5 Best Work-From-Home Jobs for Seniors
Finding a job that suits your lifestyle and finances can help you fully enjoy life at any age. For many over 60, remote jobs best fit the bill. In 2022, over 30% of the workforce worked remotely, and that number remains steady, according to 2024 Federal Reserve data, and includes some great work-from-home opportunities for retirees.
In this article, we’ll detail some of the best remote jobs for seniors, as well as tips to choose the right full-time or part-time job for you. We’ll also share tips on how to find and successfully apply for senior-friendly remote positions that are hiring right now.
Key takeaways
The growing demand for remote work creates opportunities for experienced seniors to work from home.
Legitimate work from home jobs for seniors exist in fields ranging from data analytics to tutoring.
Finding the right opportunity requires a thorough job search as well as applying to and securing a remote position.
Customer service representative
More than 15% of part-time customer service representatives are over the age of 55, and it’s easy to see the appeal of these roles: the positions are often fully remote, the hours are often flexible, and you can work across various industries. On average, a customer service representative earns $20.59 per hour.
There are also customer service positions for those who are new to the field and those who have experience. It’s a particularly great option for those who enjoy working with customers to resolve issues and have strong interpersonal skills.
Data entry clerk
If you’re good with numbers and data, working as a data entry clerk could be a flexible job to consider. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these clerks make $19.29 per hour on average.
They often work remotely, helping a company enter data and maintain databases. To thrive in this role, you’ll most likely need some computer skills and familiarity with virtual spreadsheet programs like Excel or Google Sheets.
Online tutor or teacher
Becoming an online tutor is a great opportunity for those who like teaching or mentoring others. These individuals often set their own hours and have the option to work through an established tutoring company or for themselves.
Tutors can also choose various topics to teach, from math to foreign languages to ACT test prep. On average, online teachers and tutors make $19.27 an hour.
Virtual assistant
Virtual assistants perform many of the same tasks as other assistants, just remotely. They can help businesses or individuals organize their inboxes, handle the details of events and trips, coordinate meetings, and complete other tasks. The pay for this position varies greatly depending on who you’re a virtual assistant for, though assistants for company executives make an average of $35.42 an hour.
Freelance writer or editor
If you have a background in media or marketing, working as a freelance writer or editor is a great way to earn money remotely.
According to data from Upwork, freelancers and consultants earn anywhere from $28-$200 per hour. Part of the reason the hourly rate varies so much is that freelancers set their own rates and hours—and have to find their own clients.
Bookkeeper or accountant
73% of part-time bookkeepers are over the age of 55, and many companies appreciate hiring remote accountants or people to balance the books who have years of experience. On average, bookkeepers make about $23.66 per hour while certified public accountants (CPAs) make $39.27 an hour.
Transcriptionist
A remote transcriptionist virtually attends meetings or appointments and takes notes on what is said so the meeting attendees and other stakeholders can refer to meeting details later.
This is a great role for someone with attention to detail and familiarity using online teleconferencing platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Pay rates can vary, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports medical transcriptionists make $18.05 per hour.
Survey participant or market researcher
Many companies seek data from different demographics, including older adults.
Some companies will even pay for this data when someone completes an online survey or participates in a remote market research focus group or usability test.
Social media manager
Social media managers help companies manage their Instagrams, Facebooks, LinkedIns, TikToks, and other social media accounts.
It’s a great opportunity for older adults who are social media savvy and enjoy a mix of writing, graphic design, and video work. Many of these roles are remote, and they earn upwards of $70 per hour with experience in the field.
Proofreader
Like editors, proofreaders review written materials and suggest changes to make the work stronger. Unlike an editor, proofreaders often look at minutiae, making this a great option for those who are detail-oriented. On average, proofreaders make about $24.57 an hour.
Comparing work from home options for seniors
Along with industry, you’ll want to consider what if you prefer part-time or full-time work and if an employee or contract position works best for your needs.
Part-time vs. full-time remote work
Full-time work, usually defined as working 40 hours a week, often provides a higher earning potential and benefits, such as employee-sponsored healthcare and 401K. Once you hit retirement age and can qualify for healthcare, the benefits may not be as appealing, though the higher income may help fund your lifestyle.
If you want to bring in some extra money and continue to grow your skillset but already have some retirement savings, part-time work may be a better choice. This is also a suitable option for someone who can’t work full-time due to health concerns or other commitments, such as babysitting the grandkids a few days a week or volunteering in the community each Wednesday.
Employee vs. contractor/freelance positions
When looking at remote work, it’s important to differentiate between employee and contract positions. If your employer controls when you work, how you work, and owns the equipment you work with, you are probably an employee. These positions often come with more job security and benefits, though they may not be as flexible.
For more control over your work schedule, consider contractor or freelance roles. In these roles, you use your own equipment and determine when and how you work.
Contractor positions don’t come with benefits, require you to pay more in taxes (since you’re paying the employer and employee part of social security tax), and have lower job security. That said, they also come with the ability to create your own schedule and work from anywhere, which is appealing to many.
How to find work from home jobs
To find remote jobs for seniors, start by asking those you know if they have heard of any open roles. You can also explore job posting sites like LinkedIn and Indeed or explore local job boards.
After you have a few jobs you’d like to apply to, read the job application instructions carefully and brush up your resume and interviewing skills. The National Council on Aging has a tool to help older Americans find a job they love as well as a great guide on writing a resume.
Bottom line
Remote work opportunities for seniors are available in almost every industry.
Popular industries include editorial work, data entry, customer service, tutoring, and administrative work. If you’re ready to take on remote work opportunities, the next steps are to search for open jobs online or via your network, refresh your resume, and think of ways to showcase your skills in job interviews.
FAQs
What are the highest paying work from home jobs for seniors over 60?
The highest paying work from home jobs for seniors over 60 are often ones in fields where they have previous experience. Someone who worked full-time at media outlets, for example, may be able to command a higher freelance writing rate than someone new to the field because they have decades of experience to offer.
How can seniors over 60 avoid work from home scams?
To avoid work from home scams, seniors over 60 should be skeptical of any job offers presented to them, including ones they receive an email or text about. Before accepting an offer, research the company and ensure there is a legitimate work contract.
It’s also important to note that legitimate jobs won’t ask for upfront fees. They also won’t ask for sensitive details, like your social security number or bank account information, until after the contract is signed.
Do I need special computer skills to work from home as a senior?
To work from home as a senior, you’ll probably need basic computer skills, such as understanding how to use Google Drive or Microsoft Office. Depending on the job, more specialized computer skills may be required. For a better idea of what skills employers in a certain industry expect, read a few job ads in your target industry. These often mention any specialized technologies the industry expects someone to be proficient with, such as coding in python or creating graphics in Canva.
Sources
Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025). The rise in remote work since the pandemic and its impact on productivity. https://www.bls.gov/opub/btn/volume-13/remote-work-productivity.htm
Federal Reserve (2025). What drives trends in remote work? https://www.federalreserve.gov/econres/notes/feds-notes/what-drives-the-rise-in-remote-work-preliminary-evidence-from-utilization-rates-and-wage-trends-20250603.html
AARP (2023). Top 25 Part-time jobs for retirees. https://www.aarp.org/work/job-search/part-time-jobs-for-retirees/
Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025). Customer service representatives. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/customer-service-representatives.htm
Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025). Data entry keepers. https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes439021.htm
Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025). Tutors. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/tutors.htm
Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025). Executive administrative assistants. https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes436011.htm
Upwork (2025). How much can freelancers make in 2025? https://www.upwork.com/resources/how-much-do-freelancers-make
Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025). Bookkeepers. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/bookkeeping-accounting-and-auditing-clerks.htm
Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025). Accountants and auditors. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/accountants-and-auditors.htm
Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025). Advertising and marketing managers. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/advertising-promotions-and-marketing-managers.htm
Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025). Proofreaders. https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes439081.htm
Internal Revenue Services (2025). Independent contractor (self-employed) or employee? https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/independent-contractor-self-employed-or-employee
National Council on Aging (2022). Writing your resume after age 50: A guide for older adults. https://www.ncoa.org/article/writing-your-resume-after-age-50-a-guide-for-older-adults/
National Council on Aging (n.d.). Create a plan to land the job you love. https://www.ncoa.org/article/writing-your-resume-after-age-50-a-guide-for-older-adults/