If you are currently looking for work and want to get your foot in the door at a large company that offers an array of opportunities, 2018 has a lot in store for you. The economy is booming, and the unemployment rate keeps dropping, currently at a 16-year low of 4.1%. There are plenty of job opportunities out there at companies that don’t require a college education. You can start at many of these companies on an hourly basis and work your way up. And if you decide you would like to pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree at any point, some of these companies will help you do that. Here are the top seven companies hiring for hourly jobs in 2018, based on the number of job openings they have posted on EmploymentAlert.com:
1) Target
It’s no secret business has been booming for Target after they hired 100,000 workers for winter seasonal jobs this past holiday season. And they are currently hiring for 36,000 jobs across their 1,816 stores in the United States. These jobs include both customer-facing positions, warehouse jobs and positions assisting with Target’s Order Pickup service and growing ship-from-store capabilities. You can expect some handsome pay and attractive benefits as well. They recently increased their minimum wage to $11 an hour, and offer a 10% merchandise discount along with other benefits which include a 401k and adoption assistance.
2) Starbucks
Starbucks has almost 70,000 job openings currently posted on EmploymentAlert, making it one of the top companies hiring for hourly jobs in 2018. Cashiers and baristas can expect to start at a pay rate of at least $9 an hour. Starbucks is known for their generous benefits, which even part-time workers are entitled to. These benefits include excellent health care coverage (which includes dental and vision coverage), retirement benefits and stock options. And with their tuition reimbursement partnership with Arizona State University, if you see a college degree in your future this is a great place to work.
3) Lyft
If you want a flexible job and don’t have to worry about benefits, sign up to be a freelance driver for Lyft. You can make your own hours working for Lyft, and make up to $30 an hour depending on where you live. And it looks like you will keep busy working for this company: they currently have almost 3 million job openings.
4) Uber
With approximately 436,000 job openings, Uber is a star player in the gig economy and one of our top companies hiring for hourly jobs in 2018. The pay potential for this gig economy job is similar to Lyft. And if you have a day job, this is a great side gig to bring in extra cash on evenings and weekends.
5) McDonalds
McDonald’s has made a huge effort in recent years to treat its employees well by improving their pay rates and benefits package. Currently, they pay a minimum hourly rate of $9 an hour, and their overtime pay can be up to $15 an hour. They also care about their employees futures, having implemented the Archways to Opportunity tuition reimbursement program. Managers and front-line employees can finish their high school diploma online and take free college classes at a university of their choice. And with 41,000 currently listed on EmploymentAlert.com, they are one of the top companies hiring for hourly jobs in 2018.
6) Dollar General
The dollar store business continues to hold strong despite online shopping being on the rise. There are a whopping 90,000 job openings currently available at the company, so if you need steady income this one of the first places you should try. Average pay for cashiers ranges from $8 to $9.50 an hour, and managers make between $12 and $18 an hour. They are also known for their excellent retirement benefits, offering one of the best employer-matching 401k offerings in retail.
7) Lowe’s
The wages and benefits offered at Lowe’s are phenomenal, and with approximately 78,000 job openings they are one of the top companies hiring for hourly jobs in 2018. You can expect to make an average of $13 an hour, and if you work overtime you can rake in up to $21 an hour. Their benefits include extensive health insurance coverage (which includes dental and vision coverage and pharmacy discounts), life insurance, paid vacation and stock options. You are eligible for these benefits even if you only work part-time.
Author: Jessica Cody
Jessica Cody, a native of Fairfield County, Connecticut, has a background in online marketing and public relations. Currently, she works at VHMNetwork LLC in the role of Marketing Analyst. She is a graduate of the University of Connecticut, where she studied Journalism and Political Science. She is also an avid runner with a passion for the outdoors.
