Are you pounding the virtual pavement in search of the best night shift jobs?
Whether you’re a busy college student during the daylight hours or simply prefer to work after the sun has set, we’ve got the best overnight jobs and graveyard shift work ideas right here.
And, if you’re looking to compare two night shift jobs, we tried to make your decision process a breeze. Below, you’ll find each night job’s average hourly pay rate, the amount of experience required, and the expected job growth over the next decade (US statistics).
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Here is our list of the best night shift jobs for night owls:
1. Flight Attendant
2019 US Median Pay: $56,640 per year [source: BLS]
Experience Required: High school diploma or equivalent, moderate-term on-the-job training.
Expected US Job Growth (2019–2029): 17%
2. Bartender
2019 US Median Pay: $11.39 per hour, plus tips [source: BLS]
Experience Required: None, on the job training.
Expected US Job Growth (2019–2029): 6%
3. Hotel Receptionist
2019 US Median Pay: $14.45 per hour [source: BLS]
Experience Required: High school diploma or equivalent, on the job training.
Expected US Job Growth (2019–2029): 4%
Related Read: 15 Best Weekend Jobs & Side Gigs for College Students & Professionals
4. Freelance Writer
2019 US Median Pay: $30.39 per hour [source: BLS]
Experience Required: native-level language proficiency, creative writing, SEO, etc.
Expected US Job Growth (2019–2029): -2%
5. Firefighter
2019 US Median Pay: $24.45 per hour [source: BLS]
Experience Required: Long-term on-the-job training, possibly a degree to move up the ranks.
Expected US Job Growth (2019–2029): 6%
6. Lyft or Uber Driver
2019 US Median Pay: $16.01 per hour [source: BLS]
Experience Required: Driver’s license.
Expected US Job Growth (2019–2029): 11%
Related Read: 15 Best Part-Time Jobs [Great Pay, Solid Growth, & Easy Entry!]
7. Emergency Room Doctor
2019 US Median Pay: >$100 per hour [source: BLS]
Experience Required: Doctoral or professional degree, license to practice medicine, years of training.
Expected US Job Growth (2019–2029): 4%
8. Security Guard
2019 US Median Pay: $14.29 per hour [source: BLS]
Experience Required: GED or HS diploma, some on-the-job training, physical fitness.
Expected US Job Growth (2019–2029): 3%
9. Barista
Becoming a barista is one of the best entry-level jobs to consider for those with no experience. Whether you choose to work at Starbucks, Peet’s Coffee, or a boutique cafe, people need their caffeine, even at night!
2019 US Median Pay: $11.06 per hour [source: BLS]
Experience Required: None, on the job training.
Expected US Job Growth (2019–2029): 10%
Related Read: How to Respond to a Job Offer [Accept, Reject, or Negotiate Terms]
10. Police Officer
2019 US Median Pay: $31.33 per hour [source: BLS]
Experience Required: Moderate-term on-the-job training, perhaps a degree to move up the ranks.
Expected US Job Growth (2019–2029): 5%
11. Restaurant Server (Waiter or Waitress)
2019 US Median Pay: $11.00 per hour, plus tips [source: BLS]
Experience Required: None, on the job training.
Expected US Job Growth (2019–2029): 4%
12. Freelance Web Developer
2019 US Median Pay: $35.46 per hour [source: BLS]
Experience Required: Portfolio of past projects, knowledge of technical skills and languages.
Expected US Job Growth (2019–2029): 8%
Related Read: Resume Sections: 10+ Things to Include on a Resume to Land Interviews
13. Food Delivery Person
2019 US Median Pay: $11.06 per hour [source: BLS]
Experience Required: Driver’s license (if driving), bicycling skills, knowledge of local layout.
Expected US Job Growth (2019–2029): 10%
14. Air Traffic Controller
2019 US Median Pay: $59.13 per hour [source: BLS]
Experience Required: Associate’s degree or higher, long-term on-the-job training.
Expected US Job Growth (2019–2029): 1%
15. Fast Food Worker
2019 US Median Pay: $11.65 per hour [source: BLS]
Experience Required: None, on the job training.
Expected US Job Growth (2019–2029): 10%
Related Read: 21+ Best Freelance Jobs & Where to Find Them (In Demand, Great Pay)
16. EMT or Paramedic
2019 US Median Pay: $17.02 per hour [source: BLS]
Experience Required: On the job training, certifications, first aid/first responder classes.
Expected US Job Growth (2019–2029): 6%
17. Freelance Graphic Designer
2019 US Median Pay: $25.05 per hour [source: BLS]
Experience Required: Portfolio of past projects, eye for design and detail.
Expected US Job Growth (2019–2029): -4%
18. Registered Nurse (RN)
2019 US Median Pay: $35.24 per hour [source: BLS]
Experience Required: Bachelor’s degree, years of study and training.
Expected US Job Growth (2019–2029): 7%
Related Read: 15+ Best Jobs For High School Students (Part-Time, Weekends, Summer)
19. Material Handler
2019 US Median Pay: $13.80 per hour [source: BLS]
Experience Required: No education requirement, short-term on-the-job training.
Expected US Job Growth (2019–2029): 3%
20. Customer Service Representative
2019 US Median Pay: $16.69 per hour [source: BLS]
Experience Required: On-the-job training.
Expected US Job Growth (2019–2029): -2%
21. Baker / Pastry Chef
2019 US Median Pay: $13.32 per hour [source: BLS]
Experience Required: On the job training, kitchen skills, commercial cooking experience.
Expected US Job Growth (2019–2029): 5%
Related Read: Best Jobs For College Students: 75+ Options for the Ambitious Student
Well, that’s all our top picks for the best jobs for night shift workers, and we hope it helps you choose the ideal option for you! Got any questions, feedback, or other great options for night shift careers to add to our list? Let us know in the comments below, and thanks for reading!
What is the best jobs for Associate in Arts degree in Liberal Arts? Looking for a job at night.
I just need a job to settle my life
Walmart nights or days
brilliant
Looking for a job
Hi I’m Tee, a Nigerian and trying to relocate to Canada. I’m really interested in um the Firefighting, Security Guard, Police Officer. Do you have a few words for me? 🥺
I’m interested in freelance writing, but I’m a Nigerian is it possible?.
Hi Anozie, thanks for writing in! If you are looking for a job as a freelance writer, it’s definitely possible from Nigeria 🙂 This is especially true now since the coronavirus pandemic began. The main things to consider when looking for freelance work as a writer are writing examples of your past work, your niche (do you prefer to write about food? fashion? etc.), and your time zone. Luckily, as a Nigerian, I believe you’re in the same time zone as much of Europe, giving you an advantage for any gigs coming to you from startups in France, Italy, Germany, and others! It’s definitely a great field to be in, Anozie, and I wish you the best of luck on your search!
15 fast food worker
Hi Hussaini, that’s definitely a popular night shift career choice!