Whether you're a night owl, need to work around a day schedule, or just want the shift differential pay — night shift jobs are plentiful in the Central Valley. The 209's massive logistics industry, 24-hour retail, and security needs mean there's always work after dark.
This guide covers the best night shift jobs in Stockton, Modesto, Tracy, and the surrounding area — with real pay rates and what to expect.
Why Work Night Shift?
- Shift differential - Many jobs pay $1-3 more per hour for nights
- Less competition - Easier to get hired, fewer people want these shifts
- Quieter work environment - Often less management oversight, more chill
- Daytime freedom - Handle appointments, school, family during the day
- Consistent schedules - Night shifts are often more predictable
Best Night Shift Jobs in the 209
Security Guard
Security Guard Overview
- Pay: $17-22/hour (unarmed), $20-28/hour (armed)
- Hours: Typically 10pm-6am or 6pm-6am (12-hour shifts common)
- Requirements: California Guard Card ($60, takes about 2 weeks to get)
- Employers: Allied Universal, Securitas, local companies
Security is one of the best night shift options because:
- Tons of overnight posts (warehouses, construction sites, office buildings)
- Often low-stress — you're mainly a visible presence
- Can sometimes study or read during downtime (depends on the site)
- Regular schedules, often same site every night
How to get started: Get your Guard Card through the California BSIS. Takes about 8 hours of training and a background check. Once you have it, security companies will hire you quickly — they're always short-staffed for nights.
Warehouse Stocker / Order Picker
Night Warehouse Overview
- Pay: $18-22/hour (often includes $1-2 night differential)
- Hours: Typically 10pm-6am or 9pm-5am
- Requirements: Ability to lift 50 lbs, pass drug test
- Employers: Amazon, UNFI, Target DC, Walmart DC, FedEx, UPS
Night shift warehouse work is where a lot of the action is in the 209. Benefits:
- Higher pay than day shift at most facilities
- Less management around — more autonomy
- Often easier to get overtime
- Consistent: same tasks, same coworkers
Best employers for night shift: Amazon (multiple shifts available), FedEx Ground (package handlers), UNFI (food distribution).
Retail Stocker / Overnight Merchandiser
Retail Stocker Overview
- Pay: $17-20/hour
- Hours: Typically 10pm-7am
- Requirements: Ability to lift, stand for long periods
- Employers: Target, Walmart, grocery stores, Home Depot
Overnight retail stocking is a classic night shift job:
- No customers to deal with
- Put on headphones, unload trucks, stock shelves
- Physical but straightforward work
- Often can get full-time hours easily
Hotel Night Auditor
Night Auditor Overview
- Pay: $17-20/hour
- Hours: Typically 11pm-7am
- Requirements: Basic computer skills, customer service ability
- Employers: Marriott, Hilton, Best Western, local hotels
Night auditor is one of the most chill night jobs:
- Handle late check-ins, run end-of-day reports
- Lots of downtime between tasks
- Can often do homework or read during slow periods
- Inside, climate-controlled, sitting/standing mix
Tip: Apply directly at hotel front desks. Mention you're specifically interested in the night audit shift — it's hard to fill.
CNA / Caregiver (Night Shift)
Night CNA Overview
- Pay: $18-24/hour (higher at hospitals)
- Hours: 11pm-7am typical, 12-hour shifts at hospitals
- Requirements: CNA certification for hospitals/nursing homes
- Employers: Kaiser, St. Joseph's, Adventist Health, nursing homes
Healthcare never stops, and night shifts are often easier to get:
- Patients are mostly sleeping — less intense than day shift
- Night differential adds $2-4/hour at most facilities
- Get your foot in the door at hospitals
- Good stepping stone to nursing if that's your path
Gas Station / Convenience Store
Overnight Convenience Overview
- Pay: $17-19/hour
- Hours: 10pm-6am
- Requirements: Cash handling, customer service
- Employers: 7-Eleven, ampm, Chevron, Shell, local stations
Overnight convenience store work is easy to get and often slow:
- Fewer customers than day shift
- Stock, clean, handle occasional purchases
- Some locations can be sketchy — ask about safety measures
Night Shift Pay Comparison
| Job | Day Shift Pay | Night Shift Pay | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warehouse Picker | $17-19/hr | $18-21/hr | +$1-2/hr |
| Security Guard | $17-19/hr | $18-22/hr | +$1-3/hr |
| CNA | $18-22/hr | $20-26/hr | +$2-4/hr |
| Retail Stocker | $16-18/hr | $17-20/hr | +$1-2/hr |
Tips for Working Night Shift
Surviving (and Thriving) on Nights
- Blackout curtains are essential - You need to sleep during the day. Invest in good curtains or a sleep mask.
- Keep a consistent schedule - Even on days off, try to stay somewhat nocturnal. Flipping back and forth wrecks you.
- Meal prep - Eating at 3am is weird. Bring food from home.
- Caffeine strategically - Coffee at the start of shift is fine. Stop 4-5 hours before you need to sleep.
- Tell family/roommates - They need to respect your sleep time during the day.
- Stay active on shift - If your job allows movement, take it. Sitting still at 4am is brutal.
How to Find Night Shift Jobs
- Search specifically for "overnight" or "night shift" in job listings
- Apply to warehouses - Almost all have night shifts
- Get your Guard Card - Opens up tons of night security work
- Ask at interviews - "Do you have overnight positions available?"
- Check staffing agencies - ProLogistix, Kelly Services often have night placements
Get Started
Ready to find a night shift job in the 209? Start here:
Questions about night shift work? Email us: hello@209.works
Built 209.works after watching Central Valley businesses overpay for hiring tools that don't work for them. Grew up in the Valley and wanted to create something that actually helps.
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