Top 25 Part-Time Jobs for Retirees in 2026

Whether you need the money or just want to stay active, there’s a great job for you

Stacy Rapacon,

Updated April 03, 2026

AARP

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Published March 06, 2020

/ Updated April 03, 2026

smiling senior female bus driver turns to look at the camera from the driver's seat of her school bus

School bus driver is on our list of top 25 jobs for retirees.

Key takeaways

Many retirees work part time not only for income but also for purpose or social connection, making job fit as important as pay.
Choose work you can realistically sustain by considering physical demands in addition to pay.
Consider job training, licensing requirements, job outlook and meaning to match a role to your priorities.

Working in retirement might seem contradictory, but it’s increasingly common. For many retirees, part-time jobs can be a practical way to earn extra income while staying active and connected. In 2024, 38 percent of adults 65 and older worked part time, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data.

And many expect to keep working. Among those who expect to retire at age 70 or later, 53 percent say they’ll continue working in retirement, according to a 2025 report from the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies.

The reasons vary. Some need additional income, while others aim to stay active, build social connections or maintain a sense of purpose.

For those considering their part-time work options, this list is based on several criteria. Jobs are ranked by median hourly pay from highest to lowest using U.S. national estimates from Payscale’s Peer dataset, unless otherwise noted. Additional information on training, typical duties, median age and job outlook comes from the BLS.

An earlier version of this article also used 2023 metrics such as satisfaction and “high meaning.” Those measures still inform the list but were not updated for this version.

This ranking highlights practical part-time jobs for retirees, each offering a different mix of flexibility, income and purpose. The best roles match your schedule, comfort level and goals — whether that’s steady income, social connection or a sense of purpose. If you are looking for a job, AARP and Indeed are collaborating on a job hub for older workers.

1. Registered nurse

Job outlook (2024-2034): 5 percent (faster than average)

Median age: 42.3 years old

Median hourly pay: $46.39

Satisfaction rating: 68 percent

High-meaning rating: 76 percent

Portion of time spent standing/walking: 75 percent

Health care professionals in general have been in high demand, and registered nurses are no exception. But while opportunities may be easy to come by, standards for filling them are high. On top of the rigorous education and training necessary to become an RN, you must also have and maintain a nursing license in the state where you plan to work. (Licensure requirements vary by state.) Still, both the high pay and high sense of meaning can make it worthwhile.

2. Dental hygienist

Job outlook (2024-2034): 7 percent (much faster than average)

Median age: 41.5 years old

Median hourly pay: $45.19

Satisfaction rating: 75 percent

High-meaning rating: 76 percent

Portion of time spent standing/walking: 25 percent

To become a dental hygienist, you typically need an associate degree in this field, as well as a license to practice, for which you have to pass written and clinical exams. You also have to complete continuing education requirements and pay license fees, which can vary widely by state and may change over time. Be sure to factor in those demands when deciding whether working this job part time is worthwhile.

3. Paralegal

Job outlook (2024-2034): Little or no change

Median age: 42.8 years old

Median hourly pay: $44.62

Satisfaction rating: 73 percent

High-meaning rating: 52 percent

Portion of time spent standing/walking: 20 percent

Along with legal assistants, these workers provide support to lawyers by performing myriad tasks, including conducting legal research, organizing and maintaining documents and files, and writing reports. Experts tell AARP becoming a paralegal can be a great second career for older workers. Most paralegals hold an associate or bachelor’s degree, and while certification is usually voluntary, some employers prefer candidates with credentials.

4. Sales associate/sales representative

Job outlook (2024-2034): Projected to decline

Median age: 40.7 years old

Median hourly pay: $37.40

Satisfaction rating: 53 percent

High-meaning rating: 33 percent

Portion of time spent standing/walking: 99 percent

The need for salespeople extends beyond retail. In addition to department stores (where they might also act as cashiers) and business-to-business services, sales associates can work in a variety of fields, such as telemarketing and auto sales. Earnings can vary dramatically by industry and compensation structure. Commission‑based roles may offer flexibility but less income predictability — a trade‑off that can matter for older workers or those relying on steady supplemental income.

5. Office manager

Job outlook (2024-2034): 4 percent (average)

Median age: 49.6 years old

Median hourly pay: $35.82

Satisfaction rating: 75 percent

High-meaning rating: 67 percent

Portion of time spent standing/walking: 25 percent

Experienced workers should know well what it takes to make an office run. Office managers typically oversee day-to-day administrative operations, with specific duties varying from business to business. In general, you can expect to plan, direct and coordinate all administrative services required for the organization to operate efficiently. Office manager opportunities range across industries, but you’ll likely find stiff competition. If you’ve already been working in a similar position full time, you might consider talking to your boss about cutting hours and going part time for a slow transition into retirement.

6. Licensed practical nurse

Job outlook (2024-2034): 3 percent (average)

Median age: 42.9 years old

Median hourly pay: $31.25

Satisfaction rating: 63 percent

High-meaning rating: 71 percent

Portion of time spent standing/walking: 75 percent

To become a licensed practical nurse, you must successfully complete an approved educational program, which you can typically find in technical schools and community colleges. It takes about a year to complete. You must then pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nursing to get a license that you’ll need to maintain by completing continuing education requirements periodically (details vary by state). But the high sense of meaning may be worth the extra effort.

7. Secretary

Job outlook (2024-2034): Little or no change

Median age: 47.9 years old

Median hourly pay: $31.20

Satisfaction rating: 71 percent

High-meaning rating: 55 percent

Portion of time spent standing/walking: 12.5 percent

This broad category of workers (which excludes specialized roles such as legal, medical and executive secretaries) can be found across all businesses, including schools and government offices. Secretaries perform a variety of duties, including communicating with clients, vendors and the public, as well as managing office emails and schedules.

8. Administrative assistant

Job outlook (2024-2034): Little or no change

Median age: 47.6 years old

Median hourly pay: $29.04

Satisfaction rating: 72 percent

High-meaning rating: 59 percent

Portion of time spent standing/walking: 12.5 percent

These workers take care of all the nitty-gritty needed to make an office run efficiently. That may include providing administrative support to high-level executives. Responsibilities often include calendar management, document preparation, expense tracking and coordinating with internal departments.

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Older man putting away products on a store shelf

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9. Merchandise displayer

Job outlook (2024-2034): 3 percent (average)

Median age: Unavailable

Median hourly pay: $28.32

Satisfaction rating: 60 percent

High-meaning rating: 30 percent

Portion of time spent standing/walking: Unavailable

These workers combine their artistic abilities with their business savvy to create displays in the windows and interiors of retail stores and trade exhibits. Compensation tends to be modest, particularly for part-time roles or positions without commission or bonuses. But the job can offer rewards for some workers, depending on their interest in retail or design.

10. Full charge bookkeeper

Job outlook (2024-2034): 6 percent decline

Median age: 49.8 years old

Median hourly pay: $27.55

Satisfaction rating: 77 percent

High-meaning rating: 51 percent

Portion of time spent standing/walking: 10 percent

Have a knack for numbers? These workers have sole responsibility for a company’s accounting matters, including creating and tracking invoices, paychecks and other financial records. They may also supervise lower-level bookkeepers and accounting clerks. You’re most likely to find this opportunity at a small company with relatively simple finances.

11. Customer service representative

Job outlook (2024-2034): 5 percent decline

Median age: 37 years old

Median hourly pay: $26.59

Satisfaction rating: 50 percent

High-meaning rating: 36 percent

Portion of time spent standing/walking: 6.3 percent

Found in a range of industries, these workers provide assistance to customers, often helping to process orders and resolve complaints. They may do this in person or via email, text, live chat or social media. Usually, they work over the phone, possibly from call centers or even from home.

12. Bookkeeper

Job outlook (2024-2034): 6 percent decline

Median age: 49.8 years old

Median hourly pay: $26.59

Satisfaction rating: 76 percent

High-meaning rating: 45 percent

Portion of time spent standing/walking: 10 percent

Remove “full charge” from the job title and free yourself from extra responsibility. Sometimes called accounting clerks, these roles focus on creating and maintaining financial records, including issuing payments to suppliers and invoices to customers. They do not supervise others. Just note that with less responsibility comes less pay: Bookkeepers typically earn somewhat less than full-charge bookkeepers, though wages can still exceed those of many other part-time office roles.

13. Pharmacy technician

Job outlook (2024-2034): 6 percent (faster than average)

Median age: 33.9 years old

Median hourly pay: $25.77

Satisfaction rating: 54 percent

High-meaning rating: 67 percent

Portion of time spent standing/walking: 100 percent

Pharmacy technicians help pharmacists with filling prescriptions, maintaining patient records, organizing inventory and many other tasks, mainly at pharmacies and drugstores but also at hospitals and some general stores. You may be able to get this job with a high school diploma or the equivalent and zero prior experience; just do your training on the job. Or you can get a leg up on the competition and complete a postsecondary education program in pharmacy technology. Such programs are often offered by vocational schools or community colleges (where older students may be able to take classes tuition free) and take a year or less.

14. Dental assistant

Job outlook (2024-2034): 6 percent (faster than average)

Median age: 31.4 years old

Median hourly pay: $25.34

Satisfaction rating: 72 percent

High-meaning rating: 69 percent

Portion of time spent standing/walking: 50 percent

Depending on the state where you will be working, you may be able to become a dental assistant — who performs routine tasks at the dentist’s office, including sterilizing equipment and maintaining patient records — with no prior experience. But in some states you have to complete an accredited training program. You’re likely to find one at a community college or vocational or technical school. (Ask about tuition-free classes for older students.) It typically takes about a year to complete one of these programs.

15. Security guard

Job outlook (2024-2034): Little or no change

Median age: 41.0 years old

Median hourly pay: $23.08

Satisfaction rating: 56 percent

High-meaning rating: 52 percent

Portion of time spent standing/walking: 60 percent

Protecting property from theft, vandalism and other illegal activities may be a good way to keep your mind alert and body fit. But the physical demands of this job can vary greatly, as many positions require guards to patrol a given area and stay on their feet, while others are stationary or even seated so you can monitor security cameras. And it’s not all about action. Security guards may also need training in public relations, report writing, first aid and other areas.

16. Office clerk

Job outlook (2024-2034): 7 percent decline

Median age: 41.8 years old

Median hourly pay: $22.60

Satisfaction rating: 61 percent

High-meaning rating: 44 percent

Portion of time spent standing/walking: 12.5 percent

General office clerks work in a variety of industries, and most are often employed in educational services and health care and social assistance, according to the BLS. They’re expected to perform a variety of tasks, such as answering phones, sorting mail and filing records.

17. School bus driver

Job outlook (2024-2034): 1 percent (slower than average)

Median age: 55.9 years old

Median hourly pay: $21.83

Satisfaction rating: 64 percent

High-meaning rating: 71 percent

Portion of time spent standing/walking: 14.3 percent

Surrounding yourself with school-age children in your retirement can help you feel young again — or age you, depending on your tolerance for extreme kid behavior. Be sure you’re ready to not only chauffeur students to and from school safely but also maintain order and enforce school rules on a bus packed with antsy kids. More straightforward job requirements: a commercial driver’s license and a clean driving record and background check.

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18. Nanny/child care worker

Job outlook (2024-2034): 3 percent decrease

Median age: 36 years old

Median hourly pay: $21.68

Satisfaction rating: 75 percent

High-meaning rating: 80 percent

Portion of time spent standing/walking: 75 percent

While the physical demands of child care are great, the sense of meaning that comes with the work is greater. No wonder nannies tied with home health aides for the highest high-meaning rating on this list. Though the pay could be better, for those who prioritize purpose and flexibility, this trade-off may be worthwhile.

19. Receptionist

Job outlook (2024-2034): Little to no change

Median age: 36.8 years old

Median hourly pay: $21.63

Satisfaction rating: 64 percent

High-meaning rating: 56 percent

Portion of time spent standing/walking: 20 percent

These workers are often the welcoming face of an organization, with typical duties including greeting visitors and answering phones. The majority are employed in health care and social assistance, according to the BLS, but you can find receptionist opportunities in a variety of industries. If you’re hoping for off-peak work hours, consider checking hospitals and nursing homes for evening and weekend openings.

20. Nurse assistant

Job outlook (2024-2034): 2 percent (slower than average)

Median age: 39.6 years old

Median hourly pay: $21.44

Satisfaction rating: 61 percent

High-meaning rating: 75 percent

Portion of time spent standing/walking: 75 percent

Though the pay is low, this job’s value is high, with workers frequently reporting that it gives them a great sense of meaning — a quality that older workers may find particularly attractive. But is it worth the risk? The physical demands help give nurse assistants, along with orderlies, one of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses of all occupations, according to the BLS.

21. Orderly

Job outlook (2024-2034): 2 percent (slower than average)

Median age: 34 years old

Median hourly pay: $21.06

Satisfaction rating: 67 percent

High-meaning rating: 76 percent

Portion of time spent standing/walking: 95 percent

Orderlies, sometimes called patient care technicians, focus on logistics rather than direct medical care. They transport patients, clean equipment and stock supplies. Unlike nursing assistants, who provide hands-on clinical care such as checking vitals and helping with recovery, orderlies don’t perform medical tasks.

Mainly employed by hospitals, as well as nursing care and other health care facilities, orderlies spend almost all of their time on their feet. They, along with nursing assistants, suffer one of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses of all occupations, according to the BLS. The upside: Orderlies report having a high sense of meaning in their work.

22. Home health aide

Job outlook (2024-2034): 17 percent (much faster than average)

Median age: 48.7 years old

Median hourly pay: $20.87

Satisfaction rating: 64 percent

High-meaning rating: 80 percent

Portion of time spent standing/walking: 75 percent

Tied with nannies for the highest high-meaning rating on this list, home health aides unfortunately do not see equally high earnings in their work. And the physical demands of caregiving can be taxing. Irregular hours, travel time between clients and limited benefits can also affect the real costs of this work.

23. Cashier

Job outlook (2024-2034): 10 percent decline

Median age: 26.1 years old

Median hourly pay: $20.19

Satisfaction rating: 52 percent

High-meaning rating: 32 percent

Portion of time spent standing/walking: 100 percent

This is one of the lowest paying jobs on this list and also typically requires you to be on your feet the entire time you’re working. The job offers most people who do it little satisfaction or sense of meaning. However, for some workers, predictable tasks, flexible shifts and easy entry can outweigh the downsides.

24. Housekeeper

Job outlook (2024-2034): Little or no change

Median age: 46.2 years old

Median hourly pay: $18.70

Satisfaction rating: 58 percent

High-meaning rating: 53 percent

Portion of time spent standing/walking: 100 percent

You can help clean up at private homes or businesses, including hospitals or hotels. Taking on individuals as clients can afford you some flexibility with your schedule and allow you a bit of control over how much you work from day to day. That may be particularly helpful if you can schedule yourself some rest and recovery time from the great physical demands of the job.

25. Retail sales worker

Job outlook (2024-2034): Little or no change

Median age: 35.8 years old

Median hourly pay: $18.51

Satisfaction rating: 53 percent

High-meaning rating: 31 percent

Portion of time spent standing/walking: 99 percent

Working retail can be physically taxing, as you spend much of your time on your feet, and is often not very financially rewarding. But you get to work a lot with people (which may be a pro or con, depending on your temperament), greeting and helping customers with shopping and completing transactions. And the jobs are ubiquitous. Not only is the occupation one of the largest in the U.S., employing millions of workers, according to the BLS, but workers are needed at all different types of retailers, from bookstores to garden centers. Bonus: Pick your favorite store and see the savings with an employee discount.

Notes on jobs data and sources

Wages and rankings: Jobs are ranked by median hourly pay using U.S. national estimates from Payscale’s Peer dataset, a proprietary, human resources information system–integrated compensation database based on employer‑reported payroll records. Peer data is refreshed daily and reflects validated records effective as of March 2026. Salaries represent national medians and are annualized based on a 40‑hour workweek, unless otherwise noted.

Satisfaction, meaning and demographic context: Portion of part-time workers over age 55: Provided by Payscale, based on data from 189,555 respondents collected between February 1, 2018, and February 1, 2020.

Satisfaction rating: Provided by Payscale; percentage of respondents in a given job title who said they are “extremely” or “fairly” satisfied with their jobs.

High-meaning rating: Provided by Payscale; percentage of respondents in a given job title who say their work makes the world a better place.

Physical job requirements: Portion of time spent standing/walking, as provided by the BLS’s Occupational Requirements Survey.

Editor’s note: This article originally was published on March 5, 2020. Wage data was updated in 2026 using employer‑reported compensation records. Survey‑based measures of job satisfaction and meaning were retained from an earlier version for continuity and were not refreshed.

Survey‑based measures of satisfaction and meaning are shown for context and reflect data collected before the pandemic.

The key takeaways were created with the assistance of generative AI. An AARP editor reviewed and refined the content for accuracy and clarity.

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