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

Kenneth Terrell,

Updated February 25, 2026

AARP

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En español

Published March 26, 2024

/ Updated February 25, 2026

People in work uniforms standing in front of a school bus

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When retirees need extra income, many turn to flexible part-time jobs with no degree required. For older adults, remote and local roles can be especially appealing when looking for low-stress work that requires little experience. But finding the right fit isn’t always easy.

Job openings that require a college degree often screen out seasoned applicants. Only 34 percent of people age 55 and older hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, compared with 42 percent of those ages 40 to 54 and 43 percent of those 25 to 39, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Degree requirements can make it even harder for people to land jobs when hiring overall slows down. The U.S. unemployment rate was 4.3 percent in January 2026, a level that suggests employers are holding onto workers, leading to more competition for the openings that are available.

Below are 15 jobs, listed alphabetically, that offer part-time opportunities without requiring a college degree. Average wage data is from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), except where noted. If you are actively looking for work, AARP and Indeed are collaborating on career services for older adults including job postings for part-time jobs and remote work.

Administrative assistant

Average wage: $22.82 per hour

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 work remotely, there are also 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.

Tip: Highlight your Microsoft Office skills and consider a free refresher through AARP’s Skills Builder for Work.

Customer service representative

Average wage: $20.59 per hour

This job is one of the fields where artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are 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 — many of these positions offer work-from-home opportunities.

Tip: When applying for remote part-time jobs in customer support, avoid job postings that ask you to pay for equipment or training. These are common indicators of a scam.

Data entry clerk

Average wage: $20.22 per hour

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 a 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.

Tip: Be prepared to complete a short skills test. Most employers want to see how fast and accurately you can type, and how closely you pay attention to detail.

Home health aide

Average wage: $16.78 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.

Tip: If a family or agency offers you a job and tells you to deposit a check and forward some of the money, it’s a scam. Don’t do it.

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Insurance claims investigator

Average wage: $36.92 per hour

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 in 2024 found that nearly half of all insurance companies were planning to increase their hiring.

Tip: Check your state’s licensing requirements. Some require them for claims adjusters, appraisers, examiners and other investigators.

Nanny

Average wage: approximately $23.71 per hour, according to Indeed

Just as some workers have adapted to working remotely, 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 Teams 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.

Tip: Ask for a video interview and written job details up front to set clear expectations.

Pet groomer

Average wage: $16.28 per hour

According to the American Veterinary Association, there are more than 87 million dogs and 76 million cats in the United States. Many of these pets 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.

Tip: Create a small portfolio of your grooming work — like before‑and‑after photos showing different breeds and styles — to share with potential employers. Visual proof of your skills helps you stand out in applications and interviews.

Real estate agent

Average wage: $28.35 per hour

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.  

Tip: Before obtaining your license, check whether your state has additional requirements, such as passing a background check.

Receptionist

Average wage: $17.90

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.

Tip: Receptionist training usually lasts a few days to a month and covers greeting visitors, answering phones and using a computer.

School bus driver

Average wage: $23.26 per hour

The split shift of a couple of hours in the morning and a few more in the afternoon makes this a good fit for retirees who want predictable hours and days off when schools are closed.

Tip: All bus drivers must have a commercial driver’s license (CDL). New drivers may earn it on the job, but you’ll also need a passenger (P) endorsement and a school bus (S) endorsement if you drive students, both requiring extra tests.

Secretary

Average wage: $22.82 per hour

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.

Tip: Know that some offices — especially legal or medical — may require extra training to learn industry-specific terminology.

Security guard

Average wage: $18.46 per hour

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 up to a few hours walking or standing during your shift. Most guards are expected only to observe and report, so the role otherwise may not be too physically demanding.

Tip: Security guards complete pre-assignment, on-the-job and annual training covering safety, first aid, report writing and public interaction. Armed guards also receive weapons training and periodic firearms testing.

Shuttle driver

Average wage: $17.62 per hour

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.

Tip: Shuttle drivers transporting 16 or more passengers must have a CDL with a passenger endorsement, which usually requires a background check, drug test, driving skills test and written exam.

Tutor

Average wage: $21.55 per hour

Many students continue to need academic support as schools work to address learning gaps. That means there’s plenty of demand for experts to tutor children. Math and English tutors are most popular, but foreign languages, science and other subjects aren’t too far behind. 

Tip: Show off your subject area expertise and any results you’ve helped students achieve; be upfront about passing a background check and consider getting a National Tutoring Association certification to stand out.

Web designer

Average wage: $45.85 per hour

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 to 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.

Tip: Compile a portfolio of websites you’ve built, showcasing your HTML and programming skills along with any measurable results.

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Kenneth Terrell covers employment, age discrimination, work and jobs, careers, and the federal government for AARP. He previously worked for the Education Writers Association and U.S. News & World Report, where he reported on government and politics, business, education, science and technology, and lifestyle news.