Looking to boost your retirement income? These 5 side gigs can help
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You may be done with the daily grind, but your financial needs haven’t retired. Many older Americans are turning to side hustles not just for money, but for connection, activity, and purpose.
Fixed incomes can only stretch so far in today’s economy, especially when life keeps throwing curveballs. Whether it’s supporting family, handling unexpected expenses, or just wanting more cushion, retirees are increasingly opting back in—on their own terms.
1. Rent out a space you already have
One of the most popular and low-effort ways to earn in retirement is to rent out part of your home. Whether it’s a spare bedroom or your full house while you’re away, platforms like Airbnb can turn empty space into extra income.
If you’d prefer more consistency and less guest turnover, long-term rentals are another option. Just be sure to review local laws, take good photos, and write clear, appealing listings to maximize bookings.
2. Provide child care
Providing child care is another high-demand side gig where retirees shine. Services like Care.com and Sittercity let older adults showcase their experience and availability to busy parents.
Even Rent A Grandma—originally a failed Shark Tank pitch—has become a thriving platform matching older women with families seeking trustworthy help. If you love working with kids or helping around the home, this could be the perfect fit.
3. Substitute teacher or tutor
Substitute teaching or tutoring is a smart path for those who enjoy working with students. Most school districts have minimal requirements, often just needing a bachelor’s degree and a background check.
Tutors are also in high demand and can work flexibly through platforms like Skooli or Tutor.com. Retirees with advanced degrees can even explore teaching part-time at community colleges for additional income.
4. Sell things you already own
Selling items you no longer use can be surprisingly profitable, especially online. From vintage decor to used tools and old furniture, platforms like eBay and Facebook Marketplace can turn clutter into cash.
Clean up, take well-lit photos, write detailed descriptions, and be willing to negotiate for quicker sales. Many retirees are finding that downsizing doesn’t just clear space—it fills the wallet, too.
5. Drive for Lyft or Uber
Rideshare and delivery apps are another flexible side hustle, especially for retirees with a reliable car. Driving for Uber or Lyft lets you set your own hours and work as little or as often as you like.
If transporting people isn’t your style, delivery services like DoorDash or Instacart offer an alternative. You’re still earning, but without passengers in your backseat.
Leverage your own talents
For those with professional experience, freelancing can be a high-paying side hustle that fits around your lifestyle.
Websites like Upwork, FlexJobs, and PeoplePerHour connect retirees with contract work across countless fields, from accounting to graphic design.
If you’ve spent years mastering a skill, there’s a good chance someone online is looking to hire you for it. Even traditional job boards like Indeed now offer remote, part-time freelance roles.
But side hustles don’t come tax-free—retirees should stay informed about the IRS rules. If you earn $400 or more from self-employment or gig work, you’ll need to file a tax return and possibly make quarterly estimated payments.
Those collecting Social Security should also be cautious, as income limits can affect your monthly benefits. Once you reach full retirement age, however, you can earn freely without benefit reductions.
Retirees receiving Social Security should also understand how taxes apply to their benefits. If your “combined income” exceeds $25,000 (single) or $32,000 (joint), up to 85% of your benefits may be taxable.
Combined income includes adjusted gross income, tax-free interest, and half of your Social Security benefits. Keep these thresholds in mind when planning side hustle earnings to avoid surprises at tax time.
Retirement isn’t just an end—it’s a pivot to something new. Side gigs offer more than extra money; they bring structure, social interaction, and a renewed sense of value.
With so many flexible and accessible options, retirees have more ways than ever to stay active and secure. The key is to leverage what you already know, own, or love doing—and make it work for you.
Read next:
Have you picked up a side hustle after retiring? What’s worked best for you—or what do you wish you had done differently? Share your experiences in the comments below, and let others in the community know which side gigs are worth trying (and which to avoid). Your insight could help another retiree find the perfect post-career hustle.
Fixed incomes can only stretch so far in today’s economy, especially when life keeps throwing curveballs. Whether it’s supporting family, handling unexpected expenses, or just wanting more cushion, retirees are increasingly opting back in—on their own terms.
1. Rent out a space you already have
One of the most popular and low-effort ways to earn in retirement is to rent out part of your home. Whether it’s a spare bedroom or your full house while you’re away, platforms like Airbnb can turn empty space into extra income.
If you’d prefer more consistency and less guest turnover, long-term rentals are another option. Just be sure to review local laws, take good photos, and write clear, appealing listings to maximize bookings.
2. Provide child care
Providing child care is another high-demand side gig where retirees shine. Services like Care.com and Sittercity let older adults showcase their experience and availability to busy parents.
Even Rent A Grandma—originally a failed Shark Tank pitch—has become a thriving platform matching older women with families seeking trustworthy help. If you love working with kids or helping around the home, this could be the perfect fit.
Top 5 side hustles helping retirees earn more in their free time. Image source: Alexander Mils / Unsplash
3. Substitute teacher or tutor
Substitute teaching or tutoring is a smart path for those who enjoy working with students. Most school districts have minimal requirements, often just needing a bachelor’s degree and a background check.
Tutors are also in high demand and can work flexibly through platforms like Skooli or Tutor.com. Retirees with advanced degrees can even explore teaching part-time at community colleges for additional income.
4. Sell things you already own
Selling items you no longer use can be surprisingly profitable, especially online. From vintage decor to used tools and old furniture, platforms like eBay and Facebook Marketplace can turn clutter into cash.
Clean up, take well-lit photos, write detailed descriptions, and be willing to negotiate for quicker sales. Many retirees are finding that downsizing doesn’t just clear space—it fills the wallet, too.
5. Drive for Lyft or Uber
Rideshare and delivery apps are another flexible side hustle, especially for retirees with a reliable car. Driving for Uber or Lyft lets you set your own hours and work as little or as often as you like.
If transporting people isn’t your style, delivery services like DoorDash or Instacart offer an alternative. You’re still earning, but without passengers in your backseat.
Leverage your own talents
For those with professional experience, freelancing can be a high-paying side hustle that fits around your lifestyle.
Websites like Upwork, FlexJobs, and PeoplePerHour connect retirees with contract work across countless fields, from accounting to graphic design.
If you’ve spent years mastering a skill, there’s a good chance someone online is looking to hire you for it. Even traditional job boards like Indeed now offer remote, part-time freelance roles.
But side hustles don’t come tax-free—retirees should stay informed about the IRS rules. If you earn $400 or more from self-employment or gig work, you’ll need to file a tax return and possibly make quarterly estimated payments.
Those collecting Social Security should also be cautious, as income limits can affect your monthly benefits. Once you reach full retirement age, however, you can earn freely without benefit reductions.
Retirees receiving Social Security should also understand how taxes apply to their benefits. If your “combined income” exceeds $25,000 (single) or $32,000 (joint), up to 85% of your benefits may be taxable.
Combined income includes adjusted gross income, tax-free interest, and half of your Social Security benefits. Keep these thresholds in mind when planning side hustle earnings to avoid surprises at tax time.
Retirement isn’t just an end—it’s a pivot to something new. Side gigs offer more than extra money; they bring structure, social interaction, and a renewed sense of value.
With so many flexible and accessible options, retirees have more ways than ever to stay active and secure. The key is to leverage what you already know, own, or love doing—and make it work for you.
Read next:
- 12 side hustles retirees wish they’d started sooner—are you missing out on extra cash?
- Discover 2025's popular side hustles that could skyrocket your earnings!
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