Active Jobs That Pay Well & Get You Away from a Desk
Active jobs let you escape the sedentary lifestyle of the typical office worker. After all, human beings were made to move. Why sit in front of a computer all day when you can be up and about, keeping your muscles flexing and your blood pumping?
Fortunately, jobs that let you stay active are easier to find than you might expect. The construction and maintenance industries are obvious options, but physical jobs also exist in healthcare, education, police and military service, entertainment, and other areas. The range of possibilities is extensive.
Active careers come with the obvious benefit of not having to sit all day, but the good news is that a decent income can also be part of the deal. Each of the jobs in this article features a median salary that is higher than the median annual salary for all American workers (which was roughly $48,060 in May 2023).
The list of physically active jobs below includes some that involve moderately strenuous activities like walking and bending as well as some that require more arduous tasks like climbing and lifting. What they all have in common is that they allow you to earn an above-median salary while on your feet and away from a desk. Read on to explore the many different careers that can keep you moving!
Salary information is based on 2023 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics unless otherwise indicated. All yearly median earnings are rounded to the nearest thousand.*
Active Jobs in Health and Wellness
Looking after people's health and well-being is a satisfying way to earn a living, and many careers in this sector offer opportunities to move about and stay active. Check out these examples of physical jobs that pay well in health and wellness:
1. Registered nurse: $86K
Registered nurses have a hands-on role in patient care and are frequently on the go, tending to the needs of a wide variety of people. Lifting and supporting patients is often a regular part of their work. Nursing has traditionally been one of the most active jobs for women, though a growing number of men are getting into the profession too. Nurses also can play a role outside of health offices and hospitals. Public health nurses focus on preventing diseases and running outreach programs in the community. To become a registered nurse (RN), you can earn an associate or bachelor's degree in nursing. It is also possible to complete a diploma program from a hospital or medical center, which is a shorter program but is less common.
2. Physical therapy assistant: $64K
Physical therapist assistants help injured people regain their physical functions by implementing physical therapists' treatment plans. Assistants guide patients through exercises and activities designed to improve their movement and reduce their pain. They often demonstrate stretching and balancing exercises or massage and other therapeutic techniques. Physical therapist assistants generally need to earn an associate degree, which could take about two years.
3. Massage therapist: $55K
Massage therapists promote healing and wellness through touch. Using their hands, forearms, and elbows to knead clients' muscles, they help relieve pain and reduce stress. They also teach clients about relaxation exercises and proper stretching techniques. A massage therapy diploma or certificate can take a few months to a few years, depending on the specific massage therapy program. Most states require massage therapists to be licensed or certified.
Active Jobs in Construction and Maintenance
The construction and maintenance industries feature some of the most physically active jobs you can pursue. Building, installing, and repairing things is hands-on work that keeps you on the go. Here are a few examples of active and well-paying jobs you can get training for in a skilled trades program or through an apprenticeship:
1. Transportation inspector: $87K**
A transportation inspector's job is to ensure trains, subways, buses, and airplanes conform to operational and safety regulations. These professionals test the functioning of various mechanical components, check all parts for signs of wear or damage, and look over repairs to ensure the tasks are done correctly. This hands-on work occurs in tunnels, garages, and hangars. To prepare for a career as a transportation inspector, you can earn certification through programs offered by organizations like the U.S. Department of Transportation. These programs cover training in safety regulations, inspections, and compliance standards.
2. Lineworker: $85K
Keeping the power grid functioning is not a desk job. Electrical power-line installers and repairers are in charge of installing and maintaining the high-voltage lines that carry electricity from where it is generated to where it is needed. They are frequently called upon to carry heavy equipment and climb tall utility poles. Apprenticeships are a standard route into this field.
3. Aircraft mechanic: $75K
Maintaining airplanes that transport millions of people every day requires knowledgeable mechanics who can lift heavy components and climb all over these massive machines. Aircraft mechanics inspect and repair structural, electronic, and mechanical parts of planes and helicopters. Aircraft mechanics usually train through an FAA-approved program at a technical school or via military training. To work in the field, you must be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration.
4. Wind turbine technician: $62K
Did you know there are more than 52,000 wind turbines producing energy throughout the U.S.? Keeping them functioning efficiently and effectively takes a combination of technical skill and physical ability. Technicians frequently climb towers to figure out why a turbine isn't running properly and make the necessary repairs. They get to solve problems while working outdoors in the fresh air. Many technical schools offer students hands-on experience by allowing them to service onsite wind turbines as part of their training.
5. Commercial diver: $61K**
Many commercial divers focus on building and maintaining underwater structures for offshore oil rigs; others concentrate on salvaging shipwrecks, repairing dams and bridges, or taking pictures of marine life. In any case, they get to be physically active while spending most of their time well below the surface of the water. Getting your diving certification is a good way to start.
6. HVAC/R installer and mechanic: $57K
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC/R) installers and mechanics maintain the systems that control the temperature and air quality in our homes and offices. They install ductwork and electrical components, connect water and fuel supply lines, check for leaks, and make repairs as necessary. Some HVAC/R mechanics specialize in working with solar panels or commercial refrigeration. HVAC technician training usually takes from 8 to 24 months.
7. Carpenter: $56K
From framing walls and erecting scaffolding to building bridges and installing cabinets, carpenters have one of the most versatile roles in the construction industry. You could focus on residential or commercial construction or get involved in remodeling or restoration work. Most carpenters get into the trade through an apprenticeship.
8. Brickmason: $53K
It's easy to stay active when your job is to build walls, fireplaces, walkways, chimneys, and other structures out of brick. These construction professionals resize bricks, mix mortar, and place materials according to blueprints. They can work on both residential and commercial projects. Apprenticeships or on-the-job training can give you the skills you need to get started.
Active Jobs in Protective Services
Physical activity is a fundamental part of many careers that involve responding to emergencies and keeping people safe. If you feel called to protect your community, you may want to consider one of the following active jobs:
1. Police officer: $75K
This is one of the most active jobs for females and males alike. As law enforcement professionals, police officers must meet rigorous requirements related to speed, strength, and flexibility. After all, the job can involve chasing a suspect on foot or physically subduing an attacker. You may also find yourself walking on patrol, lifting injured people, or crawling through tight spaces to search for evidence. Law enforcement candidates usually go through a police training academy, followed by real-world field training.
2. Firefighter: $57K
Battling flames and carrying people out of burning buildings is both rewarding and physically challenging. Firefighters are often the first on scene at accidents and emergencies and must be ready to spring into action on a moment's notice. When they're not actively fighting fires, they frequently run drills and participate in fitness training. Many firefighters are also certified as emergency medical technicians.
3. Correctional officer: $53K
The primary task of correctional officers is keeping order in prisons and jails. That means being prepared to head off violent disturbances and ensure the safety of both prisoners and guards. Part of the job involves restraining inmates and escorting them to and from visiting rooms and courthouses. Law enforcement training will serve you well in this career.
Additional Active Jobs That Pay Well
As you can see above, there are plenty of ways you can do physically active work and make a decent living. If you're looking for even more inspiration, check out these additional active jobs that don't fit into the other categories:
1. Elementary school teacher: $64K
Supporting the educational development of young children can be an active job. Elementary teachers are on their feet for much of the day, giving lessons and assisting students of varying abilities. Many of them teach physical education and lead students in sports and games. They also escort groups of students to assemblies and supervise classes during out-of-school field trips. Elementary teachers typically need a bachelor's degree in elementary education or a bachelor's degree in a different major plus additional educational training. In every state, public school teachers must be licensed or certified for the grade level they teach.
Benefits of Active Work
It's no secret that sitting too long is bad for you. Sedentary lifestyles have been linked to a number of health problems, including obesity, heart disease, and some cancers. In fact, studies have shown that prolonged periods of sitting can increase your mortality risk, no matter how much you sweat in your leisure time. It seems that being active at work is one of the best ways to stay healthy in the long term.
And most workers with active jobs are satisfied with their careers. In a CareerBuilder survey, 76 percent of workers with non-desk jobs were happy in their roles, and more than a third had no complaints about their job environment. Survey respondents said that the number one advantage of working away from a desk was being able to be physically active, but other benefits included having more flexibility in their work and more variety throughout their workday.
Energize Your Ambitions
Now that you've explored the incredible range of active jobs that are available, it's time to put your career goals into motion. The job‐focused training offered by trade schools and vocational colleges can help you get the skills you need for the future you want. Enter your zip code into our search tool below to discover convenient programs near you!
* Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook. Some careers listed may be part of a combined occupation profile (visited October 8, 2024).
** Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (visited October 8, 2024).
