15+ Best Night Shift Jobs & Overnight Work for Night Owls That Pay Well

Whether you're a night owl or just don't have time during the day to get work done, we've got the best night shift jobs and nighttime career ideas right this way!

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).

Scroll down to get started!


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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%

flight attendant jobs night shift career

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%

bartender jobs are great part time overnight jobs

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%

hotel jobs overnight shift

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%

writing jobs are perfect for people who work at night

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%

firefighter best 3rd shift jobs

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%

ER doctor jobs high paying night shift jobs

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%

security guard high paying overnight jobs

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%

barista jobs good overnight jobs

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%

police jobs make great night shift careers

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%

restaurant server jobs are often graveyard shift jobs that pay well

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%

web developer jobs are good paying overnight jobs

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%

food delivery jobs are good careers for night owls

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%

air traffic controller night shift jobs that pay well

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%

fast food jobs with night shifts

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%

paramedic EMT part-time overnight jobs

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%

graphic designer night jobs that pay well

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%

nurse jobs with night shifts

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%

material handler jobs with night time work

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%

customer service representative make great night jobs

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%

baker jobs for night workers

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!

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Christian Eilers
Written By Christian Eilers
is a writer and expert on the topics of education, entrepreneurship, career advice, travel, and culture. On the Goodwall Blog, he covers topics including self-improvement, social impact, college preparation, career development, climate action, and more. Christian is originally from New York City and now resides in Kyiv, Ukraine after living in Warsaw, Poland for the past 4 years. At his desk, you're sure to find Pickwick, his Devon Rex cat, either attacking his fingers as he types or the monitor as the mouse pointer moves around.

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  1. 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? 🥺

    1. 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!