Find a Job You Really Want In
Finding the perfect job as a retiree can be challenging.
Most retirees on the job hunt seek a role that’s low-stress while also providing sufficient income.
Because the job market is as competitive as ever, it can be difficult to find a gig that fits those criteria. Retirees often find themselves competing against younger workers with much more time and energy.
Key Takeaways:
-
There are many great jobs for retirees such as being an office clerk, a receptionist, a dental assistant, or a security guard.
-
Nannying is a great job for retirees who like to work with children and babies.
-
Some jobs for retiree require a little physical activity, but it is entirely possible to perform.
The Best Jobs for Retirees
When researching this list, we made sure to include jobs that are typically slower-paced and low-stress.
Most of these are not overly competitive and have relatively high satisfaction rates.
We understand that many Americans have been forced to put off retirement for various reasons, so we’ve made sure to include positions with decent pay.
We’ve also tried to include jobs across many fields and interests to ensure there’s something for everyone.
-
Office clerk
Average hourly wage: $14.87Satisfaction rate: 61%
Portion of time spent standing/moving: 12.5%
Portion of workers over age 55: 18%
Responsibilities for an office clerk: The main duties involve clerical and administrative tasks, such as scheduling meetings, basic data-entry, and preparing documents.
Requirements to become an office clerk: A college degree helps but isn’t required. Having a work history and displaying communication, organizational, and detail-oriented skills are key.
Why being an office clerk is a good job for retirees: Retirees can expect to sit down most of the workday and have co-workers to socialize with.
-
Office manager
Average hourly wage: $20.86Satisfaction rate: 75%
Portion of time spent standing/moving: 25%
Portion of workers over age 55: 30%
Responsibilities for an office manager: Office managers ensure the success of an office’s basic day-to-day operations. This includes duties such as managing teams of staff, organizing budgets, and maintaining procedures.
Requirements to become an office manager: Office managers should have a familiarity with an office environment and expect to be able to communicate with staff, clients, and suppliers effectively.
Why being an office manager is a good job for retirees: This job is for retirees that prefer a more involved leadership position.
-
Orderly
Average hourly wage: $15.31Satisfaction rate: 67%
Portion of time spent standing/moving: 95%
Portion of workers over age 55: 33%
Responsibilities for orderly: This job takes place in hospitals and nursing homes. The primary duties are related to janitorial tasks and patient care. You’ll be assisting patients with their needs, such as moving them safely from their bed to a wheelchair. Orderlies also must maintain inventories of supplies. This includes repairing equipment, sterilizing tools, and assembly of items.
Requirements to become a orderly: Usually a high school degree and basic health related certifications are required.
Why being a orderly is a good job for retirees: This job is for retirees that prefer frequent physical activity. It also requires one to be fairly handy with tools.
-
Receptionist
Average hourly wage: $14.70Satisfaction rate: 64%
Portion of time spent standing/moving: 20%
Portion of workers over age 55: 20%
Responsibilities for receptionist: Receptionists greet visitors and provide customer service. This involves understanding the customer’s needs and then fielding the appropriate staff.
Requirements to become a receptionist: Receptionists should be able to convey a welcoming environment and effectively communicate with customers.
Why being a receptionist is a good job for retirees: This job is often slower-paced and low-intensity.
-
Paralegal
Average hourly wage: $24.01Satisfaction rate: 73%
Portion of time spent standing/moving: 20%
Portion of workers over age 55: 20%
Responsibilities for paralegal: This job assists lawyers. You’ll be drafting documents, calling legal witnesses, and organizing files. The work environment can vary drastically by the employer. Many older paralegals describe their job as fulfilling and challenging, while some describe it as being stressful.
Requirements to become a paralegal: Excellent organizational and multitasking skills are mandatory. A bachelor’s degree is also typically required. The degree can be in an unrelated field, as long as you’re willing to complete a several months-long paralegal certification course.
Why being a paralegal is a good job for retirees: This is a great job for retirees with experience or interest in law. As long as you find the work interesting, and have the skills to do it, being a paralegal provides a retiree-friendly environment. You work at a desk and you simply do the tasks assigned to you.
-
Home health aide
Average hourly wage: $13.10Satisfaction rate: 64%
Portion of time spent standing/moving: 75%
Portion of workers over age 55: 31%
Responsibilities for a home health aide: Home health aides provide care to patients who cannot live independently. The main duties involve housekeeping and assisting patients with the tasks of daily living. Examples include preparing meals, doing laundry, and running errands.
Requirements to become a home health aide: This job is for compassionate, flexible retirees who want to make a difference in a patient’s life. Housekeeping requires a fair amount of physical stamina and attention to detail.
Why being a home health aide is a good job for retirees: As home health aides often live with their patients, this is an excellent job for retirees living in expensive states. An added plus is that the cities with the highest demand for home health aides are also ranked among the best to retire to.
-
Security guard
Average hourly wage: $15.38Satisfaction rate: 56%
Portion of time spent standing/moving: 60%
Portion of workers over age 55: 28%
Responsibilities for a security guard: The primary responsibilities of a security guard are patrolling property, preventing theft, and monitoring surveillance.
Requirements to become a security guard: This job is prevalent among former police officers, however any applicant who fits the job description may apply.
Why being a security guard is a good job for retirees: This job typically involves low-intensity but frequent physical activity in the form of walking. The work environment is relaxed and slow-paced, with low socialization. The need to restrain trespassers is extremely rare but may arise.
-
Merchandise displayer
Average hourly wage: $16.43Satisfaction rate: 60%
Portion of time spent standing/moving: varies
Portion of workers over age 55: 31%
Responsibilities for a merchandise displayer: Merchandise displayers are tasked with attracting customers into the store. This is done by designing and installing creative product displays. The work setting can be any kind of retail store, such as a department store or gift shop.
Requirements to become a merchandise displayer: The main skills required are commercial awareness, creativity, and the ability to work with teams.
Why being a merchandise displayer is a good job for retirees: The frequency of physical activity involved varies, although the intensity of work is typically low. You’ll likely be able to find plenty of time to socialize with co-workers.
-
Customer service representative
Average hourly wage: $15.51Satisfaction rate: 50%
Portion of time spent standing/moving: 6.3%
Portion of workers over age 55: 15%
Responsibilities for a customer service representative: The name of the game is client support. As a customer service representative, you’ll be listening and responding to customer calls. You may have plenty of free time or be constantly answering calls, depending on the employer.
Requirements to become a customer service representative: Listening and communication skills are critical. You’ll need to know how to solve customer problems and answer their questions. Maintaining a cheerful, helpful attitude is also very important.
Why being a customer service representative is a good job for retirees: This job involves almost no physical activity as you’ll usually be sitting in a chair. Customer service representatives also often work-from-home, providing you flexibility in where you wish to live.
-
Housekeeper
Average hourly wage: $14.09Satisfaction rate: 58%
Portion of time spent standing/moving: 100%
Portion of workers over age 55: 19%
Responsibilities for a housekeeper: Housekeepers manage all the duties involved in the day-to-day running of a household. These tasks include cooking, cleaning, running errands, and home maintenance.
Requirements to become a housekeeper: Very little is actually required to become a housekeeper, except a good work ethic and the physical capabilities to perform the tasks.
Why being a housekeeper is a good job for retirees: This job is perfect for retirees who want to maintain physical activity. You’ll always be on your feet performing tasks, although these will typically be low-intensity.
-
Dental assistant
Average hourly wage: $18.14Satisfaction rate: 72%
Portion of time spent standing/moving: 50%
Portion of workers over age 55: 8%
Responsibilities for a dental assistant: Dental assistants provide oral care to patients and educate them on dental health. You’ll also be helping a supervising dentist by cleaning instruments and supplies, in addition to a variety of office and laboratory duties. Examples include filing documents and taking patient X-rays.
Requirements to become a dental assistant: You need to be certified at a training program approved by your state to become a dental assistant.
Why being a dental assistant is a good job for retirees: This job has very high satisfaction rates among seniors. Many dental assistants develop friendships with patients that come in multiple times each year. Physical activity is low-intensity, and there are plenty of opportunities to socialize.
-
Nanny
Average hourly wage: $19.36Satisfaction rate: 75%
Portion of time spent standing/moving: 75%
Portion of workers over age 55: 11%
Responsibilities for a nanny: Nannies are responsible for the care and safety of children. This involves nearly all aspects of childcare. You’ll be maintaining a safe and clean environment by bathing and dressing children. You’ll also keep them stimulated by arranging play dates, educational activities, and indoor and outdoor playtimes.
Requirements to become a nanny: Compassion and being fond of children are absolute requirements. This job has exceptionally high satisfaction rates, as you’ll be developing a relationship with children and their parents.
Why being a nanny is a good job for retirees: Becoming an in-home nanny is a great opportunity for retirees concerned with affordable living.
-
Bookkeeper
Average hourly wage: $19.39Satisfaction rate: 76%
Portion of time spent standing/moving: 10%
Portion of workers over age 55: 47%
Responsibilities for a bookkeeper: This role maintains a company’s financial data. You’ll be maintaining accurate ledgers on payroll, accounts receivable and payable, and daily financial transactions.
Requirements to become a bookkeeper: You’ll need basic computer skills to use accounting software and excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.
Why being a bookkeeper is a good job for retirees: This job is for retirees that enjoy detail-oriented and math-related positions. Physical activity levels are extremely low, and you’ll typically work in an office or at home.
-
Truck driver
Average hourly wage: $29.00Satisfaction rate: 50.4%
Portion of time spent standing/moving: 5%
Portion of workers over age 55: 62%
Responsibilities for a truck driver: Truckers drive and operate trucks, both across short distances and long-haul. The main duties include the pickup of material, verifying them for accuracy, and delivering them to their destination.
Requirements to become a truck driver: A commercial drivers licenses (CDL) is required to become a truck driver. Other tests and regulations may apply based on the company and the state.
Why being a truck driver is a good job for retirees: This job is for retirees comfortable with spending long stretches of time without company. Work hours can also be extremely long. Although many truckers only cover shorter routes, this job still presents low opportunity for socialization.
-
Software developer
Average hourly wage: $42.08Satisfaction rate: 57%
Portion of time spent standing/moving: 0%
Portion of workers over age 55: 7%
Responsibilities for a software developer: Software developers develop and maintain all forms of software. They apply problem-solving and technical skills to create, test, and evaluate new programs.
Requirements to become a software developer: Millions of new software developers are able to find jobs through diligent self-study and by creating portfolios of personal projects. Almost 30% of all developers don’t have any college degree at all, let alone a specialized one.
Why being a software developer is a good job for retirees: It’s a common misconception that only younger professionals with specialized degrees can compete in this field. As demand for this job is high everywhere in the country, it can provide opportunities to those living in the worst states for retirees. If you’re a motivated individual who loves problem-solving and applying analytical skills, this may be the job for you. It also offers the opportunity to work freelance and set your own schedule.
-
Blogger
Average hourly wage: $28.30Satisfaction rate: 54%
Portion of time spent standing/moving: 0%
Portion of workers over age 55: N/A
Responsibilities for a blogger: Bloggers write articles on any topic to appeal to an audience. Whether you would prefer to write about computers or dogs, it all depends on you. Income is earned through various sources, including affiliate marketing, direct sales, and ad revenue.
Requirements to become a blogger: Skills that favor bloggers are creative writing and adequate English. Understanding SEO, which is used to rank web pages on the internet, is also beneficial. Blogging doesn’t require a high-speed internet connection and can be done from home. It also lets you set extremely flexible hours.
Why being a blogger is a good job for retirees: This is a wonderful job for retirees just wanting to stay active or earn extra money.
-
Average hourly wage: $34.31
Responsibilities for a freelance artist: Whether you’re knitting clothes, painting landscapes, or making ceramics, people love to buy handmade products that are truly one-of-a-kind. Working this sort of job comes with the added bonus of flexibility and freedom. You can work whenever you feel like it, and it won’t even feel like work if it’s a hobby you already enjoy.
Requirements to become a freelance artist: Getting started as a freelance artist might seem intimidating, but with websites like Etsy becoming more popular (and user-friendly) than ever, it’s fairly simple to start selling your products online.
There’s also the option of selling your works at art fairs and other events with vendors. And if you’re a digital artist, there are even more options online. Taking on various clients can help keep you sharp and give you new challenges to tackle.
Why being a freelance artist is a good job for retirees: If you’re a natural artist who’s always involved in a creative project anyway, working as a freelance artist is the perfect fit for a retiree.
-
Average hourly wage: $20.12
Responsibilities for a career coach: Career coaches help job-seekers write perfect resumes, draft cover letters, and answer interview questions like a pro.
Requirements to become a career coach: If you enjoyed your field thoroughly, have a big network, and enjoy mentoring the next generation, working as a career coach can be a rewarding job.
Why being a career coach is a good job for retirees: Career coaching can be done through an agency or independently, and many retirees prefer the freedom afforded by taking on their own clients. It’ll involve a bit of networking and online promotion, but once you start helping people achieve career success, you’ll have a consistent and comfortable side gig.
-
Average hourly wage: $24.53
Responsibilities for a tax payer: You’ll help out seasonally during the busy season (between January and April) mainly, but there’s work to be done with taxes year-round. There’s also the option of doing this job freelance as well. If you have friends who can’t be bothered doing their own taxes, but don’t feel like paying a big name accountancy firm either, it’s a fine way to earn a bit of extra cash.
Requirements to become a tax payer: You don’t need to be a bona fide accountant to help prepare people’s personal taxes. You’ll need to be handy with the basics of personal bookkeeping and tax regulations. However, you can expect to be trained up by whatever agency brings you on board to help out.
Why a tax payer job is good for retirees: This is a good job for retirees if you are good with numbers, are detailed oriented, have patience, and don’t mind doing taxes. It is accessible, requires little movement, and can be done almost anywhere, since everyone needs to do their taxes!
-
Average hourly wage: $20.43
Responsibilities for a hotel concierge: As a concierge, you’ll also help people book dinner reservations, set travel arrangements, and create itineraries. Most of the job is performed from behind a desk, so it’s not too physically demanding either.
Requirements to become a hotel concierge: Someone with a background in customer service might have an easier time getting a job as a hotel concierge, but anyone with a polite personality and relevant knowledge is certainly qualified for the job.
Why being a hotel concierge is a good job for retirees: Being a hotel concierge is the perfect fit for retirees who are knowledgeable about their local area and love advising people on local entertainment, dining, and adventure.
Job Opportunities for Retirees are Plentiful
Many Americans reach retirement, only to find themselves diving back into the workforce.
Whether unfortunate circumstances have forced you to find work, or you’re just looking to stay busy – know that there’s hope.
The job market is extremely competitive, but plenty of jobs are less so and perfectly suited for retirees.
Consider our list, and utilize the numerous resources provided by Zippia to aid you in your job search.
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.