20 Top Side Hustles for Retirees: Ways Seniors Can Earn Additional Income

      Side Hustle Nation focuses on enhancing your personal profitability. To achieve this, we frequently collaborate with companies that share our goals. If you register or purchase through one of our partner links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Learn more. What are the best side hustles for seniors?

      If you are seeking to supplement your income during retirement (or are approaching retirement), you are in the right place.

      You're not alone—about 1 in 4 baby boomers already engage in a side hustle.

      Side Hustle Nation has been highlighting side hustle ideas and case studies for more than a decade, and here are our top recommendations for retirees.

      Ready? Let’s get started!

      1. Flea Market Flipping

      Are you skilled at spotting a good deal? This traditional buy low, sell high side hustle suits seniors with a flexible schedule and can become a significant income source.

      For instance, Jack and Joan Ferrell from Florida have sold around $17k in inventory over the past 30 days, with plans to reach $250k in total sales for the year. They acquire inventory through classifieds apps, estate sales, and liquidation closeouts, reselling these items at a profit—typically on eBay.

       **Pros:** Low startup costs, simple business model, potential for quick profits.

       **Cons:** Sourcing inventory can be time-consuming, and large items may be difficult to store and ship.

      2. Pet Sitting

      Having a dog around can enhance mobility and boost your mood.

       **Best for Dog Enthusiasts**

       Rover offers the chance to earn money by walking dogs and pet sitting.

       **Pros:** Good income potential, reputable platform with protection, flexible schedule.

       **Cons:** Pets (and their owners) may be challenging, demand is limited to local areas.

      Sites like Rover.com facilitate connections between pet owners and caring households, with typical boarding rates between $30-60 per night.

      3. Backyard Nursery

      Pastor Craig Odem from Tennessee has always loved gardening, making a backyard nursery a natural side hustle for him. Through some learning and a lot of patience, he now sells around $10k worth of plants annually—primarily via local advertising and on Facebook Marketplace. He even created a YouTube channel called Savvy Dirt Farmer to discuss his business.

      4. Consulting

      My dad and father-in-law both did some consulting post-retirement. Do you have expertise in a specific area or a successful process from your career? A common side hustle is to leverage the popularity of certain software tools by offering training and support. My friend Brad Rice earns over $200k a year part-time with Salesforce consulting as more people and businesses seek qualified training. You can even consult on topics you're knowledgeable about—like sleep!

      5. Product Licensing

      Product licensing is one of the best side hustles available. Essentially, you sell your product ideas to large companies, which then pay you royalties on every sale made from that idea, allowing you to avoid upfront manufacturing or marketing costs while benefiting from established brand distribution. For instance, Nate Dallas earned $300,000 from Mattel by licensing a concept for a Pictionary spin-off, all while working as a dentist.

      6. Rent Out a Spare Room

      Being an empty-nester can mean peace and quiet for some, but it also offers income opportunities. If you have an extra bedroom or two and don't mind some company, renting that space on Airbnb could be a rewarding side hustle. A friend of mine hosts business travelers for about $100 a night! Plus, if you reside in a tourist area, you can meet interesting people from around the world. You can learn more about this venture in our interview.

      7. Online Business

      Launching a helpful website can be a profitable side venture for seniors. While learning the necessary technology and marketing skills can be daunting, the outcomes can be impressive. For instance, Debbie Gartner began addressing queries about paint colors and flooring on her site, TheFlooringGirl.com, earning around $20,000 monthly from ads and affiliate partnerships. Similarly, Katie Emery’s website, KatieGoesPlatinum.com, which promotes going gray naturally, brings in around $6,000 per month.

      8. Real Estate

      Real estate investment comes in various forms, from purchasing rental properties to tackling fixer-uppers. While homes may be expensive, real estate can help maintain wealth in retirement while generating cash flow. My friend Dustin Heiner retired at 38, thanks to income from his rental properties. However, if you prefer to avoid the headaches of being a landlord, platforms like Arrived allow you to passively invest in income-generating properties for as little as $100. The company pools funds to acquire rental properties, manages them, and distributes cash flow monthly.

       **Pros:** Earn quarterly dividends, hands-off investment, low minimum investment of $100.

       **Cons:** Limited liquidity, not very diversified, listings may sell