What is shift work? Benefits, industries, and tips for success

Not all jobs fit the classic 9-to-5 mould. Shift work refers to work schedules that fall outside standard business hours – early mornings, late nights, weekends, or even overnight. These roles are vital in keeping essential services running smoothly, day and night.

From supporting patients in hospitals to stocking shelves after hours, shift workers are at the heart of many industries. And while shift work might mean working while others rest, it also comes with perks such as higher pay rates, more flexibility, and pathways to a successful career.

This article breaks down exactly what shift work involves, what shift work hours look like, and key industries and roles that require shift workers. We’ll also walk you through the pros and cons, and offer practical tips to tackle the unique demands of shift work.

What is shift work?

Shift work refers to any type of working schedule that falls outside ordinary business hours of 9am to 5pm. 

Most shift work is structured into rotating schedules. Employees work in blocks – typically around 8 hours per shift – with different teams covering different parts of the day and night. This ensures that businesses and services can meet customer demand across different time zones or extended trading hours.

Many industries use shift work for two key reasons. One is to provide essential services around the clock, such as healthcare, emergency response, and security. Another reason is to maximise productivity, as industries like manufacturing and logistics often operate 24/7 to meet demand. 

What are shift work hours?

In Australia, a standard shift usually ranges from 4 to 12 hours, based on the industry and specific role. 

In many industries, the minimum number of hours for a shift is 3, depending on your contract and the industry award set out by the government. This means that if you’re rostered for only 2 hours, you’re still entitled to be paid for at least 3 hours of work.

Shift work can take many forms, and you may be employed as a full-time, part-time, or casual worker. Your employment contract will detail your shift schedule, pay entitlements, and the type of employment that applies to you.

Here are some of the most common types of shift work:

• Morning shift: Morning shift workers start early in the day, typically between 5am and 8am, and finish by early afternoon. This is common in fields like baking and transport.

• Day shift: The day shift covers traditional business hours of 9am to 5pm, but may be scheduled differently to cover lunch or afternoon peak periods.

• Night shift: This shift begins late in the evening, runs overnight, and finishes early the next morning. It’s a common arrangement in healthcare, security, and logistics.

• Rotating shift: Employees on a rotating shift work different hours over a week or a month. For example, you could be scheduled to work mornings one week and nights the next.

• Split shift: A split shift divides your work into two separate blocks during the day, often with a long break in between. This is frequent in hospitality or public transport.

• On-call shift: On-call work is often used in medical and emergency roles. You’re not scheduled to physically come in to work, but must be available to work at short notice if needed.

Who can be a shift worker: Industries and roles

Shift work is essential to keep the wheels turning in a wide range of industries. Here’s a look at the major industries that rely heavily on shift work, along with specific roles that typically involve shifts:

Healthcare

Healthcare calls for 24/7 patient support, especially if you’re working in a hospital or emergency services. Surgeons, doctors, and nurses need to care for patients around the clock and be available at any hour if a crisis crops up. 

Here are two examples of healthcare roles that usually feature shift work:

1. Doctor

Doctors diagnose and treat illnesses, injuries, and other health conditions. They’re responsible for ordering and performing diagnostic tests such as X-rays, along with prescribing the right treatment. 

Doctors working in a hospital often work rotating shifts and are scheduled to be on-call, meaning they need to respond to emergencies at any time.

Average salary of a doctor in Australia: $100K annually
⁠Discover role requirements and job opportunities for doctors here. 

2. Registered nurse

A Registered Nurse, or RN, provides patient care in hospitals, aged care homes, clinics, and more.

RNs work with doctors and other healthcare professionals to give medication to patients, operate medical equipment, and care for patients before and after operations. Much of their work requires them to be available round-the-clock, from monitoring patients closely to assisting in surgeries. 

Average salary of a Registered Nurse in Australia: $88K annually
⁠Discover role requirements and job opportunities for Registered Nurses here. 

Transportation

From truck drivers to airline staff, transportation workers keep goods and people moving at all hours of the day. Because travel doesn’t stop at 5pm, shift work is common in this field.

Here are some roles in the transportation industry that typically call for shift work:

1. Bus driver

Bus drivers transport passengers along a set route, picking up and dropping off at scheduled stops. Some also do long-haul journeys, crossing city or state lines.

This means that bus drivers may have weekend shifts, early morning shifts, and even overnight runs to meet public transport needs.

Average salary of a bus driver in Australia: $85K annually
⁠Discover role requirements and job opportunities for bus drivers here. 

2. Air traffic controller

Air traffic controllers manage the flow of aircraft in and out of airports, ensuring that planes travel safely. They brief pilots on the pre-flight information they need to know, coordinate take-offs and landings, and keep aircraft traffic moving.

Since flights happen every hour and every day of the year, air traffic controllers work on shifts round the clock.

Average salary of an air traffic controller in Australia: $60K annually
⁠Discover role requirements and job opportunities for air traffic controllers here. 

Retail

Retail stores often open early and close late – and some even run 24/7. Retailers also need staff to restock inventory, clean, or prepare displays outside regular opening hours.

1. Retail store manager

Retail store managers oversee the smooth running of a store, supervising employees and making sure that customers receive excellent service. They’re also responsible for tracking and restocking merchandise, training new employees, and hitting sales goals.

A retail store usually has multiple managers, who will work in shifts to ensure coverage at all times. 

Average salary of a retail store manager in Australia: $73K annually
⁠Discover role requirements and job opportunities for retail store managers here. 

2. Bakery assistant

Bakery assistants support bakers and pastry chefs by performing preparation work. This may include cleaning the kitchen, washing and measuring ingredients, and cleaning the utensils and crockery.

Most bakery assistants are required to start early, often before sunrise, to get fresh bakes ready for the morning crowd.

Average salary of a bakery assistant in Australia: $65K annually
⁠Discover role requirements and job opportunities for bakery assistants here. 

Hospitality

Hotels, resorts, and other accommodation providers must operate 24/7, which means shift work is standard for many roles. Duties like housekeeping and reception services usually happen on a roster.

Some roles in the hospitality industry that involve shift work are:

1. Concierge

In a hotel, the concierge is the face of guest services – helping guests check-in and get familiar with the facilities. Concierges can also help make arrangements for travellers to explore the local area, such as recommending dinner reservations, arranging car hire, and advising guests on local attractions.

Most hotels have a concierge stationed at the front desk 24/7. Concierges often work on rosters, with day and night shifts to make sure guests are supported at any time.

Average salary of a concierge in Australia: $70K annually
⁠Discover role requirements and job opportunities for concierges here. 

2. Cabin crew

Cabin crew attend to passenger needs throughout a flight. They conduct pre-flight safety checks, help passengers with boarding, serve food during the flight, and handle any in-flight emergencies. 

Because flights depart at all hours, shift work hours vary depending on flight schedules.

Average salary of a cabin crew in Australia: $63K annually
⁠Discover role requirements and job opportunities for cabin crew here. 

Security and law enforcement

Crime doesn’t work on a 9-to-5 schedule, so security and law enforcement professionals work in shifts to maintain safety. Two examples of such positions you can explore might be:

1. Police officer

Police officers are the first line of defence in maintaining public order and safety. They investigate and prosecute criminal offences, enforce traffic law, and are first responders to emergency calls.

They may need to respond to incidents at any time, which is why they often work in rotating shifts or overnight.

Average salary of a police officer in Australia: $75K annually
⁠Discover role requirements and job opportunities for police officers here. 

2. Security guard

Security guards provide protection for people, property, and assets. They monitor visitors and patrol private or public premises to deter criminal activity. 

They often work overnight shifts, particularly in high-risk or high-traffic environments like malls, hotels, and banks. They may also need to provide crowd control at events.

Average salary of a security guard in Australia: $75K annually
⁠Discover role requirements and job opportunities for security guards here. 

Manufacturing

Manufacturing plants often operate round the clock to meet production demand. Staff involved in production typically work shifts, including on weekends and public holidays.

Here are two roles in manufacturing that you can consider:

1. Production worker

Production workers operate machines on a production line, helping to produce goods or parts. 

They’re responsible for preparing equipment, checking final products for defects, and hitting production KPIs. Their schedules often include weekends, public holidays, and night shifts. 

Average salary of a production worker in Australia: $65K annually
⁠Discover role requirements and job opportunities for production workers here. 

2. Assembly technician

Assembly technicians also work on a production line, but their main responsibility is to assemble individual parts into a complete product. This work is common in industries like automotive and electronics, where precision is key to put together complex components.

Average salary of an assembly technician in Australia: $78K annually
⁠Discover role requirements and job opportunities for assembly technicians here. 

The pros and cons of shift work

Like any job, shift work comes with its advantages and challenges. Here's what to weigh up before taking on a shift-based role:

Tips to thrive in shift work hours

Shift work can be tough to adjust to – the irregular hours can make it difficult to get enough rest and set a routine for yourself. Here are some strategies to stay energised and healthy in a career with shift work. 

• Create a calming sleep routine: If you struggle with sleeping after your shifts, a calming bedtime routine can cue your body that it’s time to wind down. Practise mindful habits such as journaling for 10 minutes and limit screen time.

• Keep the caffeine in check: It’s tempting to down a few cups of coffee to stay awake during your shift, but too much can affect your sleep. Limit yourself to one cup per shift, ideally early on. 

• Stick to a consistent schedule: Even on days off, go to bed and wake up around the same time. This helps your body adjust and improves sleep quality.

• Stay active: Light exercise like walking and stretching can boost your energy, especially if your job involves long hours of sitting or standing.

Building a successful career outside the 9-to-5

While shift work may not follow traditional working hours, there’s no doubt that it can lead to a successful and flexible career. Whether you're starting out or looking to explore new industries, shift work offers diverse opportunities across Australia.

By understanding the demands of your schedule and developing good habits, you can make shift work work for you. Ready to try something different from the 9-to-5? This could be your next big move.

FAQs

What is a shift worker?

A shift worker is someone whose job requires them to work outside traditional 9am–5pm hours. This may include evenings, nights, early mornings, weekends, or holidays.

What are the different types of shift work?

Common types of shift work include morning, day, night, rotating, split, and on-call shifts. These can vary by industry and employer.

Are shift workers entitled to special benefits or allowances?

Yes. Shift workers in Australia may receive penalty rates, allowances, or entitlements depending on the time and day they work. Check your industry award or contract to understand your benefits better.

How can I stay healthy while working shifts? 

Prioritise sleep, eat balanced meals, avoid too much caffeine, and maintain regular routines. Caring for your physical and mental health is key to long-term success in shift work.

Is shift work suitable for everyone?

Not always. Shift work can affect your body clock and social life. But with good self-care habits and the right mindset, many people find that shift work suits their lifestyle and career goals.