Eight Profession Opportunities Providing Living Quarters Included
The typical weekly income for Americans this year approximates to around $1,165, equating to approximately $60,580 annually. This figure is rather modest when you consider that the average rent now stands at $1,748 per month (approximately $21,000 yearly), and the minimal recommended budget for groceries is approximately $421 per month (around $5,052 yearly). Consequently, over a third of your gross income vanishes just like that.
One possible solution to tackle these figures is to secure a second job. However, another strategy to make these numbers less burdensome is by discovering a career that includes lodging and nutritional provisions. Fortunately, you don't need to enlist in the military to reap this benefit (though it's one option, for sure). While numerous jobs offering housing and meals tend to be temporary or seasonal positions, there are permanent jobs available that can provide these benefits.
Park ranger
If you have an affinity for the great outdoors and appreciate living in a natural environment (and can live with limited internet and phone access), becoming a park ranger usually includes lodging. For instance, employed at one of the Yellowstone National Park Lodges offers housing, and although meals aren't complimentary for the general staff, they are for managers. You can explore more about becoming a state or national park ranger at Park-Ranger.org.
Au pair
Well-known as a live-in nanny, being an au pair often means residing in the family's home, with meals and board provided. This also means being on call almost continuously to care for the household children, leading to a lower salary than a traditional nanny, typically due to the housing and meal allowance. Depending on the family, the living conditions can vary from excellent accommodations with pleasant roommates to a challenge. In any case, the rent is covered.
Cruise ship staff
If you've ever been on a cruise, you've likely observed numerous individuals working on those vessels — and nearly all of them enjoy lodging and board provided with their jobs, thanks to obvious reasons (though the image of hundreds of people being helicoptered on and off the ship every day would be entertaining). The pay may not be impressive (approximately 40% of cruise ship employees make less than $2,000 monthly), but you also typically receive free medical care and can schedule a few complimentary shore excursions when your schedule allows.
Live-in caregiver
Live-in caregivers, such as for the elderly or infirm, often receive lodging and board as part of their compensation. The upsides include that many of these jobs do not require advanced education or experience beyond a high school diploma and good interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to pass a background check. Sadly, these jobs can be demanding and difficult, involving responsibilities ranging from assisting with bathing and meal preparation to providing transportation and being a companion.
Ranch worker
Physical labor is a staple of ranch work, whether it's a guest or cattle ranch, but these jobs typically offer lodging and board as part of the package. Some ranches only operate seasonally, while others can provide year-round employment. There are still opportunities for novices to ranch life — ranches require maintenance workers, laborers, and even administrative staff.
Hospitality jobs
Numerous jobs in the hospitality industry, especially in remote areas, provide lodging and board as part of the pay package due to the lack of nearby housing options. These positions span from maintenance and custodial positions to front desk workers and concierge roles. If you are not afraid of customer-facing jobs or consider a relocation to an area like Alaska, you can acquire a hospitality position with lodging and board.
Building superintendent
Larger residential buildings usually require superintendents, while smaller buildings employ visiting superintendents. While higher education or a certification in building management will improve your chances, many superintendent jobs only require a high school diploma and relevant experience – typically in the trades, as your primary responsibility will be to maintain and repair the building's infrastructure. If you have a versatile skill set, you can find a superintendent job that offers free or reduced-price housing as part of the arrangement.
Housekeeping
Live-in housekeeping positions indeed exist (and butlers are still a thing*), and these positions come with lodging, board, and often additional responsibilities, such as running errands, organizing travel, and occasionally providing childcare services. Usually, formal qualifications are not required, but many people look for a background in hospitality or professional cleaning, with distinct preferences, like first aid certification or proficiency in cooking in a commercial kitchen.
In some industries, individuals can secure jobs that provide room and board as part of their compensation. For instance, becoming a park ranger often includes lodging, especially in national parks like Yellowstone, although meals might not be included for all staff. Additionally, working as an au pair, a live-in nanny, can provide room and board along with a lower salary due to the housing and meal allowance.
