76%
Percentage of time spent standing or walking: 75%
In general, many health care professionals are needed in the workforce, and registered nurses are no exception. In the United States, the number of registered nurse positions is expected to grow by 12% by 2028, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), much faster than the projected 5% job growth for all jobs.
But while opportunities abound, you have to meet high standards to get one of these positions: In addition to the rigorous education and training you need to become a registered nurse, you must also possess and maintain a nursing license in the state where you plan to apply. to work. (Licensing requirements vary by state.) However, this job is worth it for the high pay and for being very meaningful.
7. Administrative Assistant
Percentage of part-time employees over the age of 55: 22%
Median hourly wage: $14.77
Satisfactory rating: 72%
It is very significant: 59%
Percentage of time spent standing or walking: 12.5%
These employees take care of all the details necessary to keep an office running efficiently. That may include providing administrative support to high-level executives. Unfortunately, according to the BLS, the demand for executive secretaries and administrative assistants is expected to decline by 20% by 2028.
8. Secretary or secretary
Percentage of part-time employees over the age of 55: 33%
Median hourly wage: $12.94
Satisfactory rating: 71%
It is very significant: 55%
Percentage of time spent standing or walking: 12.5%
This broad category of employees (which excludes specialized secretarial positions such as legal, medical, and executive) is found in all sectors, including schools and government offices. These workers perform a variety of functions, including communicating with customers, vendors, and the public, as well as managing emails and the office schedule or calendar. However, keep in mind that, according to the BLS, the number of secretary positions is expected to decrease by 9% by 2028.
9. Licensed practical nurse (LPN).
Percentage of part-time employees over the age of 55: 27%
Median hourly wage: $21.89
Satisfactory rating: 63%
It is very significant: 71%
Percentage of time spent standing or walking: 75%
To become a licensed nursing assistant, you must successfully complete a licensed educational program, which is usually offered at technical schools and community colleges (where older adults can take tuition-free courses), and lasts about a year.
You must then pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nursing to obtain a license, which you must maintain by meeting continuing education requirements periodically(details vary by state). But these extra efforts can be worth it, as you will feel like you are doing something meaningful and you will be paid well.
10. Paralegal
Percentage of part-time employees over the age of 55: 20%
Median hourly wage: $17.48
Satisfactory rating: 73%
It is very significant: 52%
Percentage of time spent standing or walking: 20%
Along with paralegals, these employees support attorneys by performing many tasks, such as conducting legal research, organizing and maintaining documents and files, and writing reports. And according to the BLS, demand for his services is expected to grow much faster than for most other jobs. It is estimated that the number of positions for these professionals will increase by 12% by 2028, compared to just 5% for all US jobs.
11. Babysitter or nanny
Percentage of part-time employees over the age of 55: 11%
Median hourly wage: $15.03
Satisfactory rating: 75%
It is very significant: 80%
Percentage of time spent standing or walking: 75%
While the physical demands of child care are difficult, this work is very meaningful. Not surprisingly, nanny jobs are tied with home health aides as the most significant jobs on this list. (The very significant rating shows the percentage of Payscale respondents who hold a specific position and say their job makes the world a better place.) However, pay could improve even though the median hourly wage is 35 cents higher than for all part-time jobs in the US, which is $1.79 less than the typical hourly wage for part-time employees age 55 and older.
12. Home care aide
Percentage of part-time employees over the age of 55: 31%
Median hourly wage: $11.50
Satisfactory rating: 64%
It is very significant: 80%
Percentage of time spent standing or walking: 75%
Home health aides, who are tied with babysitters on this list for employment that is highly meaningful, unfortunately, do not have a job that is financially valuable. And the physical demands of caring for someone can be exhausting. However, the silver lining is that, according to the BLS, by 2028, the number of positions must increase by 37%, compared to only 5% for all jobs in the US.
13. stretcher bearer
Percentage of part-time employees over the age of 55: 33%
Median hourly wage: $11.71
Satisfactory rating: 67%
It is very significant: 76%
Percentage of time spent standing or walking: 95%
Stretcher-bearers, who mostly work in hospitals as well as some nursing and medical care facilities, help transport patients and keep facilities clean. Warning: the physical demands of this job are difficult. According to the BLS, stretcher-bearers don’t just spend most of their time on their feet; along with nursing assistants, they suffer from one of the highest rates of injury and illness among all occupations. They say their work is highly meaningful, something many are looking for, particularly older workers.
14. Dental Assistant
Percentage of part-time employees over the age of 55: 8%
Median hourly wage: $17.70
Satisfactory rating: 72%
It is very significant: 69%
Percentage of time spent standing or walking: 50%
Depending on your state’s requirements, you may be able to become a dental assistant without prior experience. This job includes routine tasks in the dentist’s office, such as sterilizing equipment and maintaining patient records. But in some states, you have to complete an accredited training program. One may be available at a community college, trade school, or technical school (ask about tuition-free courses for seniors). The program typically lasts about a year.
15. Receptionist
Percentage of part-time employees over the age of 55: 20%
Median hourly wage: $11.90
Satisfactory rating: 64%
It is very significant: 56%
Percentage of time spent standing or walking: 20%
These employees are often the welcoming face of an organization, and their typical duties include greeting visitors and answering the phone. Most work in health care and social assistance, according to the BLS, but you can find employment opportunities as a receptionist in a variety of industries. If you expect to have working hours outside of peak hours, you can ask hospitals and nursing homes about openings for night shifts and weekends.
16. Office Worker
Percentage of part-time employees over the age of 55: 18%
Median hourly wage: $12.68
Satisfactory rating: 61%
It is very significant: 44%
Percentage of time spent standing or walking: 12.5%
According to the BLS, general office workers work in a variety of industries, but mostly in educational services, health care, and social assistance. They are expected to perform many tasks, such as answering the phone, sorting mail, and keeping files.
17. Nursing Assistant
Percentage of part-time employees over the age of 55: 11%
Median hourly wage: $13.22
Satisfactory rating: 61%
It is very significant: 75%
Percentage of time spent standing or walking: 75%
Although the pay is low, this work is valued, as employees often say they find it very meaningful—an aspect that older workers can find very attractive. But is it worth the risk? The physical demands mean nursing assistants, along with stretcher bearers, have one of the highest injury and illness rates among all occupations, according to the BLS.
18. Security guard
Percentage of part-time employees over the age of 55: 28%
Median hourly wage: $12.38
Satisfactory rating: 56%
It is very significant: 52%
Percentage of time spent standing or walking: 60%
Protecting belongings from theft, vandalism, and other illegal activities can be a good way to keep your mind sharp and your body in good shape. But the physical demands of this job can vary widely, with many positions requiring guards to patrol a certain area and stand while others stand still or sit to monitor security cameras. And it’s not always about taking action. As for security guards, they could receive training in public relations, report writing, first aid, etc.
19. Window dresser
Percentage of part-time employees over the age of 55: 31%
Median hourly wage: $11.81
Satisfactory rating: 60%
It is very significant: 30%
Percentage of time spent standing or walking: not applicable
These employees combine their artistic skills with their business skills to create visual arrangements of merchandise—for example, a display case in a store—in order to attract customers. However, the low salary is not very attractive. And unlike other jobs with below-average pay, it doesn’t seem to be very significant.
20. Customer Service Representative
Percentage of part-time employees over the age of 55: 15%
Median hourly wage: $11.73
Satisfactory rating: 50%
It is very significant: 36%
Percentage of time spent standing or walking: 6.3%
These employees, who work in various industries, serve customers and often help process orders and resolve complaints. They could do this in person or through email, text, live chat, or social media. But they usually work over the phone, possibly from call centers or even from home.
21. Pharmacy Technician
Percentage of part-time employees over the age of 55: 8%
Median hourly wage: $13.46
Satisfactory rating: 54%
It is very significant: 67%
Percentage of time spent standing or walking: 100%
Pharmacy technicians help pharmacists fill prescriptions, maintain patient records, organize inventory, and do many other tasks. They mostly work in pharmacies, but also in hospitals and some general stores. You may get this job with a high school diploma or its equivalent and no prior experience; you will simply be trained on the job.
Or you can stand out from the competition and complete a post-secondary education program in pharmaceutical technology. Vocational schools and community colleges often offer these programs. Older students could take tuition-free classes for a year or less (and older students could take tuition-free classes).
22. Housekeeper
Percentage of part-time employees over the age of 55: 19%
Median hourly wage: $10.89
Satisfactory rating: 68%
It is very significant: 53%
Percentage of time spent standing or walking: 100%
You can help clean private homes or businesses, including hospitals and hotels. If your clients are individuals, you can have a flexible schedule and control how much you work from day to day. That could be very helpful so you can schedule a time to rest and recover from the high physical demands of this job.
23. Salesperson in retail stores
Percentage of part-time employees over the age of 55: 15%
Median hourly wage: $10.73
Satisfactory rating: 53%
It is very significant: 31%
Percentage of time spent standing or walking: 99%
Working in stores can be physically exhausting, because you spend a lot of time on your feet, and it may not be a very well-paying job. But you work a lot with the public (which, depending on your temperament, could be an advantage or a disadvantage); you receive customers and help them to buy and make transactions. Furthermore, these jobs abound. According to the BLS, this occupation is not only the largest in the US, with more than 4.4 million workers, but employees are needed in many types of stores, from bookstores to garden centers. An added bonus: choose your favorite store and save with the employee discount.
24. Sales Associate
Percentage of part-time employees over the age of 55: 12%
Median hourly wage: $10.63
Satisfactory rating: 53%
It is very significant: 33%
Percentage of time spent standing or walking: 99%
It is not just stored that needs salespeople. In addition to department stores, where sales associates may also have cashier roles, there are jobs in a variety of fields, such as telemarketing and auto sales. And while the hourly wage is low (and there are a lot of physical demands, since you have to be on your feet most of the time), if you receive commissions, you could earn more with a little extra effort—possibly a lot more if you sell cars, electronics, and other big-ticket items.
25. Cashier
Percentage of part-time employees over the age of 55: 14%
Median hourly wage: $10.01
Satisfactory rating: 52%
It is very significant: 32%
Percentage of time spent standing or walking: 100%
The lowest-paying job on this list also requires you to be on your feet at all times at work. Furthermore, most of those who perform it are dissatisfied and do not feel that it is meaningful. And yet, with more than 3.6 million cashiers in the US—who work in many businesses, particularly supermarkets, general stores, and gas stations—and few barriers to entry, it’s still a must-have part-time job for people in need. all ages.
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