For baby boomers looking to supplement retirement income, stay active, or explore new passions, finding the best side hustle ideas tailored to their skills and interests can be a game-changer. Whether you’re searching for part-time work to keep you engaged or looking for ways to increase your income without a traditional 9-to-5, there’s a side hustle here to suit your goals.
In this guide, we explore the most popular side hustle ideas for baby boomers, helping you pinpoint options that are both financially rewarding and personally satisfying. Read on for inspiration to start making extra money while enjoying newfound flexibility and independence.
Why Baby Boomers are Embracing Side Hustles
Many baby boomers are finding themselves wanting to work even after retirement. Sometimes, it’s a matter of staying financially secure, while for others, it’s the desire to stay socially and mentally active. Side hustles offer boomers a way to earn supplemental income while balancing life on their own terms.
1. Consulting and Freelance Services
Leveraging decades of experience, consulting or freelancing in your field can be one of the best side hustles for baby boomers. Whether you’re skilled in finance, marketing, HR, or another specialty, there are numerous companies and small businesses that can benefit from your expertise.
- Potential Earnings: $25 to $150+ per hour, depending on the industry and experience.
- Pros: Flexible hours, high pay potential, and the opportunity to stay connected to your industry.
- How to Get Started: Create a profile on platforms like Upwork or LinkedIn, network within your industry, and consider creating a website or portfolio showcasing your skills.
2. Teaching and Tutoring
With lifelong knowledge, many baby boomers find fulfillment in helping others learn. Tutoring in academic subjects, teaching a language, or offering lessons in a hobby can be both rewarding and lucrative.
- Potential Earnings: $15 to $50 per hour.
- Pros: Social interaction, flexible scheduling, and a wide array of subjects to choose from.
- How to Get Started: Look for tutoring opportunities through local schools, community centers, or online platforms like Wyzant or Tutor.com.
3. Virtual Assistant Work
Virtual assistant (VA) roles are ideal for those with organizational skills who want to work from home. VAs handle tasks like email management, scheduling, and data entry for businesses or entrepreneurs who need extra help.
- Potential Earnings: $15 to $40 per hour.
- Pros: Fully remote work, minimal upfront costs, and a high demand for services.
- How to Get Started: Join freelance platforms such as Fiverr or TaskRabbit, or apply to VA agencies that specialize in pairing clients with skilled assistants.
4. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking
For baby boomers who love animals, pet sitting and dog walking can be a fun and active side hustle. Many people are willing to pay for someone trustworthy to care for their pets.
- Potential Earnings: $15 to $35 per walk or visit.
- Pros: Exercise, companionship, and little to no formal experience required.
- How to Get Started: Advertise your services on Rover, join a local pet care network, or post flyers at local veterinary clinics and pet stores.
5. Crafting and Selling Handmade Goods
Many baby boomers have creative hobbies like woodworking, knitting, or crafting. Selling handmade goods on platforms like Etsy can turn a passion into a profitable business.
- Potential Earnings: Varies by product, but successful sellers can earn hundreds to thousands per month.
- Pros: Flexibility, creative expression, and the ability to work from home.
- How to Get Started: Open an Etsy shop, promote on social media, and consider selling at local craft fairs.
6. Driving for Rideshare or Delivery Services
Driving for services like Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, or Instacart offers the flexibility of setting your own hours. It’s an excellent side hustle for baby boomers who enjoy being on the road and interacting with people.
- Potential Earnings: $15 to $30 per hour.
- Pros: Flexible schedule, social interaction, and local work.
- How to Get Started: Apply to rideshare or delivery services online and complete their driver requirements.
7. Real Estate Investing or Property Management
For baby boomers interested in real estate, managing rental properties or investing in real estate can be a lucrative side hustle. This can include anything from renting out a second property to managing short-term vacation rentals.
- Potential Earnings: $500+ per month, depending on the rental market and property management skills.
- Pros: Potential for passive income, real estate appreciation, and long-term financial gain.
- How to Get Started: Research local real estate investment opportunities, list properties on sites like Airbnb, or partner with a local property management company.
8. Photography
With a good camera and an eye for detail, photography can be a fun and profitable side hustle. Events, family portraits, and even stock photography provide various ways to monetize this skill.
- Potential Earnings: $25 to $150 per session or per photo.
- Pros: Creative outlet, the flexibility of freelance work, and opportunities to work locally or remotely.
- How to Get Started: Create a portfolio, join stock photography sites like Shutterstock, and promote services through social media or local community boards.
9. Writing and Blogging
Many baby boomers have a wealth of knowledge and stories to share, making blogging or freelance writing a perfect fit. Topics can range from travel to finance to personal development.
- Potential Earnings: $0.05 to $1 per word, depending on the niche and publication.
- Pros: Flexibility, remote work, and a wide range of topics to choose from.
- How to Get Started: Build a writing portfolio, pitch articles to blogs and publications, or start your own blog to attract an audience.
10. Gardening and Landscaping Services
For those who enjoy being outdoors, gardening, landscaping, or even urban farming can be a fulfilling side hustle. Many people are willing to pay for help with garden maintenance, planting, and seasonal cleanup.
- Potential Earnings: $20 to $50 per hour.
- Pros: Physical activity, outdoor work, and a high demand for seasonal help.
- How to Get Started: Advertise locally, connect with landscaping services for subcontracting, or post on community boards.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Side Hustle for You
The best side hustle ideas for baby boomers are those that blend flexibility, income potential, and personal enjoyment. Whether you’re looking to stay active, pursue a passion, or build additional income, these side hustles provide ample opportunity for both financial growth and personal fulfillment.