7 Part-Time Seasonal Jobs for Older Workers

There’s still time to shore up extra holiday cash with these part-time gigs

a seasonal worker at a wrapping station talks to a customer

GETTY IMAGES

Donna Fuscaldo,

AARP

En español

Published November 14, 2022

If you’re looking to earn extra cash this holiday season, you’re in luck: Many industries need seasonal workers, and it’s not just cashiers and retail associates in demand. Sure, they make up a big portion of the holiday work, but companies are looking to fill positions in everything from drivers to remote customer service representatives.

“There are a lot of jobs available right now,” says Sinem Buber, lead economist at ZipRecruiter. “When you look at seasonal jobs for older adults, three major industries are hiring: retail trade, transportation and health.”

Whether you want to be on your feet, behind the wheel or on your couch, there’s a part-time job for you this holiday season, including these seven.

1. Drivers

Hauling cargo across state lines isn’t what most people think of as seasonal work, but it offers a lot of job opportunities. “When you look at the job titles with the huge number of open positions, they are Class A truck drivers, delivery drivers and drivers,” Buber says. “There’s no way anyone with a license will be out of jobs.”

Delivery drivers are in demand this holiday season, whether bringing groceries or electronics to a customer’s door. These jobs can be attractive to older adults because of their flexibility. Drivers set their own hours depending on their schedule. Employers are keen on hiring older adults since they have years of experience behind the wheel and usually possess clean driver’s licenses.

Salary

Class A truck driver national average: $28 per hour, according to ZipRecruiter.

Delivery driver national average: $16 per hour, according to ZipRecruiter.

2. Retail workers

Once again retailers are hiring hundreds of thousands of workers, a seasonal staple to handle the holiday rush. Stores are bringing on cashiers, sales associates, stockers, warehouse workers and delivery personnel. Target is hiring about 100,000 seasonal workers, Amazon is bringing on board 150,000, Macy’s aims to attract more than 40,000 additional workers and 1-800-Flowers.com seeks more than 8,000 seasonal associates. And that’s just a few examples.

“Nothing has ever changed. During the recession back in 2008, through COVID, seasonal employment never fluctuated. There’s always a need” for retail workers, says Traci Chernoff, director of employee engagement at Legion Technologies. Employees are in the driver’s seat amid a tight labor market, which means they can get the hours they want. “Individuals really have the opportunity to say when they want to work. Don’t shy away from those particular demands,” Chernoff says.

Salary

Retail worker national average: $13 per hour.

Cashier national average: $12 per hour.

Looking For a Job?

SEARCH THE AARP JOB BOARD

3. Grocery store shoppers

Mobile orders are exploding as more consumers use their phones to get their shopping done. The grocery stores need people to fulfill those orders, and that’s where in-store shoppers come in. They prepare orders for mobile customers and in some cases deliver them to homes. This job isn’t for everyone. You are expected to be on your feet for extended periods, to bend down repetitively and sometimes to lift heavy items. But if you are able, seasonal jobs abound.

Salary

Grocery store shopper national average: $13 per hour, according to ZipRecruiter.

4. Remote customer service reps

Call center and customer service reps are always in demand, but the need tends to pick up during the holidays, and that’s true in 2022. Customer service reps handle inquiries for companies from text, email, phone and social media. You’ll need to know your way around a computer and have good communication skills for this job. The hours are flexible, and there’s no commute time.

Salary

Remote call center support rep national average: $16 per hour, according to ZipRecruiter.

5. Tax preparers

It’s not only retailers who see increased demand during the holidays. ’Tis the season to begin preparing your taxes, which is why tax preparers and tax assistants are in demand.

Tax assistants are responsible for helping with the tax return, including entering W2 data. You’ll need math and reading skills. Tax preparers are in charge of the return, and as a result, those jobs usually require previous experience. “This time of year, we see an uptick particularly in the accounting industry, “ says Toni Frana, FlexJobs’ career services manager. “Tax preparer and accounting roles are particularly popular for seasonal work.”

Salary

Tax preparer national average: $20 per hour, according to ZipRecruiter.

Tax preparer assistant national average: $16, according to ZipRecruiter.

6. Seasonal gift assemblers

If you have a flair for putting together gift baskets, floral arrangements and other offerings, then a seasonal gift assembler job may be right for you. Another in-demand role during the holidays, gift assemblers typically work in warehouses putting together holiday-themed gift bags, floral arrangements and gift packages for customers. It’s typically a fast-paced environment in which you’re required to be on your feet.

Salary

Gift assemblers national average: $15 per hour, according to ZipRecruiter.

7. Gift wrappers

As a gift wrapper — the quintessential seasonal job — you guessed it, you wrap presents. Department stores such as Nordstrom’s, malls and stand-alone retailers offer gift wrapping services during the holiday season. This job is perfect for older adults who take pride in the presentation. Act soon, these jobs tend to last only until the end of the year.

Salary

Gift wrapper national average: $15 per hour, according to ZipRecruiter.

%{postComment}%

Benefits Recommended For You

See All