There comes a moment in every retiree’s life – somewhere between the third round of bowls for the year and the fourth cup of tea at 10 am – when retirement feels less like freedom and more like an unpaid 24/7 job. Bills still land. Flights still cost more than you budgeted. And suddenly you find yourself online, tapping “jobs near me.” What follows is a snapshot of the best opportunities for Australians aged 60 and over in 2026 – real jobs, real pay, real flexibility – and a look at why so many are heading back to work, whether it’s for stimulation, social connection, or pure, hard financial sense.
Why Older Workers are Returning to Work
Work isn’t just about money – though for many retirees it’s a big part of the story. Surveys find that money is the most common reason older Australians re-enter paid work after retirement, mentioned by over half of those who do. But staying engaged, socialising, feeling purposeful and mentally sharp also rank highly.
At the same time, age-inclusive workplaces and labour shortages across sectors have opened doors for mature workers who might once have been overlooked. Experts warn, however, that retirees considering returning to work should be mindful of how earnings can affect Centrelink benefits such as the Age Pension.
Aged Care & Disability Support Worker
Why it’s great: Empathy, life experience and reliability matter here, not youth.
Flexibility: Part-time, casual, shifts you can choose.
Typical pay: Around $30–$45/hr plus incentives in some roles - not bad if you’re picking shifts around life.
This is not glamorous, but it is in demand and deeply purposeful. If you like people and want work that matters, aged care support is booming.
Personal Care & Home Support Assistant
Why it’s great: You’re helping older adults stay independent.
Flexibility: Often part-time or casual, you choose locations and hours.
Typical pay: Around $34–$38/hr.
Close to home, rewarding and paid at a competitive hourly rate. For retirees still fit and communicative, this can be both socially engaging and financially worthwhile.
Domestic Cleaner / Home Services
Why it’s great: Steady work with straightforward tasks.
Flexibility: Work 10 hrs/week or 30 + hrs – up to you.
Typical pay: Around $30–$38/hr.
Domestic cleaning jobs are proving popular with those who want control over their schedule, good pay, and simplicity.
Gardener / Grounds Maintenance
Why it’s great: Fresh air, physicality, independence.
Flexibility: Part-time or casual.
Typical pay: $32–$38/hr.
Got green thumbs? Gardening or grounds work combines moderate exercise with predictable hours – ideal for many retirees.
Customer Service / Front Desk Roles
Why it’s great: Low barriers to entry; people skills count.
Flexibility: Part-time or hybrid roles available.
Typical pay: Depends on role and sector.
These roles aren’t headline earners, but for those with administrative confidence and a knack for engaging people, they offer work that’s social and structured.
Leisure & Lifestyle Officer
Why it’s great: You’re creating joyful experiences.
Flexibility: Part-time, fixed term available.
Typical pay: Around $35–$38/hr.
Not everyone wants to clean or provide care. If you’ve got people skills and ideas for activities, this role lets you bring them to life – especially in retirement living communities.
Registered Nurse / Allied Health Lead
Why it’s great: Good pay and full-time stability.
Flexibility: Full-time with RDOs; leadership roles too.
Typical pay: Up to ~$60/hr base on some listings.
If you’ve got the skills, healthcare still needs experienced hands. Older nurses and allied health professionals are highly valued.
HSQE / Compliance Auditor (Part-Time Professional)
Why it’s great: Uses accumulated professional expertise.
Flexibility: Part-time, scheduled to your availability.
Typical pay: Professional rates vary.
Engineering, construction and environmental sectors have roles that benefit from years of industry experience. These aren’t mandatory entry jobs – they reward deep capability.
Freelance, Consulting & Tutoring Roles
Why it’s great: Be your own boss.
Flexibility: You choose clients and hours.
Typical pay: Whatever you can command. (Varies widely.)
This category isn’t about specific job listings – but many retirees leverage decades of experience in consulting, mentoring or teaching. It’s not always on SEEK, yet in a world of flexible remote work it’s worth mentioning.
Full-time vs Part-time
Most retirees prefer part-time or casual work – it lets them balance freedom with income. But there are full-time roles available (especially in healthcare and professional services), and in many cases employers are open to flexible arrangements, including hybrid or reduced hours.
Flexibility & Work-Life in 2026
Remote and flexible work arrangements are no longer fringe ideas – they’re part of the Australian standard for many desk-based roles. Nearly half of the workforce now reports working from home at least sometimes, a trend likely to benefit older workers too.
Payment Rates: A Reality Check
Hourly rates for retiree-friendly roles in 2025–26 range roughly:
$30–$45/hr: aged care, disability support, home services
$32–$38/hr: domestic cleaning, gardening
$35–$38/hr: lifestyle officer, community roles
Up to ~$60/hr+: professional and healthcare leadership roles
These rates vary by employer, location and skills – higher earnings often require more qualifications or experience.
Job Hunting as You Age
If you’re 60-plus, you’re part of a demographic that can still shape the workforce. Older Australians assist the labour market and their own wellbeing when they work – and employers are increasingly aware of the value older hands bring. That said, some retirees do report ageism and challenges in finding suitable roles – but many also find opportunities that fit what they want to do next.
In the End — What’s It Worth?
Working after retirement isn’t about “failing retirement.” It’s often about making retirement work for you – financially, socially and mentally. Whether it’s to buffer rising living costs, scratch an intellectual itch, or keep your calendar vibrant, a job at 60-plus today can be a piece of life that adds, not subtracts.
If you’re hunting jobs near you right now, platforms like SEEK remain the biggest marketplace for roles that match your hours, pay expectations and flexibility – and you’ll see many of the roles above already listed there.
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