25 Non-Office Jobs That Are Active and Pay Well

If you're interested in entering a career field where you can work outside of a traditional office setting, there are many different industries and roles to consider. From careers in the medical field and law enforcement to construction, non-office jobs make up a large portion of non-traditional careers.

Additionally, active jobs where you can work in a non-traditional setting can be highly rewarding. In this article, we'll explore the benefits of working in a non-traditional, non-office setting along with 25 non-office jobs for you to consider if you're looking for non-sedentary jobs that can offer a substantial income.

What are the benefits of working a non-traditional non-office job?

Working in a non-traditional job setting can be highly beneficial, as you'll use a range of skill sets that can include transferable soft skills combined with specific hard skills you need for the field you're working in. There are several additional benefits of non-traditional jobs and career paths, including:

Opportunities to earn a higher income

Many non-office jobs across different industries can often provide a higher income due to the specialized work of the role. For instance, an aircraft mechanic will typically earn a higher income than a receptionist working in the front office of a company.

Greater chances for career advancement

Because many non-office jobs require specialized skill sets and qualifications, there may be more opportunities for advancing in your career. For example, a registered nurse may have many opportunities for advancements within their career.

Job variety and workplace diversity

Some non-office jobs take professionals around the state, country or even to international destinations, which provides the advantage of experiencing and learning from diverse people, including colleagues.

Professional development and skill improvement opportunities

Professionals who choose a non-traditional career quite often have to participate in some form of professional development, skill development or continuing education to maintain their credentials or job status.

Related: 27 Non-Desk Jobs That Pay Well

Non-office jobs that pay well

The following non-office jobs include professions that provide non-traditional work environments, opportunities to develop specialized skills and advance in your career field:

1. Flight attendant

National average salary: $35,907 per year

Primary duties: Flight attendants work on planes for both commercial and private airlines to provide comfort and safety services to passengers. While you don't need a college degree to become a flight attendant, the profession can require several years of training in the role.

Related: Learn About Being a Flight Attendant

2. Teacher

National average salary: $36,041 per year

Primary duties: Teachers work with students of all ages in private and public schools and child care facilities. Teachers plan and deliver lessons and assessments and are responsible for supporting students' academic achievement. To become an elementary, middle or high school teacher, you will need at least a bachelor's degree.

Related: Learn About Being a Teacher

3. Chef

National average salary: $43,180 per year

Primary duties: Chefs plan and implement recipes and different foods in restaurants, hotels, private establishments and even as personal chefs in a household. Oftentimes, chefs complete some form of culinary training and many professionals may have college degrees.

Related: Learn About Being a Chef

4. Massage therapist

National average salary: $44,211 per year

Primary duties: Massage therapists use methods of touch and pressure to help clients alleviate stress, reduce tension and even support clients' pain treatment plans. Some massage therapists work in therapeutic settings while others may work in spa-like environments. Typically, massage therapists must hold a certification from an accredited training program.

Related: Learn About Being a Massage Therapist

5. Pilot

National average salary: $44,912 per year

Primary duties: Pilots may work for commercial or private airlines, and they may even contract as cargo pilots with their personal aircraft. No matter the setting, though, pilots are responsible for the safe operation of aircraft to transport passengers or cargo in flight. To become a pilot, you'll need to complete a certain number of hours in flight training.

Related: Learn About Being an Airline Pilot

6. HVAC technician

National average salary: $46,135 per year

Primary duties: HVAC technicians are responsible for the installation, repair, routine and preventative maintenance of air conditioning and heating systems and equipment. HVAC technicians commonly attend vocational schools or certification programs that provide specialized training for working in this profession.

7. Biomedical technician

National average salary: $51,126 per year

Primary duties: Biomedical technicians are typically responsible for the installation, repair and maintenance of medical equipment. To become a biomedical technician, you'll need at least an associate's degree to obtain certification in the field.

8. Physical therapy assistant

National average salary: $53,225 per year

Primary duties: Physical therapy assistants work under the supervision of a physical therapist to support and rehabilitate patients through movement, exercise, massage and other modalities. Physical therapy assistants must have an associate's degree and certification in their field.

Related: Learn About Being a Physical Therapy Assistant

9. Fitness director

National average salary: $54,418 per year

Primary duties: Fitness directors lead teams of fitness trainers and oversee a training facility's day-to-day operations. Generally, fitness directors hold a bachelor's degree and certification in personal training.

10. Police officer

National average salary: $54,542 per year

Primary duties: Police officers work in law enforcement to protect and serve the community. Depending on the exact role, a police officer may be responsible for patrolling the community, making arrests, filing reports and stopping traffic violations. Becoming a police officer typically requires training through a police or law enforcement academy.

Related: Learn About Being a Police Officer

11. Firefighter-paramedic

National average salary: $57,241 per year

Primary duties: Firefighter-paramedics are not only responsible for mitigating and controlling hazardous situations, they are also trained in emergency medical care. Specialized training for this profession includes fire safety and firefighting credentials, along with certification as a paramedic.

Related: Learn About Being a Firefighter

12. Solar installer

National average salary: $58,362 per year

Primary duties: Solar installers work as part of a team of professionals who set up, assemble, maintain and repair rooftop solar energy systems that convert sunlight to energy. Solar installers can get started in their careers with only a high school diploma, but many choose to attend vocational or technical programs to get certified in the field.

13. Event planner

National average salary: $50,235 per year

Primary duties: Event planners collaborate with clients, develop and plan events from parties to network conventions to professional development training. Many event planners have a Bachelor's in Marketing, Public Relations or another related field.

Related: Learn About Being an Event Planner

14. Registered nurse

National average salary: $65,844 per year

Primary duties: Registered nurses work with doctors, surgeons and other medical professionals to deliver care and treatment to patients. They may work in a variety of different specializations, such as triage, oncology, geriatrics, pediatrics and more. You can start this career path with at least an associate's degree, however, many nurses are looking toward bachelor's degrees and higher as a way to advance in their careers.

Related: Learn About Being a Registered Nurse (RN)

15. Chiropractor

National average salary: $67,532 per year

Primary duties: Chiropractors perform procedures by hand or with small instruments to apply controlled pressure to the spine to improve the motion of the spine. To become a chiropractor, you must first earn your Doctor of Chiropractic degree, which typically takes four years to complete.

Related: Learn About Being a Chiropractor

16. Certified occupational therapy assistant

National average salary: $68,509 per year

Primary duties: Certified occupational therapy assistants (COTAs) work under the direction of a licensed occupational therapist to deliver and support patients' treatment using daily tasks and objectives as part of a rehabilitation plan to improve cognition and executive functioning. Similar to a physical therapy assistant, COTAs earn an associate's degree and obtain certification to work in the profession.

Related: Learn About Being an Occupational Therapy Assistant

17. Aircraft mechanic

National average salary: $69,102 per year

Primary duties: Aircraft mechanics are responsible for keeping aircraft in top operating condition. These professionals perform maintenance, repairs and inspections according to Federal Aviation Administration standards. Aircraft mechanics attend an 18-month long training program and receive certification to work in this profession.

18. Environmental scientist

National average salary: $70,921 per year

Primary duties: Environmental scientists rely on their knowledge and skills to support the protection of the environment. They may work with municipalities and local government agencies to clean up polluted areas, advise on policies and work with different industry professionals to ensure the health and safety of communities and the environment. At the very least, these professionals hold a Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Science, Ecology or another science-related field.

19. Transportation specialist

National average salary: $70,922 per year

Primary duties: Transportation specialists manage and oversee various transportation operations across different organizations to coordinate the movement of people, products, materials or resources according to industry regulations. Transportation specialists may hold a Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Transportation, Logistics or another related field.

20. Master electrician

National average salary: $74,282 per year

Primary duties: Master electricians supervise and oversee other electricians working on construction or installation projects. These professionals are responsible for pulling permits and must only be registered with one electrical contracting organization at one time. To become a master electrician, you must first have extensive work experience as a journeyman electrician and earn certification in the field.

Related: Learn About Being an Electrician

21. Radiologic technician

National average salary: $77,293 per year

Primary duties: Radiologic technicians are responsible for performing procedures that require images of the body, such as MRIs, X-rays and CT scans. The most common avenue for becoming a radiologic technician is to earn your associate's degree. Other paths include certification programs and four-year degrees in the field.

Related: Learn About Being a Radiology Technician

22. Dental hygienist

National average salary: $77,948 per year

Primary duties: Dental hygienists work under the direction of dentists to care for and monitor patients for signs of oral disease, including gingivitis and gum disease, and they provide preventative oral care and educate patients on their oral hygiene. To become a dental hygienist, you must complete at least an associate's degree with certification in the field.

Related: What Does a Dental Hygienist Do?

23. Construction manager

National average salary: $85,926 per year

Primary duties: Construction managers coordinate and manage different construction projects, including the construction of buildings, roads and other structures. Typically, construction managers hold a Bachelor's Degree in Management, Construction or another related field.

Related: Learn About Being a Construction Manager

24. Site engineer

National average salary: $87,475 per year

Primary duties: Site engineers may take on similar responsibilities as a construction manager, but they also commonly provide technical advice in the support of completing their designs and projects on time. At the very least, site engineers earn a bachelor's in engineering and commonly obtain state licensing as an engineer.

Related: Learn About Being a Project Engineer

25. Nurse midwife

National average salary: $91,182 per year

Primary duties: Nurse-midwives provide care to pregnant women and their unborn children. They educate, counsel and provide prenatal care to their patients and assist during patients' labor and delivery. Nurse-midwives are typically RNs who go on to attend postgraduate training, but a master's degree or higher in nursing is necessary for this profession.