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15 High-Paying Jobs for People Who Want To Work the Night Shift

Moonlight your way to success with these 15 high-paying night jobs.

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Updated June 20, 2024
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Night owls typically hate getting up early and heading off to work. So, why not try the night shift?

Not only can you find night jobs you will probably like, but many of these positions also pay well. Sometimes, night-shift work might provide higher pay than a regular 9-to-5 job.

So, if you want to get ahead financially, check out these night-shift options and see if they match your skill set and interests.

Editor's note: All salary figures are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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Construction manager

Gorodenkoff/Adobe Construction workers

Construction managers oversee construction sites, including coordinating, budgeting, and supervising projects. Major building or road projects might include overnight work.

Construction managers earn a median annual salary of $104,900. So, this is a good role if you want to put more money in your wallet.

Truck driver

troyanphoto/Adobe female truck driver talking by radio

Truck drivers transport goods from one location to another during the day or at night. Truck drivers usually need a high school diploma and a commercial driver’s license.

This job can be a good option for a night owl who doesn’t have a college degree. Expect to earn a median annual income of $42,470 when driving a heavy truck or tractor-trailer truck.

Veterinarian

VadimGuzhva/Adobe girl veterinarian in blue dressing gown

Pets can get sick at any time. That means veterinarians are needed to work the night shift. Some vets might even work on call to treat larger animals on farms.

Veterinarians make a median annual income of $119,100.

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Bartender

Bruno Postigo/Adobe bartender pouring cocktail

Bartenders mix and serve drinks to customers. They often work in bars and restaurants during night hours.

Employers may require a high school diploma, and you probably need training so you know how to mix and dispense drinks. Most states also require you to be at least 18 to serve alcohol.

Bartenders only make a median annual wage of $23,680, but you can earn more in tips.

Firefighter

Monkey Business/Adobe Firefighters at truck

Firefighters respond to emergencies and fight fires. They often work shifts that last 24 hours and live, eat, and sleep in a firehouse.

You can become a firefighter with at least a high school diploma and training that allows you to respond to emergencies properly. Expect to earn a median annual wage of $57,120 as a firefighter.

Air traffic controller

Maksim Shmeljov/Adobe workplace of the air traffic controllers in the control tower

Air traffic controllers coordinate the movement of airplanes to make sure they stay safe. Air traffic controller jobs are available for both days and nights.

Workers in this job earn a median annual wage of $130,420.

Nurse

WavebreakMediaMicro/Adobe female nurse writing on clipboard in ward

Nurses care for patients in hospitals, offices, or at a patient’s home. Both day and night shifts are available.

You need an associate degree or bachelor’s degree to become a nurse. While working the night shift, you might specialize in a specific type of care — such as pediatric, emergency, or in-home care.

Nurses make a median annual wage of $73,300.

Gambling manager

Studio Romantic/Adobe happy friends gambling at casino together

Gambling managers take care of operations at casinos, which are popular places during evening hours. As you might expect, the greatest number of opportunities to land this job are in Las Vegas.

Managers at gambling facilities earn a median annual wage of $82,380.

Corrections officer

Anna Kosolapova/Adobe prison guards stand with batons in the background of cells with prisoner

A corrections officer is responsible for guarding people at correctional facilities. You may have to work a night shift while overseeing prisoners or transporting them from one place to another.

Correctional officers earn a median annual wage of $45,180.

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Meteorologist

Lazy_Bear/Adobe meteorologist monitoring weather forecast

Meteorologists study weather and weather patterns and provide forecasts to the public. You should be interested in weather and science if you want this job.

Some meteorologists work evening or overnight hours. Meteorologists make a median annual income of $92,860.

Lab technician

NDABCREATIVITY/Adobe male workers working with chemicals

Lab technicians perform lab tests on samples that help doctors diagnose and treat patients. You might work a night shift in an emergency room or another 24-hour medical facility.

Lab technicians earn a median annual income of $60,780.

Writer

Antonioguillem/Adobe woman using laptop on a couch

Writers are responsible for developing content about a variety of subjects. You may be responsible for interviewing sources, writing about topics you’re familiar with, or researching articles.

Some writers work on a freelance basis, giving them the option to work during night hours if they so choose. The median annual income for writers is $67,120.

Electrician

stokkete/Adobe Female electrician fixing a socket at home

Electricians install and maintain electrical power and other types of systems. They might work on construction projects or do other overnight work. Some electricians repair electrical equipment on night shifts.

Electricians make a median annual salary of $61,590.

Computer support specialist

deagreez/Adobe editing framework web design

Computers can break at any time, so it’s essential to have computer support specialists available at night. These specialists help troubleshoot issues and provide technical support for individual customers and companies.

Computer support specialists earn a median annual wage of $59,240.

Pilot

mrkotov/Adobe woman pilot sitting in cockpit flying aeroplane

Pilots are responsible for flying aircraft to and from different locations. Some pilots work the night shift transporting people or goods during darker hours.

Becoming a pilot can be a great way to boost your bank account. Airline pilots earn a median annual wage of $219,770.

Bottom line

Paolese/Adobe notebook blue light display

There are plenty of jobs that allow you to work the night shift and earn extra money so you can become more financially secure.

The jobs on this list are a sampling of such positions, but more roles are available. So, if you're a night owl, keep your eyes peeled for a great night-shift opportunity.


Author Details

Jenny Cohen

Jenny Cohen is a freelance writer who has covered a bit of everything, from finance to sports to her favorite TV shows. Her work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and FoxSports.com.