If you like to stay active, you can consider choosing a career that keeps you active, allowing you to be on your feet and to keep moving during your shifts. There can be a wide range of active jobs in many industries. Knowing what physical jobs are available and the type of duties they involve can help you choose the right job for you.

Active jobs can improve overall physical health, implement more variety and opportunity for creativity, and increase job satisfaction.

Benefits of active jobs

It’s no secret that sitting at a desk all day isn’t good for your health. In fact, studies have shown that it can lead to a whole host of health problems, from weight gain and poor circulation to back pain and increased risk of heart disease.

Doing physically demanding tasks comes with many benefits. Here’s a rundown of some of the more common ones:

• Being active is critical for maintaining excellent cardiovascular health and remaining in a healthy weight range. You can improve your chances of living a healthy lifestyle and having better health overall by taking up a profession that requires a lot of physical activity.
• Work that is physically demanding can provide a lot of variety to your routine. These occupations generally include dealing with different clients or moving from one workplace to the next, so it might be an excellent method to try new things and visit new places.
• Being physically active might be a fantastic method to raise endorphins and make oneself feel happier. You may feel better and more satisfied in your work if you take on a position that requires a lot of physical activity.

What’s more, active careers often pay well too. Here is a rundown of the top 15 active jobs that pay well.

Top 15 active jobs

Active careers in health and wellness

Physical Therapist

Physical therapists assist people who have suffered an injury in regaining their physical capabilities by developing and implementing treatment plans. They help patients through exercises and activities to enhance their mobility and decrease discomfort. Often performing stretching, balancing, or other therapeutic techniques.

Fitness Trainer

Fitness training is one of the jobs that require physical activity. They collaborate with their clients to help them achieve their exercise and health goals. They do health assessments in order to evaluate their clients’ physical capabilities and limitations, develop exercise plans, and provide nutrition counselling. Their work frequently involves demonstrating exercises for the purpose of ensuring that their customers know how to execute them safely. It is also one of the most active jobs that pay well without a degree.

Registered Nurse

Professionals who have a direct impact on patient care often have to lift and support patients as part of their work. Though this has been one of the most active jobs for females in recent years, an increasing number of men are now entering the field. They must maintain a thorough knowledge of the patients’ health and their requirements for the greatest possible care and assistance. Nurses take note of patients’ symptoms and tell doctors about them and collaborate with other nurses and physicians to create unique care plans for patients.

Chiropractor

Chiropractors help people manage pain and improve their health. They use their hands to examine and treat problems with the musculoskeletal system’s health. These medical specialists maintain active careers by using massage therapies, adjustments, and manipulation on their patients while also giving them diet and exercise recommendations.

Active careers in engineering and aviation

Petroleum Engineer

Petroleum engineering is one of the highest paying active jobs. They spend a lot of time on-site and design extraction methods, including researching new ways to extract oil and gas, developing equipment, and creating extraction plans. Operations must be watched as the process begins to ensure that everything runs properly.

Airport Ground Controller

Ground air traffic controllers work in shifts to coordinate air traffic around the clock. They are responsible for monitoring and directing aircraft, providing pilots with landing and takeoff information and weather updates, as well as runway conditions. Most facilities operate continuously which creates the need for controller shift changes.

Electrical Engineering

Electrical engineering technicians work with active electronic equipment to support engineers. They use a variety of testing methods and tools to help develop, install, operate, and maintain active electrical components such as control systems, motors, and switches. Electrical engineering technicians typically work in manufacturing plants or other industrial settings.

Active careers in construction and maintenance

Construction Manager

Most construction managers have a main office to report to periodically, but the majority of their time is spent travelling between multiple sites. Construction managers lead construction projects, overseeing the whole process for a variety of projects, including public, residential, commercial or industrial structures; roads; memorials; and bridges. Their responsibilities include planning, coordinating and budgeting entire projects.

Carpenter

Carpenters’ responsibilities include repairing and constructing wooden frameworks, stairways, doors, kitchen cupboards and partitions. Carpenters spend much of their time travelling to different clients to provide quotes on potential jobs or working at job sites. A carpenter often has to lift heavy materials and tools to/from job sites and hold structures in place while building them.

Active careers in protective services

Firefighter

Firefighters deal with often hazardous situations that put their lives on the line to help others. The experience of being in a fire and carrying people out of burning structures is both gratifying and physically demanding. Firefighters are frequently the first responders at incidents and crises, and they must be prepared to act quickly. They frequently practice drills and do fitness training while they’re not fighting fires. Many firefighters have also received emergency medical technician certifications.

Armed Forces

There are many active career options within the armed forces and include everything from infantry to medical positions. Military members are often required to do physical training every day and participate in simulations and other exercises regularly. Many positions also require travel, which can take members away from home for extended periods of time.

Active jobs (other)

Childcare

Childcare is an active job that involves taking care of children. This can include tasks such as feeding, bathing, and supervising playtime. Childcare providers often work in daycares or schools, but some also provide in-home childcare services. Providers must be able to keep up with the physical demands of the job

Event Planner

As an event planner, you will be responsible for a wide range of events, from weddings to conferences. The most rewarding part of the job is seeing your customer’s vision come to life. Event planners need to be highly organised in order to balance office work with on-site responsibilities such as inspecting locations, setting up equipment and registering guests. Last minute problem solving skills are also essential in this profession.

Photographer

A photographer is responsible for capturing images that tell a story or record an event. They may work in a variety of settings, including studios, newsrooms, wedding halls, and sporting arenas. Photographers typically have to carry heavy equipment and be on their feet for long periods of time. They also need to have a good eye for composition and detail.

Film and TV

Working in film and television can be an active job, as you often have to be on your feet for long periods of time, carrying equipment around, and setting up and tearing down sets. You also need to be able to think on your feet and come up with creative solutions to problems that arise. Being physically fit is also helpful, as you may have to do a lot of running and lifting.

How to stay active if you have a desk job

Sitting at a desk all day can be incredibly detrimental to your health, but there are ways to counteract the effects. Here are a few tips…

• Stretch your legs at lunch time: Get up and walk around for a few minutes every hour or so. If you have the opportunity, go for a short walk outside.
• Invest in a standing desk or sit-to-stand converter: Standing desks have been shown to have numerous health benefits, including increased calorie burn and reduced risk of obesity, heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
• Take regular breaks: Get up and move around every 20 minutes or so. Do some stretches or just stand up and move around your office.
• Make healthy choices: Choose healthy snacks, stay hydrated and avoid processed foods.
• Stay active outside of work: Make time for exercise, even if it’s just a 30-minute walk every day. Finding an active hobby can also help.

There are many active jobs that pay well and offer a variety of benefits. If you’re looking for a career change, consider one of the active jobs on this list. And if you have a desk job, there are still ways to stay active and healthy. Just make sure to take breaks, stretch your legs and make healthy choices.