Retirement marks the end of a long and dedicated career, but it doesn’t have to signify the end of your earning potential or your active engagement with the world. For many, retirement is a new chapter, an opportunity to explore passions, learn new skills, and enjoy a more flexible lifestyle. However, with increasing life expectancy and the rising cost of living, many retirees are seeking ways to supplement their retirement income. This is where side hustles for retirees come in.
A side hustle is a flexible way to earn extra money, and it can be tailored to your interests, skills, and schedule. Whether you want to work from the comfort of your home, get out and interact with your community, or turn a lifelong hobby into a source of income, there’s a side hustle out there for you. These opportunities not only provide financial benefits but also help you stay mentally and socially active, which is crucial for a fulfilling retirement.
This article will explore 14 of the best side hustles for retirees. We’ll delve into a variety of options, from online side jobs to local hands-on gigs, to help you find the perfect fit. We’ll also discuss how a side hustle can impact your Social Security benefits, so you can make an informed decision.
Why a Side Hustle in Retirement?
Before we dive into our list of good side hustles for retirees, let’s consider the many benefits of taking on a part-time gig during your golden years:
- Financial Security: A side hustle can provide a valuable extra stream of income to supplement your pension, Social Security, and savings. This can help you cover unexpected expenses, travel more, or simply enjoy a more comfortable lifestyle.
- Stay Active and Engaged: Retirement can sometimes lead to feelings of boredom or isolation. A side hustle keeps your mind sharp, provides a sense of purpose, and can offer plenty of opportunities for social interaction.
- Flexibility and Control: Unlike a traditional 9-to-5 job, most side hustles for retired people offer the flexibility to set your own hours and work as much or as little as you want. You’re the boss, which means you can easily fit your work around your other commitments, like spending time with family or traveling.
- Pursue Your Passions: Have you always wanted to turn your love for gardening, writing, or crafting into something more? A side hustle can be the perfect opportunity to monetize your hobbies and do something you truly enjoy.
Now, let’s explore some of the best side hustles for seniors to help you get started on your journey to a more prosperous and fulfilling retirement.
14 Best Side Hustles for Retirees
Here are fantastic side hustle ideas for retirees, with a mix of online and in-person opportunities:
1. Consulting
Your decades of professional experience are an invaluable asset. Many businesses, especially startups and small companies, are willing to pay for your expertise. Whether your background is in finance, marketing, human resources, or any other field, you can offer your services as a consultant.
- Potential Earnings: Consultants can charge anywhere from $30 to $150 per hour or more, depending on their industry and experience.
- Getting Started: Create a professional profile on platforms like LinkedIn, Upwork, or Fiverr. Network with former colleagues and contacts to let them know you’re available for consulting work. You can also create your own website to showcase your skills and experience.
2. Freelance Writing and Editing
If you have a way with words, freelance writing or editing can be an excellent side hustle for seniors from home. Many companies need writers for their blogs, websites, marketing materials, and more. If you have a keen eye for detail, you can offer your services as a proofreader or editor.
- Potential Earnings: Freelance writers can earn anywhere from $25 to $100 per hour or more, depending on the type of writing and their experience.
- Getting Started: Build a portfolio of your writing samples. You can start by creating your own blog or offering your services to non-profits to build your portfolio. Then, you can find writing gigs on platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, and Contena.
3. Tutoring or Teaching
Your knowledge and life experience are perfect for tutoring students of all ages. You can tutor in academic subjects like math, science, or English, or you can teach a skill you’ve mastered, like playing a musical instrument, painting, or a foreign language.
- Potential Earnings: Tutors can earn between $20 and $60 per hour, depending on the subject and their qualifications.
- Getting Started: You can find tutoring opportunities through local schools, community centers, or online platforms like Tutor.com, Preply, Wyzant, and Chegg Tutors.
4. Pet Sitting and Dog Walking
If you’re an animal lover, pet sitting or dog walking is a fun and rewarding way to earn extra cash. Many pet owners need someone to care for their furry friends while they’re at work or on vacation. This is a great side hustle for seniors who enjoy being active and spending time with animals.
- Potential Earnings: Pet sitters can charge $45 to $100 per night, while dog walkers typically earn $15 to $25 per walk.
- Getting Started: Create a profile on websites like Rover or Wag! to connect with pet owners in your area. You can also advertise your services on local community boards or social media groups.
5. Renting Out a Spare Room or Property
If you have a spare room, an in-law suite, or even a second home, you can turn it into a source of passive income by renting it out on a short-term or long-term basis. This is one of the most lucrative side hustles for retirement.
- Potential Earnings: The earning potential varies greatly depending on your location and the type of space you’re renting out. A single room on Airbnb can earn you several hundred dollars a month, while renting out an entire property can generate thousands.
- Getting Started: List your space on platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, or Zillow. Be sure to take high-quality photos and write a detailed description of your rental.
6. Selling Handmade Crafts
If you’re a crafty person who enjoys knitting, woodworking, painting, or making jewelry, you can turn your hobby into a business by selling your creations online or at local markets.
- Potential Earnings: Your earnings will depend on the price of your items and the volume you sell. Some successful Etsy sellers make thousands of dollars a month.
- Getting Started: Set up an online shop on a platform like Etsy or Shopify. You can also sell your crafts at local craft fairs, farmers’ markets, or art shows.
7. Driving for a Rideshare Service
If you enjoy driving and meeting new people, becoming a driver for a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft can be a flexible way to earn money. You can set your own hours and work as much or as little as you want.
- Potential Earnings: Rideshare drivers can earn an average of $15 to $25 per hour, plus tips.
- Getting Started: You’ll need a reliable car, a valid driver’s license, and a smartphone. You can sign up to be a driver through the Uber or Lyft websites or apps.
8. Becoming a Notary Public
A notary public is a state-appointed official who witnesses the signing of important documents. It’s a relatively easy and low-cost side hustle to start, and there’s a steady demand for notary services.
- Potential Earnings: Notaries can charge a fee for each document they notarize, typically ranging from $5 to $15 per signature.
- Getting Started: The requirements to become a notary vary by state, but you’ll generally need to complete a training course and pass an exam. You can find more information on your state’s Secretary of State website.
9. Personal Chef or Baker
If you love to cook or bake, you can offer your culinary skills to others. You could prepare weekly meals for busy families, cater small events, or bake custom cakes and pastries for special occasions.
- Potential Earnings: Personal chefs can charge by the hour or by the meal, with rates ranging from $25 to $50 per hour.
- Getting Started: Start by cooking for friends and family to build a portfolio and gather testimonials. You can then advertise your services on social media, in local community groups, or on a personal website.
10. Gardening and Landscaping Services
If you have a green thumb, you can offer your gardening and landscaping services to homeowners in your neighborhood. Many people are happy to pay for help with tasks like mowing the lawn, planting flowers, and maintaining their gardens.
- Potential Earnings: Gardeners can earn $12 to $35 per hour, depending on the services they offer.
- Getting Started: You’ll need some basic gardening tools and equipment. You can advertise your services with flyers in your neighborhood, on local online forums, or by word-of-mouth.
11. Virtual Assistant
A virtual assistant (VA) provides administrative, technical, or creative assistance to clients remotely from a home office. This is a perfect side hustle for seniors from home who are organized and have good computer skills. Tasks can include managing emails, scheduling appointments, social media management, and customer service.
- Potential Earnings: VAs typically charge between $20 and $50 per hour, depending on their skills and experience.
- Getting Started: Create a profile on platforms like Upwork, Zirtual, or Fancy Hands. You can also network on LinkedIn to find clients.
12. Tour Guide
If you live in a tourist-heavy area and have a passion for your local history and culture, becoming a tour guide can be a fun and engaging side hustle. You can create your own unique tours based on your interests, such as historical walking tours, food tours, or ghost tours.
- Potential Earnings: Tour guides can earn $20 to $50 per hour, plus tips.
- Getting Started: You can partner with local tour companies or create your own tours and advertise them on platforms like Airbnb Experiences or ToursByLocals.
13. Bookkeeping
If you have a knack for numbers and are detail-oriented, offering bookkeeping services to small businesses can be a lucrative side hustle. Many small business owners need help with managing their finances but don’t have the budget for a full-time accountant.
- Potential Earnings: Bookkeepers can earn $18 to $40 per hour.
- Getting Started: If you’re not already experienced, you can take a bookkeeping course online or at a local community college. Then, you can find clients through networking, local business groups, or online platforms like Upwork.
14. House Sitting
House sitting is a great way to earn money while enjoying a change of scenery. You’ll be responsible for looking after someone’s home — and often their pets — while they’re away. This is an ideal side hustle for retirees who are responsible, trustworthy, and enjoy a quiet environment.
- Potential Earnings: House sitters can earn $25 to $75 per day, depending on their responsibilities.
- Getting Started: You can find house-sitting gigs on websites like TrustedHousesitters, Nomador, and House Sitters America.
How Side Hustles Can Affect Your Social Security Benefits
Before you jump into a new side hustle, it’s important to understand how your earnings could affect your Social Security benefits. The good news is that you can work and receive Social Security at the same time. However, there are some rules to be aware of, especially if you haven’t reached your full retirement age.
If You Are Under Full Retirement Age
If you are receiving Social Security retirement benefits and are under your full retirement age for the entire year, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will deduct $1 from your benefits for every $2 you earn above the annual limit. For 2025, this limit is $23,400.
In the Year You Reach Full Retirement Age
In the year you reach your full retirement age, the earnings limit is higher. For 2025, that limit is $62,160. In this case, the SSA will deduct $1 from your benefits for every $3 you earn above the limit, but they only count earnings for the months before you reach your full retirement age.
Once You Reach Full Retirement Age
Once you reach your full retirement age, there is no limit on how much you can earn. Your Social Security benefits will not be reduced, no matter how much you make from your side hustle.
What Counts as “Earnings”?
The SSA only counts income you earn from a job or from self-employment. This includes wages, bonuses, commissions, and vacation pay. They do not count income from other sources, such as:
- Pensions
- Annuities
- Investment income
- Interest
- Veterans benefits
- Other government or military retirement benefits
Working Can Increase Your Future Benefits
It’s also worth noting that working while receiving Social Security benefits can actually increase your benefit amount in the long run. Each year, the SSA reviews the records of all beneficiaries who work. If your earnings from your side hustle are one of your highest 35 years of earnings, your benefit amount will be recalculated and increased. [1] SSA. “Benefits Planner: Retirement | Receiving Benefits While Working”
Final Thoughts
Retirement is a time for new beginnings, and a side hustle can be a fantastic way to make your golden years even more rewarding. Whether you’re looking for extra income, a way to stay active and engaged, or an opportunity to pursue a passion, there are countless side hustles for retired people to choose from.
From monetizing your professional experience through consulting to turning a beloved hobby into a small business, the possibilities are endless. By choosing a side hustle that aligns with your skills, interests, and lifestyle, you can enjoy a more financially secure and fulfilling retirement. And with a clear understanding of how your earnings might affect your Social Security benefits, you can embark on your new venture with confidence and peace of mind.
