Best Jobs for Seniors and Older Adults in Canada (2026 Guide)

A smiling older gentleman wearing a Home Depot apron helping a customer choose a plant in a garden center.

In 2026, "Unretirement" is the biggest trend in the Canadian workforce.

With the cost of living rising, many seniors are choosing to return to work part-time. But for most, this isn't about grinding 40 hours a week anymore. It’s about finding a role that offers social connection, low physical stress, and enough extra cash to enjoy life without dipping into savings.

Employers love hiring seniors. Unlike teenagers, you show up on time, you have decades of problem-solving experience, and you don't spend your shift on TikTok.

Here are the best jobs for older adults in Canada that respect your experience and your knees.

1. Retail Associate (The "Hardware" Choice)

If you owned a home for 30 years, you are already qualified.

• The Job: Helping customers find the right screw or explaining which fertilizer to use.
• Top Employers: Home Depot, Rona, Canadian Tire, and Lee Valley Tools.
• Why it fits: These companies aggressively hire retirees because customers trust grey hair. When a senior says "This drill is better," customers listen.
• The Pay: $17 – $20 per hour (Plus store discounts).

2. School Bus Driver (The "Grandparent" Schedule)

We’ve mentioned this before, but it is the #1 job for retirees for a reason.

• The Job: Driving kids to school in the morning and home in the afternoon.
• Why it fits: You work 2 hours in the morning and 2 hours in the afternoon. You have the entire day free to golf or nap. Plus, you get every holiday and summer off to spend with your grandkids.
• The Pay: $20 – $26 per hour.

3. Exam Invigilator (The "Quiet" Job)

Universities and colleges need trustworthy adults to watch students take tests.

• The Job: You walk around a silent exam hall, hand out papers, and ensure nobody is cheating.
• Why it fits: It is physically easy (mostly walking/sitting) and very quiet. It is seasonal (April, June, December), perfect for snowbirds who travel in winter.
• The Pay: $18 – $22 per hour.
• Where to apply: Check the careers page of your local University (e.g., UofT, UBC, McGill) under "Casual Staff."

4. Seasonal Tax Preparer (The "Spring" Rush)

If you are good with numbers, February to April is your goldmine.

• The Job: Helping people file simple tax returns.
• Why it fits: Companies like H&R Block offer training courses in January. You work hard for 3 months, make a few thousand dollars, and then take the rest of the year off.
• The Pay: $18 – $25 per hour.

5. Consultant / Mentor (The "Expert" Role)

Don't let 40 years of industry knowledge go to waste.

• The Job: Selling your advice back to your old industry.
• Why it fits: If you were an Engineer, Accountant, or HR Manager, you can charge $100+ per hour for project work.
• The Strategy: Contact your old employer. Ask if they need help training the new "juniors" for 10 hours a week. They almost always say yes.

6. Census / Elections Worker (Government)

• The Job: Counting votes or collecting census data.
• Why it fits: It is short-term, civic-minded work. It pays well and is strictly regulated (breaks are mandatory).
• The Pay: $18 – $23 per hour.
• Internal Link: Keep an eye on Government Jobs (Check "Elections Canada" during election years).

Comparison Table: Stress vs. Social Level

Practical Questions Answered

"Will working reduce my pension (OAS/CPP)?"

It depends on how much you make.

• CPP: You can work and receive CPP at the same time. If you are under 65, you must keep contributing (which increases your future benefit).
• OAS (Old Age Security): Be careful. If your net income (Pension + Work) exceeds approx. $90,997 (2026 estimate), the government starts to "claw back" your OAS payments. If you stay under $90k total, your pension is safe.

"Do I have to commit to a schedule?"

In Retail, Yes.

• The Fix: If you want total freedom, stick to Gig Work (like Uber or Rover) or Casual roles (Invigilating) where you can say "No" to shifts.

"Is ageism real?"

Yes.

• The Strategy: Do not apply to tech startups where the manager is 22. Stick to "Legacy Industries" (Banking, Hardware, Government, Transport) where grey hair is seen as a badge of reliability, not a liability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work part-time and still collect GIS?

Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) is for low-income seniors. If you work, your GIS will be reduced by 50 cents for every dollar you earn (after the first $5,000 exemption). Do the math before taking a job if you are on GIS.

Do Home Depot/Lowes offer benefits to part-timers?

Sometimes.

Many large retailers offer limited health/dental plans to part-time staff after 1 year of service. This can be a huge bonus if you lost your workplace coverage when you retired.

What about "Greeter" jobs?

Most "Greeter" jobs (like at Walmart) have been replaced by security guards or self-checkout hosts. You are more likely to be hired as a Self-Checkout Attendant than a Greeter in 2026.

About the author

Jeff Calixte (MC Yow-Z) is a Canadian career researcher and digital entrepreneur. He tracks real-time labour market data, government hiring trends, and entry-level opportunities to help newcomers and students navigate the Canadian job market.

Sources

• Government of Canada (Working while collecting a pension): https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/publicpensions/cpp/cpp-post-retirement.html
• Home Depot Canada Careers (Values): https://careers.homedepot.ca/
• Elections Canada (Employment): https://www.elections.ca/content.aspx?section=emp&dir=pos&document=index&lang=e

Note:

Job availability, wages, and hiring conditions can vary widely by province, employer, season, and experience level. All salary ranges and job examples in this guide are estimates based on current labour market data. Always confirm details directly with the employer before applying.