6 Full Time Night Shift Jobs

In our society today, it is not uncommon to find businesses operating 24 hours a day. Because of this, there is a need to fill staffing at every hour. Some jobs require advanced education and training, while others are available to entry level high school graduates. As with all occupations, night jobs pay according to your qualifications. Here are six full time jobs that you may not have known existed at night.

Air Traffic Controller

​Air traffic controllers who are employed hold a Bachelor’s degree and have passed an exam given by the FAA. They must also pass a medical exam and background check. Their job is to direct the movement of planes and other air traffic and to keep all flyers safe. They work in control towers and route centers on all shifts including night, weekend, and day. Often the shifts are on a rotating schedule. This nighttime job pays well at a median of $122,950 per year.

​Corrections Officer or Bailiff

​Correctional institutions do not close. Therefore, officers are needed to oversee inmates throughout the day and night every day of the week, regardless of holidays. While CO’s work in jails and prisons, bailiffs work in court rooms to maintain safety. Usually, after being selected either from a civil service list, or by other educational or experience qualifications, officers and bailiffs go through a training academy. The average pay was $40,580 in May 2015. Pay usually increases through promotions to higher levels. 

​Dispatcher

​Dispatchers work for police, fire and ambulance departments answering calls. They assist the public and dispatch help wherever needed. Some states ask for certification; others just require a high school diploma. Dispatch jobs are staffed around the clock and include weekends, evenings and holidays. Overtime is common. Salary per year averages around $38,000.

Janitor

​Building cleaners work indoors and outdoors to maintain premises.  A formal education is not needed and most janitors learn on the job. Their duties include cleaning floors, surfaces, and windows. They remove trash, sweep sidewalks, mow lawns, and remove snow. Their hours or work are usually before and after employees arrive to the building. A cleaner can make about $23,440 per year.

Processer

​Processing workers oversee machinery that mixes, batches, manufactures and cooks food and tobacco. Production operates on all shifts including dawn, evening, and overnight. To apply to a food or tobacco processer job, you need a high school diploma. Training is on-the-job. Pay is approximately $26,000 per year.

​Treatment Plant Operators

​Local government cleans and treats water and waste at treatment plants. System operators manage the machines via control boards. They usually just need a high school diploma and a license. In large plants, operators work on all shifts. The pay is fairly good at $44,790 per year.

Find a Job

These occupations are just a few positions that exist in the night hours. The availability of jobs depends on where you live. If you are seeking a night shift job, look around your vicinity. Do you have manufacturing plants, airports, jails, business parks, or entertainment centers? Think about which places operate all night long. Take a look at the Work at Night job board for 2nd and 3rd shift openings in your town to apply online.