Retirement doesn't mean you have to leave healthcare behind. With decades of experience and valuable skills, retired nurses have numerous opportunities to continue making a difference while earning extra income.
12 Best Jobs for Retired Nurses in 2026: Earn $18-50 Per Hour
This guide explores the best jobs for retired nurses in 2026, perfect for those seeking flexibility and meaningful work.
1. Health Coach
Health coaching is an excellent opportunity for retired nurses to leverage their medical knowledge. Working with platforms like Noom or independently, you can earn $25-40 per hour helping clients achieve their wellness goals. The flexible schedule allows you to work as much or as little as you prefer.
Share your expertise by teaching the next generation of healthcare professionals. Many nursing schools hire retired nurses as adjunct faculty, paying $35-50 per hour. You can also create online courses through Shopify (starting at $39/month) to reach students worldwide.
Put your medical terminology knowledge to use as a transcriptionist. Your nursing background makes you particularly valuable in this field. Learn more about this opportunity in our guide to online transcription jobs, where you can earn up to $60 per hour.
Companies like Teladoc frequently hire retired nurses for remote triage positions. Working from home, you can earn $30-45 per hour while helping patients determine their care needs.
Help families navigate senior care options and medical decisions. This role perfectly combines your healthcare expertise with helping seniors. Check out our guide on senior care side hustles to learn how to earn $18-50 per hour in this field.
Insurance companies value retired nurses for their clinical expertise in reviewing claims. This position typically offers $25-40 per hour and can often be done remotely.
Create and lead health education workshops for community centers, corporations, or online platforms. Your nursing background adds credibility to these programs, allowing you to charge $100-200 per session.
Part-time opportunities in clinical research allow you to stay connected to healthcare advancement. Many positions offer $30-45 per hour and flexible schedules.
Your healthcare expertise makes you valuable in medical writing. Create content for healthcare websites, educational materials, or medical technology companies, earning $35-50 per hour.
Help healthcare facilities improve their quality metrics and patient care processes. This consulting work typically pays $40-50 per hour.
Work with law firms reviewing medical cases and providing expert insights. Legal nurse consultants can earn $100-150 per hour on a flexible basis.
Train healthcare professionals on new medical devices and equipment. Companies value retired nurses for their practical experience, offering $35-45 per hour plus travel expenses.
Final Words
Retirement opens up new possibilities to use your nursing expertise in different ways. Whether you're looking for part-time income or want to stay connected to healthcare, these opportunities allow you to maintain a flexible schedule while earning meaningful income. Consider your interests, desired work-life balance, and income goals when choosing your next career move.