Keep moving with these 25 ideas for active jobs

Not everyone is meant to work in an office environment. Some people thrive on more active jobs, whether indoors or out, and there seems to be a fair amount of health benefits to go along with it. Knowing what work environment suits you best is the key to career success and fulfillment. We’ll tell you about 25 ideas for jobs that keep you active and fit so you can find a career that keeps you moving.

In this article, we’ll discuss:

• What is an active job?

• What are the benefits of having an active job?

• 25 examples of active jobs

What is an active job?

In a nutshell, an active job is one where you’re not sitting for most of the day. There have been studies that show that jobs that are extremely sedentary have negative health outcomes, such as an increased risk of heart disease or diabetes, due to the lack of movement over the day. If you need help figuring out the right career for you, check out Career.io's Career Pathways, which will help you identify your career interests, determine the necessary skills, close any skill gaps, and stay on top of the market demand and salary information.

What are the benefits of an active job?

So we all know we should incorporate more activity into our daily lives, but how about our daily careers? Absolutely! In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), “Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Being physically active can improve your brain health, help manage weight, reduce the risk of disease, strengthen bones and muscles, and improve your ability to do everyday activities.” If you add all these benefits to the fact that many active jobs pay well, it’s a “win-win!”

25 Examples of physically active jobs 

When you think of active jobs, you might think of fields such as food service, construction, dance, or professional sports. But there are a wide variety of active jobs out there in multiple fields, so the odds of finding one that fits your goals and experience are in your favor.

1. Event planner

An event planner organizes, plans, and executes meetings, weddings, charity events, award ceremonies, or parties. They work with clients to define their needs, budget, and event goals, procure catering, entertainment, and location, assemble the guest list, obtain any special equipment and materials, and ensure that the event runs smoothly and that the client is satisfied with the outcome. While there might be some time on the phone or in front of a computer, in general, an event planner is on his/her feet much of the time, going from place to place to make sure that everything is going according to plan.

Median salary: $56,920

2. Fitness trainer

Fitness trainers instruct individuals and groups in exercise classes, workouts, and strength training to ensure effectiveness, correct form, and safety. They work with clients to assess their fitness level and goals and develop a fitness system that is customized to their abilities and needs. Some fitness trainers have a background in nutrition and dietary needs and may provide education about food, lifestyle modifications, and overall wellness. Fitness trainers may work in gyms, community centers, their studios, or their clients’ homes.

Median salary: $46,480

3. Firefighter

Firefighters extinguish fires and respond to emergencies. As one of the most physically demanding jobs, the work is physically taxing and often dangerous. The job includes caring for people who are sick or injured, carrying hoses, pumps, and fire extinguishers while wearing heavy protective clothing and equipment, driving emergency vehicles and carrying the needed tools, maintaining the fire equipment, and performing search and rescue operations during an active fire. When not on a call, firefighters maintain their physical fitness with practice drills and equipment inspections.

Median salary: $57,120

4. Retail salesperson

A retail salesperson assists with the sale of a store’s products and services, which might include working with customers to locate their desired merchandise and guiding them through the sale process. They may also stock merchandise, handle returns and exchanges, set up merchandise displays, and perform general customer service. Retail salespeople are generally on their feet for most of the day, and if they work for a store that sells landscaping materials, lumber, or cars, they may spend significant time outdoors. Retail salespeople can also work for clothing and accessories retailers, general merchandise stores, furnishing, electronics, appliance outlets, or sporting goods or bookstores.

Median salary: $33,900

5. Registered nurse

Registered nurses (RNs) supply and organize patient care, and instruct patients, their families, and sometimes the public about a range of health issues. They also perform patient assessments, take health inventories, administer medication, coordinate treatment plans, monitor equipment, perform diagnostic tests, and educate patients on how to handle their injury or illness. Nursing can be physically demanding as well as mentally demanding, as nurses are often on their feet, walking to multiple patient rooms and hospital floors, and lifting and moving patients.

Median salary: $86,070 

6. Choreographer

A choreographer is a dance professional who creates and directs original dance routines and reimagines existing works. They may work for a theater, a dance company, music studios, television studios, a film production company, or nightclubs, or own their own school/studio. They teach dancers the routines and moves and may perform in the dance themselves. They collaborate with producers, costume designers, and music directors to ensure that the overall creative vision is achieved.

Median Salary: $59,090

7. Construction manager

Construction managers oversee a variety of projects, including roads, and public, residential, or industrial buildings. Generally working on-site, they handle budgets, communicate technical specifications to other stakeholders, collaborate with engineers, architects, and construction teams, hire subcontractors for specialized construction, and ensure that all work meets local and federal codes. Construction managers may work more than 40 hours per week and might be on call 24/7 to respond to emergencies.

Median Salary: $104,900

8. Criminal investigators

Criminal Investigators, or Detectives, work to solve crimes and focus on the collection of evidence, information analysis, and interviewing suspects and witnesses. They also testify in court cases, go undercover to collect information, provide protection for political leaders and other VIPs, and prepare detailed reports. They may work for a local police department, a state agency, the FBI, or other governmental organizations.

Median Salary: $95,930

9. Dental hygienist

Dental Hygienists work with patients to look for signs of dental disease and perform preventive and routine dental care, such as using hand and power tools to remove plaque and tartar from teeth, take x-rays, document patient visits, and teach oral hygiene. Most hygienists work for dental offices, but a few also work for hospitals or the government. 

Median Salary: $87,530

10. Barber or hairstylist

Barbers and Hairstylists cut and style hair and provide other appearance-related services, such as color, shaving, or analyzing hair, scalp, and skin health. If they own their own salon, they may handle finances, payroll, and staffing. They spend most of the day on their feet, tending to clients and moving between their stations and the front desk.

Median Salary: $35,080

11. Dog walker

Dog Walkers work with pets to train, feed, walk, exercise, and socialize them. They may also clean up after the dogs, make sure they have adequate food and water, bathe them, and keep an eye out for illness or injury. Some dog walkers offer pet-sitting services to look after animals when their people are out of town. Many dog workers are self-employed, but some may work for Pet Sitting/Walking Agencies.

Median Salary: $31,830

12. Grounds maintenance worker

Grounds Workers plant and maintain landscapes, trees, and shrubbery, ensuring that the plants are safe, pleasing to the eye, and healthy. Working outside using a variety of tools, Grounds Workers mow and trim lawns, shrubs, and hedges, remove weeds, spray for pests, water the grounds, and plant flowers, trees, and other greenery, all while working under the supervision of a landscaping or groundskeeping manager. 

Median Salary: $37,690

13. Massage therapist

Massage therapists work with clients to improve their mental and physical health by using their hands, arms, and fingers to apply pressure to affect the client's soft tissue, muscles, and joints, to help with stress, support injury recovery, and overall well-being. They consult with clients to determine goals, document their progress, and provide support with the stretching, relaxing, and strengthening of muscles. Massage therapists may be self-employed, or may work with a salon, spa, or medical practitioner.

Median Salary: $55,310

14. Athletic trainer

Athletic trainers work to diagnose, treat, and prevent injuries to athlete’s muscles and bones. Working under the supervision of a physician, athletic trainers work with all skill levels, from children to professional athletes to support rehab programs, evaluate injuries, recommend devices such as braces, pads, and bandages, and provide first aid. They collaborate with the Athletic Director to manage business issues, and plan programs that meet all federal and state requirements. Athletic trainers may work for sports teams, the military, sports centers, or educational services such as colleges or universities.

Median Salary: $57,930

15. Stunt performer

A stunt performer is a highly-trained professional who carries out dangerous stunts in films, TV shows, stage shows, and other live performances, using their experience in gymnastics, driving, martial arts, and stunt training to perform car chases, fights, stunt driving, or falls from heights. Working with the director and stunt coordinator, and incorporating proven techniques, and tools such as pads, protective wear, and harnesses, they create action scenes that support and augment the pace and effect of the overall production while minimizing the chances of severe injury.

Median Salary: $72,000

16. Elementary school teacher

Elementary school teachers instruct students in Grades 1-5 (sometimes 6) in all subject areas, including math, science, reading, and history. Working with large groups of students and constantly moving around, elementary school teachers create lesson plans, teach interpersonal skills, grade assignments, communicate with parents or guardians, establish and enforce classroom management rules, prepare for standardized tests, supervise recess and lunch, and help students develop their critical thinking skills. 

Median Salary: $63,670

17. Chef

Chefs oversee food creation and production in restaurants and other food establishments. They ensure the food is fresh and the correct ingredients are received, oversee the work of other kitchen workers, invent receipts, plan menus, make sure the kitchen work areas are sanitary and up to food codes, keep track of inventory, and hire the staff. On the job, chefs use a variety of tools and equipment such as knives, slicers, meat grinders, mortar and pestles, and mallets. Chefs may work in restaurants, catering companies, hotels, or as freelance chefs.

Median Salary: $58,920

18. Automotive mechanic

Automotive mechanics examine, maintain, and fix cars and light trucks. They use diagnostic tools to detect issues, test auto parts, and perform maintenance such as oil changes, changing brake pads, or rotating tires in addition to major engine repairs. Auto mechanics use a variety of tools such as welding torches, jacks, hoists, and pneumatic wrenches, and they may work for car dealerships, car service companies, or garages. 

Median Salary: $47,770

19. Iron worker

Iron Workers install structural and reinforcing iron and steel to form and support buildings, bridges, roads, and other constructions.  Following blueprints, they unload and assemble iron and steel so that it can be moved and lifted by contraction equipment, use welding equipment, machines, hand tools, and shears to manipulate the metal to the plan’s specifications, set up reinforcing iron and steel both vertically and horizontally, connect iron and steel, and mount metal decking for buildings. They may work for contractors, federal agencies, or on a freelance basis.

Median Salary: $60,780

20. Flight attendant

Flight Attendants provide customer service, assist with emergencies on the plane, and work to support the comfort and safety of passengers on each flight. This may involve inspecting on-board safety equipment, serving beverages, directing passengers on where they need to sit or respond in an emergency, and enforcing safety regulations. Most flight attendants work for an airline, although some may work for private companies.

Median Salary: $68,370

21. Conservation scientist/forester

Conservation scientists oversee and manage the land in national parks, forests, and various outdoor ranges, helping to protect natural resources, wildlife, and biodiversity. They assess soil quality, fire damage, plant seedlings, and work to suppress fires using tools such as diameter tapes, borers and gauges, and clinometers as well as drones, GIS, and satellite images to help map large areas of forest. They may work for the state or federal government, social advocacy groups, or the forestry and logging industry.

Median Salary: $68,300

22. Fashion designer

Fashion designers create original garments, shoes, and other accessories, by creating sketching, choosing fabrics, and providing instructions on how to assemble their designs. They will attend trade shows or visit manufacturing sites to access fabric samples, collaborate with their team to create samples, work with models to make adjustments and present their creations at trade shows or to the design directors. Designers may work for apparel wholesalers, design houses, and manufacturers, on a freelance basis, or for a film studio.

Median Salary: $79,290

23. Wind turbine technician

A Wind Turbine Technician maintains and repairs wind turbines, which convert wind into electricity. They also assist in the installation of new turbines, climb the turbines to inspect them or perform repairs, gather data for research, and repair substations, fiber optic cables, controls, and underground systems. Wind Turbine technicians may work for power companies, repair companies, construction companies, or machinery wholesalers.

Median Salary: $61,770

24. Home health aides

Home Health Aides generally work in patient’s homes, helping people with disabilities or illnesses perform their daily activities. They may help the patients with bathing, getting dressed, common chores or housekeeping, or arrange for transportation to medical appointments. With certain training and/or certifications, home health aides may also dispense medicine, change bandages or dressings, or assist with medical devices such as respirators or oxygen tanks. Home Health Aides may work for individual/family services, home healthcare services, or residential or senior living communities.

Median Salary: $33,530

25. Postal service worker

A postal service worker sells post office products and services, and collects, sorts, and delivers the mail. They process mail delivery for residents and businesses. Some work with the public to certify mail, collect postage, and sort incoming mail. Others deliver mail on established routes, whether on foot or in a truck and yet others might load and unload the postal vehicles and transport mail around processing and distribution centers. All postal service workers are employed by the US Postal Service.

Median Salary: $56,510

If you’re looking to get the most from your career, try Career.io’s Career Exploration tool, which will help you map your career path by showing you how your current position fits into your goals, allowing you to make the right choices to enhance your professional growth.

Key takeaways

1. An active job keeps you on your feet much of the time and may be good for your overall health.

2. Examples of active jobs include Nurse, teacher, and postal worker, as well as hands-on work like firefighter, ironworker, or auto mechanic.

3. Don’t forget about your mental health as well. Studies have shown that mentally challenging work keeps your brain sharp and lessens the chance of cognitive decline.