As retirement approaches, some people want to relax and have fun after years of dedicated work. But for most people, retirement doesn't mean sitting back and saying goodbye to work entirely. They know it's a perfect time to discover new hobbies and pursue new opportunities.

According to a survey, about 19% of US residents aged 65 and older stayed active in the workforce in 2023—roughly one in every five. Additionally, the number is expected to increase by 96.5% by 2030.

Do you also belong to the latter category? After years of meeting deadlines, following schedules, and managing daily tasks, suddenly having all the time in the world can leave you wondering—what now? Luckily, there are a multitude of high-paying and stress-free jobs for retirees that let them enjoy this new phase of life without the workplace pressures. 

In this post, we'll discuss 14 stress-free, high-paying jobs that allow retirees or seniors to stay active, meet new people, and make some extra money. Here we go!

1. Freelance Writing

Do you love writing and have strong communication skills? Why don't you choose freelance writing? This job allows retirees to work from home while earning a good income. It doesn't require commuting, which makes it one of the stress-free jobs for retirees. 

The good thing is that you're your own boss, which means you have to decide whether to say yes to the projects that spark your interest or no to those that don't. You can choose from a variety of projects, such as copywriting, ad writing, blogging, technical writing, memoir writing, business proposals, and grant writing. 

Wondering where or how to begin? There are a number of trustworthy platforms, such as Freelancer, Fiverr, and Upwork. The only thing you need to start is a portfolio that consists of your writing samples to show your skills and attract clients. 

Chances of success? Yes, writing is a highly competitive field, but that's where your creative and unique expression sets you apart.

Pay Range: $15-$75/hour. Rates can vary according to the project requirements and your experience.

2. Online Tutoring

Are you a baby boomer with an advanced degree? Online tutoring is one of the stress-free and high-paying jobs for you. It is an excellent opportunity for retired teachers, nurses, or professionals to monetize their knowledge and expertise. You can teach academic subjects, whether it's math, reading, languages, or a particular skill like music or cooking. 

The best thing about this job is flexibility. You can set your own rates, decide your hours, or even decide between in-person or online lectures. Do you want to work  one-on-one with students or teach an entire class? It's up to you!

Wondering where can you find an online tutoring job? Tutor.com, Preply, and other such platforms make it easy to connect with students right from home.

Pay Range: You can expect to earn about $15-$60 per hour. 

3. Dog Walker or Pet Sitter

Do you already have pets or love taking care of animals? How about working as a dog walker in your neighborhood? You can also pet-sit for your neighbors or other people in town while they're at work or on vacation. It is a stress-free and fun way for retirees to stay active and get paid while playing with pets. You can set your own schedule, rates, and pet care services you can provide, whether it's dog walking, dog boarding, house sitting, or doggy daycare.

Wondering where to start? The easy way is to ask your neighbors whether they want help walking their dogs. You can also create an account on an online platform that connects pet owners with pet assistants, such as Rover.com. 

Pay Range: $10 to $30 per hour

4. Expert Consulting

Do you have expertise and experience in a particular field? How about providing consultations? Retired professionals can offer consultations in their former fields and earn money. These fields can include financial planning, digital marketing, education, health and wellness, and business consulting. During your job, you'll help businesses devise strategies and troubleshoot challenges.

It is one of the stress-free and high-paying jobs for retirees where you can decide your own terms and hours and take on only projects that interest you.

Start by creating a professional resume. Then, you can create profiles on freelancing platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, and LinkedIn to find project-based consulting work. Alternatively, you can attend industry events, join professional associations, and connect with colleagues in your field.

Pay Range: An expert consultant can expect to earn about $25 to $200 per hour. However, rates might vary by industry.

Frugal Tip: Initially, you can offer free consultations to attract potential clients.

5. Tour Guide

Do you love visiting new places and sharing your traveling experiences with others? Or do you live in a city that is full of tourist attractions or museums? Consider working as a tour guide.    

The job is flexible, stress-free, and high-paying. You can choose the tours you'd like to do. For example, if you love history, you can lead tours through historical sites or museums. If you enjoy a bit of mystery, you can try haunted city tours. Another option is to lead themed tours around art, food, or nature.

Where can you find tour guide jobs? Start by researching local tourism companies or agencies that often hire guides, or you can check out websites like CoolWorks.

Pay Range: $12-$25 per hour

The salary for a tour guide varies according to the tour company and location. Bonus: You'll get discounts or even free access to attractions and rentals.

6. Gardening and Landscaping Services

Do you have a green thumb and love spending time in green spaces? Turn your hobby into a source of income. Gardening or landscaping is a stress-free and high-paying job for retirees, and it has grown a lot over the last few years. 

As a gardening specialist, you can help others design their garden layouts, plant flowers, or make vegetable gardens. The best thing is you can choose your hours and clients.

Wondering where to start? You can start with friends or neighbors and then expand by advertising your services online. Websites like Thumbtack and TaskRabbit can help you find clients looking for gardening or landscaping services.

Pay Range: Gardening is one of the higher paying jobs, and you can expect to earn between $20 and $50 per hour. 

7. Customer Service Representative

Do you have strong communication skills and love helping others? Consider working as a customer service representative! As many companies are switching to remote arrangements, the demand for remote customer service is rising. You can become a live chat support agent, call center representative, or social media customer care assistant. 

As a customer service representative, your job might include answering calls, responding to emails or chat inquiries, and helping customers with questions, orders, or basic tech support. This stress-free and flexible work-from-home job requires only a computer, a stable internet connection, and some basic training. 

You can search for this job on FlexJobs, Upwork, and Remote.co.

Pay Range: A customer service representative can earn between $12 to $20 per hour.

8. Event Planning Services

Are you someone who loves to organize events and is well-organized and detail-oriented? How about becoming an event planner after your retirement? Even many event-planning companies search for retirees as they have more social connections and extensive experience. It is one of the stress-free and well-paying jobs for retirees.

From planning social events and corporate gatherings to weddings and birthday parties, retirees can find a number of opportunities. As an event planner, you can help plan, organize, and witness important moments in your client's life. If clients are happy, they'll surely recommend you to friends and family. This means you'll stay busy and active with new events. 

Pay Range: Pay can vary according to the event, but on average, an event planner earns between $20 and $50 per hour.

9. Health and Wellness Coach

Nowadays, most people, both young and old, are conscious of their health and fitness. As a result, the trend of personal trainers is increasing everywhere.

It is a great opportunity for retirees who have a background in fitness or nutrition. Many gyms, community centers, and senior centers in the US hire part-time coaches for yoga, swimming, or personal coaching.

As a wellness coach, you'll motivate, create personal fitness plans, and track your clients' progress. This job will not only keep you active but also help your clients achieve their health goals.

How to get started? Consider getting certified through well-known organizations like NASM, ISSA, or ACE. This can increase your credibility and attract clients. You can also promote your services on social media or visit nearby fitness or wellness centers. 

Pay Range: $15-$50 per hour

10. Photography

Do you have a camera at home? Or a passion for photography? Why not turn your hobby into a paying gig? As a freelance photographer, you can offer services for family photos, portraits, and events or sell stock images online. This job is as creative as it is flexible, as you can set your availability hours and choose your clients as well as projects.

Platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and Shutterstock allow photographers to create freelance photography gigs or sell stock photos to their target audience. The best part is that you're free to decide about your rates and availability.

Pay Range: On average, photographers may earn between $15 and $75 per hour.

11. Librarian

Are you a bookworm who loves reading and keeping up with the latest books? Consider working as a librarian at a local library. As a library assistant, your duties may include organizing books, helping patrons find materials, maintaining library records, and hosting a library event. You can also decide how many days or hours per week you're available to work.

Bonus: A peaceful environment allows you to work stress-free and read your favorite book in your free time. 

Pay Range: A library assistant can earn between $15 and $30 per hour.

12. Virtual Assistant

In this digital era, many businesses are moving online, and the demand for virtual assistants has risen. As a virtual assistant, you'll help businesses with administrative tasks such as managing emails, scheduling appointments, and data entry. It is a wonderful opportunity for retirees looking for a stress-free job that also pays well. The only thing you need is a computer and a reliable internet connection.  

Where to start? There are a number of trustworthy platforms, such as Freelancer, Fiver, and Upwork, where businesses post virtual assistant jobs on a daily basis. Create your profile and search for your target jobs. You'll surely find a bundle of opportunities! 

Pay Range: Being a virtual assistant pays well, between $15 and $30 per hour.

13. Part-Time Retail Associate

If you've traits of persuasion, understanding needs, building connections, and closing deals, consider becoming a retail associate. This is one of the most popular and stress-free jobs for retirees. It is easy to see why: the job offers flexible schedules and comes with many perks like potential store discounts, healthcare coverage, and much more.

If you want to work as a part-time retail associate, choose a place that interests you, whether it's the people working there or the products. 

Pay Range: A retail worker can earn about $15-$20 per hour.

14. Bookkeeper

Do you have experience in finance accounting or have a keen attention to detail? Consider working part-time as a bookkeeper. Small businesses, freelancers, and entrepreneurs often need someone to handle their books but can't afford a full-time accountant. You can fit in here.

As a bookkeeper, you'll help with record-keeping, tax preparation, and other finance-related tasks. Plus, you can work from anywhere as long as you have an internet connection.

Pay Range: It is a well-paying job. A bookkeeper can earn about $20 – $50 per hour.

FAQs

How many seniors work after retirement?

According to a survey, about 19% of US residents aged 65 and older stayed active in the workforce in 2023. Additionally, the number is expected to increase by 96.5% by 2030.

What are good jobs for Retired Seniors?

Tutoring, consulting, dog walking, babysitting, and freelance writing are some of the popular and stress-free jobs for retired seniors that also pay well. 

What are the Best Jobs for Retired Nurses?

Retired nurses can work as health consultants, take part in telemedicine roles, or teach nursing courses. 

What are the Best Jobs for Retired Teachers?

Retired teachers have wonderful opportunities to continue sharing their knowledge. They can consider working as tutors (in-person or online) or educational consultants.

What are the High Paying Jobs for Retirees?

Freelance writing, consulting, virtual assistance, real estate, and bookkeeping are some of the highest-paying jobs for seniors.

Final Thoughts

And that's a wrap! We hope our guide has helped you find job ideas that fit you as a senior or retiree. There is a world of options out there, including full-time, part-time work, and flexible hours.

For those who want to work from home, consider freelance writing, virtual assistant, bookkeeping, and online tutoring. If you want to stay active and stress-free, why not try jobs like event planning, tour guide, gardening, dog walking, or health and wellness coach? 

These jobs enable retirees or seniors to earn extra money, stay active, and enjoy a balanced post-retirement life on their own terms.