8 Popular Part-Time Jobs for Retirees
Second careers
Many people continue to work after age 65, but they often prefer a part-time role. Some retirees work in low-wage jobs, likely because they need the money or appreciate some other aspect of the job, such as schedule flexibility. Highly educated older people also tend to work past age 65, often in lucrative roles. Here are the eight most commonly held jobs among people age 65 and older, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Management
Many people who make it into a management position stay there during the traditional retirement years. Some 9.4 percent of people who work at age 65 or older have management positions. Interestingly, nearly a third of these older managers work part time, compared to only 6.3 percent of managers who work part time between ages 45 and 65.
Sales
Sales jobs are popular among retirees, with 9.8 percent of older workers choosing to work in this field. Part-time work is the norm, and 45 percent of older sales employees work less than 35 hours per week. It may also be possible to work seasonally, with many companies adding extra jobs during the holidays and other peak times of year.
Driver
Transportation and material-moving jobs can help people who enjoy driving to earn some extra money, and 5.7 percent of people age 65 and older work in this field. Whether you drive a truck, bus or provide rides through a newer service such as Lyft, the transportation field is known to provide accommodating hours and schedules.
Librarian
Education, training and library jobs are popular among retirees, and 5.2 percent of people age 65 and older work in this field. These jobs often allow retirees to work part time (42 percent) and can be a great fit for people who love books and learning new things.
Business and financial operations
Older workers are sometimes allowed to gradually cut back their hours to part time at their banking, finance and accounting jobs. Some 3.9 percent of workers age 65 and older maintain a position in a financial firm, and about a third work in a part-time role. Some retired accountants are able to work seasonally by picking up work during tax season and taking the rest of the year off.
Health care practitioner
Doctors, nurses and other specialists in the health care industry play a major role in helping to keep people well. Some 4.3 percent of employees age 65 and older continue to work in health care jobs. Some roles (39 percent) allow for part-time or flexible schedules.
Administrative assistant
If you spent your career in an office, you can probably successfully navigate online calendars and spreadsheets. Many retirees continue on in office and administrative support jobs (9.9 percent). Over a third (38 percent) of these office jobs are part time.
Food preparation
Food preparation and serving is the most common job for older workers, and 25.3 percent of employees age 65 and older work in this field. Almost half (47 percent) of these food service jobs are part time.
