10 Best Retirement Hobbies That Make Money

So, you’ve finally hit retirement age, huh? Congratulations! You’ve officially earned the right to tell younger generations how things were “back in your day” 🙂 But let’s be real here, sitting around watching daytime TV and complaining about the weather gets old pretty fast.

Here’s the thing that might surprise you: retirement doesn’t have to mean your earning days are over. In fact, some of the most successful side hustles I’ve seen come from retirees who turn their lifelong passions into cold, hard cash.

And trust me, as someone with a master’s in financial management, I’ve crunched the numbers on this stuff.

You know what’s better than having a hobby? Having a hobby that pays for itself and then some. Whether you’re looking to pad your retirement fund or just want some extra spending money for those grandkid spoiling sessions, I’ve got you covered.

Take my client Margaret, for example. This 67-year-old former librarian turned her love for knitting into a $2,800-per-month business selling baby blankets on Etsy.

She started with leftover yarn from her personal projects and now runs a thriving online shop that keeps her busier (and wealthier) than her corporate days ever did.

Do Retirement Hobbies Make Money?

Let me answer this with another question: Ever heard of Colonel Sanders? The man was 65 years old when he started KFC. Now I’m not saying you need to become the next fast-food mogul, but the principle remains the same.

Absolutely yes – retirement hobbies can make serious money. The key word here is “monetize.” You need to transform your passion into something people actually want to buy. It’s like turning your grandmother’s secret cookie recipe into a business instead of just making them for family gatherings.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 19.5% of Americans aged 65 and older continue working in some capacity. Many of these folks have discovered that hobby-based income streams often prove more profitable and enjoyable than traditional part-time jobs.

The beauty of monetizing hobbies in retirement is that you’ve got something most younger entrepreneurs don’t: decades of life experience. You understand quality, you value relationships, and you’re not in a rush to get rich quick (because honestly, those schemes rarely work anyway).

I had a client named Robert, a retired engineer who started teaching woodworking classes in his garage. He initially charged $50 per session just to cover materials. Within six months, he had a waiting list and was earning $3,200 monthly teaching weekend workshops. The secret? His 40 years of experience gave him credibility that YouTube tutorials simply can’t match.

From my experience working with retirees on their financial planning, the most successful hobby-based income streams share three characteristics:

• They solve a real problem for people
• They leverage skills you already have
• They don’t require massive upfront investments

10 Best Retirement Hobbies That Make Money

1. Writing

Now here’s something I’m particularly passionate about. Writing stands as one of the most accessible and potentially profitable retirement hobbies out there. You don’t need special equipment, just a computer and your lifetime of experiences.

According to PayScale, freelance writers aged 55+ earn an average of $35-65 per hour, with experienced writers commanding even higher rates. The opportunities span everywhere:

• Freelance writing for businesses and publications
• Blogging about your areas of expertise
• Ghostwriting books and articles
• Content creation for social media

What makes writing especially attractive for retirees? The low barrier to entry and high scalability. You can start by writing a few articles a month on platforms like Upwork or Contently and gradually build up to a steady income stream.

From a financial perspective, writing offers both immediate income and long-term potential. A single well-optimized blog post can generate passive income for years through affiliate marketing and advertising revenue.

My client Janet, a retired nurse, started a health and wellness blog targeting women over 50. Within 18 months, her blog generates $2,200 monthly through sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, and her own digital courses. Her secret? She writes from authentic experience, not generic research.

Pro tip: Focus on niches where your experience gives you credibility. A retired nurse writing about health topics or a former teacher creating educational content will always outperform generic writers.

2. Knitting And Crocheting

Don’t let anyone tell you that fiber arts represent just old-fashioned hobbies. The handmade market is booming, and people willingly pay premium prices for quality, handcrafted items.

Etsy’s trend reports show that handmade knit and crochet items consistently rank among the top-selling categories, with successful sellers earning $500-5000+ monthly. Here’s what’s hot in the knitting/crocheting market:

• Baby items (blankets, booties, hats)
• Home décor (throw pillows, wall hangings)
• Fashion accessories (scarves, bags, jewelry)
• Custom pieces for special occasions

The beauty of this hobby-turned-business lies in the recurring revenue potential. Once customers discover your quality and style, they often become repeat buyers and refer others.

My client Eleanor started selling crocheted baby blankets on Etsy for $45 each. Her yarn costs? About $8 per blanket. She now completes 15-20 blankets monthly while watching her favorite TV shows, generating a steady $1,800-2,400 monthly income.

Financial insight: The profit margins on handmade items can reach impressive levels. A $5 yarn investment might create a $25-40 finished product. The key lies in finding your optimal price point where customers see value and you receive fair compensation for your time.

3. Gardening

Gardening might seem like it’s just about pretty flowers, but serious money grows in the green industry. And I’m not talking about starting a massive commercial operation – small-scale gardening can surprise you with its profitability.

According to the National Gardening Association, the average family spends $503 annually on food gardening and $83 on houseplants. This creates multiple revenue streams from gardening:

• Selling produce at farmers markets or to neighbors
• Growing and selling seedlings in spring
• Offering garden design and maintenance services
• Teaching gardening workshops or classes

The financial appeal of gardening lies in its low startup costs and multiple income streams. You can start with a small plot and expand based on demand and your physical capabilities.

My client George, a retired postal worker, started with a 20×20 backyard plot growing heirloom tomatoes. He now supplies three local restaurants and earns $3,500 during each growing season. His expansion plan? Adding a small greenhouse for year-round growing.

Market insight: Organic and locally-grown produce commands premium prices. The USDA reports that organic vegetables sell for 20-40% more than conventional produce. Even a small backyard garden can generate $500-2000 per growing season with proper planning and marketing.

4. Photography

In our Instagram-obsessed world, good photography carries more value than ever. The best part? You don’t need to channel Ansel Adams to make money with a camera.

ZipRecruiter data shows that freelance photographers earn an average of $25-75 per hour, with event photographers commanding premium rates. Photography income opportunities include:

• Event photography (weddings, parties, graduations)
• Stock photography sales on Shutterstock or Adobe Stock
• Portrait sessions for families and individuals
• Real estate photography for agents

The startup costs can run as low as a decent camera and some basic equipment. Many successful retirement photographers started with equipment they already owned and upgraded as their business grew.

My client Patricia, a 69-year-old grandmother, specializes in family portraits in natural settings. She charges $200 per session and books 8-12 sessions monthly. Her favorite part? “I capture precious memories while earning enough to spoil my own grandchildren!”

Business tip: Specialize in a niche where your age provides an advantage. Many clients prefer mature photographers for family portraits or events because they view them as more reliable and experienced.

5. Baking

There’s something magical about turning flour, sugar, and eggs into delicious profits. Baking represents one of those hobbies where demand seems endless – everyone celebrates birthdays, anniversaries, and develops sweet cravings.

The Specialty Food Association reports that the artisan baking market continues growing at 8% annually, driven by consumer demand for high-quality, homemade products. Profitable baking ventures include:

• Custom cakes for special occasions
• Specialty breads and pastries
• Holiday cookies and treats
• Farmers market baked goods

The key to profitable baking? Finding your signature items and building a reputation for quality and reliability. Word-of-mouth marketing proves incredibly powerful in the food business.

My client Maria, a retired office manager, started baking custom birthday cakes for neighborhood families. She began charging $25 per cake and now commands $85-150 for elaborate custom designs. Her monthly income averages $2,800, and she has a waiting list during peak seasons.

Financial consideration: Food businesses carry specific regulations and insurance requirements, so factor these costs into your pricing. However, the profit margins can reach excellent levels once you establish efficient processes. Maria’s ingredient costs rarely exceed 25% of her selling price.

6. Looking After Pets

Pet care represents a booming industry that’s perfect for animal-loving retirees. The American Pet Products Association reports that Americans spend over $136 billion annually on their pets. This industry remains recession-resistant – people cut other expenses before skimping on their furry family members.

Pet care services earning solid incomes include:

• Dog walking and exercise services through Rover or Wag
• Pet sitting in your home or theirs
• Grooming services for basic maintenance
• Pet photography for special occasions

The beauty of pet care combines emotional satisfaction with steady income. Many pet owners become long-term clients, providing predictable monthly revenue. Care.com data shows pet sitters earn $15-50 per visit depending on services provided.

My client Bill, a 64-year-old dog lover, started walking dogs for busy neighbors. He now manages 12 regular clients and earns $1,600 monthly walking dogs three hours each morning. His bonus? He’s in the best shape of his life!

Market advantage: Retirees often possess flexibility that working-age pet sitters don’t. You can offer last-minute services or extended care that busy professionals can’t provide.

7. Tour Guide

If you love your hometown and enjoy meeting new people, tour guiding can prove both fun and profitable. This opportunity shines especially bright if you live in or near a tourist destination.

According to Indeed, tour guides earn $15-45 per hour plus tips, with experienced guides in popular destinations commanding premium rates. Tour guide opportunities include:

• Walking tours of historic districts
• Specialized interest tours (food, architecture, nature)
• Museum or attraction guide positions
• Private tours for small groups through Airbnb Experiences

The earning potential varies widely by location, but experienced guides in popular destinations often earn $20-50+ per hour plus tips.

My client Carlos, a retired history teacher in Savannah, Georgia, started offering Civil War history tours. He charges $35 per person for three-hour walking tours and averages 15 people per tour, three times weekly. His monthly income? $4,725 during peak season, with lighter but steady bookings year-round.

Competitive advantage: Local knowledge and personal stories make tours memorable. Your life experience and storytelling ability represent valuable assets that apps and generic tours can’t easily replicate.

8. Taking Care Of Children

Childcare always remains in demand, and experienced grandparents often make the best caregivers. Parents appreciate the wisdom and patience that comes with age and parenting experience.

Care.com reports that experienced babysitters earn $18-35 per hour, with rates varying by location and responsibilities. Childcare options include:

• After-school care and homework help
• Summer vacation care during school breaks
• Date night babysitting for parents
• Tutoring in subjects where you have expertise

The rates for quality childcare continue increasing, and experienced caregivers command premium prices. Plus, many families prefer mature caregivers over teenagers.

My client Ruth, a grandmother of six, provides after-school care for working parents in her neighborhood. She watches 4-5 children daily, helping with homework and providing snacks. Her monthly income? $2,400 working just 15 hours per week.

Trust factor: Your age and experience serve as selling points, not drawbacks. Parents often feel more comfortable leaving their children with someone who successfully raised their own kids.

9. Sports Coaching

Coaching combines your athletic knowledge with the rewarding experience of mentoring young people. It’s perfect for former athletes or anyone with deep knowledge of a particular sport.

According to PayScale, private sports coaches earn $25-75 per hour, with specialized skills commanding higher rates. Coaching opportunities include:

• Youth league coaching for various sports
• Private lessons for skill development
• Sports camp instruction during school breaks
• Adult recreational league coaching

The compensation varies, but private coaching can prove quite lucrative, especially for popular sports like tennis, golf, or swimming.

My client Tom, a former college baseball player, started offering private hitting lessons for youth players. He charges $50 per hour and maintains a schedule of 20 lessons weekly. His annual income from coaching? Over $50,000 working part-time hours.

Fulfillment factor: Beyond the financial benefits, coaching allows you to share your knowledge and potentially shape young lives. The satisfaction of watching someone improve their skills proves priceless.

10. Driving

Rideshare driving offers maximum flexibility – work when you want, as much as you want. It’s perfect for retirees who enjoy meeting people and want to earn money on their own schedule.

Ridester research shows that rideshare drivers earn an average of $15-25 per hour after expenses, with higher rates during peak times and in busy markets. Driving income streams include:

• Uber or Lyft passenger services
• Food delivery (DoorDash, Uber Eats)
• Package delivery for Amazon Flex or other companies
• Medical transport for elderly or disabled passengers

The earning potential depends on your location and hours worked, but many drivers earn $15-25 per hour after expenses. Peak hours (rush times, weekends, holidays) often pay surge pricing that can double your hourly rate.

My client James, a 68-year-old retiree, drives for Uber 15-20 hours weekly during peak times. He focuses on airport runs and weekend evenings, earning an average of $1,200 monthly while meeting interesting people from around the world. “It’s like getting paid to have conversations,” he says.

Flexibility advantage: You can work around doctor appointments, family visits, or travel plans. No boss, no fixed schedule – just drive when you want extra income. Plus, many retirees enjoy the social interaction that comes with meeting different people daily.

Financial tip: Track your mileage and vehicle expenses carefully for tax deductions. The IRS allows a standard mileage deduction of $0.655 per mile for business use, which can significantly reduce your tax liability.

What Retirement Hobbies Make The Most Money?

Now we’re talking! Based on market research and real client experiences, writing, consulting, and creative services typically generate the highest returns for retirees. But here’s where it gets interesting – the “most money” isn’t always about the highest hourly rate.

According to AARP’s Work and Jobs research, retirees engaged in freelance consulting in their former fields earn an average of $45-85 per hour. Meanwhile, creative services like crafting or photography average $15-40 per hour, but often provide more consistent, year-round income.

Baking might only bring in $15-30 per hour, but if you’re doing something you love anyway, that’s pure profit on top of enjoyment. Meanwhile, consulting in your former field might net $75-150 per hour, but you might only want to do it a few hours a week.

Let me share a perfect example: My client Susan, a former HR director, started offering resume writing services on Fiverr for $25 per resume. Within eight months, she’d built such a strong reputation that she now charges $150 per resume and has a two-week waiting list. Her monthly income? $4,500 working just 20 hours per week.

The real money-makers I’ve observed are:

• Service-based hobbies (tutoring, coaching, consulting)
• Creative products (crafts, baked goods, photography)
• Knowledge sharing (writing, teaching, speaking)

Here’s a pro tip from my financial background: the highest-earning retirement hobbies typically combine your existing expertise with a scalable delivery method. Think online courses rather than one-on-one tutoring, or selling patterns rather than individual crafts.

The Benefits Of Working After Retirement

Financial Stability

Let’s talk numbers for a second. According to the Employee Benefit Research Institute, the average retiree needs about 70-80% of their pre-retirement income to maintain their lifestyle. But here’s what most financial advisors don’t tell you: that calculation assumes you’ll be sitting around doing nothing all day.

Active retirees spend more money – on hobbies, travel, healthcare, and experiences they couldn’t enjoy while working full-time. A hobby-based income stream can bridge that gap beautifully.

From my years in financial planning, I’ve seen how even an extra $500-1000 per month can transform a retiree’s financial confidence. It’s not just about the money itself – it’s about the psychological security of knowing you can still generate income if needed.

Plus, there’s the inflation factor. That fixed pension or Social Security payment doesn’t stretch as far each year. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that inflation averages 2-3% annually, which means your purchasing power decreases over time. A flexible income from hobbies can help you maintain your purchasing power without touching your retirement savings.

Consider my client Harold, a retired accountant who started a small bookkeeping service for local small businesses. His monthly income of $1,800 from just 15 hours of work per week has allowed him to increase his travel budget by 300% without touching his 401(k). As he puts it, “I’m living better in retirement than I did while working full-time!”

Healthy Living

Here’s something that might surprise you: the Japanese have a concept called “ikigai” – your reason for being. Research from Harvard Health Publishing shows that people with a strong sense of purpose live longer, healthier lives and have a 23% lower risk of premature death.

Working on something you’re passionate about isn’t just good for your bank account – it’s literally good for your health. Mental stimulation from learning new skills or solving problems keeps your brain sharp. Physical activity from many hobbies keeps your body moving.

And let’s not forget the social aspect. The AARP Foundation reports that 35% of adults aged 45 and older experience chronic loneliness. But hobby-based work naturally connects you with customers, collaborators, and communities. You’re not just making money – you’re making friends.

My client Dorothy, a 72-year-old former teacher, discovered this firsthand when she started offering tutoring services through Wyzant. Not only does she earn $35 per hour helping high school students with math, but she’s also formed meaningful relationships with families in her community. “I feel more energetic and engaged than I have in years,” she tells me.

An Encore Career

Sometimes the best career comes after your first one ends. Encore careers represent a growing trend – Encore.org research shows that 31% of people ages 44-70 have already launched or want to launch encore careers combining personal meaning and continued income.

I’ve worked with clients who discovered talents they never knew they had after retirement. The accountant who became a successful food blogger, the teacher who started a thriving craft business, the engineer who became a sought-after financial coach.

The financial advantage here is significant: you can often start an encore career with minimal investment because you’re leveraging existing skills and interests. No need for expensive retraining or massive business loans.

Take my client Frank, a retired marketing executive who launched a consulting practice specializing in helping small businesses with their digital marketing. His startup costs? Less than $500 for a simple website and some basic software. His first-year revenue? $47,000 working part-time hours that fit around his golf schedule.

How To Start Making Money From A Retirement Hobby

Alright, let’s get practical. The biggest mistake I see retirees make? They think they need to transform their hobby into a full-blown business overnight. Start small, think big – that’s my motto.

Step 1: Value Assessment
What problem does your hobby solve? If you love gardening, you’re not just growing plants – you’re creating beauty, providing fresh food, or teaching sustainable living. Frame your hobby in terms of the value it provides to others.

Step 2: Market Test
Before you invest time and money, test the waters. Offer your services to friends and family first. Use their feedback to refine your offering. This isn’t just about validation – it’s about building your first customer testimonials.

Step 3: Simple Setup
You don’t need a fancy website or expensive equipment to start. Social media platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Instagram, or even Nextdoor can serve as your initial sales channels. Keep overhead low while you’re learning.

Step 4: Price Appropriately
This is where my financial background comes in handy. Don’t undersell yourself just because it’s “just a hobby.” Calculate your time, materials, and a reasonable profit margin. Your experience and quality deserve fair compensation.

My client analysis shows that retirees who underprice their services initially struggle to raise rates later. Start with competitive pricing from day one – you can always offer discounts for volume or repeat customers.

Step 5: Scale Gradually
As demand grows, you can invest in better tools, create systems, or expand your offerings. But resist the urge to grow too fast, remember, this should enhance your retirement, not overwhelm it.

Final Thoughts

Look, retirement doesn’t have to mean financial stagnation or boredom. Your golden years can literally be golden if you play your cards right. The hobbies I’ve outlined aren’t just ways to stay busy – they’re legitimate income opportunities that can significantly improve your financial situation.

Remember, every successful business started with someone taking that first small step. Your retirement hobby could be the beginning of the most fulfilling and profitable chapter of your life.

So what are you waiting for? Your next adventure (and income stream) is just a hobby away! :