Find the Best Part Time Jobs for 50 and Over

Are you applying for full time work but not getting interview invites? Or do you want to make money, supplement retirement income, but don’t want a full time job? Part-time work may be just the thing.

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This is a nondescript page on the FAWA site. But I hope that you consider bookmarking this page and share with a Gen X friend. Really.

This article is going to cover:

• 7 reasons why part-time work can be a great option for 50+

• 7 age-friendly employers that provide excellent work environments

• 33 ideas of part time work that you may not know about or consider

I remember my first part-time job as a teenager. 1983. Take n’ Bake Pizza. ‘We make ‘em and you bake ‘em.’ I worked two weekday afternoons and every other weekend. My boss was laid back. Maybe a bit too much as he smoked weed in his office. The kids that worked there joked about changing the slogan to ‘We make ‘em and he gets baked’. I digress. In a very roundabout way I’m trying to get the point across that the part-time job of yesteryear can be very different from what is available today. Even though you may not have considered it, part-time work may be a great fit for Gen X. Let’s get right into it.

7 Reasons Why Part Time Jobs Can Be A Good Fit For Ages 50+

1) KEEP INCOME FLOWING IN WHILE SEEKING FULL TIME WORK

We have all heard of, or experienced it ourselves, someone over the age of 50 that has been part of a corporate restructuring and lost their job. Many American households’ live paycheck to paycheck and have few reserves in place for this type of unforeseen emergency.

For workers over 50, finding a new job typically takes an average of 37 weeks (about 8.5 to 9 months). This is roughly 30% longer than the national average, largely due to higher salary requirements and unconscious age biases in the hiring process.

Adding to the difficulty, more Boomers are staying in their higher management roles until age 66/67 now that the full Social Security retirement age has been bumped back. This means less turnover and fewer higher-level full-time jobs for Gen X to bounce back into.

Income from part-time work can partially offset the drain from savings accounts during the search for new employment. If you are still angling for a full-time position, having a part-time job (or two) can show a future employer that you are ambitious.

2) LOWER STRESS

Part-time work is widely considered ideal for older workers and retirees as it provides a better work-life balance. Fewer hours leave more time for personal tasks, hobbies, and recovery, which helps lower overall stress.

It may actually improve your health. Work stress can cause the body to release the hormone cortisol. High cortisol levels give you that fight or flight feeling and can make you feel anxious. Having a little extra rest, even if it is temporary, can boost your mood, decrease brain fog, and lower your blood pressure. Lower cortisol levels will regulate your natural circadian rhythm, making it easier to fall and stay asleep.

3) HEALTH INSURANCE

Some older job seekers do not consider the option of part-time employment as they need money and health insurance benefits. This is especially important for those workers bridging the gap until Medicare starts at age 65.

Did you know that there are many part-time jobs with health insurance that you may be able to apply for?

A growing number of companies are giving benefits to part-time employees as a way to keep high quality workers on their payroll for a longer period of time.

4) FLEXIBILITY

Many of us in Gen X understand that we may have to work into our retirement years to make ends meet. But it doesn’t have to be 9-5 M-F grind. If you have to work while receiving Social Security, you can schedule part-time hours around those parts of your retired life that you hold sacred. Examples?

• Chris has hated getting up at 5:30 AM for his daily long commute over the past 20 years. He has dreamed of the day when he can sleep in, wake up when he wants, and make a leisurely breakfast while watching his favorite morning sports highlight program. After retirement, he got a part-time job at a local hardware store with a 1 - 6 PM shift. The supplemental income is there for him and the part of his daily grind that he despised is eliminated.

• Jennifer wants nothing more than to spend as much time as she can with her grandkids when they are young. Her daughter has to work full-time to make ends meet and has the kids in expensive daycare. When Jennifer retired, she launched a second act career as a real estate agent assistant. She works Friday - Sunday, spends two days a week with her grandkids, and has two days a week for just herself. Her daughter gets to save 40% on her daycare bill as well.

If you must pull in extra income during your retirement years, control your schedule with part-time work and make sure you put yourself first.

5) PART-TIME WORK LEVELS THE PLAYING FIELD

You, or someone you know, may have experienced age bias when applying for corporate, higher level, or full time work. It can be disheartening, I know. The good news is part-time employers see you very differently; they now see your age as an asset.

Employers often prefer older workers for part-time roles because they provide high reliability and experience. A seasoned worker means lower turnover and less training to start the job. Gen X is seen as a no nonsense, push up your sleeves and get to it generation. And employers love it. We don’t have to be pried off our phone while on the clock. We show up when we are supposed to. We get the job done.

Summer 2026 part-time hiring for teens is the lowest since the federal government began tracking it in 1948. As the first of the Gen Xers become eligible for early retirement on January 1, 2027, I think this hiring trend will continue for many, many years. I predict Gen X will dominate the part-time job market as a way to make ends meet.

6) STRETCHES YOUR RETIREMENT SAVINGS

Gen X faces a massive retirement crisis. Federal data shows about 4 in 10 Gen X households have zero retirement savings. Among those who have saved, the household median is around $40,000 - $100,000. For those that do have a 401 k, 1 in 4 have taken a loan against it, the highest rate of any generation. This. Sucks.

Picking up a part-time job brings in the same amount of money as over a quarter million dollars in a retirement account. The $1000 a month rule is a retirement planning guideline that states for every $1000 of monthly income you want to generate, you need to save $300,000 saved and withdraw 4% of your portfolio annually.

If you pull in a part-time position with 20 hours per week at a baseline of $15 per hour, your monthly net pay will be in the same range. (20 x $15/hour = $300/week; $300/week x 4 = $1200/month before taxes.) Is this the same or better than having over a quarter million in your account? No…of course not. But working part-time allows those that have saved some to stretch out their savings. And for those that have not been able to save anything, it can be helpful to know that the energy you spend at your part-time job is worth $300,000. If you don’t have it, your sweat equity can still bring in the equivalent.

7) KEEPS YOU ENGAGED IN YOUR COMMUNITY

Do you remember the movie “Office Space” back in 1999? Peter Gibbons (Ron Livingston) perfectly summed up our Gen X attitude towards work with “I was sitting in my cubicle today, and I realized, ever since I started working, every single day of my life has been worse than the day before it.”

If this rings true for you, imagine reversing it by finding a part-time role that improves lives or strengthens your community. You could teach a trade, skill, or hobby to the next generation. You can work at a non-profit, urban planning or environmental group to improve your neighborhood or city. You could also work in operations after a disaster strikes. Your part-time work would make each day better than the day before it.

What are the potential pitfalls of working part-time?

• Earning less money could create financial anxiety, especially if wages do not cover your cost of living.

• If you are working with the general public in a retail environment, some part-time roles can cause a different kind of daily stress.

• There can be unpredictability in part time schedules that vary from week-to-week, making it hard to plan your personal life or budget your income.

• Some part-time employers do not offer paid time off and employer-sponsored health insurance, adding vulnerability to those over 50.

How should Gen X be approaching the part-time job market?

Two words. CHERRY PICK.

Not all part-time jobs are created equal. There are some employers that hire part-time employees almost exclusively and have put programs and benefits in place in order to retain the brightest and the best. Some of the benefits may include health insurance which is important for many early retirees to bridge the gap until age 65 when Medicare begins.

Other part-time jobs are out there that offer fringe benefits, like the ability to watch concerts, or sport games, or play golf for free. Certain companies are known for hiring older part-time workers so there will be increased camaraderie and a sense of community.

If you find yourself having to pull part-time work during retirement, be selective. Find a job with decent pay AND perks, a fun work environment, insurance, or experiences that add value. Don’t settle for Take n’ Bake Pizza.

Who are the 7 best part time employers for ages 50 and over?

1. LabCorp/Quest

   Companies like LabCorp and Quest hire medical couriers to pick up patient samples at doctor offices and clinics and drive them to a lab for processing. Sometimes they provide a company car, sometimes you use your own vehicle. One of the nice perks is you always get the mornings off.

   Depending on how busy your city is, these roles could be full-time, or they could be part-time. Indeed lists compensation anywhere from $17/hour to $25/hour. If you are hired full-time, there are full benefits given as well. Hiring managers are said to prefer older workers as they are more reliable and drive safer (we don’t drive staring at our cellphones while driving).

   If the courier option is interesting to you, look at veterinary medical courier openings in your area as well. Folks love their pets and spend an insane amount of money at vet clinics. You provide the same service, picking up samples from vet clinics and transporting them to a local lab.

2. Home Depot/Lowe’s

   I know, the dreaded word retail. But if you pick up a job at a store you enjoy the time will pass quickly. I have heard many pre-retirees and retirees say they enjoy a part time job at Home Depot ($19-26/hour) or Lowe’s ($15-22/hour). Lowe’s part time hours can range from 12 to 25 hours per week with flex up hours during seasonal periods like spring and fall. Lowe’s part timers get a 10% employee discount, 401K options as well as dental and vision insurance. Home Depot part-time schedules are 20-29 hours/week with dental/vision insurance, stock purchase plan, 401K, paid vacation and sick time, bonuses and employee discounts.

3. Costco/Sam’s Club

   Another retail example is Costco. Entry level starts at $19.50/hour, experienced roles like meat cutters, pharmacy techs, or forklift operators earn $28/hour or more. You are guaranteed a minimum of 24 hours a week but are often scheduled for 32 hours or more. You get medical and dental coverage after 6 months, paid time off, vacation days, holidays, bonus, 401K, free membership, and a stock purchase plan. Sam’s Club offers more or less the same package but starting wages are at $16.25/hour.

4. Starbucks

   Another great example of retailers going above and beyond to keep highly qualified employees is Starbucks. If you work at least 20 hours per week, after just 3 months you get health insurance, including dental and vision. They also have a 401 k and paid vacation time. The other obvious perk is the schedule; most coffee sales occur in the morning so you would have the rest of the day off to do as you please. The average starting wage ranges from $15 to $24/hour depending on the location in the US.

5. Ikea

   If you are lucky enough to live close to an Ikea, it is a great place for older workers. Ikea provides health insurance to part-time employees that work a minimum of 20 hours per week. There are all sorts of roles: food service/cafeteria, forklift operator, children’s supervised play zone, and of course customer service and sales. Ikea’s average starting wage is at least $16/hour.

6. Trader Joe’s

   Trader Joe's is known for employing a diverse age range, including many older workers and retirees. All the employees share the same title of Crew Member and are expected to rotate between operating registers, stocking shelves, and handling deliveries. This can be physically demanding on older joints. Trader Joe's does not have specialized roles for older workers; everyone is expected to perform the same duties. Despite this, many older employees and retirees enjoy the flexible hours, the social nature of the job, and the company's generally upbeat inclusive atmosphere. Trader Joe’s employees are paid $17-20/hour.

7. YMCA

   The YMCA is an equal opportunity employer and actively hires individuals over 50. The Y values mature workers for their reliability, experience, and ability to relate to community members. There are no age limits, and mature staff are frequently hired for both active and administrative roles.

   You could be coordinating programs specifically for seniors, leading exercise groups, acting as a personal trainer, helping out with childcare or after school/summer programs, or helping out with member services. The perks include a free membership, a decent wage, and working part-time in an active, healthy environment.

Let’s think beyond Uber and Doordash. Besides the above mentioned age-friendly employers, there are a number of specific job ideas that are great roles to consider for part-time work beyond the age of 50. These are cherry-picked to give you something extra other than a paycheck. If there is interaction with the public, it is limited or positive in nature. And there has to be some other aspect to the job that makes up for it in spades.

33 Part-Time Jobs for Older Workers and Retirees

1. Event Usher: You would work at concert halls, community theaters, or local sports arenas to check tickets and seat guests. The perks are obvious; you get to see the performances and games for free! You generally have a 4-hour shift and half of the time is spent enjoying the show or reading a book. Call the venues closest to you and ask who the management company is for staffing. Or if you are at the stadium, pull an usher aside to get the info.

2. Local School Roles (Non-Teaching): Crossing guards, library assistants, tutors, bus drivers, or maintenance roles offer excellent schedules and summers off. Contact your local county school district for openings and pay.

3. Tourism & Museum Guides: Local cultural centers, zoos, and historical tours frequently hire older adults to share their knowledge and interact with visitors.

4. Golf Course Starter/Ball Sweeper: If you love golf, enjoy talking to people and spending time outdoors, this would be a good option for you to look into. Many older men pick up this part time work at courses. There is very little labor involved, and you get free golf privileges.

5. Funeral Parlor Assistant: This seems a little morbid, but the work is steady. Remember there is nothing guaranteed in life but death and taxes. You would support the funeral director in managing the visitations or services by arranging photos, flowers, guest books, etc., hand out service programs, show mourning families where the rooms are, etc. The families attending are very appreciative.

6. Driving Rental Cars: If you have a clean driving record - no more than 2 violations in the past 3 years - you can be hired to move cars between local rental offices and/or the airport. This is a very low key part-time role paying on average $13-14/hour.

7. Driving Dealership Cars: Local dealerships are always looking for help to move cars from one lot to another. When new stock is dropped off from the manufacturer they drive it from the back of the facility to the front. If used cars are traded in as part of a new car purchase, these used cars need to be driven to car auctions. Same as above, you have to show a clean driving record.

8. Costco Food Samplers: These are the folks that heat up and serve food and drink samples at Costco stores nationwide. Club Demonstration Services (CDS) is an event marketing company that pays on average $16/hour plus offers insurance. clubdemo.com

9. Big-Box Stores (No public interaction): There are many part-time jobs available that don’t require interaction with the public. These big-box stores include drug stores, grocery stores, and large retailers such as Target. You could be stocking shelves, making displays, pricing items, and if you have a background in security or law enforcement there are loss prevention roles.

10. Delivering Flowers: This does have limited interaction with the public but most of it is positive. Everyone is happy to receive flowers. Inquire with local florists near you.

11. Tax Preparer: H & R Block and Intuit hire tax preparers seasonally with a bulk of work coming January through April. Some of this may be in person, but increasingly it can be done remotely.

12. Auto Parts Delivery: Auto parts companies usually deliver parts using their own employee drivers or couriers. National stores like AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, and NAPA hire in-house drivers to run parts directly to mechanics and homes. Last mile dispatch companies like Curri and Dispatchit have courier networks that deliver parts. Car dealerships may also need to run parts to mechanics upon request.

13. Work From Your Bucket List: Perhaps you have had a dream of starting a small business as a passion project or connected to hobby that you enjoy. See if there is a local business that would allow you to work there part time and scratch that itch. It could be a coffee roaster, a microbrewery, a stationary store, a bookstore, a fabric store, or an organic farm.

14. Greeting Card Merchandiser: In your assigned geographical area, you visit various retailers to put up and take down holiday cards using plan-o-grams. They may have you go back and straighten up the card racks a couple of times a month. You get to laugh at the cards and have little interaction with the public.

15. Document Scanner/Indexer/Imager: Many larger businesses are going paperless. In this role, you are scanning physical mail and indexing the mail on a computer to the correct unit so they can take action. Folks that have performed this work say it is relaxing and easy with only 20 hours per week. Some companies offer greater hours and an option to work remotely. Imaging jobs are also found on state employment websites as well as medical facilities.

16. Standardized Patient: Do you have a medical or nursing school in or near your city? Many schools are seeking people for a few days a month. No medical experience is required; you simply use a script to pretend to be a patient. This allows medical and nursing skills to practice their communication skills with patients. And it allows you to make around $25/hour.

17. Disaster Recovery Assistance: This opportunity is part of an as needed temporary, on-call workforce that can really make a difference in people’s lives. Both FEMA and AmeriCorps assist in the hiring of temporary, part-time, and on-call staff to assist with disaster response and recovery operations.

    You could be an on-call FEMA Reservist hired for up to two-year renewable appointments and deployed on an as-needed basis to disaster sites across the country. If you would prefer to stay local they FEMA also has community-specific relief roles for 120-day appointments to fill administrative, logistical, or outreach roles. Apply directly to FEMA in advance for these roles so you are in the roster.

    AmeriCorps is not a direct employer but your local non-profits or state agencies hire part-time disaster recovery roles that are funded in part by AmeriCorps. These roles typically focus on volunteer coordination, client preparedness, or long-term rebuilding. After a disaster hits, you can search the AmeriCorps Career Portal to filter for part-time, temporary, or summer disaster relief positions.

18. United States Postal Service: Yes, there are part-time and seasonal roles with the postal service. You could be sorting mail and assisting in deliveries during the holidays or as a substitute driver.

19. Security: Part-time security jobs can be a good side hustle for individuals seeking flexible hours and supplemental income. These roles often require basic training or certification, and work environments can include events, retail, or commercial properties.

20. Farm Help: If you live near some farms or ranches, they are always looking for dependable help. You would be working with animals or in nature with limited human interaction.

21. Life Coach for Adults with Developmental Disabilities: This is a low stress, interesting, and meaningful position that pays well. You would provide one-on-one support to help individuals build independence, achieve personal goals, and improve daily living skills. Some of their personal goals could include budgeting, personal hygiene, career development, social interactions, and community integration. Look at state agencies for part-time openings near you.

22. Caregiver Relief Provider (Respite): This opportunity can be found through the same state agencies mentioned above. This part-time role has you scheduled in a family home so the caregiver can take a short break. You have to be dependable, compassionate, and have reliable transportation. Through this meaningful work, you have the chance to make a real impact in your community.

23. Youth Sport Official: Many local recreational sports leagues are looking for referees or umpires. You provide your own gear and get training. Soccer, volleyball and baseball/softball are sports that are always in need. You have a fairly good shot at getting football and basketball as well.

24. Wine Steward: Pre-retirees and retirees alike look at seasonal and part-time positions as wine stewards at retailers such as Total Wine. In this role you help folks select wine. The side benefit is you get to learn about the wine industry and the wines themselves. The stores often offer classes to help you learn, and if you sign on as an employee you may get a sizeable employee discount to help you build a wine cellar.

25. Barbacking: A barback's job is to make sure the bartenders can focus on only two things: customer service and making drinks. The over 50 set generally gravitates towards working part-time before the main service hours. That means you would prep fruit garnishes, make simple syrups, stock liquor, and fill the ice wells. The bartender would share his/her tips with you.

26. Hotel Reception: Hotel reception can be an excellent part-time job for older workers. The role is rarely physically demanding, values soft skills like patience and reliability, and typically provides flexible shifts. Hotels operate 24/7, which allows you to easily pick up part-time, weekend, or relief shifts (like weekend auditing) that fit around your lifestyle. The best part is many hotel chains offer great employee discounts on travel and lodging.

27. Hardware Store Associate: I know FAWA has already mentioned Lowe’s and Home Depot as stand-out employers earlier. Please don’t forget places like Ace Hardware and independent hardware stores hire retirees for their customer service skills and accumulated life experience. You do have face-to-face customer contact, but the interaction is generally positive and appreciated. You have the DIY knowledge and can help guide people to what they need.

    There are also order fulfillment jobs on the back end that don’t have as much customer contact if that is your preference,

28. Casino Employees: For older employees, the best part-time casino jobs are low stress, allow for frequent sitting, and do not require heavy lifting. Great options include Casino Cashier, Player's Club Representative, Surveillance/Security Officer, and Slot Attendant.

29. Bike Mechanic: Being an older, part-time bike mechanic is a fantastic part-time job. Often you are assembling new bikes for purchase. Shops highly value older workers for their reliability and deep mechanical knowledge. Places like Trek and REI often need flexible, part-time technicians. Even big sporting goods stores like DICK'S Sporting Goods hire for these roles.

30. Airport Shuttle Driver: Working as a shuttle driver, you can have steady, low-impact physical work, and an opportunity to socialize with travelers. You could be employed by a hotel, a car rental agency, or an off-site parking lot. Many operations run 24/7, making it easy to find part-time shifts or flexible hours that fit your schedule. Drivers often receive cash tips and employee discounts for hotel stays or car rentals. You need a clean driving record and may have to get a commercial driver’s license.

31. Legal Document Courier: You can deliver documents for banks, title companies, or attorneys that can’t wait for next day service. Caution: part-time legal document delivery generally falls into two roles, a Legal Document Courier (ie. transporting filings between law firms and courthouses) and a Process Server (delivering subpoenas or lawsuits to individuals). One is obviously more fraught with peril so choose wisely. You typically need a reliable vehicle, a smartphone, and the ability to pass a background check. These roles can be part-time or as an on-demand independent contractor depending on the need and size of your local community.

32. Home Health Aid: You visit the elderly in their home, sometimes prepare a meal for them, help them to the restroom, remind them to take their medications, and generally just visit with them. Wages generally range around $25/hour. You will need reliable transportation and a background check. Look into companies such as Seniors Helping Seniors to get a better idea of this opportunity.

33. Adjunct Teacher at a Community College

    To become an adjunct instructor, you generally need a Master’s degree in your teaching discipline or a Master’s degree with at least 18 graduate semester hours in the specific subject. For applied, technical, or vocational fields, extensive hands-on industry experience and a Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree may be accepted instead.
    

How do you know if the part-time job you are considering is a great fit for over 50? Part-time work is generally not the kind you wake up trying to troubleshoot. You shouldn’t have to think about it in the shower. It can be very different from what you did prior to retirement, so you are learning something interesting and new. But at the end of the shift, you should be done with it. You are able to easily set it aside at the end of the day. Open your horizons and you might find these jobs are fun.