Today, many people choose to work after retirement because it might be a way for them to maintain social connections, supplement their savings, stay productive, or simply because they enjoy working and want to keep doing it until they can. This article discusses several types of jobs available to seniors post-retirement, how much they pay, common qualifications and requirements for landing them, and tips on how to find them.

Types of jobs and roles available for seniors

1. Consultant
Depending on one’s knowledge and experience, one could get a job as a consultant in the field. This is especially popular among retired managers and senior-level employees and can help seniors earn an average salary of $56 per hour.

2. Local government jobs
Local governments and city councils often host opportunities for gainful employment for senior workers. Salaries here may vary depending on one’s role and experience.

3. Bookkeeping
Those with accounting skills may be interested in bookkeeping jobs. On average, these pay $20 an hour and involve tasks such as reconciling accounts and recording transactions. They are a popular part-time work opportunity, particularly during taxation season.

4. Substitute teacher
Becoming a “sub” is an incredible second career opportunity for seniors. Substitute teachers earn around $28,270 annually and have plenty of time off with summer breaks and other holidays.

5. Library assistant
Being a library assistant is a great job for seniors who love reading. On average, one can earn $14.69 per hour. However, some places may also pay up to $27 per hour.

6. Call center agent
Those who enjoy phone work and talking to people may enjoy a job at a call center. These roles offer staggered pay levels and may even allow people to work from home.

7. Dog walker
Becoming a dog walker is a great way for seniors to remain active. Depending on their flexibility and activity levels, they can take on as much or as little work as they want. The role pays between $12 and $19 per hour, or sometimes even more, depending on the area.

8. Tour guide
Several spots, such as museums and archaeological sites, hire part-time tour guides, who are paid between $13 and $22 per hour. Those interested in history can take on these roles.

9. Driver
Seniors with a driving license can also take on driving roles for on-demand transport services and food delivery apps. The pay may differ depending on one’s location, the nature of the job, and the number of hours and days they drive.

10. Pet sitter
Those who enjoy spending time with animals can also take up pet sitting at home or work at a doggy daycare center. These roles attract an average pay of $15 an hour.

11. Baby sitter
Babysitting is also a popular option for many senior citizens. Becoming a nanny or babysitter could help seniors earn an average salary of $15 an hour.

12. Tutor
Seniors with subject expertise or a penchant for helping young ones could take on a tutorship role. These jobs offer flexibility, as seniors can choose between working privately or offering services at a center. Depending on the role, one could earn between $22,110 and $91,630 annually.

13. Home care provider
Home care providers focus on basic household chores such as cooking, shopping for necessities, running errands, or taking care of light housekeeping tasks.

14. Writer or editor
Those who love language and writing can also explore writing and editing roles. These jobs offer a lot of freedom, with freelancing and work-from-home opportunities. Salaries in this field may vary from pennies to dollars per word or be calculated by the hour.

15. Translator
Bilingual or multilingual people fluent in multiple languages can also become translators. In this role, seniors can earn anywhere between $20 and $60 per hour.

Tips to get a job as a senior
Here are some common tips to keep in mind when looking for jobs as a senior:

1. Consider the type of employment
Before applying for jobs, seniors need to consider the type of employment they seek. This may include part-time or flexible roles, remote work, full-time, or contractual employment. Keeping this in mind will help one find an appropriate role.

2. Look at resources
Several resources are available to help seniors find employment. Over 1,000 companies have signed the AARP employer pledge, promising to offer opportunities for seniors. Details about these can be found in the Back to Work 50+ program. Opportunities are also available at the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) and the Experienced Services Program at the National Park Service.

3. Look for mentorship opportunities
Those continuing in their field of experience can take advantage of mentorship opportunities. This will help them use their leadership skills as well.

4. Update skills
To land a job, seniors should also upskill. For this, there are several online classes and resources available. This will also help reassure one’s future employer about one’s training and expertise.

5. Update the resume
A resume does not need to list every job one has had in the past. Instead, be selective and pick relevant highlights from one’s career to reflect on the resume. Here, focus on important accomplishments and add significant details about them.

6. Learn to network
Online portals and career boards are great places to look for jobs. However, seniors can begin their job search by tapping into their professional network.