Self-employment is common in design fields, and portfolios are essential for landing assignments. Plus, you can control when you meet with clients, such as in the evening or on weekends.
4. Translator
Median hourly wage: $28.58
Working as a translator can be a good part-time fit for older adults because flexible schedules are common in the field. Work hours may fluctuate between slower periods and stretches of long or irregular hours, and about 27 percent of interpreters and translators are self-employed, according to the BLS.
Work environments vary by role. Interpreters work in settings such as schools, hospitals, courtrooms and conference centers. Translators usually work in offices, including from home, receiving and submitting work electronically, often with deadlines and tight schedules.
5. Administrative assistant
• Median hourly wage: $22.82
Strong organizational and people skills are essential for administrative assistants. Many employers rely on temporary or contract staff to cover projects, which can work well with part-time schedules. While most administrative assistants work in offices, some positions offer work-from-home options. If this role is a good fit, highlight your decision-making, interpersonal and organizational skills to stand out when applying.
6. Customer service representative
• Median hourly wage: $20.59
Employers seek strong communication and problem-solving skills because the goal is to help customers reach satisfaction. While customer service representatives exist in nearly every industry, the most common employers are in retail, insurance and business support services. Most customer service representatives work full-time, but part-time roles and telework may be available depending on the employer.
7. Copywriter
• Median hourly wage: $34.75
Writers and authors create content for books, magazines, blogs, ads and scripts by conducting research, drafting material and working with editors or clients. Many are freelancers and work remotely on short-term or recurring assignments, which makes writing a flexible, project-based option drawing on strengths like research, attention to detail and collaboration.
8. Video editor
• Median hourly wage: $33.93
Film and video editors and camera operators held about 79,900 jobs in 2024. Although part-time work is common, most workers are employed full-time. About 29 percent of camera operators and film and video editors are self‑employed, providing greater flexibility to create their own schedule.
9. Marketing specialist
• Median hourly wage: $37.00
Market research analysts need analytical skills, critical‑thinking experience, clear communication and attention to detail. Older adults often can leverage years of familiarity with consumer behavior, business conditions, competitors and pricing, which directly support the core tasks of market research.
Editor’s note: This article originally was published on July 9, 2021. It has been updated to account for changes in hiring and salaries for these occupations.