January 9, 2026

27 Best Paying Jobs Retirees Can Begin Immediately

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Retirement is a new stage in life, but for many people, it doesn’t mean stopping work. More retirees are choosing to keep working or start new jobs after they have officially “retired.”

Some want extra money to add to their savings, while others enjoy staying busy and involved with work. No matter the reason, there are many chances for retirees to find good and rewarding jobs.

A recent survey by the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies shows that 55% of workers plan to work after retiring. This includes almost 20% who want to work full time and over a third who hope to work part time.

These results show that working while retired is becoming more usual and accepted. Retirees bring important skills like lots of experience, dependability, and a strong work attitude, which many employers value.

This article shares 27 jobs that many retirees want. These jobs hire quickly and pay well. They cover many industries and skills, so you can find something that fits your interests and background.

Did any of these jobs interest you? Or maybe you have other ideas? Tell us in the comments!

Substitute Teacher

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Schools often need substitute teachers, and this job can be very rewarding for retirees who like working with kids. Substitute teachers usually earn $100 to $200 each day.

You don’t always have to have a teaching degree to be a substitute, as rules are different in each place. This work lets you choose the days you want to work and take breaks when needed.

It’s a good way to stay involved in your community and help young people in a positive way.

Tutor

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Tutoring is a great choice for retirees who want to help students. Tutors can make $20 to $50 each hour by helping kids learn hard subjects or get ready for exams.

You can focus on a subject you love, like math, science, or reading. Tutoring can happen in person or online, so you can choose when and where to work.

Many parents want to pay for good tutoring to support their children’s success in school, so there is often steady work for good tutors.

Adjunct Professor

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If you have an advanced degree or specialized knowledge in a particular field, becoming an adjunct professor could be a great fit. Adjunct professors typically earn between $1,000 and $4,000 per course.

You’ll teach part-time at colleges or universities, sharing your expertise with students who are eager to learn. This role allows you to stay connected to academia without the full-time commitment of a tenured position.

It’s an excellent way to keep your mind sharp and pass on your knowledge to the next generation.

Consultant

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Consultants offer their knowledge to businesses that want expert help. As a retiree, you can use your experience to help companies in your area. Consultants usually make between $35 and $150 an hour, based on their field and skill level.

You decide your own hours and pick the jobs you want to do. This freedom makes consulting a good choice for retirees who wish to keep working in their industry without working full-time.

Accountant or Bookkeeper

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If you have a background in finance or accounting, working as an accountant or bookkeeper can be a great way to use your skills in retirement. These roles typically pay between $20 and $40 per hour.

You can offer services such as tax preparation, financial planning, and general bookkeeping. Many small businesses and individuals need help managing their finances, creating a steady demand for these services.

You can work part-time or take on clients as a freelancer, giving you control over your workload.

Freelance Writer or Editor

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Retired people who write well can get many chances to work as freelance writers or editors. This job pays $25 to $100 an hour, based on your experience and the kind of writing you do.

You could write blog posts, articles, or books about subjects you know. Editors are also needed to check and fix writing for websites, magazines, and publishers.

You can work at home and pick projects you like, making this a fun and flexible choice.

Retail Associate

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Many retail stores value the reliability and customer service skills that retirees bring to the job. Retail associates usually earn between $12 and $18 per hour. This role involves helping customers find products, operating cash registers, and keeping the store organized.

You can often choose part-time hours that fit your schedule, making it easy to balance work with other retirement activities. Retail work also offers opportunities to socialize and stay active, which many retirees find enjoyable.

Gardening Specialist

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For retirees who love plants, working as a gardening expert can be fun and make good money. Gardening experts usually earn $15 to $30 an hour. You can help with tasks like landscaping, taking care of plants, and designing gardens for homes or businesses.

This job lets you work outside and keep moving. Many customers value the skill and care that experienced gardeners give to their work.

Front Desk Receptionist

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Working as a front desk receptionist is an excellent option for retirees who enjoy interacting with people. Receptionists usually earn between $14 and $20 per hour. You’ll greet visitors, answer phone calls, and handle basic administrative tasks in offices, hotels, or medical facilities.

This job offers a professional environment without heavy physical demands. It’s a great way to stay connected to your community and use your customer service skills.

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Real Estate Agent

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Becoming a real estate agent can be an exciting second career for retirees. Real estate agents earn a commission, usually 2-5% of the property’s sale price.

You’ll help people buy and sell homes, which involves showing properties, negotiating deals, and guiding clients through the purchasing process. This job allows you to set your own schedule and use your knowledge of the local area.

Many retirees find success in real estate thanks to their life experience and established networks.

Property Manager

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Property management is a good choice for retirees who want to work in real estate. Property managers can make between $30,000 and $70,000 a year.

You will need to take care of rental properties, talk with tenants, and manage money tasks like collecting rent. This job needs strong planning and communication skills.

It combines office work with practical problem-solving, which many retirees enjoy.

House Sitter

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House sitting is a low-stress job option that can be perfect for retirees looking for occasional work. House sitters typically earn between $25 and $50 per day.

Your main task will be to stay in someone’s home while they’re away, keeping an eye on things and perhaps caring for pets or plants. This job can be a great way to earn money while enjoying a change of scenery.

It’s ideal for retirees who like variety and don’t mind short-term commitments.

Library Assistant

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For people who love books, working as a library helper can be a great job after retiring. Library helpers usually make between $12 and $18 an hour. Your tasks may include sorting books, helping visitors find what they need, and supporting community events.

Libraries are calm and well-organized places that many retirees enjoy. This job lets you share your passion for reading and learning with others around you.

Youth Monitor

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Retirees who enjoy working with young people might find satisfaction as a youth monitor. Youth monitors usually earn between $12 and $20 per hour. You’ll supervise activities in schools, after-school programs, or community centers.

This job involves ensuring children’s safety and helping them engage in educational or recreational activities. It’s a rewarding way to make a positive impact on young lives while staying active and involved in your community.

Pet Sitter or Dog Walker

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People who love animals can make a flexible job out of pet sitting or dog walking. These jobs usually pay about $15 to $25 an hour. You look after pets when their owners are not home or take dogs out for walks during the day.

This work lets you set your own hours and how much you do. It is a good way to stay active and spend time with animals without having to own one for a long time.

Bank Teller

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Working as a bank teller can be a good fit for retirees who enjoy customer service in a professional setting. Bank tellers usually earn between $15 and $20 per hour.

You’ll handle financial transactions, assist customers with account inquiries, and promote banking services. This job offers a structured environment and the opportunity to work with numbers. Many banks value the reliability and experience that retirees bring to this role.

Counselor

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Retirees who have experience in psychology, social work, or similar areas might want to work as counselors. Counselors usually make about $25 to $50 an hour. You can help and guide people facing different life problems.

Many counselors work part-time or as freelancers. This job lets you use your life experience and skills to help people in a real way.

Delivery Driver

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Retirees who enjoy driving and want a flexible schedule might consider becoming delivery drivers. Delivery drivers typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour. You’ll transport packages or food for companies like Amazon, UPS, or DoorDash.

This job allows you to choose your own hours and work as much or as little as you want. It’s a great way to stay active and explore your local area while earning money.

Server

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Working as a server can be a fun job for retirees who like meeting new people. Servers usually make about $12 to $15 an hour, plus tips. You will take orders, bring food and drinks, and make sure customers enjoy their meal.

Many restaurants have flexible hours and part-time work. This job helps you stay active and lets you work around others.

Nanny

An elderly woman and a younger woman sit at a table with a teapot, cups, and a plate of fruit, engaged in conversation inside a rustic wooden room.

Retirees who enjoy spending time with children might consider working as nannies. Nannies usually earn between $15 and $25 per hour. You’ll care for children in their homes, which may include preparing meals, helping with homework, and organizing activities.

This job can be part-time or full-time, depending on your preferences. It’s a rewarding way to use your childcare experience and make a difference in a family’s life.

Music Instructor

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If you are good at playing a musical instrument, being a music teacher can be a great job. Music teachers usually make between $25 and $60 an hour. You will teach students of all ages, either at home, in a music school, or online.

This job lets you share your love for music and choose your own hours. Teaching music is a nice way to keep making music and help others enjoy it too.

Tour Guide

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Retirees with knowledge of local history or attractions might enjoy working as tour guides. Tour guides usually earn between $15 and $30 per hour. You’ll lead groups through museums, historical sites, or around your city, sharing interesting facts and stories.

This job keeps you active and allows you to meet people from all over the world. It’s an excellent way to share your knowledge and enthusiasm with others.

Event Coordinator

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For retirees who are good at organizing, working as an event coordinator can be a fun choice. Event coordinators usually make between $20 and $50 an hour. You will plan and manage events like weddings, company meetings, or local parties.

This work means handling details, talking with suppliers, and making sure everything goes well. It’s a nice way to use your planning talents and help people have great events.

Artist or Craftsperson

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Turning your artistic hobby into a job can be fulfilling in retirement. The earnings for artists and craftspeople vary depending on what you create and sell.

You can make and sell artwork, jewelry, pottery, or other crafts at local fairs, online platforms like Etsy, or through commissions. This job allows you to express your creativity and work at your own pace. Many retirees find joy in sharing their artistic talents with others.

Translator

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If you speak several languages well, working as a translator can be a good job after you retire. Translators often make between $20 and $40 an hour.

You may translate papers, websites, or give live translation help to companies or people. This work often lets you work from home and choose your own hours. It’s a great way to use your language skills and keep your mind active.

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Food Service Cook

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For retirees who love cooking, working as a food service cook can be a fulfilling option. Food service cooks typically earn between $12 and $18 per hour.

You’ll prepare meals in restaurants, cafes, or catering services. Many of these positions offer flexible hours and part-time schedules. This job allows you to use your culinary skills and work in a team environment.

Personal Shopper

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Becoming a personal shopper is a good choice for retirees who like shopping and helping people. Personal shoppers usually make between $15 and $25 an hour. You will buy groceries or other things for clients, either on your own or with services like Instacart.

This job lets you work flexible hours and helps you stay active. It is a nice way to use your shopping skills and earn some money.

Golden Opportunities

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Retirement opens doors to new possibilities. The 27 jobs we’ve seen offer exciting opportunities to stay active, earn extra income, and continue making a difference. Your years of experience and wisdom are valuable assets in today’s job market.

Remember, the best job for you will depend on your interests, skills, and desired level of commitment. Consider trying out different options to find what suits you best. Working in retirement can provide extra income, social interaction, and a sense of purpose.

So, if you’re ready for a new challenge in retirement, why not give one of these jobs a try? You might discover an enjoyable new way to spend your time while earning some extra money.

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AI was used for light editing, formatting, and readability. But a human (me!) wrote and edited this.

Author

  • Michael Gregory

    Will Think is the founder and owner of WilThink.com. After a long career in finance, he retired early and decided to put his knowledge to work in a different way—by helping others. He is also a dad and an avid runner.

    Will is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with over 20 years of experience in real estate investing. He’s also a published journalist whose writing has appeared on MSN, the Associated Press, and other major outlets.

    His content combines real expertise with a clear, no-nonsense style that’s both smart and accessible.

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