How to Find a Part-Time Seasonal Job That’s Right for You

Hiring for these flexible positions happens year-round

a seasonal worker at a wrapping station talks to a customer

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Donna Fuscaldo and Kenneth Terrell,

Updated November 10, 2025

AARP

Published November 14, 2022

/ Updated November 10, 2025

If you’re looking to earn extra cash, you’re in luck: Many industries need seasonal workers, both during the year-end holiday season and throughout the year.

These part-time roles typically last for a few months and offer flexible schedules. Some of these roles even offer perks such as employee discounts and health insurance.

What is a seasonal job?

Many businesses require additional staff to assist during hectic periods of the year. For example, most retailers and package delivery services need more workers during the winter holiday shopping season. Tax preparation firms often need support staff to help out during the first four months of the year. Outdoor stadiums, parks, festivals and fairs hire seasonal workers during the summer.

Businesses typically begin hiring seasonal workers one to two months prior to the scheduled start date. For example, retailers such as Macy’s and Target begin recruiting seasonal sales associates, cashiers and other staff in early October, allowing them to be trained and ready to work in time for Thanksgiving. UPS and other delivery services also start recruiting additional seasonal employees in the early fall. Similarly, outdoor stadiums, arenas and parks begin hiring their summer staff in late winter/early spring.

Most of these positions are part-time roles. In some cases, employers may offer seasonal workers the opportunity to join the permanent staff at the end of the season. Seasonal jobs do not typically require a college degree. Previous experience in a similar role can help you get hired, but it is often not required.

Whether you want to be on your feet, behind the wheel or on your couch, there’s a seasonal part-time job for you, including these seven. Wage information is from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics unless otherwise noted.

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.

Delivery drivers are in demand year-round but especially during the holiday season, whether bringing groceries or electronics to a customer’s door. These jobs can be particularly attractive to older adults due to their flexibility. Drivers set their own hours depending on their schedule. Employers are keen on hiring older adults because 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: $20.56 per hour, according to ZipRecruiter

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2. Retail workers

Retailers hire hundreds of thousands of workers at the end of the year, a seasonal staple to handle the holiday rush. Stores are bringing on cashiers, sales associates, stockers, warehouse workers and delivery personnel. Macy’s and Dick’s Sporting Goods are some of the retailers hiring part-time workers this holiday season. In many cases, working part-time also qualifies you for an employee discount on your own gift shopping.

“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: $17.64 per hour

Cashier national average: $14.77 per hour

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: $17 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. 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: $20.59 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: $27.96 per hour, 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: $18 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, 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: $18 per hour, according to ZipRecruiter

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