Retirement doesn’t have to mean slowing down or giving up income. More retirees today are launching second acts that blend purpose with profit. Whether it’s consulting, teaching, or running a cozy online store, these side hustles create structure, social connection, and a sense of momentum long after the 9-to-5 ends. Retirement gigs also add nearly $6 billion in revenue back into the overall US economy.
From pet sitting to print-on-demand, the opportunities in 2025 are more flexible, digital, and personally fulfilling than ever before. Often, the best gigs provide enough work for an income boost, but not so much that they impact Social Security benefits. Ahead, learn about 20 promising side hustles for retirees.
20 best side hustle ideas for retirees
Some retirees like to stay mentally sharp by using their lifelong skills, while others prefer light, flexible work that fits around travel plans, grandkids, or hobbies. Many are leaning into creative outlets they finally have time to explore.
To make it easier, you will find the best side hustles for retirees grouped into four broad categories:
- Flexible jobs: These come with adaptable hours and light structure; perfect if you want freedom over your schedule.
- Low-stress work: They’re simple, social, and steady options that keep you active without the grind.
- Creative gigs: Think artistic or craft-based projects that let you earn extra income while expressing yourself.
- Skills-based roles: These use your professional experience to teach, consult, or repair for pay.
If you’re not a fan of commuting, you can also see which opportunities can be done from home or developed as online businesses.
Flexible jobs for seniors
Flexible jobs let you earn on your own terms, so you can work a few hours a day, pick up gigs when you feel like it, and pause when you don’t. Most don’t require prior experience, and many can be managed from your phone.
1. Delivery driver
Driving has become one of the most popular side hustles among retirees because it offers freedom, simplicity, and social interaction. If you enjoy being out and about, know your local area well, and don’t mind occasional chats with customers, this is a solid side hustle idea.
- Benefits: Popular delivery platforms let you choose your own hours and delivery zones, making them easy gigs to fit around your lifestyle.
- Requirements: You’ll need a valid driver’s license, a reliable vehicle, and a smartphone to manage orders.
- Earning potential: DoorDash drivers can make $20 to $25 per hour (including tips and incentives) in some markets.
- Work-from-home friendly?: No.
- Tips for getting started: Review platforms like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Lyft Delivery to kickstart your delivery gig.
2. Ride-share driver
If you like driving and conversation, ride-share apps make it easy to earn on your own schedule.
- Benefits: Set your own availability, choose which trips to accept, and cash out instantly.
- Requirements: You’ll need a clean driving record, valid insurance, and a car that meets platform standards.
- Earning potential: Average Uber drivers earned $23.33 per hour in 2025 before factoring in expenses.
- Work-from-home friendly?: No.
- Tips for getting started: Sign into ride-share sites such as Uber and Lyft to learn more about rates and requirements in your area.
3. Housesitter
Take up housesitting and you’ll be paid to care for someone’s home while they’re away—watering plants, collecting mail, maybe looking after pets.
- Benefits: Housesitting is a low-stress, responsibility-light way to earn. You can list your availability, set rates, and choose short- or long-term stays.
- Requirements: You may be required to complete a background check and provide external references.
- Earning potential: A typical rate from $50 to $100 per day, depending on duties, location, etc.
- Work-from-home friendly?: Yes, but not necessarily from your home.
- Tips for getting started: Websites like TrustedHousesitters, MindMyHouse, and HouseCarers connect homeowners with verified sitters.
4. Rental space provider
If you’ve got a spare bedroom, garage, or parking spot, you can turn it into passive retirement income by renting it out.
- Benefits: This is ideal for retirees who own their home and want to earn without taking on extra work. You can set availability, vet guests, and manage bookings online.
- Requirements: You’ll need a spare room, garage, RV, parking spot, or space you can rent out. You may also wish to consider insurance.
- Earning potential: In 2023 alone, US Airbnb hosts collectively earned more than $24 billion, with the “typical” host bringing in about $14,000 for the year. Your actual earnings will depend on how often you rent, local demand, and the type of space, but even a few bookings a month can make a noticeable difference.
- Work-from-home friendly?: Yes.
- Tips for getting started: Start by visiting websites such as Airbnb, Neighbor, and Spacer.
5. Virtual assistant
Virtual assistance is one of the most flexible, work-from-home jobs for retirees, and it’s grown far beyond calendar management.
- Benefits: Set your own hours and rates.
- Requirements: Certain tasks may require you to demonstrate experience, training, or aptitude. Depending on your background, you can offer administrative support (scheduling, email inbox management, data entry), technical help (CRM updates, basic bookkeeping, or ecommerce uploads), or creative assistance (social media posts, presentation design, light copywriting).
- Earning potential: Many VAs charge $18 to $35 per hour, depending on skills and experience.
- Work-from-home friendly?: Yes.
- Tips for getting started: You can find remote gigs through platforms like Belay, Upwork, or Time Etc.
Low-stress side hustles
Prefer something easygoing? These side hustles keep you moving, meeting people, and earning a little extra, minus the deadlines.
6. Pet sitter
If you love animals, pet sitting can feel less like a job and more like a daily dose of joy.
- Benefits: Many retirees pick up pet sitting for the companionship as much as the extra cash. Set your availability, choose the types of pets you’re comfortable with, and decide whether you’d rather host animals in your own home or visit theirs. Most gigs pay per visit or per night, and tips are common. It’s also one of the easiest low-stress ways to stay active and meet new people—furry ones included.
- Requirements: You may have to complete a background check and submit references.
- Earning potential: Around $26 per hour, depending on location, pet type, and service.
- Work-from-home friendly?: Yes—if you’re hosting pets or doing in-home visits in your area.
- Tips for getting started: Platforms like Rover, Care, and Wag! make it simple to find pet-sitting or dog-walking jobs nearby.
7. Retail worker
Many stores hire retirees for seasonal or weekend shifts, especially during holidays. Tasks range from restocking shelves to helping customers find products.
- Benefits: Part-time retail work can be a satisfying way to stay social. Plus, employee discounts can make it even sweeter.
- Requirements: Good communication skills are a must; product knowledge may also be required.
- Earning potential: Around $14 to $22 per hour, depending on role and location.
- Work-from-home friendly?: No.
- Tips for getting started: Already have relationships at your favourite shops? Ask if they need part-time or seasonal help. You can also visit local job fairs and online hiring sites.
8. Customer service representative
You’ll help customers solve problems, process returns, or answer basic questions; usually with a script or training provided.
- Benefits: Customer service roles are increasingly remote, making them ideal for retirees.
- Requirements: Familiarity with technology; you must be comfortable offering email, chat, or phone support.
- Earning potential: Typically $19 per hour, depending on company and experience.
- Work-from-home friendly?: Yes.
- Tips for getting started: Start by asking around at companies whose products or processes you’re already familiar with, or visit a local job fair or online hiring site to see who’s looking for customer service representatives.
9. Parking attendant
Parking attendants oversee lots, collect payments, and help drivers find spots.
- Benefits: This is one of the best side gigs for retirees because it’s simple, often steady, and social in small doses. Some retirees combine it with part-time security or concierge work for variety.
- Requirements: You may need a valid driver’s license with a good record; seasonal workwear is also recommended.
- Earning potential: Roughly $11 to $24 per hour depending on location or shift type.
- Work-from-home friendly?: No.
- Tips for getting started: Visit local lots and ask who’s hiring, or try job fairs and online job sites.
10. Gardener
You might tend home gardens, maintain community plots, or grow herbs and flowers to sell locally. Some retirees even turn it into a small landscaping or container-planting service.
- Benefits: If you love being outdoors, gardening can be both meditative and profitable.
- Requirements: A green thumb or landscaping skills offer great entry points; you should also know how to use basic gardening tools and be in good shape.
- Earning potential: The average is $21 per hour, depending on location and whether you provide your own tools.
- Work-from-home friendly?: Yes, if you sell plants from your home garden.
- Tips for getting started: Start with your own space, ensuring you have the skills and sustained interest before going pro. If you’re already a proficient gardener, sharing pictures or tours of your garden can help generate interest in your services. You can also talk to your local gardening shop pros to see who needs help.
11. Tour guide
Love your city and good conversation? Becoming a tour guide might be for you.
- Benefits: Tour guides get to share their passion for local history, food, or art while earning extra cash
- Requirements: To get a job with an existing tour service, you’ll need to meet their job requirements, or you can start your own tour based on personal knowledge. Regardless, good storytelling skills are a must.
- Earning potential: Typically $19 per hour, with potential tips or commission.
- Work-from-home friendly?: No.
- Tips for getting started: Apps like Viator or Airbnb Experiences make it easy to list your offering and reach travelers directly. You can work with established tour companies or create your own niche experiences, from historical walks to photography tours.
Creative gigs
12. Freelance writer
You can write blog posts, newsletters, or website copy for small businesses and nonprofits.
- Benefits: Freelance writing is one of the most accessible creative side hustles, and you can do it from anywhere.
- Requirements: Strong writing skills are required; subject matter expertise can help you secure niche writing gigs.
- Earning potential: Around $23 per hour, or 10¢ to $1 per word, depending on niche and experience.
- Work-from-home friendly?: Yes.
- Tips for getting started: You can start on platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, or ClearVoice, or pitch directly to publications that pay contributors.
13. Photographer
Photographers can specialize in portraits, nature, real estate, or local events. Some photographers also sell prints or digital downloads through platforms like Etsy, SmugMug, or Adobe Stock.
- Benefits: Photography is ideal for retirees who love creativity and the outdoors.
- Requirements: While professional gear helps, many start with a high-quality smartphone and grow from there.
- Earning potential: Typically $100 to $250 per session, or $20 to $37 per hour for part-time photographers.
- Work-from-home friendly?: Yes—for editing and digital sales.
- Tips for getting started: A compelling portfolio is often all it takes to score a gig. Start by asking friends and family if you can photograph their events for free, then collect your work into an online portfolio you can share with prospective clients or employers.
14. Antique seller
If you’ve got an eye for vintage treasures (or a home full of them), selling antiques online can be both profitable and fun.
- Benefits: Selling antiques can be as flexible, casual, or serious as you’d like.
- Requirements: A good eye plus access to antiques and collectibles.
- Earning potential: Varies widely, but typically depends on inventory, pricing, and niche.
- Work-from-home friendly?: Yes.
- Tips for getting started: You can start by reselling pieces you already own, then source new finds from estate sales or flea markets. Retirees often use eBay, Etsy, or Facebook Marketplace to list collectibles, furniture, and home décor.
15. Handmade goods seller
Crafting can easily turn into a side hustle, especially if you enjoy making jewelry, candles, or textiles.
- Benefits: You control your hours, pricing, and creative direction.
- Requirements: Crafting skills or a strong desire to learn them, plus access to materials.
- Earning potential: Varies widely, but according to an analysis of 164,584 Etsy shops, the average seller earns about $35,583 per year in revenue.
- Work-from-home friendly?: Yes.
- Tips for getting started: Many retirees start small, selling to friends, at weekend markets, or on social media, and grow through word of mouth. Platforms like Etsy and Faire make it simple to set up an online shop and reach global buyers.
💡Pro tip: Through the Shopify x Faire integration, you can sync products directly from your Shopify store to Faire’s wholesale marketplace, making it easy to get your handmade goods in front of boutiques and retailers around the world.
Skills-based side hustles
For retirees who’ve built decades of experience, these side hustles turn know-how into steady income.
16. Teacher
You can offer lessons in person or online, from tutoring students in math or English to teaching adults cooking, music, or art.
- Benefits: Teaching remains one of the most rewarding ways to stay active and connected.
- Requirements: Qualifications can range from subject matter knowledge to previous experience to formal teaching certification.
- Earning potential: Typically $19 to $22 per hour, depending on subject and experience.
- Work-from-home friendly?: Yes, if you run in-home or online lessons.
- Tips for getting started: Websites like Wyzant, Tutor.com, and Teachable make it simple to connect with learners or launch your own digital courses. If you prefer in-person classes, local community centers and schools often hire part-time instructors.
17. Consultant
Retirees often advise small businesses, startups, and nonprofits on topics such as operations, HR, marketing, and finance.
- Benefits: You can get started fast with templates made for your industry, then expand as your services grow.
- Requirements: If you’ve spent years developing professional expertise, consulting is a natural next act.
- Earning potential: $27 to $36 per hour,on average, depending on niche, industry, and experience.
- Work-from-home friendly?: Yes.
- Tips for getting started: You can offer services independently or through marketplaces like Upwork and Catalant, where companies look for short-term expertise. Shopify’s free themes are built with core features you can easily customize.
18. Furniture assembly
For retirees who like hands-on work, assembling furniture is a simple, in-demand service. Many people order flat-pack furniture online but prefer to pay someone else to handle the setup.
- Benefits: You can choose your schedule, charge hourly or per job, and even expand into light handyman work.
- Requirements: You must be handy, able to follow instructions, and have a general knowledge of basic tools.
- Earning potential: Around $19 per hour, depending on complexity and market.
- Work-from-home friendly?: Yes.
- Tips for getting started: Platforms like TaskRabbit and Thumbtack connect you directly with local customers who need help assembling furniture, such as desks, beds, or shelves.
19. Home or car repairs
Small home or vehicle repairs can earn you a solid part-time income. Think replacing light fixtures, patching drywall, changing oil, or detailing cars.
- Benefits: You can make your own hours and choose which services to offer.
- Requirements: You must at least be mechanically inclined; retirees with specialized trade experience (like plumbing or electrical work) can often charge premium rates for short, high-value jobs.
- Earning potential: Typically $25 per hour, depending on skill level and task.
- Work-from-home friendly?: Potentially, if customers drop off items for repair.
- Tips for getting started: You can find local gigs on TaskRabbit or Nextdoor, or offer your services directly to neighbors and small businesses.
20. Bookkeeper
Bookkeepers help small businesses or freelancers track income, reconcile expenses, and prepare financial reports.
- Benefits: Bookkeeping is a flexible, remote-friendly side hustle.
- Requirements: Good math and communication skills are enough to get started; bookkeeping certification or previous experience can take you further.
- Earning potential: Usually $25 to $35 per hour, with higher rates for certified professionals or tax preparation work.
- Work-from-home friendly?: Yes.
- Tips for getting started: You can find clients through Upwork, QuickBooks ProAdvisor, or Bench, or even offer related tax preparation services during the busy season for additional income.
Tips for succeeding with a retirement side hustle
Here are a few things to keep in mind before choosing your side hustle:
Consider your goals and skill set
Before you jump into the first side hustle opportunity that comes your way, consider what you want out of your new part-time job. Knowing your goal—whether it’s increasing your retirement income, staying active, or pursuing a passion—will help inform your choice.
If your primary objective is to earn additional income to keep up with your living expenses, look for the most lucrative side hustle, leveraging any high-demand skills or assets you may have. On the other hand, if you want to stay active and fill your spare time, find jobs that interest you—the extra cash will be a bonus.
Don’t overcommit
When you find a side hustle that excites you, it can be tempting to overcommit, but you should do your best to avoid burnout and stress, especially while you’re establishing your retirement routine. Roles that offer more flexibility and fewer demands than a full-time job can help you strike the right balance and enjoy your golden years.
Know how earnings affect your benefits
Working too much can affect your Social Security retirement or survivors’ benefits, and may impact your private pension plan allotments, too. Be sure to review any taxation and pension implications carefully before taking on a new side hustle.
💡Tip: The information above is for educational purposes only and does not constitute tax, legal, or financial advice. Always seek advice from a qualified professional who can consider your situation and the current IRS/SSA rules before starting a business.
Side hustles for retirees FAQ
How can seniors make a little extra money?
There are many ways retirees can earn money in the gig economy, including pet sitting, freelance writing, consulting, and renting extra space.
Is there a limit to how much money you can make after retirement?
There is no limit to the amount you can make after retirement, but your earnings may impact your Social Security and private pension benefits.
What are the benefits of side hustles for retirees?
A side hustle can increase your earning power, help you stay active, provide social connection, and offer a sense of fulfillment and purpose.
Do I need to register a business for my retirement side hustle?
Not always. If you’re earning small amounts or working as an independent contractor, you can usually operate as a sole proprietor and report your income on your personal tax return.
However, if you plan to scale your side hustle and hire help, sell products, or open a storefront, registering a formal business (such as an LLC) can provide liability protection.
Check your state’s small business portal or consult a tax professional for specifics.
What are the easiest side hustles for retirees to start?
The simplest side hustles come with low setup costs and flexible hours. Think:
- Pet sitting or housesitting
- Online tutoring or virtual assistance
- Selling handmade or vintage goods
Start with something that fits your interests and energy level, because the easier it feels to begin, the more likely you’ll keep it going.
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