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In this guide, we’ll explore how tuition reimbursement works and spotlight the companies offering the best deals.

What Is Tuition Reimbursement?

Employers use tuition reimbursement programs to help employees pay for their college education. These programs benefit both employers and employees:

• Employees get financial assistance to cover college expenses and reduce debt;
• Employers get skilled workers and satisfied employees.
• Employers can claim a tax credit for tuition assistance of up to $5,250 per employee per year.

Did you know: 47% of US companies help employees to earn undergraduate and graduate degrees by offering tuition assistance.^[1]

How a Tuition Reimbursement Program Works

Some employers cover the expenses of degree programs by reimbursing college costs once the employee completes the studies and earns the degree. Others provide upfront assistance and pay the costs directly.

Some employers offer additional funds to cover associated college fees.

Employees earn their degrees and use their education to bring new skills to the job, ensure professional growth, and create new career opportunities.

Note: Most employers have some eligibility requirements. You may have to choose a degree program relevant to your job and maintain a minimum grade average.

What Funds Can Employees Expect to Get From Employers?

The amount that employees can receive from employers isn’t set in stone. There’s no maximum limit. A company’s offer for tuition reimbursements depends on factors such as HR policies, company size, and the industry.

On average, business organizations pay:

• $5,250 per year for undergraduate degrees;
• $10,500 per year for graduate degrees.

Each employer has a limit on how much college costs they will pay, what GPA employees should maintain to qualify for reimbursement, which majors or courses qualify for tuition assistance, etc.

Note: For most companies, $5,250 per employee per year is the limit. This is the tax-deductible limit according to the 2021 IRS requirements.

20+ Companies with Excellent Tuition Reimbursement Programs

Here are some prominent employers that offer tuition reimbursement programs.

1. Allstate

Allstate allows their employees to pursue Allstate-related insurance designations, IT certification, and graduate and undergraduate employee college programs.

The company’s tuition reimbursement requirement is to agree to at least one year of employment with the company after completing the degree. The coverage includes academic fees, books, and tuition.

Allstate offers 100% education reimbursement up to $5,250 annually.

2. Amazon

Amazon now offers full 100% tuition coverage to its hourly workers. The program includes all related college fees, books, and the cost of studies for hourly employees who have worked at the company for 90 days. Since Amazon has no reimbursement requirement, workers can receive the funds upfront.

Amazon offered a similar deal in the past that paid for 95% of the employee’s college education through a career choice program. All workers looking for associate degrees and certificates can sign up for full tuition coverage with no lifetime limit.

3. Apple

Apple employees can get various employer benefits, including $5,250 for an annual budget to cover tuition and education expenses.

The employer also allows employees to hone their business, software, and financial skills by attending Apple University. Employees must work full-time at Apple to qualify for the benefits.

4. Best Buy

Best Buy offers tuition reimbursement programs for graduate and undergraduate degrees. Eligible employees can receive $3,500–$5,250 annually in coverage for tuition, school fees, books, and other education expenses.

Employees must work at Best Buy full-time (at least 32 hours per week) and receive a full-time employment status in the HRIS system listing to qualify for tuition reimbursement programs.

5. Capital One

Capital One offers tuition reimbursement for up to $5,250 annually for eligible employees through its partnership with Bright Horizons EdAssist Solutions. CO employees have access to more than 200 selected tuition programs and schools.

You must be a part-time or full-time employee at the company with at least 20 standard hours a week to qualify for the assistance program.

6. Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A has partnered with Scholarship America to create an educational assistance program that offers its staff scholarships and tuition discounts across more than 100 universities and colleges. The Leadership Scholarship awards $1,000 or $2,500.

The condition to join the programs is to have worked for the company for 12 months prior to application, been recommended by an Operator or Manager, and have a minimum grade point average of 2.5. The true Inspiration Scholarship awards up to $25,000, with the same requirements as the previous scholarship. You’ll need to maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0 and demonstrate financial need.

7. Chipotle

Chipotle employees can receive up to $5,250 in annual tuition assistance through the company’s partnership with Guild Education.

Employees can also qualify for 100% tuition coverage for select college prep courses, high school diplomas, and undergraduate/graduate degrees.

Assistance and coverage are available for part-time and full-time Chipotle employees. Applicants must work at least 15 hours per week for four months.

8. Deloitte

Deloitte offers full tuition coverage to graduate degree employees. The company has launched its Graduate School Assistance Program to reimburse employees for the expenses of getting graduate degrees.

Employees must have two years of employment with the company to qualify. They must also work for Deloitte for two years after earning the degree to claim the reimbursement.

9. Discover

Discover has initiated the College Commitment program in partnership with Guild Education. Their employees have access to three tuition assistance options:

• Up to $5,250 a year in tuition reimbursement for bachelor’s degree programs at in-network schools;
• Up to $10,000 a year in tuition assistance for graduate degree programs.

The tuition reimbursement requirements include employment at Discover, maintaining a minimum grade point average of 2.0, and US residency.

10. Disney

Disney employees have access to schools within the company’s Aspire network. The company offers 100% tuition reimbursement for qualifying programs in the network.

Eligibility requirements include US residency and full-time or part-time employment of at least 90 days.

11. FedEx Ground

Package handlers at FedEx Ground have access to tuition reimbursement for technical or vocational certificates and trade and college degrees. The company offers up to $ 5,250 annually to cover the expenses.

Full-time package handlers are eligible for the tuition program after 60 days of employment. Seasonal workers can’t qualify unless their employment continues.

12. Fidelity

Fidelity’s employees can get up to $10,000 in annual tuition assistance for undergraduate/graduate degree programs. The company covers 90% of qualified tuition expenses.

To qualify for the program, employees must have at least six months of service with 30 or more hours per week.

13. Ford

Ford offers employees up to $8,000 a year, up to $600 of which can be used for book reimbursements, through its Education Tuition Assistance Plan to cover fees for eligible doctoral, master’s, bachelor’s, associate, and GED educational programs at approved institutions.

However, the programs must be related to the applicant’s position at the company. To get prepaid tuition, you must maintain active employment at Ford on the class start date and at least 90 days prior.

14. Geico

Geico offers tuition assistance at more than 220 educational institutions and providers to help associates with their individual courses, designations, certifications, associate degrees, master’s degrees, and bachelor’s degrees.

Full-time employees are eligible for annual payment plans of up to $5,250 per year on the first day of employment.

15. Herschend Enterprises

Herschend Enterprises provides their employees with 100% free tuition through the GROW U initiative. The company pays for eligible employees’ books, college fees, and tuition.

All full-time, part-time, and seasonal employees have access to the fully-funded certificate, degree, and diploma programs.

Employees can also receive up to $5,250 per year in funding for additional educational programs.

16. Home Depot

Home Depot offers technical, doctoral, master’s, and bachelor’s degree programs to its employees. Part-time, full-time, and salaried employees are eligible to receive up to 50% of tuition costs, including registration, books, and educational fees.

Top Companies That Offer Tuition Reimbursement Programs for Their Employees

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17. Kroger

Kroger offers tuition reimbursement to its part-time and full-time employees. The company’s program allows eligible applicants to receive $3,500 annually or $21,000 in total to cover education costs.

18. Lowe’s

Thanks to its partnership with Guild Education, Lowe’s offers 100% debt-free tuition assistance programs to help employees earn undergraduate degrees and certificates. 

Employees can access more than 165 academic programs and receive up to $2,500 in annual payments. Any full-time or part-time employee is eligible for the program.

19. McDonald’s

McDonald’s offers two tuition assistance programs for full-time and part-time staff. Full-time staff and restaurant managers are eligible for $3,000 a year in tuition assistance per year if they meet the following requirements:

• Participation in the Archways to Opportunity program;
• 30 hours of work per week;
• Good standing.

Part-time employees and restaurant crew are eligible for $2,500 in tuition reimbursement per year if their operators participate in the Archways to Opportunity program and work 15 hours per week for at least 90 days upon completion of their college education.

20. Microsoft

Microsoft employees participating in business-related coursework are eligible for up to $10,000 per year in tuition assistance. The company provides education with regionally accredited educational institutions.

21. Papa John’s

Eligible employees working at Papa John’s can get 100% free tuition for graduate and undergraduate online degree programs. The company has launched the Dough and Degrees initiative, which helps corporate managers tap into career-related educational programs.

Conclusion

If you are an employee at one of these companies, consider taking advantage of the benefits of tuition reimbursement programs. If you work for a different company, ask about education benefits. These are not the only employers that offer them!

If you’re looking for a job and you’re not happy with your credentials, consider applying to companies that offer tuition reimbursement. You can earn money and lay down the basis for professional advancement at the same time!

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Let’s be clear about one thing: you won’t walk into one of these jobs and earn a $100k starting salary. If you stick with the job and gain experience and expertise, though, a six-figure annual salary is entirely possible.

1. Theatrical & Performance Makeup Artist

Median Salary: $134,750 per year

Theater performances, TV shows, and movies wouldn’t be the same without makeup artists who use cosmetics and prosthetics to bring various characters to life. They ensure the physical appearance of actors and live show performers reflects their roles’ settings, personalities, stories, and eras.

These makeup artists prove that associate degree jobs can pay more than $100K annually. Besides this degree, you can also complete a cosmetology training program or get a bachelor’s degree in theater, depending on where you want to work.

2. Bingo Manager

Median Salary: $68,988 per year

A bingo manager working at a retirement home will rarely earn over $100K a year, but one working at a renowned casino can easily surpass this amount. The top 10% of the best-paid bingo managers see themselves $148,441 richer every year.

Bingo managers are responsible for overseeing daily processes, pre-approving payouts, and ensuring that their departments are compliant with the relevant laws and regulations in their area.

A high school diploma and a few years of experience in a similar field are usually enough to land this type of job.

3. Professional Gamer

Median Salary: $64,168 per year

Though the average salary is around $64,168 annually, many professional gamers can easily earn as much as $187,200 a year.

Most earn their salaries by increasing their skills and competing in well-paid international tournaments. Some receive compensation from ads and sponsors, while others are employed directly on gaming platforms, working as game testers.

Alternatively, professional gamers can also become influencers on platforms such as YouTube or Twitch, playing games to entertain audiences and increase their viewership.

While becoming a professional gamer can be a lucrative job, it takes a lot of skill, hard work, and luck to break through and start earning over $100K a year.

4. Food Scientist

Median Salary: $78,340 per year

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, food scientists can earn as much as $130,540 annually. Therefore, any food lover could find this to be the perfect career path for them.

Food scientists use various skills and knowledge to do their jobs. They need to be familiar with microbiology and chemistry to perform tasks such as analyzing food content, ensuring the safety of different kinds of food, introducing new flavors, improving the quality of processed foods, and more. Many are even responsible for creating better ways to process, package, and preserve food.

5. Custom Jewelry Designer

Median Salary:  $487,331 per year

Though the precise salary will heavily depend on the place of employment, custom jewelry designers can earn well over $ $487,331 annually.

It’s one of the best slow-paced jobs that require the utmost attention to detail, a steady hand, and artistic skill.

Custom jewelry designers need to know how to work with different types of metals and precious stones, properly shape them and combine them into eye-catching rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, nose rings, and more.

As a general rule of thumb, most custom jewelry designers need to spend several years gaining experience in jewelry stores before they can earn a six-figure salary.

6. Body Part Model

Median Salary: $75,000 per year

How much body part models earn depends on their employer, with some earning just around $25,000 and others well over $124,730.

Body part models can specialize – becoming only hand or foot models, for instance – or they can be general-purpose models. Most will work in commercials, such as hand or foot cream commercials, nail art ads, and pedicure ads.

However, the most lucrative option is usually working in the entertainment industry as a body part double for celebrities who don’t want to or can’t expose their own body parts.

7. Clinical Ethicists

Median Salary: $105,636 per year

Clinical ethicists evaluate ethics in healthcare organizations and consult with their staff, patients, and families on ethical concerns. They help identify issues and find solutions for better policies and care.

A bachelor’s degree in medicine, public health, or philosophy is necessary for this occupation. You’ll need clinical experience and can get a Healthcare Ethics Consultant (HEC) Certification.

8. Voice Architect

Median Salary: $118,235 per year

Voice architects have a highly technological job, designing voice network infrastructures for enterprises, such as on-premise and cloud phone systems. They create and improve VoIP (Voice over IP) solutions to help companies streamline communications through internet connections.

This profession typically requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field, but equivalent work experience might also get you the job.

9. Ethical Hacker

Median Salary: $105,031 per year

Ethical hackers are the good guys fighting cybercrime. Governments and companies hire them to hack into their systems and find potential security vulnerabilities cybercriminals could exploit.

You’ll need advanced computer skills to be an ethical hacker, which typically requires a bachelor’s degree in information technology or a specific cybersecurity field. However, a completed course or relevant previous experience could be enough.

10. Coroner

Median Salary: $55,247 per year

Coroners in the US earn $55,247 annually, on average, but the best-paid ones can earn well over $126K.

Depending on where they’re employed, coroners can have an array of different responsibilities, including determining the cause of death, performing autopsies, collecting and analyzing crime scene evidence, identifying the deceased, and more.

It’s a taxing job and certainly not for everyone, but can be well worth it for those who have the stomach for it.

11. Ballet Master

Median Salary: $101,140 per year

Ballet masters (or mistresses) hold dance classes at a professional ballet studio and teach dancers the elegant art of classical ballet. They’re former principal dancers and soloists who have performed professionally for several years before receiving the “master” title.

You don’t need a formal education to be a ballet master, only extensive professional experience. Some companies may require a graduate or bachelor’s degree in dance to teach ballet but will still value years of performance experience.

12. Senior Energy Consultant

Median Salary: $108,002 per year

Energy consultants are some of the most valued professionals in times of climate change. They propose cost-effective solutions for better energy efficiency and minimal environmental impact, including renewable energy systems. They help industrial, commercial, and residential consumers live and work more sustainably.

While you only need a high school diploma or GED to be an energy consultant, a certification is a plus. A senior professional with a bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, or renewable energy management can secure a higher salary.

13. Actuary

Median Salary: $105,900 per year

Actuaries help insurance companies and financial institutions assess and minimize financial risk. They use statistical and mathematical models to analyze data, like mortality, morbidity, and disability rates, to help create insurance policies, retirement plans, and pension plans.

You’ll need a background in mathematics, statistics, actuarial science, or a related field. However, as you’ll get on-the-job training, no additional experience is required.

14. Nuclear Power Reactor Operator

Median Salary: $104,260 per year

Being a nuclear power reactor operator may sound intimidating, but this high-paying job can be a breeze. Your daily activities include monitoring reactors to ensure they run smoothly and adjusting control rods if necessary. Regular maintenance and potential repairs are also critical for maximum safety.

Extensive on-the-job training will prepare you for this technical job, for which you can apply with a high school diploma or an equivalent. You’ll also need to pass an annual US Nuclear Regulatory Commission license exam.

15. Commercial Diver

Median Salary: $60,360 per year

Commercial divers can earn as much as $115,000 per year or more, depending on the specific tasks they are performing.

Commercial divers work underwater, most commonly installing underwater equipment, making repairs to the existing equipment, inspecting the environment, removing debris, and more.

Often, they need to use tools such as drills, underwater welding equipment, torches, and more, so they go through months of rigorous training. However, no formal education is required, only relevant certifications and experience.

16. Radiation Therapist

Median Salary: $82,790 per year

The best-paid radiation therapists can earn as much as $107,830 annually, though it usually takes a few years to climb over the $100K threshold.

Most commonly working in the field of oncology, radiation therapists use sensitive machines to deliver radiation therapy to patients with tumors or different types of cancers.

Radiation therapists have numerous important duties and responsibilities, including maintaining the machines they’re using, monitoring patients and their reactions to treatments, tracking treatment processes, and more.

17. Certified Nurse Midwife

Median Salary: $112,830 per year

Nurse midwives are some of the best-paid professionals in healthcare, easily earning up to $166,170 annually.

Certified nurse midwives don’t solely offer care during childbirth. They provide prenatal and postnatal care, assisting men and women with family planning, postpartum healthcare, routine screening, and more. They assist with conception, offer to counsel, perform diagnostic tests, and offer comprehensive reproductive healthcare.

It takes a few years of studying and obtaining relevant experience to become a certified nurse midwife, but it’s a well-paying position that’s well worth it.

18. Truck Driver

Median Salary: $71,254 per year

On average, truck drivers in the US earn around $71,254 per year. However, many companies will pay experienced drivers as much as $146,138 or more annually.

While it doesn’t require much skill, keep in mind that it is a tough job. Truck drivers are known to spend as much as 12 hours daily on the road. They have strict deadlines and spend a lot of time away from home. However, they are usually well compensated for it.

There are no formal education requirements for this position, though anyone who wishes to become a truck driver needs to obtain a commercial driver’s license.

19. Oil Rig Operator

Median Salary: $108,068 per year

Hardly anyone dreams of being an oil rig operator, spending months on an offshore platform in harsh working conditions to extract oil using heavy drilling machinery.

Many change their perspective after receiving the first paycheck. Still, the job is physically and mentally demanding, requiring long, sometimes even 12-hour shifts. The protective gear makes it even more uncomfortable.

Operating an oil rig requires only a high school diploma or GED, but it’s not always a requirement. Completing BOSIET (Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training) is necessary, and you’ll get on-the-job training. Welding, mechanics, and heavy equipment operation classes available in many trade schools are a plus.

20. Air Traffic Controller

Median Salary: $129,750 per year

Air traffic controllers monitor, authorize, and direct aircraft to ensure flight safety and minimize delays. They leverage radar sensors and communicate with pilots to streamline landings and takeoffs and assist in harsh weather conditions.

You’ll need an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in aviation to become an air traffic controller. You can earn it at an FAA-approved Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) school. Once you get the necessary degree, you must pass the Air Traffic Selection and Training (AT-SAT) exam at FAA Academy.

Conclusion

You don’t have to go the traditional route and join a business or tech career to earn over $100K a year. There are plenty of unique, even weird, career opportunities that could prove to be both better paying and more fulfilling. You just have to think outside the box to find a weird job that suits you.

However, keep in mind that regardless of the job you choose to pursue, you shouldn’t expect a six-figure salary right from the start – few careers will offer that much to beginners. Still, if you invest in your education, build up your skills, and gain enough experience, the jobs mentioned on this list can quickly turn out to be highly lucrative. 

Are you excited about these six-figure jobs? Check out the top 120+ places to find jobs online and streamline the search for your dream position!

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Housing is the single largest expense most American households face. That gives jobs that provide free housing a huge advantage. Without housing costs, saving money or paying off debt can get much easier!

Let’s take a look at the options available on the market that are divided into three categories: seasonal, year-round, and travel-oriented.

In this post:

• Seasonal Jobs that Provide Free Housing
• Year-Round Jobs that Provide Housing
• Travel & Housing Jobs
• Where to Find Jobs With Housing?

Seasonal Jobs that Provide Free Housing

Seasonal jobs that provide housing are great for high school and college students or anyone looking to work for a short time. These opportunities are often in areas of scenic beauty, such as resort towns, allowing you to experience a vacation environment without housing costs.

All of these seasonal jobs can be combined to provide an interesting year-round career. The summer seasonal jobs are an excellent opportunity for school teachers, as well as university students.

1. Ski Resort Employee

In winter, the most common seasonal jobs available are at ski resorts or in the mountains. These jobs include ski or snowboard instructor, resort manager, or temporary, seasonal staff. Many of these positions will include housing, lift passes, and other perks.

Ski resort jobs are most common in the Rocky and Cascade Mountains and New England ski areas.

2. Agricultural Worker

From harvesting apples, apricots, and plums in western Washington, to harvesting grapes in northern California or corn in Iowa, there is an abundance of seasonal agricultural worker jobs that include housing. These jobs are usually available in the summer, although there are late and early-season crop harvests as well. 

Consider looking in areas known for agricultural production, such as California, Idaho, or Washington State.

3. Seasonal Hotel or Resort Staff

One of the most popular seasonal jobs that provide free housing is a seasonal resort or hotel staff. This includes restaurant workers, cleaning staff, front desk staff, bellhops, concierges, exercise instructors, and expedition leaders.

Seasonal resort jobs are available both in summer resort destinations like Alaska, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and Upstate New York and in winter mountain destinations.

4. Hang Gliding Instructor

If you are a certified hang gliding instructor or want to become certified, there are opportunities across the country to provide in-residence training. These jobs usually provide seasonal or year-round employee housing and opportunities to improve your skills and resume.

Consider destinations like Outer Banks, North Carolina or the high plateaus of Utah.   

5. Ranch Hand

If you’ve got experience wrangling cattle, taking care of horses — or are ready to learn — being a ranch hand everywhere from Texas to Montana is an option. Ranch jobs are popular for the community created amongst employees, opportunities to improve skills and connect with people from around the country. 

The Western US offers the most opportunities.

6. Camp Counselor or Camp Employee

If you love working with children, a camp counselor, camp cook, or camp administrator are good options. There are also specialized camps for adults, families, or people with disabilities. Typical seasonal camp jobs run from late May or early June through Mid-August.

Camp employee jobs are available across the country, with a high concentration of opportunities in New England, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. 

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Year-Round Jobs that Include Housing

If you love the idea of having a job with paid housing but want something more stable, there are also many year-round options. 

The advantage of year-round jobs is that they often come with benefits like health care and dental insurance plans, paid leave, and long-term security. Here are some year-round jobs that include housing:

25+ Jobs that Provide Housing (Seasonal, Year-Round and Travel Jobs)

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7. Live-In Nanny

For those who love to work with children, a live-in nanny is often full-time or more. Long hours are common, but the job brings its own fulfillment. You will be entrusted with children’s care and become part of the family. 

In the best cases, live-in nannies will spend many years with the same family. You will live with the family or in accommodation provided nearby.

Live-in nanny jobs are available everywhere, with high demand in cities and areas of concentrated high net worth families such as California, New York, or Palm Beach, FL.

8. Oil Rig Worker

While accommodations on oil rigs are notoriously basic, the pay is excellent. In addition, oil rig jobs provide housing while you are on the rig. Job opportunities are available for oil rig engineers, divers, managers, and entry-level roustabouts.

Oil rig jobs are found along the gulf coast (Texas, Louisiana, and Alabama), Alaska, and other oil and gas production areas, such as the Dakotas. 

9. Innkeeper

If you’ve dreamed of managing a small hotel or bed and breakfast, this might be the perfect job that provides housing for you. There are opportunities for co-management as well as senior leadership positions. You can also consider opening your own hotel or B&B. 

Opportunities are concentrated in areas with robust tourist economies, such as the East and West Coasts.

10. National Park Ranger or Employee

If you love the idea of conservation and spending time outdoors, consider becoming a national park employee. Opportunities include park ranger, fire ranger, and educational center employee.

You can look at national parks near you, or select parks in an area of the country you’d like to see. 

11. Self-Storage Employee

Self-storage facilities require round-the-clock security. As a result, many companies opt for on-site employee housing. This is also one of the jobs you can get with little to no experience.

While housing is basic, these jobs are available across the country, including in popular cities where housing prices are exceptionally high. 

12. Security Guard

Like self-storage employees, security guard jobs with both companies and communities often include housing. You will live with other security guards and work in shifts. You should have enough free time to consider working other jobs or attend college classes. 

These jobs are available nationwide.

13. Live-in Caregiver

If you have a nursing degree or experience caring for the elderly, a live-in caregiver might be the perfect career. Some live-in caregiver jobs simply require monitoring an elderly patient, ensuring meals and medicine are taken on time. A degree may not be required.

Caregiver jobs are available everywhere. There are high concentrations where there are large elderly populations, such as Arizona and Florida, as well as in high-net-worth communities. 

14. Property Manager

Many condos and apartment buildings require an on-site manager and/or maintenance. You often get to live in one of the apartments for free or reduced rent. The hours required are not always full-time, allowing you to work other jobs as long as you are available for tenants and oversee maintenance.

Property manager jobs are more common in cities and large metropolitan areas. 

15. Dorm or Residence Advisor

This is an especially attractive position to get free housing and meal vouchers while earning a university degree. The job entails assisting dorm residents with problem solving, coordinating activities, enforcing policies, etc.

Dorm or residence advisor positions are available in universities, colleges, and high schools across the country.

16. Butler

For those with experience, training, and stellar recommendations, working as a butler can be a lucrative lifetime career. The hours are not regular, but for some, the pay and housing make up for it.

It’s more likely that these jobs will be available in high-net-worth communities. Start by looking on specialized sites for requirements and openings. 

17. Personal Chef

While a good recommendation is required, becoming a personal chef rarely requires a college degree. A passion for food, flexible cooking style and the ability to accommodate special dietary needs opens greater opportunities. 

Many personal chef opportunities are available in California, Florida, Seattle, and the East Coast.

18. Building Superintendent

Many building superintendent positions for commercial properties also provide housing. Responsibilities include overseeing maintenance, responding to tenants, showing vacant units, and collecting rent.

Building superintendent jobs are available across the US, with greater opportunities in cities and resort areas. 

19. Faculty in Residence

Universities, colleges, and boarding schools often like to offer faculty-in-residence as a resource and support for students. Job requirements include mentoring, counseling, and other after-hours support for students. 

Faculty in residence will still teach a regular course load and earn a standard salary, but the in-residence option provides free housing and other benefits such as meal vouchers.

Available in universities, colleges and boarding schools nationwide. 

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Travel Jobs With Housing Included

If you long to see the world, jobs that provide housing and offer travel opportunities could be a perfect fit. While some jobs require professional training, there are many entry-level jobs that can let you travel the world while saving money. Here are some of the best jobs that include housing and let you travel:

20. Cruise Ship Employee

There are a variety of different career paths as a cruise ship employee. You could be an entertainer, a casino dealer, involved in hospitality, management, or even become a co-captain. Cruise ship employees live on the ship during cruises, and the company will usually put you up in port between voyages.

Opportunities are available on cruises departing from ports in Florida, Alaska, California, and along the Gulf Coast. 

21. Military

Whatever branch of the military you choose, you receive housing, income, training, and opportunities. Some choose to make the military a career, while others spend some time in the military to get ahead financially and earn a college degree. 

22. International Educator

If you have credentials in teaching or education administration, working at an international school can be a lucrative career that provides housing. In addition, these jobs usually offer enticing educator packages that include housing, full medical and dental coverage, moving expenses, and annual flights home for the whole family. 

Middle Eastern countries, such as the United Arab Emirates as well as Southeast Asian countries offer the most opportunities.

23. Teaching English Abroad

For those just starting a career in education or who want to take a gap year before college, teaching English abroad is a job that typically provides housing and financial compensation for full or part-time work. You will need a TEFL certificate, which can be obtained in even a few weeks of full-time study.

The highest-paid opportunities are in the Middle East, China, Singapore, and other Southeast Asian countries.

24. Doctors without Borders

For medical doctors who want to make a difference and see the world, Doctors Without Borders provide housing, and the ability to work in under-served communities around the world. Many medical professionals will also choose to work with Doctors without Borders for a portion of each year while maintaining a career in the US. 

25. Civil Engineer

An international civil engineer is a career path in high demand in much of the world. You can expect excellent compensation packages that often include moving expenses and annual flights home. 

The United Arab Emirates and Singapore are a few of the countries with many openings.

26. Au Pair

If you like taking care of children and would like to experience living or studying in another country, you might want to consider becoming an au-pair. Au pairs are considered a part of the host family and not just an employee. Therefore, you get to live with the host family while taking care of their children, either full-time or part-time, while still receiving compensation for your work.

Outside the US, you’ll find most au pair opportunities in Western Europe and Canada.

27. Peace Corps Volunteer

For those without a medical degree, the Peace Corps is a path to see the world and make a difference. The Peace Corps provides basic housing and compensation. It requires a 27-month commitment, and the pay is minimal. If you feel called to help people and create lasting change, the Peace Corps is a good option. 

Most Peace Corps volunteers serve in Africa, Central and South America.

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These are just a few of the many career paths that provide housing. So whether you are just starting your career or looking for a change, housing costs don’t have to limit where you live and what you get to experience.

Where to Find Jobs With Free Housing?

Most job search platforms like Indeed and Snagajob will have openings for jobs that provide housing year-round.

Some of the great places to find seasonal jobs are:

• CoolWorks – You can search by season, state, and category. They even have a section for national park jobs.
• Season Workers – Lots of seasonal jobs listings in the US and Europe.
• SeasonalJobs.com – Another solid option for finding seasonal work.

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What Are Stock Options?

Your company may give you the “option” to buy shares of their stock. For example, your company may allow you to buy 5,000 shares of stock at $10 per share.

Owning stock options is different than owning shares. Options provide you with the “option” to buy shares of a company at a fixed price. The options themselves have no cash value.

An option = the right to buy shares at a set price.

Strike price (grant or exercise price) = The fixed cost that you’ll pay per share in order to exercise your stock.

You will probably have to work for the company for at least a year before your options become available. At that time, it is “vested”. All that means is that you can use your options to buy stock. Until your options are vested, you just have to wait.

Vesting = the conditions that need to be met for you to earn the right to buy stock.

The key point to remember about stock options is that they are not free. You will have to pay to exercise the option. You “exercise” your options when you purchase stock shares.

Exercising stock options = to purchase shares of a company’s stock at a set price.

If you can’t afford to exercise the option or do not want to put up the cash, the option will eventually expire and you will no longer have the right to buy the shares at that price.

Stock Options vs. Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)

Companies may give you actual stock instead of an option to buy stock. These RSUs are basically a bonus paid with stocks instead of money.

You have to meet some requirements to get your RSUs. Requirements may be based on time with the company or the quality of your work.

Note: The “u” in “RSU” stands for “units.” Each unit represents a number of shares. You might find that in your company, for example, a unit contains 100 shares.

Restricted stock may be transferred to you according to a schedule. Much like stock options, you may receive RSUs in gradual increments as you stay with the company.

What Is Vesting?

Most companies offer you a set number of options, let’s say 20,000, for example, and then those options become “vested” in successive years. So you could use 25% of your options one year, then 25% the next, and so on. The longer you remain at the company, the more options you get. However, this is not an endless amount. The company will limit you to a fixed total number of shares.

Your vested options have an expiration date, and if you let them expire, they are worthless. Options usually are good for ten years.

Stock Options in Public vs. Private Companies

If you’re considering accepting stock options as part of your compensation you have to know whether the company is public or private. This distinction is a key part of evaluating options.

The shares of a public company trade on a public exchange. You can check the value of the shares at any time. Once you own shares you can sell them at any time.

If you work for a privately owned company, it may be very difficult to assess the actual value of the shares you are offered. It will be hard to know whether the shares are worth more or less than the price you’re offered. It may also be difficult to find a buyer for your shares unless the company goes public.

To go public = to become a company in which anyone can invest.

How Stock Options Benefit You

As an employee of a company, taking part in your company’s stock options allows you to own part of the company’s wealth. If the company grows, your stock also increases in value, and you will make a profit. Stock options motivate you to become more productive.

Risks of Using Stock Options

Employers like to call stock options a form of compensation. Using your options to buy stock does not guarantee that you’ll make money. You can also lose money. Of course, you also could make money. It all depends on whether the price of the stock rises or falls.

You will also have to put up cash and tie that cash up until you can liquidate your shares. If your employer is a privately held company there may be no market for your shares and you may wait for some time before you can sell them. That means you lose the benefit of other things you could have done with that money.

So you are taking a chance when you use your stock options. Despite what your company may say, you are not really getting extra compensation unless the shares go up in value.

How to Evaluate Stock Options in a Job Offer

Though employers may consider stock options as part of your pay, be wary of companies that want you to accept a lower salary because they are offering stock options.

Stock options and RSUs are not guaranteed income. They are speculative. You won’t be paying the rent or mortgage with them, and you can’t count on them to put food on the table. There is no guarantee that any stocks you buy will rise in value, including your employer’s stock.

Note that private company stock options can be tough to value. The worth of private company options depends on the value of the company. This requires comparing it to a similar private company. But of course, that value will change over time, so you are still left guessing. There is no solid reason to assign a value to them when negotiating your salary.

And don’t forget the tax costs.

You also should consider how long you intend to stay with the company. The vesting schedule may make it unlikely you will get your stock options before your leave the company.

Finally, you can be fired at will. There is no guarantee you will still be around when stock options become available.

So the way to evaluate stock options in a job offer is to view them as an extra. They are “nice to have,” but you need a guaranteed salary. Don’t mix up salary negotiations by thinking about stock options.

How to Buy Stocks Using Options

You will need a brokerage account. This is just a platform that gives you access to the stock exchanges. The broker executes your buy and sell orders. This method is for those who work for a public company – one that sells shares to the public.

Be aware that many online brokerages don’t charge you a fee for buying and selling stocks. Make sure you understand the terms and conditions.

If you work for a private company that does not sell shares to the public, you will have to buy directly from the company.

Ways to Pay for Shares

You are the one who pays for the shares. The company guarantees you a price, but you still have to use your own money to buy the shares.

If you want to exercise your options and you don’t have the cash, there are third-party companies that will provide you with money for the shares. The catch is that they will want a percentage of your profits. If you think you have a great opportunity, it might be worth giving up some gains. After all, if you let the opportunity go, you won’t make any money.

When to Exercise Stock Options

You have to wait until your options are vested. All that means is that you wait until the date you have permission to exercise them.

The other timing you should be aware of is related to the current market price. When you want to use options, check to make sure the stock price is higher than the price guaranteed by your options.

Wait until the market price goes above your option price. But you can’t wait forever. You must use your options before they expire because you can’t use them after that.

How to Sell Your Shares

Once you have purchased your shares, you may want to sell them. How you do that depends on whether you work for a private or public company.

Sell Public Company Shares

The shares of a public company trade on a public exchange. Anyone with a brokerage account can buy and sell them. If you already own publicly-traded company shares, you can simply sell them to a buyer on the stock exchange using your brokerage account.

Tip: When you hear that a stock is “liquid,” that means it is easy to sell because there are a lot of potential buyers. In practice, it means that your stock is traded on stock exchanges. These exchanges have many buyers and it is rare for a stock to have no interested parties.

Sell Private Company Shares

So, how do stock options work in a private company?

A private company doesn’t sell to the public, but it may still have shares it sells to employees and company managers. Selling your private company shares can be done, but it is a bit trickier than selling public shares.

Here are the steps to take:

1. Ask your company if you can sell your shares.
2. Get the company’s valuation of your shares.
3. Read and understand the agreement regarding selling the shares.

From time to time, your company may initiate a buyback program. This means it is willing to buy stock back from employees. Check to see if your company has such a program.

You can also sell your shares using a private equity brokerage. This has a cost, of course, but it is one way to get some value from your shares. You will need your company’s permission to do this.

What Happens to Your Stock Options if You Get Fired?

If you have unused stock options when you get fired, you can’t use them.

However, some companies may let you use your options to buy stock if you are temporarily laid off. This depends on company policy.

For example, during COVID, businesses had to cut back or even close down for a while. But they anticipated bringing all employees back eventually. In such a case, you might be able to buy stock in the company during the temporary layoff. If you see a short layoff coming, ask about company policy regarding stock options.

If you already used your options to buy shares, they belong to you even if you get fired. The company cannot take away your ownership of shares you already own.

What Happens to Your Stock Options if You Quit?

You lose all options you have not used once you leave the company. You don’t lose the shares you already bought, but you lose the unexercised options. 

Let’s say you have given two weeks’ notice to your employer. Since you are technically still an employee, the company may allow you to exercise your options to buy shares before the two weeks are up.

This is a good question to ask when you are first hired: What is the company policy on stock options when you leave voluntarily? This would only apply to options that are vested. Again “vested options” means the ones that are currently active based on how long you have been with the company.

What Happens to Stock Options in an IPO?

If you work for a private company, it may decide to become public. That means it will sell stock to the public on a stock exchange.

You have to wait until the IPO lockup period is over. Such a period can be 80 to 180 days, during which no one can buy or sell shares.

If you have vested options, you will have to wait to buy shares after the lockup period.

Your unvested options will become vested on the same schedule you already have. You will simply exercise these vested options after the IPO.

What Happens to Stock Options When a Company is Acquired

Let’s look at what happens to options when another company buys the one you work for.

Unvested Options

These may become worthless if the acquiring company won’t honor them. However, the company could pay you for your unvested options. If the acquiring company is generous, it may simply honor your vesting schedule and let you exercise options in the new company.

If it sounds like a gray area, it is. It all depends on the agreement between your current employer and the acquiring company.

Vested Options

The company that is buying the one you work for may pay you for vested options. Let’s be clear. We are talking about options that are currently available to you that you have not exercised. You can buy them, but you haven’t. You may be offered cash for such options.

The other possibility is that the acquiring company will let you use your options to buy its shares.

How are Stock Options Taxed

There are two kinds of stock options, plus RSUs. They are each taxed differently.

Note: The below tax information is based on U.S. tax law, and other countries may treat investment taxes differently. Check your local regulations.

ISO Taxes

You pay ISO taxes when you decide to sell your stock at a later date. You will pay tax on your profits and dividends. No immediate tax will be imposed when you take possession of the stock.

Dividends = regular payouts some companies provide out of their profits.

Here is the tax breakdown for ISOs.

• Profits on stocks you hold for at least one year before you sell qualify for capital gains tax. This is a lower rate than regular income tax. If you don’t sell the stock, you don’t owe anything.

• Dividends and stocks you sell less than a year after you bought them are taxed at your regular income tax rate.

Taxes on Non-qualified Stock Options (NSOs)

You may be offered NSOs. They are called “non-qualified” because they don’t qualify for special tax treatment. Employers withhold tax on NSOs at the time they are given. Then you pay tax later on any gains you make from the stocks you buy.

RSU Taxes

Restricted stock is a bonus awarded as stock instead of cash, but it is taxed as if it were paid in cash. So you will pay regular income tax on RSUs.

How Do You Report the Exercise of Stock Options on a Tax Return?

You don’t have to report the fact that you used your stock options to buy shares. However, when you sell those shares, you list your profit or loss on Schedule D of form 1040.

For RSUs, you report your income as “other” in Box 14 of your W-2 form. You will pay tax on the value of the RSU.

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We’ve combed hundreds of job descriptions on Indeed and similar sites in pursuit of suitable postings.

Note: Although they do pay daily, positions like Front Desk Agent, Receptionist, Housekeeper, and Guest Agent were excluded from this list because they require job certificates and prior experience.

1. Warehouse Employee

($14 – $22 an hour)

Amazon is, without a doubt, the biggest employer of warehouse workers in the US in 2024. As an Amazon Warehouse Associate or Sorter, your main job involves selecting, packing, and shipping orders and receiving and sorting inventory. Amazon has both full-time and seasonal positions.

2. Taxi Driver

($15 – $22 an hour)

If you have a car and enjoy driving it, you can make a living by driving other people for money. Being a taxi driver can be a drastically different experience depending on where you live, but it usually pays off, especially if you’re looking for cash tips, daily payments, and other instant pay types.

Registering your car as an independent taxi service provider involves jumping through more than a few hoops, but existing taxi providers like Uber provide a quick alternative. For same-day payments, you should look for job postings by Gett, Lyft, and Curb, in addition to their main competitor.

Uber’s competitive advantage is that you can cash out your earnings up to 5 times a day.

3. Delivery Driver

($12 – $25 an hour)

Delivery drivers are always in high demand. If you are from a bustling urban area, you can pick an employer based on rate or industry. The median hourly pay varies from state to state, but delivery workers typically earn more than decent tips.

Some of the best-paying delivery driver jobs in 2024 are:

• Postmates
• DoorDash
• Uber Eats
• Instacart
• GrubHub
• Shipt Shopper
• Saucey
• Caviar
• Favor

All these delivery services pay out daily in cash in one of two ways: directly or via instant pay and cash apps, which can involve a small fee for daily withdrawals. They also have great perks and incentives, such as rideshare options, order batches, average tip rates, and the possibility to choose orders.

4. Electric Bike Delivery

($12 – $20 an hour)

If you don’t mind driving long hours but don’t own a car, an e-bike is a great alternative. There are many employers of e-bike delivery drivers nationwide, primarily pizzerias and take-out restaurants. Positions are both part-time and full-time, and they pay well.

Since you’re looking for same-day pay jobs, pay attention to how these employers define pay types. Sometimes, e-bike delivery drivers are paid bi-weekly or weekly but can count on daily cash tips. In many other cases, they receive daily pay after each shift, plus what they earn in cash tips.

5. Bookstore Associate

($16 – $19 an hour)

Even though bookstore associates are typically not paid daily, the Hudson Group currently has several openings for this position in different locations, including Nashville, Denver, and Atlanta. Hudson is North America’s leading travel retailer, so you’d work in an airport bookstore.

A bookstore associate is expected to be able to locate books, suggest titles, handle cash payments, and shelve and organize books. A faculty diploma is not needed, but basic knowledge of classic, modern, and specialized literature is preferable, as well as a love for reading and passion for books.

Hudson offers excellent employee benefits, including a $300 hiring bonus and discounts.

6. Retail Store Associate

($15 – $20 an hour)

Many retailers in the country offer associate jobs with daily pay. Some are franchises of big national employers, while others are small local businesses. Wages are somewhat different, but the requirements are more or less the same: a high school diploma or equivalent.

In addition to that, employees are expected to have good organizational and people skills. The role of a retail associate usually includes sales, so cashier work and payment processing are also part of the job description. In return, employees get health insurance, paid vacation, and paid sick days.

Another positive aspect of this role is that it offers career advancement opportunities.

7. General Store Team Member

($13 – $16 an hour)

Available nationwide, the position of a general store team member is typically open to anyone older than 16. Other than the age limit, many employers have only one job requirement: a positive mindset that allows you to communicate with different types of people and work well in a team.

While the hourly rate is considered low even for low-paying jobs, the benefits are more than acceptable. You will usually get paid leave, health insurance, and employee discounts. Larger employers may offer tuition reimbursement, 401(k) matching, and other benefits. On the downside, you work long shifts with no break, often on physically demanding tasks.

8. Cashier

($9 – $15 an hour)

The hospitality industry has a great need for detail-oriented cashiers. It’s a daily paid job, almost by definition, but the hourly rate is not the best: only $9 at some places. The good news is that you should be able to find a job as a cashier anytime and anywhere, especially in bigger cities.

The best-paid cashier jobs are in popular restaurants and luxury resorts.

Cashiers earn up to $6 per hour in cash tips in many restaurants, but that depends on the venue location and shift.

9. Server/Waiter/Waitress

($5 – $25 an hour)

This is probably the most popular instant-pay job of all time, and not without a good reason. It requires no education and minimum skills, and it pays well. There’s a chance to earn a decent work’s monthly salary in one busy night due to tip volume and frequency, and it is fun for the young and outgoing.

But don’t get the wrong impression: being a server is hard work.

The 10+ hour shifts are almost all legwork, and work hours can throw you off your work-life balance in just a couple of weeks. For big tips, you must be available for night shifts, weekends, and holidays. The benefits often include health insurance, paid leave, and free drinks.

10. Barista/Attendant

($15 – $25 an hour)

High-end coffee houses offer baristas generous wages but have strict hiring criteria. Even so, they don’t require special education, certificates, or skills. To become a coffee barista in an elite coffee shop, you only need to be a fast learner with a positive attitude and excellent people skills.

The role of a Coffee Attendant is similar but less defined and usually paid slightly less.

As a coffee attendant, you’d be tasked with educating guests on the offer and preparing and serving baked goods, beverages, and ice cream. Unlike a barista, it’s an entry-level, jack-of-all-trades position, meaning that attendants are responsible for everything from solving customer complaints to cleaning.

11. Fast Food Crew Member

($15 – $17 an hour)

Fast food kitchens operate differently than restaurants, so they don’t need as many qualified cooks. The rest of the team consists of multitaskers: crew members responsible for greeting guests, taking orders, handling payments, and helping with food preparation and serving.

But like in a traditional kitchen, this is a fast-paced environment where employees are expected to pick up others’ tasks and communicate well with the rest of the team. Complete benefits, employee referral programs, hiring bonuses, and opportunity to move up make fast-food jobs attractive.

12. Dishwasher

($10 – $12 an hour)

Every professional kitchen needs a fast and nimble dishwasher. In many restaurants, this job comes with all the usual benefits like health insurance, paid leave, and a 401(k), in addition to daily payments of over $10 an hour. Plus, it opens the door to career advancement in the hospitality industry.

Many dishwashers are also charged with taking out the trash and helping with physical tasks in the kitchen, such as organizing inventory and cleaning. Elite restaurants, hotels, and resorts sometimes pay over $12 an hour, but they expect at least some experience in hospitality and restaurant positions.

13. Dog Walking/Sitting

($15 – $24 an hour)

If you love animals and know your way around pets, you can get paid daily to walk or sit dogs. There are two ways to obtain this position. You can go through an agency or look for personal job postings. An agency will be willing to pay you more, but it may require some experience as a pet sitter.

Dog walking and sitting imply part-time and contractual work, as well as late-night, weekend, and holiday availability. You might also be asked to pick up the dog or drive the dog to the vet, but not all employers will cover you for gas. Job descriptions vary greatly, so read them carefully.

Other than a flexible schedule, there are no other employee benefits.

14. Survey Sites

($0.40 – $2 an hour)

The easiest and most popular way to get daily cash online is by completing paid surveys. In a nutshell, survey sites are owned by data-collecting companies that sell market insights to professional marketers and businesses. It’s like joining a paid test group but without any potential risk.

The best survey sites that pay daily in 2024 are:

• Branded Surveys
• Swagbucks
• Survey Junkie
• OnePoll
• LifePoints
• KashKick
• InboxDollars
• Opinion Outpost
• MyPoints Surveys
• Pinecone Research

Despite being a below-average paid job, survey taking takes some time to get ahold of. There are numerous fake survey sites that will never pay you for your time. Also, many legit sites won’t let you redeem your earnings until you pass a certain number of points, which add up slowly.

15. Playing Games

($0.50 – $2 per hour)

Like survey taking, the game-playing online gig is an easy way to make a few extra bucks if you already like playing games. However, it is a hustle with measly pay, with only $2 per hour for the most dedicated players. The best site for getting paid for playing games at the moment is Mistplay.

It’s impossible to earn a living with this job, and you don’t get any benefits. Playing games for money might be fun, but it still requires lots of time and commitment. If you’re an avid gamer and good at it, too, beta testing for games is a much better job opportunity, with hourly rates of up to $15.

Some of these sites, such as Swagbucks, will pay you to search the web and test apps as well.

Conclusion

While online work and home employment used to be top-paying opportunities in the past, this is no longer the case, at least not when trying to get hired fast with no special qualifications. In-person positions are much more frequent in recent job postings, especially in the hospitality industry.

The best-paying jobs where you can cash out at the end of the day are the roles of Delivery Driver, Server, Coffee Barista, and Dog Walker/Sitter. As a bonus, they all ensure generous cash tips on top of daily pay and excellent employee benefits like health insurance and paid leave.

Good luck with your job hunting!

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