Job Apps and Platforms for Retirees: Flexible Gigs Without the 9-5 Grind
Retirees over 60, empty nesters, and boomers looking to supplement retirement income or stay engaged have solid options in job apps and platforms. Top picks include FlexJobs for vetted remote gigs, LinkedIn for consulting roles that tap decades of expertise, TaskRabbit for quick local tasks, Indeed for part-time listings, and senior-focused boards like RetirementJobs.com and Workforce50. These often pay $20-60/hr in areas like tutoring, consulting, or handyman work--drawing on your experience without full-time demands.
Pay varies: TaskRabbit Taskers average $47/hr (Pew Research Center, 2023); tutoring and consulting range $22-74/hr (Kiplinger, 2025); adjunct professors can net $2,700/mo (FODMAP Everyday, 2025). Below, you'll find 10 platforms with a comparison table to help you choose.
This may not work if you prefer fully volunteer roles or have health limits that make screen time or digital apps difficult.
Why Retirees Are Turning to Apps and Gig Platforms
More retirees want part-time or gig work through apps to stay mentally sharp, keep up social connections, and boost income as costs rise. In 2023, 19% of Americans 65+ held paying gigs (Pew Research Center via Kiplinger, 2025). A University of Michigan poll found 57% of working adults over 65 note brain-sharpening benefits (FlexJobs, 2023). Between 14-20% of those 55+ are returning to work, often for mental activity as lifespans stretch into the 80s (Indeed Flex, 2024).
Senior workers' average pay hit $22/hr in 2022, up from $13 in 1987 (Pew via Kiplinger, 2025 -- historical wage trend). But limits exist: only 3.8% of global online gig workers are 55+ (World Bank, 2023 via Rest of World, 2024), and fewer than 20% on ride-hailing apps access pensions (ILO 2021 via Rest of World, 2024).
Top General Apps for Senior Part-Time and Gig Work
Mainstream gig apps give retirees flexible entry if they're comfortable with apps, focusing on remote or low-commitment tasks. TaskRabbit Taskers average $47/hr after a $25 registration fee, keeping 100% of hourly pay plus tips (Kiplinger, 2025). Laundry services like Poplin or Hampr pay $15-75/hr (Sidehusl, 2024). Rover takes 20% commission for pet sitting.
Ride-hailing like Uber sees <5% drivers over 60 (Rest of World, 2024)--one retiree netted $790/mo after expenses. Skip it if mobility's an issue.
Practical steps checklist:
- Sign up free (watch for fees like TaskRabbit's $25).
- Build profile highlighting experience.
- Start with low-commitment tasks like errands.
Gig apps work for low-commitment starts, but check whether tasks like ride-hailing or pet care fit physically.
Senior-Focused Job Boards and Niche Platforms
Age-friendly boards target 50+ workers but may have thinner listings compared to general sites. AARP offers job search resources; Retired Brains and Workforce50 list 50+ roles; RetirementJobs.com focuses on senior opportunities. FlexJobs curates remote senior jobs (FlexJobs, 2023).
Historical data flags limitations: "Over 50" boards showed 3,585 jobs but lacked tailoring for the diverse 50+ group (Forbes/NextAvenue, 2013 -- historical data, market may have changed). Use general sites like Indeed for volume if senior boards feel sparse.
Remote and Freelance Options for Over-60s
Remote gigs suit retirees who'd rather skip the commute, with growth in consulting and tutoring ($22-74/hr, Kiplinger, 2025). Platforms like Upwork and Freelancer.com connect freelancers (Arc.dev, 2024); FlexJobs listings in remote fields grew >40% historically (Job-Hunt, 2021 -- historical, 2021). Lean on expertise, like adjunct teaching at $2,700/mo (FODMAP Everyday, 2025).
Consulting and High-Skill Gigs for Retired Pros
Retired professionals do well in experience-based consulting like tax prep ($23/hr, BLS.gov), tour guiding ($19-30/hr), or property management (8-12% of rent). LinkedIn shines for networking these roles.
Mini case: Heidi retrained as a counselor in her 50s (Rest Less, 2026). Steps: Update LinkedIn as "open to consulting"; target niches like bookkeeping (AAT quals may help, Rest Less, 2026).
High-skill roles reward experience through LinkedIn networking and niche targeting.
Evidence Pack
| Platform | Best For | Pay Insight | Fees/Commission | Senior-Friendliness | Limitations | Recency Flag |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlexJobs | Remote/part-time gigs | Vetted senior remote roles | Subscription (~$15/mo) | High | Curated, less volume | 2023 |
| Indeed | Senior part-time jobs | Varies, temp roles | Free | Medium | Competitive | Current |
| Consulting for retirees | $22-74/hr expertise gigs (Kiplinger, 2025) | Free | High | Networking needed | Current | |
| TaskRabbit | Quick tasks/gigs | $47/hr avg (Kiplinger, 2025) | $25 reg, no hourly cut | Medium | Physical tasks | 2025 |
| Workforce50 | 50+ job board | Part-time listings | Free | High | Sparse (historical) | 2013 data |
| RetirementJobs.com | Senior opportunities | Flexible roles | Free | High | Potentially broad | Current |
| Upwork | Senior freelance | Varies by skill | 20% initial | Medium | Competitive | 2024 |
| Rover | Pet gigs | Varies | 20% (Kiplinger, 2025) | Medium | Local/physical | 2025 |
| AARP | Job resources | 50+ searches | Free | High | Not always tailored | Current |
| Retired Brains | 50+ listings | Part-time | Free | High | Volume varies | Current |
Pros, Cons, and When to Choose Each Type
Gig apps like TaskRabbit offer maximum flexibility but often mean physical work and low pension access (<20%, ILO 2021 via Rest of World, 2024); senior boards provide niche focus but face demographic diversity challenges (Forbes, 2013 -- historical). Remote options top desires per FlexJobs survey of >7,000 (Job-Hunt, 2021 -- historical, 2021).
| Skills | Platform | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Consulting expertise | LinkedIn/FlexJobs | Taps 20+ years experience for $22-74/hr remote gigs |
| Quick local tasks | TaskRabbit | $47/hr avg, low commitment but physical |
| Remote part-time | Indeed/Upwork | High volume, flexible but competitive |
Get Started: 5-Step Checklist for Your First Gig
- Assess skills: Consulting, tasks, or remote tutoring?
- Pick 2-3 platforms from table (e.g., LinkedIn + FlexJobs).
- Optimize profile: Emphasize 20+ years experience (Jobbers, 2026).
- Apply to 5 gigs/week.
- Track earnings vs. time.
If tech-averse, try phone-based library roles (Storypoint, 2024).
Apply This to Your Situation
Expertise for consulting? 10+ years → LinkedIn/FlexJobs.
Prefer no driving/physical work? → Remote boards like FlexJobs.
Need quick cash? → TaskRabbit/Rover.
FAQ
Is gig work common for 65+?
Yes, 19% held paying gigs in 2023 (Pew via Kiplinger, 2025), driven by mental sharpness (57%) and social ties (University of Michigan via FlexJobs, 2023).
What pay can retirees expect on apps?
Tutoring/consulting $22-74/hr (Kiplinger, 2025); TaskRabbit $47/hr avg; tax prep $23/hr (FODMAP Everyday, 2025).
Are senior job boards worth it?
They target 50+ but are often broad/not tailored, with sparse listings like 3,585 jobs in tests (Forbes, 2013 -- historical critique); pair with Indeed for volume.
Best for remote consulting?
FlexJobs and LinkedIn; remote listings grew >40% historically (Job-Hunt, 2021 -- historical, 2021), ideal for sharing expertise.
Any risks with gig apps?
Low pension access <20% (ILO 2021 via Rest of World, 2024); physical demands in gigs like TaskRabbit; seniors are 3.8% of global gig workforce (World Bank 2023).
Pick 2 platforms from the table, update your profile today, and apply to your first gig this week.