12 Jobs That Don't Work Weekends (Plus Duties and Salaries)

Updated June 24, 2022

Many service jobs require you to work weekends. Having the weekends off can improve your work-life balance, give you more free time and offer the potential for more income. If you're interested in not working weekends, learning more about various weekday jobs can be beneficial. In this article, we review 12 jobs that don't work weekends, list the benefits of having weekends off and provide helpful tips for finding the right job for you.

12 jobs that don't work weekends

Whether your employer wants you to work weekends can depend on many factors. Some positions usually offer weekends off but may require more contributions when the team is under deadlines. Each company and situation can be different depending on specific circumstances, but these are some jobs that typically don't require you to work weekends:

1. Teacher

National average salary: $23,750 per year

Primary duties: Teachers work weekdays to educate students, and they also usually have summers off as well. A teacher researches, plans and creates a curriculum for their classroom. They also create, assign and grade assessments like tests, quizzes, projects and essays. Depending on the type of teacher, they may focus on different areas. For example, an art teacher focuses on drawing techniques, while a math teacher educates students about mathematical theories and equations.

2. Secretary

National average salary: $26,454 per year

Primary duties: A secretary creates plans and performs organizational duties within an office or company. Exactly what a secretary does can vary depending on the business they work for, the industry they work in and what their team looks like. Many secretaries answer phone calls, prepare emails, organize documents, taking meeting minutes, schedule meeting rooms and coordinate office events.

3. Teacher assistant

National average salary: $26,819 per year

Primary duties: Teacher assistants are professionals who collaborate with teachers to educate and guide students. Teacher assistants may implement lesson plans, maintain classroom schedules and apply instructional and assessment strategies. They focus on the wellbeing of all students, supporting their emotional, social and intellectual development and growth. The teacher assistant maintains communication with students, teachers, parents and administrators regarding student performance.

4. Court clerk

National average salary: $34,899 per year

Primary duties: Court clerks are administrative employees who work for the government court systems. They manage tasks like recording cases, organizing dispositions and educating visitors of the court. A court clerk can prepare and issue court orders, secure and prepare courtrooms and evidence, perform accounting duties, create schedules for cases and courtrooms and verify that equipment is working.

5. Administrative assistant

National average salary: $44,077 per year

Primary duties: Administrative assistants are office support professionals who supply clerical support to businesses and organizations. They interact with clients by being the first point of contact, manage calendars and meeting schedules and field communications like phone calls and emails. The administrative assistant can conduct industry-specific research to prepare and organize important files for meetings. For example, a legal administrative assistant may prepare court files and information for a legal briefing.

6. Human resources specialist

National average salary: $49,302 per year

Primary duties: Human resources specialists are professionals who work in the HR department within an organization. They often manage compensation, benefits, conflict management, talent acquisition and hiring processes. Depending on the organization and the size of the department, a human resources specialist can focus on one subject, or may need to perform multiple functions. For example, they may focus on finding candidates for open positions or resolving conflict within the business.

7. Paralegal

National average salary: $50,723 per year

Primary duties: Paralegals are legal professionals who collaborate with lawyers to complete work. They can help lawyers prepare for their trials, hearings and depositions by assisting with documentation for each. The paralegal can draft legal documents, develop arguments, gather information and evidence and organize legal flies. They may monitor changes to policies, regulations and guidelines and use technology to improve efficiency. Depending on where they live and their level of education, paralegals may need certifications to practice in their state.

8. Accountant

National average salary: $55,668 per year

Primary duties: Accountants are financial professionals who prepare financial records, analyze budget data and report tax information. They can work with a team of financial professionals to perform quarterly reports and audits. The accountant may also report on income statements, document transactions, provide financial advice and improve accounting systems. An accountant may specialize in tax information and preparation, or in implementing new systems for improved accounting and auditing. Accountants can practice independently or within a company accounting department.

9. Computer programmer

National average salary: $57,324 per year

Primary duties: A computer programmer is a technology professional who uses coding languages to design, develop, test and create new programs and software for computers and other devices. They often work with teams of programmers and follow a software development process to create new programs. They are highly skilled in using and understanding technology and usually know a few different coding languages. Computer programmers test and troubleshoot developing software and ensure programs meet client requirements before delivery.

10. Marketing manager

National average salary: $63,168 per year

Primary duties: A marketing manager is a leader of a marketing department or team that designs and implements marketing strategies and policies. The marketing manager is skilled in communication and advertising and provides guidance to the rest of the marketing team for optimizing the business' profit and reducing marketing costs. They collaborate with promotional managers, analyze marketing data, estimate potential costs, evaluate financial possibilities and design marketing campaigns. A marketing manager has strong financial, leadership, reasoning and analytical abilities.

11. Financial analyst

National average salary: $67,333 per year

Primary duties: Financial analysts are professionals who gather and evaluate data regarding a market, company or organization's financial status. They use data to predict investment performance and assess the returns on stocks and bonds. The financial analyst can identify trends and use their analysis to advise on which investments involve the least amount of risk. They compile financial information to create reports, identify economic trends and collaborate with management and other financial professionals.

12. Information manager

National average salary: $72,302 per year

Primary duties: Information managers are professionals within a company or organization who implement and operate systems for data and information. They integrate new information management technology and assist with the development of business plans and strategies. Information managers design security systems to protect sensitive information and use technology to help the company reach business goals. Information managers usually need at least a bachelor's degree in a related field like information technology or computer science.

Benefits of jobs that don't work weekends

These are some benefits of working jobs that don't require you to come in on the weekends:

Time with friends and family: Many people plan events on the weekends, and having them off means you can spend more time with your friends and family.
Better work-life balance: If you work weekends and during the week, it can be more challenging to feel like you have a break from your job.
Potential for other income: Freelancing and gig work are great for weekends off where you're not doing other things, and this can increase your income. You may also consider a second job, like mowing grass or serving at a restaurant during the weekends.
Break from screens or labor: Depending on your job, you may need to take a break from the computer or from standing, and having weekends off allows you to do this.

Tips for getting a job where you don't work weekends

These are some helpful tips you can use to get a job in which you don't have to work weekends:

Earn a college degree. Many positions that don't require weekend work require a college degree. Consider earning a bachelor's degree to find more opportunities for weekday jobs.
Make a career plan. If you know you don't want to work on the weekends, you can create a career plan that aligns with that goal and guides you in the right direction.
Avoid service industries. Many service industries, like restaurants and retail, experience most of their sales on weekends, so it's best to avoid those industries if you want to have the weekends off.
Consider freelancing. Working remotely or freelancing online can offer you more flexibility and allow you to work when you want.

12 Jobs That Don't Work Weekends (Plus Duties and Salaries)