16 Part-Time Jobs for Seniors To Stay Active and Earning

Retirement is a period of transition that can take some getting used to — both mentally and financially. Whether you're looking to supplement your retirement savings or stay connected and active in the community, part-time work is a great way to do it. 

For many seniors, the need for extra financial support is real, driving the search for flexible freelance or part-time work. You may also be seeking engagement and looking for roles that offer a sense of purpose and the chance to continue using a lifetime of skills and experience. 

This guide aims to bridge both worlds, offering insights into diverse job options that fit various motivations. From fulfilling roles that contribute to your savings to engaging opportunities that keep you involved and sharp, we're here to help you navigate this exciting chapter of life.

Restaurant delivery apps: DoorDash and UberEats

One of the perks of modern life is the democratization of food delivery. Gone are the days of delivery jobs being constrained to dedicated staff: if you’ve got a smartphone and an itch to get outside, chances are you can take gigs delivering food from restaurants. 

Two apps deserve special note: DoorDash and Uber Eats.

These platforms provide the perfect blend of convenience and independence, allowing you to work on your own schedule and make people happy — after all, who isn’t grateful to see their food arrive? 

Whether it's for the financial boost or the chance to get out and about, delivering with DoorDash or Uber Eats can be a rewarding venture for seniors ready to hit the road.

Other apps like Instacart and Shipt might also be worth your consideration, but since they deal with (often heavy) grocery deliveries, they’re more physically demanding than many seniors will be comfortable with. 

DoorDash

In a nutshell: Earn money delivering restaurant orders via a reliable app.

Working for DoorDash as a senior presents an opportunity to stay active, engage with your community, and supplement your income by delivering people’s restaurant orders around town. 

Be aware that the job’s physical demands may be beyond your comfort level. You’ll need to stay on the move and be efficient with your routes. However, this may be exactly what you’re looking for. 

You can sign up for DoorDash here. 

Key takeaways:

• Flexible scheduling: You can work when it suits you best — no need to commit to a restrictive schedule.
• Quick start-up: Easy to start with no extensive training required.
• Active lifestyle: Delivering for DoorDash can help keep you active and involved (you can even deliver on a bike if you’d like to get an extra workout in). 
• Streamlined technology: The DoorDash app is easy to navigate, though you’ll need to be comfortable with using a smartphone.
• Physically demanding: The physical aspect of delivery might be challenging for some, particularly when the job requires climbing stairs.
• Variable earnings: Earnings can fluctuate based on demand, location, and hours worked.

Uber Eats

In a nutshell: Take advantage of Uber's network to deliver food orders — particularly if you're also interested in driving for Uber.

For senior citizens considering Uber Eats as a way to earn extra income, it's a viable option with its own set of benefits. Unlike DoorDash, Uber Eats is part of the broader Uber ecosystem, which can lead to more delivery opportunities in certain markets.

Because Uber is so popular, this can also lead to increased competition for delivery gigs. 

Key takeaways:

• The Uber umbrella: Access to a larger customer base through the Uber platform.
• Choose your own hours: Flexibility to work according to your schedule.
• Intuitive app use: Easy-to-use app interface.
• A larger network: Higher competition with other drivers can affect earnings.

​​You can sign up for Uber Eats here. 

Ridesharing with Uber and Lyft

In a nutshell: Make money from the comfort of your car as you chauffeur passengers around town.

For senior citizens looking at using a car for supplemental income, Uber and Lyft present an appealing opportunity to stay active and put your car to good use. 

Uber and Lyft are software platforms that allow any qualified driver to turn their car into a taxi on their own schedule. Both platforms offer flexibility and independence, allowing seniors to set their own schedules, explore their city, and meet new people — all while providing a valuable service. 

Uber is the best-known of the ridesharing apps — it’s pretty likely that you’ve already taken an Uber somewhere or at least know someone who has. Driving for Uber gives you the opportunity to be in the driver's seat this time. 

Lyft presents itself as a community-oriented ride-sharing experience. Whether this is true is up to interpretation, but many seniors find driving for Lyft rewarding. It also offers various promotions for drivers. However, Lyft’s app and driver support are generally considered less robust than Uber’s.

You can sign up for Uber here, and you can sign up for Lyft here. 

Key takeaways:

• Flexible schedule: Drive only when it suits you.
• Requires navigating technology: The app-centric model might require a learning curve, but both apps have intuitive interfaces.
• Potential for good earnings: You can earn a good income in busy areas or during peak times, but keep in mind that driving during those hours can be more stressful.
• Good tips: Uber drivers tend to be paid a bit more than Lyft, and part of that is their easy tipping system. 
• Car maintenance: You’ll be constantly on the move, so you’ll need to increase spending on gas and maintenance for your vehicle.
• Variable income: Earnings can fluctuate based on demand.
• Passengers can be difficult: Dealing with difficult passengers can be challenging.

Warehouse jobs: Amazon Fulfillment Centers

In a nutshell: Work a low-key, part-time role at an Amazon warehouse without many physical demands.

Before you write this category off, it’s important to note that some warehouse jobs don’t require much physical strain. 

For many seniors seeking employment, fulfillment centers like Amazon can present an attractive opportunity. Jobs such as Amazon Packers are well-suited for older individuals who want to stay active without having to do any heavy lifting. 

Amazon Fulfillment Centers offer a wide range of jobs, some of which can be great options for seniors. Amazon also offers flex scheduling, which is ideal for those seeking part-time opportunities.

Although you can’t apply to the following roles specifically, once you apply to an Amazon fulfillment center, you’ll be placed according to your abilities, so, as a senior, you can expect to be placed in one of these positions. If for some reason you’re not, you can speak with your supervisor to request a different role. 

Picker

Being a picker involves gathering products ready for order fulfillment. You’ll also need to label merchandise and ensure stock levels are adequate. Note that this job may be too tiring for some seniors, as it involves long hours on your feet and the occasional lifting of something heavy. 

Packer

A packer mostly stays in one area and packs items into boxes. Provided the warehouse has a good “water spider,” or a person who brings items when needed, you would get to avoid some of the more demanding parts of the job. This role is sometimes colloquially referred to as the “geriatric unit” among warehouse workers as it’s fairly easy from a physical standpoint.

Forklift operator

Driving a forklift requires some training but is a great way to stay sharp, engaged, and busy in a bustling environment.

Caregiving

There are plenty of meaningful (and well-paying) gigs you can take on in the caregiving space, including childcare and pet care. These gigs top the list in terms of being good for both your wallet and your spirit. 

If you want to find gigs, Care.com is a great resource: it’s a marketplace that connects individuals and families with caregivers. It’s free to join (you just have to pay a small fee for a background check), but you can upgrade to a Premium membership for access to enhanced job-seeking tools. 

You can sign up here to get started as a babysitter on Care.com, and you can apply here to get started as a pet sitter. 

Babysitting

In a nutshell: Spend your free time caring for children — particularly if you have prior caregiving or teaching experience.

Babysitting offers a unique opportunity to connect with younger generations while earning income. This role requires patience, compassion, and a knack for engaging children. It’s not just a job; it's a chance to make a profound impact on a child's life, offering both care and wisdom that only experience can provide.

Key takeaways:

• Connect with kids: Few things are as purposeful as spending time with children.
• Flexible scheduling: Though you’ll need to accommodate the employer’s schedule, your schedule is the ultimate decider.
• Physically demanding: Active children can require a lot of energy.
• High responsibility: Requires constant vigilance and attentiveness.

Pet care

In a nutshell: Get a mood boost by looking after people's pets while they're away.

For seniors looking for joyous and less physically demanding work, pet care is a wonderful option. This role involves looking after pets, from feeding and walking to providing companionship. It's ideal for animal lovers seeking flexible work hours and the warmth of furry friends.

Key takeaways:

• Healthy: Emotional and physical health benefits from interacting with pets.
• Flexible: Set your own work hours, as long as they work with potential customers.
• Small, calm pets can be low-maintenance: Small pets can be quite easy from a physical demand point of view.
• Bad behavior: Some pets are badly behaved, which can be both exhausting and risky — a large dog on a leash can pull you over. Luckily, you can choose which animals you work with. 
• Responsibility: You are entirely responsible for the pet’s well-being and safety.

Tutoring: Independently, Varsity Tutors, and Wyzant

In a nutshell: Great for those with teaching experience or subject matter expertise who want to teach others.

For seniors with a background in education (or even just skills in a specific subject area), tutoring offers a unique opportunity. It’s a particularly good choice for retired teachers who no longer want to deal with the demands of full-time teaching but want to continue teaching in a less stressful environment. 

This job not only leverages your expertise in areas like math, literature, or science but also keeps your mind sharp. Tutoring can be incredibly rewarding, allowing you to connect with students on a personal level, help them overcome academic challenges, and witness their growth firsthand. 

Whether you prefer one-on-one sessions or small groups, online platforms, or in-person meetings, tutoring as a senior caters to a variety of settings and preferences, making it a versatile choice for those eager to stay active and make a meaningful impact. All of these tutoring options provide the opportunity to set your own schedule.

Tutoring independently

Tutoring on your own is an enriching path for seniors with expertise in academic subjects or crafts. You’ll need to promote your services through flyers, Craigslist, libraries, or local schools, catering to students in need of extra help.

This route offers a direct way to impact learners' lives, combining flexible work and keep-what-you-earn pricing with the joy of teaching.

Key takeaways:

• You control the pay: You set your rates.
• Engagement: You have the opportunity to use and share your knowledge and gain personal satisfaction from helping others learn and grow.
• It can be a hustle: It can take a lot of effort to market yourself and find students.
• Variable income: Income depends on client influx.
• You do all the work: You’ll need to handle everything on your own.

Varsity Tutors

Varsity Tutors is a structured, internet-based platform that helps tutors connect with students who need academic help. This platform provides an array of teaching opportunities, from one-on-one tutoring sessions to large group classes, both online and in-person.

You can apply to Varsity Tutors here. 

Key takeaways:

• Large network: Access to a wide network of potential students and subjects.
• Commission-based earnings: May affect total take-home pay; most tutors earn around $22/hour.
• Requirements: Tutors must have a high school diploma and pass a background check.
• Competition: Other tutors are competing for the same clients.

Wyzant

Wyzant is another online tutoring platform. As a tutor on Wyzant, you can set your own rates and choose your students. Wyzant is generally seen as better for tutors than Varsity Tutors because it allows you to set your own rates and keep 75% of what you earn. 

You can sign up for Wyzant here. 

Key takeaways:

• Set your rates: You have the freedom to set whatever rates you want to charge, from $10 to $600 an hour.
• Large, diverse student base: Because it’s online, you’re not constrained to local students seeking help.
• Fewer requirements: To be eligible, you only have to be at least 18 years old, live in the US, and have a social security number.
• 25% commission: The platform takes a percentage of earnings as a commission.
• Self-starter-ness required: You’re responsible for self-marketing within the platform.

Career coaching

In a nutshell: Share your lifetime of experience with others looking to gain more direction in their careers.

A career coaching gig opens a rewarding avenue for seniors looking to leverage their wealth of professional experience. This path is particularly well-suited for those who've navigated diverse career landscapes and wish to guide others through the complexities of career development, job transitions, and workplace challenges. 

This role combines the satisfaction of imparting wisdom with the joy of witnessing others achieve their career goals, making it an ideal pursuit for seniors with a passion for mentorship and a desire to contribute to others' success.

Tech platforms

There are various tech platforms dedicated to helping coaches connect with customers. These include: 

• Mentorcruise 
• Exponent 
• Mentorloop 
• Quenza 

Each has its own strengths, weaknesses, and individual styles, but they are all worth exploring as ways to find gigs. 

Key takeaways:

• Meaningful work: You can deliver personalized guidance tailored to individual career goals and help clients identify their strengths and areas for improvement. You will learn continuously.
• Expands on your career: Unlike many other gigs, career coaching is a continuation of your own career in some sense — you get to coach the next generation.
• Delayed gratification: Results will depend on the customer’s drive and decisions and may not be immediate. Effectiveness largely depends on the client's willingness to take action on the advice you give them.
• It can be a hustle: Building a client base can be slow and requires significant networking and marketing.
• Variable income: Jobs can be inconsistent, especially in the early stages of establishing your practice. Success depends on your ability to market yourself and deliver results.

Online surveys: Ipsos iSay

In a nutshell: Earn some extra income by filling out online surveys and giving your opinions. 

Organizations need people to take surveys so they can understand markets and populations. Ipsos iSay is an online platform that offers a straightforward path to a bit of income without the commitment to extensive workloads or schedules. 

While it may not be the most financially lucrative option (earnings are fairly limited), Ipsos iSay provides an accessible way to contribute valuable feedback on various products and services. This platform turns your opinions into earnings, allowing you to earn from the comfort of your home. 

It’s an ideal option for those looking to make use of spare time, offering flexibility and ease without the need for any technical skills or investment.

You can sign up for Ipsos iSay here. 

Key takeaways:

• Easy participation: No special skills are required.
• Rewards variety: Choose from cash or gift cards.
• Limited earnings: Ipsos iSay won't provide substantial money.
• Variable availability: Survey frequency can be inconsistent.
• Point system: There are minimum thresholds for reward payouts.

Local jobs

In a nutshell: Stay connected to your local community and potentially try something new with a local part-time job.

Diving into the local job market opens a realm of opportunities to stay engaged and active within your community. 

You can share your love for books as a librarian, navigate the real estate world, keep financial records straight as a bookkeeper, or safely transport the next generation as a school bus driver. 

These positions not only offer the chance to contribute meaningfully to your community but also provide a structured schedule and the in-person interaction that remote or freelance jobs may lack. Each role leverages unique talents and experiences, making them perfect for those seniors looking to blend personal passions with professional endeavors.

Library assistant or bookstore clerk

Working as a library assistant offers seniors a serene environment where they’ll be surrounded by books. As a library assistant, you won't need a degree in library sciences like you would to be a librarian, but you can still take advantage of the library environment and stay connected to literary trends and community needs.

Working as a sales associate in a bookstore is a similar option. 

Key takeaways:

• Community engagement: You can interact with diverse groups.
• Stay fresh: Enjoy constant exposure to new books and information.
• Calm environment: Libraries and bookstores are quiet and peaceful settings.
• Some libraries attract problems: Libraries in certain areas attract youthful mischief and drug use.

Real estate agent

For seniors with a knack for sales and a passion for property, being a real estate agent offers flexibility and the chance to meet new people. To become a real estate agent, you’ll need to get some formal training and become licensed, but this can be a fun and educational endeavor nonetheless. 

Key takeaways:

• Social interaction: Regularly meet new clients.
• Earning potential: Commissions offer significant income opportunities.
• Market dependence: Income can fluctuate with the real estate market.
• Certification process: You must pass a licensing exam, which involves hours of formal training at an approved real estate school. 

Bookkeeper

If you have a head for numbers, you can help businesses manage their finances efficiently as a bookkeeper. You’ll likely need to become certified, so this requires some training as well. 

Key takeaways:

• Consistent demand: Businesses always need to be financially organized.
• Remote work: Many roles offer the ability to work from home.
• Part-time options: You can have flexible hours.
• Technical proficiency: Knowledge of accounting software is needed.
• Periodic stress: End-of-month and tax season can be demanding.
• Requires training: You’ll likely need to have some training to get started. 

Schoolbus driver

Becoming a school bus driver is an excellent way for seniors to play a vital role in their community's education system. Plus, it offers predictable hours and breaks.

Key takeaways:

• Community role: You’ll be an essential part of students' daily routines.
• Regular breaks: Midday and summers are free.
• Job security: There is a steady demand for qualified drivers.
• Early starts: Mornings begin before dawn.
• Limited hours: You’ll work mainly morning and afternoon shifts.
• High responsibility: The safety of children is paramount.

Requires certification: In some states, you need a school bus driver certification.

Advice from experienced gig workers

We asked three of our Gig Pros about their top tips for seniors looking for work. Here’s what they said. 

Scott’s advice

Scott Jones has been doing DoorDash, Lyft, Amazon Flex, and Instacart since 2018. Here’s the advice he gave:

As a senior, I would want something that would add to my experience and the retirement that I already have been gaining for my entire life. This reminds me of my good family friend Tom. Tom spent decades with the Bureau of Land Management. To add a double retirement, he signed a contract with the city of Tucson to be a bus driver for their school district for a minimum of five years. He was shrewd in how he planned it. Because he was willing to be a bus driver for five years, when he was done, the federal and state government doubled his retirement 401K, and now he has plenty to live on for the rest of his life. So I know that bus driving can be very lucrative and has a lot of benefits. 

For seniors, using Lyft/Uber as a way to gain extra gig income seems pretty reasonable. They have a good working car, most of them like to drive anyway, and they get the convenience of not ever having to leave their vehicle. If they don't feel comfortable with a rider, they don't accept a ride from them. So this works out pretty well for them. I know one particular elderly woman who tells me she's making more money with Lyft than she was at her prior job working as an administrative assistant. Plus, she gets to be her own boss. Which can be very helpful on days when she's fatigued or needs to take some time off due to health concerns. I know if I was a senior I definitely wouldn't want to do DoorDash. Dashing takes a lot of energy and requires you to carry heavy and awkward things (9 extra-large sodas on a hot day).

Faith’s advice

Faith McLaughlin has 8 years of gig work experience. She’s worked with Postmates, Uber, Lyft, Instacart, and DoorDash. Here are her tips for seniors:

For most seniors that I know, taking a part-time job is a necessity to survive in the very expensive Southern California cost-of-living environment. The ability to be in charge of your own schedule and workload is a number one priority for most seniors, which leads me to recommend that they try DoorDash or Uber Eats as a way to earn extra money. Driving at night is not an option for a lot of older folks, which is why the DoorDash or Uber Eats platforms work as an option. There are still lunch hour rushes and early evening orders to get delivered and still be home before dark with a few extra bucks in hand.

For seniors looking for more ways to mingle with people while still earning some money, then working at your local library bookstore is a great option. Libraries these days are more than just books, they are places where communities come together. Many libraries offer fun programs that include ways of bringing the older and younger groups together to share their knowledge with each other in meaningful ways.

Catherine’s advice

Catherine Meyers has 5 years of experience doing Instacart and 2 years of experience with Shipt. She’s also worked on Amazon Flex and DoorDash. Here’s her advice:

My biggest tip to seniors looking for work is to be aware of their own physical limitations. Some things listed, like Amazon picking and packing, can be pretty physically intensive for an older person. It’s easy to be drawn to extra money in your pocket, but it’s important to prioritize personal health and if that money is worth the effect it may have on the body.

It’s also really important not to overestimate how tech-savvy you are before jumping in. Anyone can learn how to use a phone, but definitely ask questions from younger people around you to make sure you really know what you’re doing! Most of us are happy to help. I worked as a grocery cashier for 8 years and I often had to help older shoppers doing Instacart — it doesn’t hurt to ask and we mostly don’t mind to do it.

Keeping an eye on local, part-time jobs, like the librarian assistant positions suggested here, seems more accessible and fulfilling for seniors! There are local sites like NextDoor to find opportunities in your community.