As an Amazon affiliate, I may earn from qualifying purchases. Please read our Disclaimer and Privacy Policy.
If you’re anything like me, you’ve given some thought to senior side hustle statistics. I’m a senior and I fall into the side hustle category. This blog is actually my side hustle!
I worked in administration for a local community college for 30 years before retiring at 55. It’s great being retired, but even with retirement benefits, it’s barely enough to cover rent.
I could go back to work, but side hustling is a lot more fun. If you’re in pursuit of side hustles, or just interested in the side hustle boom, you’ll love this post.
You’ll find statistics, trends, and a list of the most common side hustles amongst seniors. I’ve even created some tips on how to get involved in the side hustles mentioned.
The Rise of the Side Hustle
In today’s shifting economic conditions, the rise of the side hustle is transforming how people across all age groups approach their financial futures.
An increasing number of retirees and older adults are joining the ranks of side hustlers, using their skills and passions to generate extra money and even build passive income streams.
According to senior side hustle statistics, many seniors turn to these opportunities to meet the cost of living or supplement their retirement income.
This trend is more than just a response to economic pressures; it’s a way for seniors to stay engaged while supplementing their savings.
The average side hustler among seniors works part-time, leveraging their free time to build additional income streams and achieve financial security.
How to Use Transferable Skills to Earn a Side Hustle Income
The best way to jump into a side hustle is by using skills you already have. While it’s always great to learn new skills, there’s no reason to completely reinvent the wheel.
Transferable skills are abilities and experiences you’ve gained throughout your career and life that can be applied to different roles or industries.
These skills are invaluable in the retiree side hustle economy, allowing you to start a side business or thrive in gig work without the need to learn entirely new skills from scratch.
By identifying transferable skills, such as communication, problem-solving, or project management, you can find your niche in some of the most common side hustles, from consulting to bookkeeping.
This is especially important for seniors aiming to meet regular living expenses through part-time work.
Learn How to Turn a Hobby Into a Side Hustle
If you’re interested in trying a side hustle, why not use the skills you already have to get started? I’ve written some great blog posts on how to get started.
How to Turn a Hobby Into a Side Hustle
Latest Side Hustle Statistics
The side hustle industry is booming! Based on senior side hustle statistics, retirees are finding meaningful opportunities that not only provide financial relief but also contribute to social engagement and personal growth.
- 24% of Baby Boomers (ages 59–77) report having a side hustle (Source: Side Hustle Nation).
- Seniors aged 55–64 earn $1,061 per month on average, while those 65+ earn $581 monthly (Source: Millennial Money).
- 64% of seniors use side hustles to create a financial buffer for unexpected expenses (Source: FinanceBuzz).
- Around 30% of seniors leverage hobbies or passions like crafting or tutoring (Source: GoBankingRates).
These insights demonstrate how seniors are adapting to financial and personal challenges through creative side hustles. Did you know that side hustles have become a main reason for maintaining financial independence.
Comprehensive List of 50+ Side Hustles for Seniors
Here’s an expanded list of ideas to inspire older adults in their pursuit of side hustle income:
1. Consulting and Freelancing
Use your professional expertise to offer consulting services or freelance in areas like writing, editing, or graphic design. This is an excellent way to monetize decades of career experience and meet regular living expenses.
How to Get Started: Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or LinkedIn are ideal places to market your services.
2. Real Estate or Rental Management
Rent out properties or manage rentals through Airbnb. You can also act as a property manager for others, helping with tenant relations and upkeep.
How to Get Started: Start by listing a spare room on Airbnb or contacting property owners in your area.
3. Teaching or Coaching
Provide lessons in music, career coaching, or academic tutoring. Seniors with teaching or professional backgrounds excel in this area, especially with today’s demand for educational side gigs.
How to Get Started: Advertise your services on tutoring websites or through local schools and community boards.
4. Pet Sitting and Dog Walking
If you love animals, this is a rewarding way to stay active and earn extra cash. Dog walking or pet sitting can be arranged on flexible schedules.
How to Get Started: Use platforms like Rover or Care.com to connect with pet owners.
5. Crafting and Selling Handmade Goods
Sell handmade crafts, jewelry, or artwork on platforms like Etsy. This side hustle is perfect for creative seniors and is one of the most popular side hustles.
How to Get Started: Set up an Etsy shop and showcase your creations.
6. Photography
Turn your passion for photography into income by selling stock photos or offering event photography services.
How to Get Started: Platforms like Shutterstock or local classifieds can help you find clients.
7. House Sitting or Vacation Property Management
Care for properties while owners are away. This can include light upkeep or managing rental turnovers.
How to Get Started: Sites like TrustedHousesitters can help you get started.
8. Content Creation
Share your expertise by starting a blog, YouTube channel, or podcast. Content creators can monetize through ads, sponsorships, or affiliate marketing.
How to Get Started: Platforms like WordPress or YouTube make it easy to begin creating and monetizing content.
9. Art or Music Classes
Teach painting, drawing, or music lessons to students of all ages. This is a rewarding way to stay creative and connected.
How to Get Started: Advertise your classes through local schools, community boards, or online forums.
10. Driving or Delivery Services
Sign up for services like Uber, Lyft, or DoorDash to earn money on a flexible schedule. This is a great option for seniors who enjoy driving and want to make ends meet.
How to Get Started: Visit the Uber or DoorDash websites to register as a driver.
11. Gardening or Landscaping Services
Offer light gardening or landscaping services. Seniors with a green thumb can turn this passion into income.
How to Get Started: Advertise locally or join community gardening groups for networking.
12. Renting Personal Assets
Rent out tools, vehicles, or camping gear. This is a passive income opportunity if you already own valuable items.
How to Get Started: Use platforms like Turo or Fat Llama to list your items.
13. Virtual Assistance
Work remotely assisting businesses with administrative tasks. This is ideal for seniors with strong organizational skills.
How to Get Started: Platforms like Belay or Upwork are great for finding virtual assistant gigs.
14. Tutoring and Teaching
Help students excel in subjects like math, science, or languages. This side hustle can be both fulfilling and lucrative.
How to Get Started: Register on tutoring websites like Wyzant or reach out to local schools.
15. Event Planning
Organize weddings, parties, or corporate events. Use your organizational skills to help others plan memorable occasions.
How to Get Started: Start by assisting friends or family to gain experience and build a portfolio.
16. Home-Based Food Businesses
Sell baked goods, catering services, or specialty food products. This is perfect for seniors who love cooking and want to supplement their retirement income.
How to Get Started: Check local regulations and start selling at farmers’ markets or online.
17. Tour Guide or Local Host
Lead tours in your city or create unique Airbnb Experiences. Share your local knowledge with visitors.
How to Get Started: Register on platforms like Airbnb Experiences to create and list your tours.
18. Reselling Items
Flip vintage or second-hand items on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or similar platforms. Start by decluttering your home.
How to Get Started: List unused items online and reinvest earnings into sourcing more products.
19. Fitness or Wellness Coaching
Teach yoga, pilates, or offer personal training sessions. Active seniors with fitness expertise can thrive in this area.
How to Get Started: Advertise through local gyms, senior centers, or online platforms.
20. Tech Support or Training
Help others with technology setup or troubleshooting. Many seniors are in demand for teaching basic computer skills.
How to Get Started: Advertise your services on local forums or through senior centers.
21. Personal Shopping or Styling
Assist others with grocery shopping, clothing selection, or home decor. This can be tailored to individual client needs.
How to Get Started: Join platforms like Instacart or offer your services directly to clients.
22. Genealogy Research
Trace family histories and create detailed family trees. This is a meaningful and unique way to earn income.
How to Get Started: Use platforms like Ancestry.com or offer services through local historical societies.
23. Customer Service Representative
Work remotely in customer service, handling inquiries or troubleshooting. Flexible hours make this ideal for seniors.
How to Get Started: Check sites like Remote.co or Indeed for opportunities.
24. E-commerce Store Owner
Sell niche products via Shopify or Amazon. This is a scalable business with significant potential.
How to Get Started: Create a Shopify account and start listing products.
25. Transcription Services
Convert audio files into written text. This is a great way to work from home and earn consistently.
How to Get Started: Join transcription platforms like Rev or TranscribeMe.
26. Social Media Manager
Manage social media accounts for small businesses. This is a creative role with growing demand.
How to Get Started: Build a portfolio by helping friends or local businesses.
27. Bookkeeping
Provide accounting support for local businesses. This is a great option for seniors with finance experience.
How to Get Started: Use platforms like QuickBooks or advertise your services locally.
28. Writing and Self-Publishing
Author and sell e-books on Amazon. Share your stories or expertise with a global audience.
How to Get Started: Use Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing to publish your e-book.
29. Interior Design Consulting
Help others design and decorate spaces. This side hustle is perfect for seniors with a flair for style.
How to Get Started: Build a portfolio and advertise on platforms like Houzz.
30. Handyman Services
Offer small repair services for homes. This side hustle is in demand and can be tailored to your skills.
How to Get Started: Advertise locally or join platforms like TaskRabbit.
31. Proofreading and Editing
Edit content for businesses or authors. This is an excellent option for detail-oriented seniors.
How to Get Started: Sign up for platforms like Scribendi or Reedsy.
32. Personal Fitness Trainer
Train clients in person or online. Seniors with fitness knowledge can inspire others while staying active.
How to Get Started: Get certified and advertise your services locally or online.
33. Stock Market Investing
Earn income through day trading or dividends. This side hustle requires financial knowledge and patience.
How to Get Started: Open an investment account with platforms like Fidelity or E*TRADE.
34. Flipping Furniture
Restore and sell second-hand furniture. This is perfect for hands-on seniors with a creative touch.
How to Get Started: Source furniture locally and sell on platforms like Facebook Marketplace.
35. Language Translation
Translate documents or conversations. Seniors who are bilingual can find steady work in this field.
How to Get Started: Join platforms like ProZ or advertise your services locally.
36. Voiceover Work
Record audio for advertisements, audiobooks, or media. This creative side hustle can be done from home.
How to Get Started: Set up a home recording studio and join platforms like Voices.com.
37. Estate Sale Management
Organize and manage estate sales for families. This can be both lucrative and rewarding.
How to Get Started: Advertise locally or partner with estate sale companies.
38. Seamstress or Tailor
Offer sewing or alteration services. This is a timeless and in-demand skill.
How to Get Started: Advertise through local dry cleaners or craft fairs.
39. Life Coaching
Mentor others to achieve personal goals. Seniors with rich life experience excel in this field.
How to Get Started: Get certified through coaching programs and advertise your services.
40. App Tester
Provide feedback on apps before their launch. This is an easy way to earn extra money from home.
How to Get Started: Sign up for platforms like UserTesting or Testbirds.
41. Mystery Shopper
Get paid to review businesses. This side hustle combines earning with exploring local services.
How to Get Started: Join platforms like Market Force or BestMark.
42. Online Surveys
Participate in paid survey platforms. This is a flexible way to earn extra cash in your spare time.
How to Get Started: Register with survey sites like Swagbucks or Survey Junkie.
43. Health and Wellness Product Sales
Sell essential oils, supplements, or other wellness products. This is ideal for health-conscious seniors.
How to Get Started: Join MLM companies or start your own product line.
44. Scrapbooking Services
Create memory books for clients. This is a meaningful way to preserve special moments.
How to Get Started: Advertise your services locally or on social media.
45. Virtual Fitness Classes
Teach workout classes online. Seniors with fitness expertise can attract clients globally.
How to Get Started: Use platforms like Zoom or YouTube to host classes.
46. Notary Public
Offer notary services to your community. This is a straightforward and steady income source.
How to Get Started: Get certified and advertise your services locally.
47. Podcasting
Share your stories or expertise in audio format. Podcasting allows you to connect with a global audience.
How to Get Started: Use platforms like Anchor to create and distribute your podcast.
48. Craft Beer Brewing
Brew and sell beer locally. This is a fun and creative side hustle for beer enthusiasts.
How to Get Started: Check local regulations and start selling to friends and local businesses.
49. Woodworking
Sell handmade furniture or wooden crafts. This is a rewarding way to create and earn.
How to Get Started: Use Etsy or local craft fairs to sell your items.
50. Candle Making
Create and sell unique candles. This side hustle is perfect for creative seniors.
How to Get Started: Sell your candles on Etsy or at local markets.
Motivations for Side Hustles
For seniors, the motivations behind starting side hustles often reflect both financial and personal goals.
Around 64% of seniors report starting a side hustle to boost their retirement savings or cover unexpected expenses, creating a crucial financial buffer.
Additionally, approximately 45% of older adults pursue side hustles to stay mentally and socially active, highlighting the role of these jobs in maintaining overall well-being.
Challenges Faced by Seniors
Despite these opportunities, 30% of seniors report difficulty navigating digital platforms, and many struggle to balance time commitments with health or caregiving responsibilities.
Summary
This comprehensive list of over 50 side hustle ideas showcases the variety of ways seniors can stay active, earn extra income, and enjoy fulfilling work.
Armed with the latest senior side hustle statistics, older adults are uniquely positioned to redefine retirement with creativity and passion.
Whether you’re leveraging hobbies, developing new skills, or exploring the retiree side hustle economy, the opportunities are endless.
