26%
Adults 65-74 still working part-time (BLS 2024)
$500–$2,000
Typical monthly income from flexible part0time work
4 in 10
Workers 55+ prefer remote or hybrid roles (AARP)
72%
Retiress working cite mental engagement as a reason
Many adults over 55 are looking for extra income — but not everyone wants a high-pressure job with long hours, difficult schedules, or physically demanding work. The good news is that today's job market offers more flexible and lower-stress opportunities than at any point in the past. Some people work for extra spending money. Others want to stay mentally sharp, socially connected, or simply feel useful a few days a week.
The key is finding work that fits your lifestyle instead of taking over it. And knowing exactly where to look, what it pays, and what to expect before you commit makes all the difference.
"The best retirement job is one that gives you freedom, purpose, and a little extra breathing room — not one that adds a new kind of stress."
Source: AARP Work and Jobs Survey, 2023–2024. Percentages represent share of respondents aged 55+ who cited each reason. Multiple selections were permitted.
What Makes a Job "Low-Stress" After 55
Low-stress does not mean low-quality or low-reward. It means work designed around your life rather than the other way around. Before looking at specific jobs, it helps to understand what the markers of truly flexible, low-pressure work look like.
The 10 Best Low-Stress Part-Time Jobs for Adults Over 55
Each card below includes earning potential, stress and flexibility ratings, and direct links to legitimate platforms where you can find this type of work today.
Estimates based on national average hourly rates at 15 hours/week. Actual earnings vary by location, experience, demand, and season. Gig-based work income varies more than fixed hourly positions. These are illustrations only, not guarantees.
Remote Work Has Changed Everything
One of the most significant shifts since 2020 is the expansion of remote and online work options for adults over 55. What used to require a commute, a specific location, or a full-time commitment can now often be done from home on your own schedule. This has opened doors that simply did not exist a decade ago.
Source: AARP 2024 Working in Retirement survey. The preference for remote work among adults 55+ increased significantly after 2020 and has remained elevated. Many older workers cite reduced commuting costs and time as top benefits.
Ranges reflect 2024 U.S. national averages. Actual pay depends on location, experience, demand, and platform. Some platforms charge a small service fee that reduces take-home pay.
If you are receiving Social Security benefits and working part-time, the rules matter. Before you earn your first dollar, understand how your income may affect your benefit amount — especially if you are under your full retirement age.
The Bottom Line: Part-time work after 55 does not have to mean exhausting schedules, stressful environments, or giving up control of your time. The options available today — especially remote and flexible work — are better than at any point before. The best approach is to start with how you want to live, then find work that fits. Not the other way around. A little extra income. A reason to stay sharp. Some structure in the week. That is often all that is needed.
With care,
Mike Bridges
Founder, The O55 Report
Social Security and Working Part-Time — What You Need to Know