Jobs for Seniors Over 55 in Canada (Low Stress & Social 2026)

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

Rising inflation means many Canadians over 55 are choosing to stay in the workforce longer, or return part-time after retiring. But at this stage of life, the goal isn't to climb the corporate ladder or break your back on a construction site.

The goal is Income + Engagement.

Employers love hiring seniors because they show up on time, have incredible soft skills, and don't spend the day scrolling TikTok. In exchange, seniors want roles that are low-stress, flexible, and social.

If you are looking for a "Second Act" career that respects your experience, here are the best jobs for seniors in Canada.

1. Hardware Store Associate (Home Depot / Lowes)

• The Job: Helping customers find the right screw or explaining how to fix a leaky faucet.
• Why it fits: It is the classic "Retired Tradesperson" job. If you spent 30 years as a carpenter or DIY enthusiast, your knowledge is gold here.
• The Pay: $17.00 – $21.00 per hour.
• The Perks: Part-Time Benefits (Health/Dental) are often available, which is crucial if you retire before 65 and lose your company plan.

2. School Bus Driver

• The Job: Driving a morning and afternoon route.
• Why it fits: It gives you structure (a reason to wake up) but leaves your middle of the day free for golf, gardening, or naps.
• The Pay: $22.00 – $26.00 per hour.
• The Demand: Companies explicitly target retirees because they are safer drivers and have the patience to deal with kids.
• Internal Link: We mentioned this in our Jobs for Moms article, but it applies perfectly to seniors too.

3. Census / Elections Canada Worker

• The Job: Working at polling stations during elections or collecting census data door-to-door.
• Why it fits: It is temporary, civic-minded work. It gets you out of the house and walking (good for health) without a long-term commitment.
• The Pay: $18.00 – $24.00 per hour.
• How to Apply: Watch the Elections Canada website. They hire thousands of seniors every election cycle.

4. Shuttle Driver (Car Dealerships)

• The Job: Driving customers to work after they drop their car off for service.
• Why it fits: You drive brand new cars. You chat with people for 15 minutes. You drink free coffee in the showroom. It is arguably the easiest job in the world.
• The Pay: $16.55 – $19.00 per hour.
• The Vibe: Low physical effort. You sit in a comfortable, climate-controlled car all day.

5. Exam Invigilator (Universities/Colleges)

• The Job: Walking around an exam hall ensuring students aren't cheating.
• Why it fits: It is quiet, seasonal (December and April), and requires authority and patience—traits seniors have in abundance.
• The Pay: $18.00 – $22.00 per hour.
• Where to find: Check the "Careers" pages of local colleges (Seneca, Humber, BCIT) around October and March.

6. Consultant / "Fractional" Expert

• The Job: Selling your previous career expertise by the hour.
• The Concept: If you were an Accountant, HR Manager, or Engineer, don't take a junior job. Offer your services as a "Fractional Manager" to small businesses who can't afford a full-time Senior Exec.
• The Pay: $50.00 – $150.00 per hour.
• Why it fits: You work on your terms. One client might pay for your entire winter vacation.

7. Garden Centre / Florist Assistant

• The Job: Watering plants, arranging flowers, and helping customers choose perennials.
• Why it fits: It is therapeutic. If you love gardening, this doesn't feel like work. It is seasonal (Spring/Summer), leaving your winters free for travel.
• The Pay: $16.55 – $19.00 per hour.
• Physical Note: It involves some lifting (soil bags) and standing, so it's good for active seniors.

Comparison Table: Physical Effort vs. Social Interaction

Practical Questions Answered

"Will working affect my CPP/OAS?"

It depends on how much you earn.

• CPP: You can work and receive CPP. If you are under 65, you must keep contributing (which increases your future benefit). Between 65-70, you can choose to stop contributing.
• OAS (Old Age Security): If you earn more than the "Recovery Tax" threshold (approx. $90,000/year), your OAS gets clawed back. Most part-time jobs won't hit this limit.
• GIS (Guaranteed Income Supplement): If you are low-income and receive GIS, earning employment income can reduce your GIS payments. Always check with a financial planner.

"Am I 'Overqualified'?"

Dumb down your resume.

• The Trap: If you apply for a Home Depot job with a resume showing "CEO of Tech Corp," they won't hire you. They think you'll get bored and quit.
• The Fix: Create a "Retirement Resume." Highlight your hobbies, your reliability, and your desire for part-time work. Remove the fancy titles from 1995.

"Is ageism real?"

Yes, but not everywhere.

• Avoid: Tech startups and trendy fashion retail (they want 20-year-olds).
• Target: Hardware stores, Banking, Government, and Transport. These industries respect grey hair as a sign of wisdom and reliability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be good with computers?

For Retail/Driving: No.

You might need to learn a simple Point of Sale (POS) system (touch screen), but you don't need to know Excel or Zoom.

For Consulting: Yes. You will likely need to know how to use email and video calls.

Can I work just 2 days a week?

Yes.

This is the "Casual" workforce. Jobs like Invigilator or Shuttle Driver are often "On-Call" or strictly part-time, making them perfect for seniors who want long weekends.

Are there jobs for seniors with mobility issues?

Yes.

Look for Call Centre roles (Remote) or Walmart Greeter roles (where you can often sit). See our Online Jobs Guide for jobs you can do from your favorite chair.

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 on CPP): https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/publicpensions/cpp/cpp-post-retirement.html
• Home Depot Careers: 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.