14 Positions That Require Frequent Travel

Certain available positions require frequent travel. Some are long-term careers, and others are contract positions that allow for breaks in between assignments. Jobs that involve regular travel may often allow for a flexible schedule outside typical business hours. If you’re planning to move away from an office-based job or want a career that allows you to travel around the world, you can choose from a variety of jobs in different fields.

In this article, we’ll discuss 14 different jobs that let you work in different locations.

Popular jobs that involve travel

Some jobs that involve regular travel require extensive training and education, while others provide on-the-job experience. You can find a job you enjoy that either requires travel or allows you to travel frequently based on your interests and skills.

Also, when you work as a freelancer or have an employer that allows for remote work, you can do the job anywhere you like. You can choose to work some of your time at home or all of your time traveling. 

Here are some of the top jobs that allow you to travel consistently. For the most up-to-date salary information from Indeed, click on the links provided:

1. Cruise ship chef

National average salary: $13 per hour

Primary duties: Cruise ship chefs perform many of the same duties as any chef, including prepping and cooking meals and assisting with the cleanup after mealtime. Cruise ship chefs may work long shifts in which they prepare all guest and crew meals. They typically work every day of the week for a couple of months, with two- to three-week breaks in between.

2. Train conductor

National average salary: $16.73 per hour

Primary duties: Conductors work with a team to ensure trains run according to schedule. They must be able to operate the train as well as coordinate train assembly and perform emergency maintenance. Conductors need certification, and they will most likely undergo an extensive training program.

Because they often receive generous benefits such as pensions and health care, many railroad workers stay in the industry until retirement. Train conductors often work an irregular schedule depending on the company. Long-distance conductors must work for days at a time followed by a few days off. Most conductors work an on-call schedule and may have to report to work at any time.

3. Flight attendant

National average salary: $16.85 per hour

Primary duties: Flight attendants inspect plane safety equipment and demonstrate its use, take care of special requests and ensure the comfort of passengers. They might also administer emergency medical care if needed. Flight attendants usually start on reserve status and must be available to travel at any time, often on short notice. With seniority, they may be able to request more regular schedules.

A flight attendant usually works shifts of 12 to 14 hours and may spend 75 to 100 hours per month in flight. An additional 40 to 50 hours each month may be spent on the ground on tasks such as writing reports, preparing for flights, receiving ongoing training and waiting for aircraft to arrive.

4. English teacher abroad

National average salary: $19.33 per hour

Primary duties: English teachers who teach overseas perform a mix of English as a Second Language (ESL) and basic English teacher duties, including teaching students how to read, write and speak English. They also complete progress reports and create, administer and grade exams.

English teachers who want to teach overseas usually work on contracts that last anywhere from three months to two years. Teachers usually work typical school hours during their contract.

5. Truck driver

National average salary: $1,108 per week

Primary duties: Over-the-road (OTR) drivers haul goods over long distances. They may transport raw materials and finished products between manufacturers and distribution centers. They work for private companies or can be owner-operators of their rig. Typical OTR drivers work for three weeks on and one week off per month.

6. Travel technician

National average salary: $69,832 per year

Primary duties: Also referred to as a field service technician or field service engineer, a traveling technician provides on-site installation, service and maintenance for their employer’s clients. Travel technicians typically work a normal 40-hour workweek, though it can depend on the client.

7. Travel nurse

National average salary: $1,669 per week

Primary duties: Travel nurses perform all duties regular nurses perform, including observing patients’ vitals, administering medication and maintaining patient records. Travel nurses work temporarily in hospitals and clinics that have a shortage of staff.

They work under contracts that may last anywhere between eight weeks and two years. Travel nurses typically work 40 hours per week in four 10-hour shifts.

8. Blogger

National average salary: $15.53 per hour

Primary duties: Bloggers write about a wide variety of subjects—anything from parenting to cooking to fashion to cars. Most of a blogger’s income comes from marketing, advertising and products.

A freelance travel blogger travels regionally or internationally and writes about their experience uniquely and practically for an intended audience. They will share tips regarding each destination to inform aspiring travelers about a location.

9. Business consultant

National average salary: $72,734 per year

Primary duties: Many business consultants may travel to new or underperforming businesses to provide their professional advice and services. Professional consultants will locate any challenges in a business and strategize a plan to find solutions.

This can include developing a new financial plan, building a marketing campaign, and hiring new staff members to increase employee retention. Consultants typically stay with a business until the strategy has been fully executed before moving on to assist a new business.

10. Training specialist

National average salary: $60,624 per year

Primary duties: To help employees grow and develop in their careers, supervisors hire training specialists to visit their company. Training specialists create development and training programs that educate employees to promote a more engaging environment. Specialists form these training programs based on each specific department and team. These training programs can involve team-building activities, skill development or leadership workshops.

11. International operations specialist

National average salary: $14.78 per hour

Primary duties: International operations specialists handle both customer and employee relationships. If a business has locations or corporate offices in various companies, the International Operations Specialist will often travel overseas to act as the main communicator between each office location. They collaborate with employees and customers in different countries to ensure each company is complying with local laws, strengthening relationships between each location and developing any necessary restructuring plans to improve each office location.

12. Travel agent

National average salary: $45,875 per year

Primary duties: Travel agents help create travel plans for people unfamiliar with certain destinations. They often have firsthand experience traveling to different countries or cities and will provide their expertise at each location. Travel agents can handle several parts of the travel setup process for customers, such as booking flights and hotels, making reservations and advising them on what activities to do at each destination.

13. Photographer

National average salary: $14.97 per hour

Primary duties: Photographers who travel are often freelance employees who will visit various events and locations to capture significant photos. Couples may hire them to shoot weddings on location in which they will receive compensation for their travel along with payment for the event itself. Other photographers may shoot picturesque photos in various destinations and sell these images to travel publications.

14. Event planner

National average salary: $15.56 per hour

Primary duties: Event planners can coordinate an entire event on their own or assist in planning and implementation, depending on the event size. They may travel to larger events in areas around the world to help strategize, decorate and clean up after larger events. Some event planners can work in freelance roles or will be hired by companies to regularly travel to many events and occasions.