Active, engaged adults stay healthier longer. Published research suggests that retired adults who stay busy and mentally engaged can reduce their risk for many diseases. Many choose part-time jobs or side hustles for seniors to stay active, socially connected, and financially secure.
Still, you might have questions about earning extra income as you near or surpass retirement age. If you’ve ever wondered, “How much money can I earn and still get full Social Security benefits?” read on. This article explores all you need to know about side hustles and passion projects for mature adults from both the financial and personal happiness perspectives.
First things first, let’s get those money questions answered.
Can I Earn Money as a Retired Adult?
Absolutely, yes! However, the amount you can earn in a given year is subject to your date of birth, retirement status, and retirement age.
Fully Retired Individuals Age 65+: Earn As Much As You Like
If you were born before 1960, your retirement age is 65, and you can make as much money as you like without any impact on your retirement benefits. If that’s you, go ahead and skip to the next section about awesome side hustles for seniors.
People Retiring Early (Born After 1960): Earn Up To $23,400 Without Consequences
People born after 1960 must wait until age 67 to collect their full benefits (as early as 2027).
You can still retire early and make some money with a good side hustle. However according to the Social Security Administration (SSA) publication “How Work Affects Your Benefits,” if you earn more than $23,400, your monthly benefits will decrease by $1 for every $2 you earn beyond that $23,400 mark.
Individuals Turning 65 in 2025: You May Lose Money If You Earn More Than $62,160
Also according to the SSA, if you’re turning 65 this year—and this is for 2025 only—SSI can deduct $1 for every $3 you make beyond $62,160 until the exact month you reach retirement age. This might not affect you if your birthday is in February. But if you turn 65 in December, this number is something to watch.
Now, let’s explore the best side hustles for retired adults.
The Best Side Hustles for Seniors
We considered several points to choose the best side jobs for retired adults. These include:
- Likelihood of finding immediate work
- Income potential and reliability
- Interesting, engaging duties
- Personal safety
Here are our top ideas for work for retirees.
Try “Subbing” at a Local School District
You don’t need a degree in education to work for your local school district. Schools need all kinds of employees, and sometimes those employees cannot show up for work. Contact your local schools to learn about their hiring process. You may need to apply online, wait for a background check, and get your tuberculosis (TB) skin test. Once that’s done, they’ll call on you often with a variety of positions.
On any given day, you might find work as:
- Custodial staff
- Bus monitor
- Yard monitor
- Cafeteria staff
- Kitchen help
- Teacher’s aide
- And office/administrative staff
We love this idea for retirees because you have a safe but colorful work environment. The pay is reliable, and schools rarely shut down. Furthermore, you can decide every day whether you’d like to work. You have no long-term boss to appease, and you can always refuse a position if you decide it’s not a good match. Best of all, you’ll get to spend time with students, learn all the new slang, and stay active and engaged.
The public education sector isn’t for everyone, though. We understand. If you can’t stomach the idea of spending the day at a school, consider retail work.
Become a “Greeter” in a Big Box Store
According to Indeed.com, Walmart greeters earn anywhere from $7.00/hr to $25.00/hr, depending on the state minimum wage and seniority. In most stores, these jobs are steady and the pay is reliable. Big box stores rarely shut down without warning.
Unlike subbing, you will probably have a long-term boss, and you might work in other departments or cover shifts for other greeters. But if the thought of dealing with a large number of people every day turns you off, maybe you should focus on your passion.
Find Your Passion Project and Chase It
Is there a hobby, pastime, or sport that you love? Perhaps you could be a Little League coach or sell your handmade fly-fishing lures online. You could teach quilting classes at the local fabric store on Sundays. The financial gain is less reliable, at least in the beginning. But there’s something wonderful about sharing your experience with newbies!
If you’re ready to trade your expertise for cash, try these outlets:
- Local night schools
- College campuses
- Adult education programs
- Related retailers
- Flea markets and swap meet
- Online advertising via Craigslist or social media
Be sure to visit some conventions to network and get more ideas.
The Worst Side Hustles for Retirees
Ridesharing
Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft are hugely popular. We admit there is plenty of money to be earned, and one can earn it almost immediately. And we know many retirees fluff their funds by driving for others.
As a rideshare driver, you’ll spend a good portion of your income on fuel, tires, oil changes, and other wear and tear on your vehicle. Your auto insurance rates may increase quite a bit too. And you’ll need a more expensive and expansive auto insurance policy to cover your work.
However, the risk factor is the real reason we dislike ridesharing for active adults. Your safety should always be paramount.
Food Delivery Services
Much like rideshare apps, food delivery apps are popular side hustles. Food delivery drivers log into an app on their phones and spend their time delivering restaurant orders to residences.
Much like rideshare apps, food delivery jobs require that you spend a good part of your income on fuel, tires, oil changes, and so on. A food delivery contractor might spend a lot of time climbing stairs, navigating new neighborhoods, and knocking on the doors of strangers. In short, it’s not the ideal side hustle for most retirees.
Enjoy an Active Retirement With 55places.com
At 55places.com, we’re dedicated to helping retirees find the perfect lifestyle and community to match their interests. If you’re exploring side hustles for seniors or looking for a home that supports your active lifestyle, our blog offers valuable insights on work, leisure, and real estate. Whether you love golfing, fishing, or equestrian pursuits, we’re here to help you find a community that fits your needs. Contact us today to start your journey!
