Does the thought of being tied to a desk all day give you the heebie-jeebies? Do you dread the thought of spending your life in an artificial air-conditioned environment? Are you bored to death of your 9-5 routine? Most jobs require working in an office and spending the majority of time indoors. Yet, there are some jobs that allow you to earn a living and be outdoors at the same time.
Being outdoors has scientifically proven benefits. Spending time in nature is known to have a huge positive impact on both physical and mental health. Outdoor jobs are exciting with each day being different. Outdoor jobs offer the chance to work with all kinds of people. Of course, working outdoors has some disadvantages. In hot weather, for example, those who work outdoors must take some safety precautions. However, if you dream of exchanging your business suit for hiking boots, here’s a list of the best jobs for people who love the outdoors:
- Environmentalist
Environmentalists use their knowledge of natural sciences to clean up pollution, reduce waste, and advise businesses and the government on preserving the environment. With this career, you can celebrate your love for the outdoors by protecting the very things that make Planet Earth so special.
Educational Requirements: Bachelor’s degree
Average Annual Earnings: $68,000
Predicted Growth: 11 percent
- Landscape Architect
Landscape architects design outdoor green spaces, open areas, parks, recreational facilities, and private gardens. With this career, you can show off your design skills and work in a large or small firm or be self-employed.
Educational Requirements: Bachelor’s degree
Average Annual Earnings: $63,000
Predicted Growth: 5 percent
- Surveyor
Surveyors establish boundaries on land, air, and water. With this career, you can expect to work in industries such as oil and construction.
Educational Requirements: Bachelor’s degree
Average Annual Earnings: $59,000
Predicted Growth: -2 percent
- Geologist
Geologists survey the soil, atmosphere, and oceans and problem-solve to preserve mankind’s most treasured resources. With this career, you can make the great outdoors your laboratory and make a valuable contribution to preserving the environment.
Educational Requirements: Bachelor’s degree
Average Annual Earnings: $90,000
Predicted Growth: 10 percent
- Mason
Masons construct walls, fences, walkways, and other physical structures. With this career, you can expect to endure hard physical labor, but earn a good salary in a job that is projected to grow much faster than average.
Educational Requirements: Apprenticeship
Average Annual Earnings: $41,000
Predicted Growth: 15 percent
- Recreation Worker
Recreation workers include athletic coordinators, adventure tour guides, ski instructors, lifeguards, supervisors at camps and playgrounds, and cruise ship workers who put together recreational and sports activities for groups of people and ensure their safety. With this career, you can earn some extra seasonal cash, travel the world, and showcase your people skills.
Educational Requirements: High school diploma
Average Annual Earnings: $23,000
Predicted Growth: 10 percent
- Wildlife Biologist
Wildlife biologists and zoologists study the interaction of animals with humans and the ecosystem and the impact of humans on the natural habitat of animals. With this career, you can live life on the wild side, studying the behavior and physical characteristics of animals.
Educational Requirements: Bachelor’s degree
Average Annual Earnings: $60,000
Predicted Growth: 4 percent
- Farmer/Rancher
Farmers and ranchers produce crops and manage livestock, which typically involves strenuous physical work outdoors. With this career, you will feel a sense of accomplishment by providing sustenance to the human race.
Educational Requirements: High school diploma
Average Annual Earnings: $66,000
Predicted Growth: -2 percent
- Forest Ranger
Forest rangers conserve land and maintain the quality of forests, parks, and other non-urban areas. With this career, you can work for the government, social advocacy groups, or on private land.
Educational Requirements: Bachelor’s degree
Average Annual Earnings: $60,000
Predicted Growth: 7 percent
- Firefighter
Firefighters working in non-urban areas manage emergency situations that put the environment at risk as well as participate in rescue operations. With this career, you will work bravely and selflessly battling large forest fires as well as educating the public about fire safety.
Educational Requirements: High school diploma + EMT training
Average Annual Earnings: $48,000
Predicted Growth: 5 percent
For more information about various jobs, visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Great read! Working in the outdoors normally allows for a flexible schedule and the ability to manage your time and in some cases. It can also be a challenge if you aren’t use to creating your own workflow. But, if you love what you do – it isn’t considered work right?*filmmakers, photographers and artists also have a lot of great opportunities to consider the outdoors their full time office.