Best Night Shift Jobs

There are some people who are night owls. Those that prefer to work at night. There can be a number of reasons why you prefer it. In some cases, it might be more convenient, and in others, it might be something you have to do.

Finding one of the best night shift jobs might not be that difficult. There are certain essential services that operate on a 24-hour basis, and most are constantly looking for people to do the work.

Plenty of Choices

Besides the essential services, these days there are coffee shops and food outlets that also open all night. And, of course, motorway service stations and truck stops. These all need staff to operate, so there are a vast range of choices.

Let’s take a look at the options that are out there. And to make it easier, I have separated those that require some form of qualifications from those that don’t.

No Qualifications Required

Bartender

No formal requirements are required here, just a positive, happy attitude. Most bars will prefer those that have had a bit of experience. But for those that show the right personality traits, then you will receive in-house training.

There are a range of bars and drinking houses, and you will be able to choose which environment suits you best. The salary is usually around $11-13 per hour. Plus, there is always the chance of some nice tips to up the earning potential.

Working in a Bar can suit anybody, but it is particularly attractive to students trying to help pay for college fees. It is also a great place to earn some extra cash to make that special purchase you have been promising yourself.

Taxi Driver

I say no qualifications are required, but of course, you will need a driving license. You will probably be expected to supply your own vehicle, though many taxi companies do provide the car.

A perfect job for those that like to dictate when they work and for how many hours. Of course, the more hours you do, the more you will earn, but you do have that flexibility.

Taxi drivers can earn on the night shift about $15-18 an hour plus tips.

Food Delivery

The last few years have seen a dramatic turnaround in the way we consume food. And this applies especially to convenience food.

With worldwide events meaning that some food outlets and restaurants were closed to sit-in customers, the food delivery industry benefited greatly. Food Delivery by car and on motorcycles has now become commonplace.

As with taxi drivers, you will need a driving license, and certainly, for these positions, you will need your own vehicle. Some companies will accept motorbikes, and I have even seen deliveries being made by bicycle. Though presumably, those are only very local.

Depending on the company and the distances traveled for delivery, pay will usually be between $10-12 per hour.

A Barista

The rise of the coffee shop has been quite dramatic over the last twenty years. You will now find them everywhere. Some are located in areas where they need to be open 24 hours, as in the case of airports and other transport terminals.

No experience is required, but as with bar work, they may prefer a little knowledge. Being a Barista doesn’t involve unscrewing an instant coffee jar and making it from there.

In-house training will teach you how to grind coffee beans and the correct way to steam milk for lattes and cappuccinos. You will also learn all about the various types of coffee. And these days, there are more than any of us can remember without some form of a menu.

Salaries range from $11-13 per hour.

Waiter or Waitress

As with the coffee outlets, there are some restaurants that are based in airports and other transport terminals that are open 24 hours. You will also find food outlets on motorways and other main routes. All need to be serviced by all-night staff.

No formal experience is required, and you will benefit from on-the-job training. Salaries vary but depending on the outlet, but it will normally be between $10-12 per hour.

Fast Food Outlets

I don’t need to mention any names; you will all know the chains that I am referring to. Those that stay open all night require a range of staff from cleaners to food preparation to counter service.

These are all positions where the training is given in-house. Average pay depending on the outlet and the duties, will be between $10-$13 per hour.

Customer Service Representative

You might be surprised to find this job listed here. In today’s world, consumers need, and in some cases, demand, access to help. That is 24 hours a day, seven days a week help.

The customer service representative is that person on the other end of a phone line to talk you through problems. Or just to answer a range of questions about products or services.

They are found in a range of industries with the following just a brief selection…

Usually, they don’t require a formal high-level qualification. A school leaving diploma will usually suffice if they think you are right for the job. The important requirement will be your personality and being able to remain calm under pressure.

Training is provided internally to teach you about the particular company’s products and services. Salaries can be quite rewarding depending on which service industry you work in and the number of hours. It can average anywhere between $20-35,000 per annum.

Security Guard

Finally, a job that is usually associated with night work. The life of a security guard can be a lonely one unless you are part of a team of people. No formal qualifications will be required except possibly a High School leavers certificate. Training is usually provided in-house.

One requirement of these positions is that you are physically fit. Employers tend to prefer older, more mature candidates rather than college students. The salary will usually be about $13-16 per hour.

Let’s now take a look at some positions where you will need a formal qualification…

Qualifications Required

Night Emergency Room Doctor

There won’t be many who will see this as an option for a short-term assignment. Nevertheless, there will be some who want to establish a career where night time working is the favored choice. If so, then working at night in the emergency room is a great option.

It goes without saying that the qualification requirements are high. They will take several years to achieve. The rewards in both job satisfaction and a high salary are worth the effort and the wait. Salaries will be commensurate with experience but will commence around $170k pa.

Physicians Assistant

The role of the physician’s assistant is to support the doctor. This can either be on the wards or in the emergency rooms. Their role is to do a lot of the preparatory work for the doctor to speed up the possibility of treatment.

This might include assessing symptoms, carrying out BP or oxygen tests, or carrying out minor procedures. They might also consult with the Physician to adjust medications.

The qualifications will require a degree as well as participation in post-graduate educational programs.

Salary can be around $110,000 up depending on experience and location.

Sonographer

Another role in the hospital, the Sonographer, is a medical imaging specialist. They will operate imaging equipment under the doctor’s instructions to determine the exact extent of any illnesses or injuries.

The qualifications required for this important role demand a degree. Plus, some extra work in anatomy and applied sciences. They will need experience in the use of imaging techniques.

Salary will be around $65-75,000 pa.

Other Options

Aside from these job opportunities, you might also consider occupations that are more shift work than straight night work. These might include…

Looking for more Best Job Options?

Then check out our informative articles on the Best Jobs for High School Dropouts, the Best Jobs for Economics Majors, the Best Jobs for Introverts, the Best 6 Figure Jobs, the Best Part Time Jobs for Felons, and the Best Paying Jobs In Energy that you can find in 2023.

Or how about the Best Jobs for College Students, the Best Medical Jobs for Felons, the Best Paying Jobs in Finance, the Best Jobs for Felons, and even the Best Remote Jobs that Pay Well.

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Final Thoughts

There was a time when night workers had a certain stigma about them. But not anymore. They provide a valuable function to so many industries and are vital to many of them.

So whilst you may be undertaking some night work to suit your own convenience, remember how important it can be.

All the very best with finding the perfect night shift job!