With many of us spending most of our day sitting and working at a desk, it’s not surprising that the average American spends 90 percent of their time indoors.
But, being confined to the office isn’t for everyone. Taking your job outdoors is a great alternative for those looking for a career that utilizes their interests and passions. If your dream job as a child was to be a zoologist or a wildlife biologist, you can likely still get the job training to do it.
This article will explain some of the science-backed benefits of working outside and highlight jobs that immerse you in the beautiful outdoors.
The Benefits of Working Outdoors
Here are ten fast facts identified by BigRentz that outline the benefits of working outdoors.
- Walking among trees is shown to increase short-term memory by 20 percent.
- A study showed that people felt 20 percent better after walking in a park, reporting less tension and more enthusiasm.
- 20 minutes in fresh air provides energy equal to a cup of coffee.
- Walking in nature can boost creative problem-solving skills by 60 percent.
- Stress is reduced as cortisol levels decrease by 12 percent and relaxation levels increase by 55 percent.
- Exposure to natural light can provide an average of 46 more minutes of sleep.
- Sunlight supplies 90 percent of our vitamin D requirement, which protects against arthritis, dementia, and autoimmune diseases.
- Sunlight provides 166 times more light than office lights, preventing sunlight deprivation and seasonal depression.
- Staring at green scenery can improve concentration by 8 percent.
- Being outdoors can lower early mortality risk by 12 percent.
17 Outdoor Careers to Consider
Ready to take your career outside? Thankfully, there are various opportunities to work outdoors no matter where you live or what industry you’re looking to join.
Here is a list of the best outdoor jobs that allow you to work in the great outdoors and experience a happier and healthier work environment. Many of these jobs offer entry-level positions with a bachelor's degree or a high school diploma.
Construction Laborer
A construction laborer works under the supervision of a construction foreman to bring to life building plans designed by architects. To do this, construction laborers carry out a variety of physical tasks on building sites including carpentry, roofing, and painting.
To gain competency as a construction worker, much of the work is done "on the job." Apprenticeships are common for certain types of construction trades workers, such as carpenters and brickmasons.
- On average, people in this field earn $34,810 per year. However, this range varies greatly.
Meteorologist
Meteorologists, or weather forecasters, are who you see when you turn on the weather channel. They are charged with studying the weather/climate and predicting local weather patterns.
- On average, meteorologists earn an average annual salary of $87,990.
If you like a lot of excitement (and a good amount of sheer terror), Storm Chasers earn an average salary of $60,671.
Park Ranger
Imagine being surrounded by the most breathtaking landscapes every day for work. Park rangers are on the front lines protecting these national and local treasures. They assist visitors, perform emergency medical services, conduct educational activities, protect wildlife habitats, and collect scientific data.
- On average, national park rangers make $35,009 annually.
Geologist
A geologist’s main job is to observe the earth’s past, present, and future by studying its composition, structure, and other physical features. They also search for natural resources and help environmental scientists clean up and preserve the environment. Someone working in this field may also be called a geoscientist or geophysicist.
- The average annual salary for this role is $89,850.
Marine Biologist
A day in the life of a marine biologist involves studying a wide variety of aquatic organisms through fieldwork, teaching, and research. This type of work includes collecting data and specimens, assessing human impact, and monitoring and managing populations.
- The average annual salary for marine biologists is $62,290.
Conservation Scientists & Foresters
If you're passionate about conservation, especially when it comes to our oceans and forests, then a career in conservation could be for you. Conservation scientists can focus on a variety of nature-based elements—from recreational outdoor access to the prevention of forest fires.
- The average annual salary for conservationist scientists is $62,410.
Firefighter or Wildland Firefighters
Speaking of conservation and fire prevention, firefighting jobs exist both seasonally and year-round. If your goal is to help folks, especially in moments of dire danger, then a firefighting job might be right for you.
- The average annual salary for firefighters is $48,606.
- The average annual salary for wildland firefighters is $48,440.
Environmental Engineer
Are you a champion of clean air and drinking water? Environmental engineers are the backbone of society, as they work to keep the air fit to breathe and water safe to drink by monitoring pollution and waste disposal. The job is built for creative problem-solvers who recommend solutions to a variety of environmental issues.
- On average, environmental engineers make $87,620 annually.
Backpacking Guide
A backpacking or hiking guide builds the perfect outdoor experience for nature lovers. To succeed in this role, you need to demonstrate knowledge of nature, strong physical strength, and a good sense of direction.
- Backpacking guides make an average of $60,263 per year.
Farmer
The world of farming is expansive, covering the production and maintenance of dairy, meat, poultry, flowers, rice, and more. Mechanical skills, physical strength, analytical skills, and interpersonal skills are needed for any type of farm. Also, you have to have an extreme work ethic, because farmers work hard.
- The average annual salary for farm managers is $69,620.
Outdoor Adventures Instructor
If you absolutely love skydiving, skiing, snowboarding, or surfing, you should consider turning this weekend hobby into a career. In order to be a successful instructor, you must be familiar with regulations and safety procedures, develop coaching methods and lesson plans, and demonstrate strong communication skills.
- On average, skydiving, skiing/snowboarding, and surfing instructors earn $56,656 a year, $28,861 a year, and $42,943 a year respectively.
Landscape Architect
We have landscape architects to thank for our public spaces including residential areas, parks, shopping malls, parkways, golf courses, and schools. Individuals in this field design spaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional.
- On average, landscape architects earn $68,230 per year.
Botanist
Plants make everyone happier and more productive.
Botanists study the effects of humanity on plant life by exploring wildlands, researching plants, and preserving species. Botanist skill requirements include excellent research, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- The average botanist brings in $79,390 per year working with flowers and other plants.
Beekeeper
If you aren’t terrified of (or allergic to) bees, becoming a beekeeper may be your calling. There is a long list of potential beekeeper duties including assessing the health of the hive, preparing bees and equipment for pollination activities, and cleaning and constructing hives. While being a beekeeper can be laborious work, the job comes with sweet perks such as fresh, high quality honey and beeswax.
- A successful beekeeper earns an average of $70,110 annually.
Archaeologist
Envision yourself as Laura Dern in Jurassic Park—except without the likelihood of encountering any living dinosaurs.
Archaeologists excavate, recover, and analyze ancient artifacts to gather information about human history. You must identify as an active learner who excels in public speaking, writing, and presentations.
- The average annual salary for archaeologists is $62,410 per year.
Camp Counselor
If you have fond memories of attending summer camp as a child, becoming a camp counselor may be the right move for you. Camp counselors provide guidance, oversee activities for campers, and ensure campers are having a blast.
- On average, camp counselors earn $49,234 per year.
Bus Driver
When thinking of traditional outdoor jobs, a bus driver doesn’t immediately come to mind. But, bus drivers are able to experience many of the benefits listed above by enjoying the scenery on their routes. Some competencies needed for this job include interpersonal skills, communication skills, and hand-eye coordination.
- The average bus driver makes $30,000 a year.
Job Boards for Outdoor Jobs
If you've been inspired to specifically look for outdoor jobs, that's amazing! If you decided to look into becoming a storm chaser, don't tell your parents that you got the idea here.
The following are job boards that specialize in outdoor positions. We find that niche job boards like this work best when you're looking for a specific type of job. Check them out!
- Occupation Wild: Join the growing movement of people who left the cubicle for a life of adventure.
- Outdoor Industry Jobs: The outdoor industry jobs marketplace.
- U.S. National Parks Service: Experience America by joining the National Parks Service.
- WanderJobs: WanderJobs is one of the major job boards listing outdoor adventure jobs in the United States and abroad, many of which are entry-level.
- Yoga Travel Jobs: Teach yoga around the globe.
- Backdoorjobs.com: Short-term job adventures to help you create an experience and grow.
- Coolworks: Jobs in great places.
How to Take Your "Indoor" Job Outdoors
While some of us are ready for a big career change, many of us aren’t willing to switch jobs to experience the benefits of working outdoors. And that’s okay—there are other smaller steps you can take today to reap these benefits.
Here are some ways to take your work outside if you find yourself sitting at a desk all day.
- Set up an outdoor workspace with a reliable WiFi connection.
- Take a meeting outside or while on a walk.
- Plan a company (or team) picnic for lunch.
- Bring the outdoors inside by growing plants in your office.
- Organize a company-wide volunteer day that urges employees to get involved outside.
