AARP Hearing Center
When they need extra income, many retirees often look for a part-time job. But even for those positions, college-degree requirements sometimes can be an obstacle that prevents older workers from getting hired.
According to one recent ZipRecruiter survey, nearly half of all hiring managers (53 percent) insisted that job candidates have a degree or other credential to be hired. That’s a hurdle that fewer older adults can clear because only 19.7 percent of people age 55 and older have a bachelor’s degree, according to the United States Census Bureau.
But with unemployment remaining persistently low, some employers are starting to do away with degree requirements and instead are focusing more on actual skills when they hire. The ZipRecruiter survey found that small- and medium-size businesses are leading that trend, suggesting those may be good places for retirees to start their search for part-time work.
The following jobs, listed alphabetically, are positions that tend to offer part-time work without requiring a degree. Average wage data is from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), except where noted. Clicking on the “Find jobs” link will take you to current postings on the AARP Job Board.
Administrative assistant
Average wage: $21.29 per hour
Find administrative assistant jobs
While there are many full-time opportunities in this field, some businesses — especially those that have switched to hybrid work schedules — are seeking administrative assistants who want to work part-time a couple of days per week.
If you’d rather not go into the office, there also are part-time opportunities for virtual assistants. The job duties are largely the same, but you get to work from home. There also are gig work opportunities for virtual assistants, which means you can work only when you want.
Customer service representative
Average wage: $18.16 per hour
Find customer service representative jobs
This job is one of the fields where artificial intelligence (AI) technologies is being used more frequently. But if you’ve ever said “Agent” as soon as the digital voice on a toll-free number started listing your options, you know that there is still plenty of demand for real humans in the customer service representative role. In fact, nearly 3 million people work as customer service representatives, according to BLS data.
In addition to very flexible hours — help lines may be staffed 24 hours a day — some of these positions offer work-from-home opportunities.
Data entry clerk
Average wage $16.74 per hour
Find data entry jobs
Many businesses have cut back on their need for data entry clerks by having their customers and clients fill out surveys and other forms directly online. But paper forms are still plentiful, which means there continues to be demand for data entry clerks. If you have good typing skills and an eye for accuracy, this part-time job could be a good fit for you.
Home health aide
Average wage: $14.51 per hour
This job can be physically and emotionally demanding, so consider whether you’re fully prepared to handle the role. If you have experience as a family caregiver, you likely already have many of the skills this work requires. Demand for home health aides will be high for years to come, so this is a job with a future.
More From AARP
Top 25 Part-Time Jobs for Retirees
Whether you need the money or just want to stay active, there’s a great job for you
15 Work From Home Jobs That Are Hiring Now
The number of remote opportunities continues to increase
10 Part-Time Jobs to Beat Inflation
Some positions offer valuable employee discounts along with a paycheck
Recommended for You