9 Best Side Gigs for Boomers in 2025

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If you’re a boomer close to retirement or already in the throes of your golden years, you might want to bring in a little extra money with a side job. Extra earnings can help pad your savings and give you something to do with your time. By definition, side gigs don’t require a full-time effort and they can be a great social outlet if you’re eager to get out of the house. 

Here’s a look at a few easy side gigs that are perfect for boomers.

Rideshare Driver

• Average salary: $20.16 per hour, according to Indeed

Rideshare companies are always seeking new drivers and you don’t need any formal training (other than a valid driver’s license). You’re free to set your own schedule, so you can work as often or as little as you like. Try applying with Uber or Lyft if you don’t mind driving others. If you don’t want the pressure of talking to people you don’t know, you can offer your services as a delivery driver through Instacart or Grubhub. 

Freelance Writer

• Average salary: $22.43 per hour, according to Indeed

Boomers who enjoy research and writing might find a second calling with freelance writing. As a freelance writer, you can write about the things you enjoy, which can be anything from finance to automobile repair. To get started, try building a portfolio of things you’ve written and apply to companies in need of content writers. 

Pet Sitter

• Average salary: $16.17 per hour, according to Indeed

Lots of people need help caring for their pets — and you can help. Companies like Wag! and Rover allow you to set up a profile and offer boarding and drop-in pet care. You can also try dog walking for people in your neighborhood. There’s no training required to get started — all you need is time and a love of animals. 

Babysitter

• Average salary: $21.79 per hour, according to Indeed

For many parents, finding affordable child care is a real challenge. The average weekly cost for infant day care is $321 and it can be much higher for families that live in major cities or have several young children. You can step in to fill the gaps by offering part-time child care during workdays or on weekends. 

Photographer

• Average salary: $20.94 per hour, according to Indeed

Smartphones make it super easy to take a quick photo, but they don’t offer the same capabilities as a professional camera. If you’re comfortable working with DSLRs or other digital cameras, you can offer your services as a professional photographer. People are always looking for experienced photographers for weddings and family shots. 

Furniture Refurbisher

• Average salary: $20 per hour, according to ZipRecruiter

Restoring furniture isn’t hard — all it takes is a little patience and a desire to learn. Try looking for lightly damaged items at thrift stores and estate sales that you can resell for a profit. After restoration, you can sell the pieces at local craft fairs or online marketplaces. 

Craft Seller

• Average salary: Varies

Many people love buying handmade items they can’t find anywhere else. Things like candles, knitted sweaters and handmade jewelry are pretty easy to sell. They may take a little time to create, but if it’s something you enjoy doing, it’s time well spent. Try selling the crafts you create online or at local fairs and markets.

Notary Public

• Average salary: $18.27 per hour, according Indeed

Getting started as a notary is fairly simple. It involves a state examination and payment of fees. Once you’re certified as a public notary, you can offer services online or in your local area. The job is pretty easy — you’ll witness other people signing legal documents and verify their identity. You can scale your time up and down based on your availability.

Career Coach

• Average salary: $19.29 per hour, according to Indeed

You’ve probably accumulated a lot of professional knowledge over your lifetime, so why not share it with others? As a career coach, you get the chance to guide someone else in their profession. You can help your protege improve their resume, work toward a new promotion or learn how to network. To get started, try offering your services through local business groups or professional affiliations. 

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