Yes, a number of the jobs in the “cool job” section are also casino jobs, and there are many other jobs not listed here. And unusual ones like horticulturists for the grounds, animal handlers at Secret Garden in Mirage, the Lion exhibit at MGM, and Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay are all very real (if rare) jobs, but we’re talking about the run of the mill one’s you don’t need to audition for, or have to posses any sort of special talent for, yet still often pay considerably more than they would in other cities after tips:
Put on a nifty uniform, make sure you are strong enough to carry around a few bags, and learn to smile even when the customer is pissed, and you have the job. The great thing is you can concentrate on your up-coming test if you’re in school, or whatever else you have going on in life as you perform this essential duty. Pay varies from 30-40k and up at major casinos, and only slightly less at the smaller ones – reason the rates are so close, tips are often split or bellhops will rotate customers making it all even out, and Strip casinos usually have quite a few more bellhops, meaning the money is split up more times.
Good driving record and some kind of “in” to the casino industry is almost essential. This is a highly sought after position. If you work on the Strip you will drive everything from Ferraris to Kit-Cars to 20 year old Honda Civics with a dead rat in the back seat. Money varies because of the way tips are split, the number of valet attendants splitting tips, and which casino you work at. You will hear about the Palms valet attendees making over $300/ hour on New Years Eve, then $10/ hour January 1. Most of the Casinos overall will range from the 50 – 70k per year after tips. This is a position that is taxed over the hourly rate, which means you will have days where, after taxes you make less than the minimum wage per hour, another day you will make more than a doctor.
Not drugs, cards and dice. These guys spend 40 hours a week sitting or standing in one position; smoke blown in their faces, and an array of upset and ecstatic gamblers, drunks, psychos, and crazies. Did you know that it is not unusual for hardcore poker players to literally piss themselves because they don’t want to leave the table? Yeah, disgusting and not as unusual as you may think, and dealers have to put up with it all with a cheery smile and sparkle in the eye. It’s not an easy job, throw in that you’re expected to know more about the game you’re dealing than anyone at the table - and they really earn their keep. They can make anywhere from 50k – 80k and up, almost all tips. To get a job as a dealer you usually need some kind of “in” like valet, you need to attend a dealer school (usually 3-6 months), and you have to audition.
No big deal, but included for the massive numbers. There are a lot of front desk workers in Las Vegas. They do earn tips occasionally, but it is not a significant part of their income. This is a great job for someone who is looking for another position in a casino and wants to make some friends in the industry so transferring is easier, and for those going to school at the same time. Pay ranges from around $10/ hour to $15 and more for managers, not a career, but an easy job to do and get – easy as long as you are good at customer service that is.
Again, not a huge deal, but there are many more in Vegas than other cities. Every casino has a horde of them, and it is a great way to get your foot in the door then transfer to a more lucrative position later. There was a time when security was also full of excitement, tackling thieves, interrogations, the whole nine yards, now security is kinder and gentler in most instances and it’s more like the movie “Observe and Report” and you are going to spend the majority of your time pretty bored. Casinos also have undercover security, finding and ejecting hookers, and working in concert with law enforcement to catch cheaters and prostitutes. Kind of fun, but this isn’t the Vegas of the mob era so you will still spend most of your time bored. Pay is mostly per hour, with the occasional tip from high-rollers and for wheelchair escorts – income ranges from $10 - $18 per hour.