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Announcements > Careers > 15 Part-Time Jobs for Retirees (No Degree Required!)

15 Part-Time Jobs for Retirees (No Degree Required!)

Positions offer flexible schedules or work-from-home potential — or both — to older workers seeking extra income
2 Jul 2024
Written by AARP Alumni
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Insurance claims investigator

Average wage: $34.63 per hour

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According to a report from the National Bureau of Economic Research, this job is “age-friendly,” which means that it’s not too physically demanding and offers flexible schedules. There also are plenty of job opportunities in the field. One industry report found that nearly half of all insurance companies are planning to increase their hiring in 2024.

 

Nanny

Average wage: approximately $22 per hour, per Indeed

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Just as some workers have adapted to working remote, some nannies have adjusted to caring for kids while one or both parents might be home. From keeping children quiet while Mom is on a Zoom call to ordering DoorDash with Dad for lunch, some nannies have seen big changes in their daily work experience. Another switch is that there are opportunities for part-time work, as some families decide that they need a nanny only on the days they’re working in the office.

Pet groomer

Average wage: $14.32 per hour

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According to the American Veterinary Association, there are more than 80 million dogs and 60 million cats in the United States. Many of these pets will need grooming or boarding, which means there are plenty of part-time jobs available for animal lovers. Other options include pet sitting and dog walking, both of which offer opportunities for gig work flexibility.

Real estate agent

Average wage: $25.02 per hour

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It typically takes up to six months to complete the coursework and licensing requirements to become a real estate agent, so this is not a job you can start immediately. But once you have earned your license, you have a career option that offers the flexibility to work only when you want to. If you have knowledge of the neighborhoods in your region and large professional and personal networks, real estate might be a good match for you.  

Receptionist

Average wage: $16.33

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Some businesses split their receptionist role among multiple employees, with each working one or two days per week, for example. It saves the employer some money on benefits that would be paid toward hiring a full-time employee, but it also offers retirees a chance to work in an office environment without committing to a full workweek.

 

School bus driver

Average wage: $20.39 per hour

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One profession that still hasn’t recovered from the pandemic is school bus drivers. In September 2023, the number of drivers was 15 percent below what it was in September 2019, according to a study from the Economic Policy Institute. Many school bus drivers are 50 and older, so concerns about COVID might be keeping them sidelined. But the job relies on retirees because its unusual schedule (a couple of hours in the morning and a couple in the afternoon) isn’t a good fit for most other workers.

Secretary

Average wage: $21.29 per hour

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Like many office jobs, this is another position that may offer some opportunities for remote work. Because many executives are working in hybrid roles, their secretaries typically can do so as well. The job responsibilities have largely remained the same otherwise.

Security guard

Average wage: $15.88 per hour

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If you’re an early bird or night owl, this job might be an appealing option for you. Some businesses need round-the-clock security, meaning you might have your choice of hours. You may be expected to patrol the premises, so be sure that you can handle a few hours walking during your shift. Most guards are expected only to observe and report, so the role otherwise may not be too physically demanding.

Shuttle driver

Average wage: $16.83 per hour

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Many of these jobs are travel-related, for example, driving tourists from airports to their hotels. That means you’ll meet a good mix of people, so be prepared to answer questions about your city and suggest a few recommendations. You also should have some knowledge of traffic patterns and alternate routes.

Tutor

Average wage: $21.55 per hour

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Many students are still struggling to catch up on learning after they fell behind during the time that schools were teaching remotely. That means there’s plenty of need for experts to tutor children. Math and English tutors are most in-demand, but foreign languages, science and other subjects aren’t too far behind. Some places you might look for tutor positions include Preply, Varsity Tutors and Tutor.com.

Web designer

Average wage: $38.81 per hour

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This isn’t the easiest field to get into without some previous experience, but the jobs typically do not require a degree. If you’re looking to make a career switch, this is a profession where the job opportunities will grow for years, according the BLS. Some coding boot camps cater to older adults, and there are also free and affordable online courses available through AARP Skills Builder for Work and other sites.

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