22 Jobs That Keep You Busy and Active (With Salaries)

Updated April 18, 2024

Working in an active environment is a great way to improve your health and stay physically fit. Many people also enjoy having jobs that allow them to walk, stand and move regularly because it provides them with variation in their daily routines. If you prefer to stay active at work, then you may be interested in learning about jobs that involve moving around instead of working at a desk.In this article, we list 22 jobs that keep you busy, explain their daily responsibilities and share the average salary for each position so you can explore careers to find one that's a good fit for you.

22 jobs that keep you busy

Here are 22 active jobs that can keep you busy and moving throughout your workday. The jobs listed here require varying levels of education and experience, so make sure you research your desired role to learn more about the path you can take to pursue the position. For the most up-to-date salary information from Indeed, visit indeed.com/salaries.

1. Dancer

National average salary: $70,319 per yearPrimary duties: Professional dancers perform dance routines in various settings, such as movies, theater productions, music videos and live shows. They can specialize in a wide variety of dance styles, including hip-hop, ballet and modern dance. Depending on their specific role and industry, dancers may also help choreograph sequences. They're often represented by a large dance company and spend much of their time rehearsing routines with other dancers and entertainers. Dancers may also choose to teach others how to dance by offering private lessons.Related: How To Become a Professional Dancer (With Tips)

2. Nurse's aide

National average salary: $40,496 per yearPrimary duties: A nurse's aide helps patients care for themselves and complete routine tasks. Also referred to as nursing assistants, they may be responsible for dressing, feeding and bathing patients. They may also record their patients' vitals and administer medications. The primary goal for nurse's aides is to keep their patients safe and improve their quality of life. This may involve completing housework and cleaning tasks, helping patients walk or transporting them to and from their appointments.Read more: Learn About Being a Nursing Assistant

3. Personal trainer

National average salary: $49,966 per yearPrimary duties: A personal trainer develops health routines and workout plans for their clients. They typically work in gyms or fitness centers, but personal trainers can also work as independent contractors. Personal trainers may also provide meal plans based on their knowledge of basic nutrition and popular diet trends. They maintain an active lifestyle by leading one-on-one workouts and group exercise classes for their clients.Read more: Learn About Being a Personal Trainer

4. Dog walker

National average salary: $32,101 per yearPrimary duties: A dog walker takes dogs on walks to provide the animals with exercise and activity. Many dog walkers work independently in full- or part-time positions, though some work for pet services companies. They may take dogs on several walks throughout the day and manage multiple dogs at once. Dog walkers may make extra income by completing additional responsibilities, such as feeding and grooming dogs, giving medications and providing support to the animals.Related: How To Become a Dog Walker

5. Mason

National average salary: $44,796 per yearPrimary duties: A mason is a skilled tradesperson who works in the construction industry. Masons may work on residential houses, commercial buildings or infrastructure projects, such as roadways or bridges. They typically work with natural materials, such as concrete, stone and brick. Working as a mason is a labor-intensive job that requires excellent stamina and physical strength. Masons use heavy machinery and hand tools to build and repair stone structures based on the blueprints they receive.Related: How To Become a Stonemason (And Their Primary Duties)

6. Photographer

National average salary: $43,335 per yearPrimary duties: Photographers capture images using a camera. They can work in a wide variety of industries, including real estate, entertainment, food, wildlife and events. Photographers spend most of their days on their feet capturing artistic photos for their clients. This often involves traveling to various locations or designing studio sets. They may work for another company, such as an advertising agency, or as independent contractors. Photographers who work independently may share their images on social media to gain followers and attract attention to their work.Related: How To Become a Professional Photographer: A Complete Guide

7. Server

National average salary: $32,845 per yearPrimary duties: Servers work in the food industry. They're responsible for taking food and drink orders from customers, answering their questions and delivering their orders to them. Servers may also provide suggestions to customers and check in with them throughout their dining experience to ensure they're enjoying their visit. Some popular establishments where servers work include restaurants, bars, fast-food businesses and cafeterias. While they spend most of their day delivering food orders to and from the kitchen, servers may also prepare tables, perform cleaning duties and process customer payments.Read more: Learn About Being a Server: Responsibilities and Requirements

8. Emergency medical technician

National average salary: $48,771 per yearPrimary duties: Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) are often the first to respond to the scene of emergencies, accidents and natural disasters. They provide care to patients in need of immediate assistance and transport them to the nearest hospital. They move quickly to make sure they can stabilize patients, treat their wounds and perform lifesaving techniques, such as CPR. Emergency medical technicians also help patients overcome shock and provide them with reassurance.Read more: What's an EMT? (With Duties, Salary Info and Job Outlook)

9. Retail assistant manager

National average salary: $36,192 per yearPrimary duties: A retail assistant manager oversees the operations of a retail store on a daily basis. Also known as assistant store managers, they support the manager by making sure other staff members follow the proper protocols. They typically spend most of their day on the sales floor, assisting customers and training new retail team members. They may also interview potential job candidates and manage inventory levels.Read more: Learn About Being a Retail Assistant Manager

10. Wedding planner

National average salary: $46,298 per yearPrimary duties: Wedding planners are event specialists who organize, coordinate and oversee wedding celebrations. They work closely with engaged couples to learn about their goals for their dream weddings. Wedding planners may help couples choose a wedding theme, set their wedding date, review vendors, schedule appointments and reserve their venue. They also document each step of the process and provide suggestions. Wedding planners may help set up for the event and provide assistance during the ceremony and reception.Read more: Learn About Being a Wedding Planner

11. Military police officer

National average salary: $40,337 per yearPrimary duties: A military police officer works for the military, typically residing on a military base to uphold laws and regulations. As a law enforcement officer, they work to keep everyone on the base safe and secure. They patrol the military base, investigate crimes and detain suspects. Military police officers often work closely with local law enforcement agencies to help them secure crime scenes, interview witnesses and process evidence. They can work for any military branch and may provide support on the battlefield if necessary.Related: How To Become a Military Police Officer in 6 Steps

12. Referee

National average salary: $64,542 per yearPrimary duties: A referee supervises sports competitions and enforces the rules of a game. They move quickly around the field, court or sports arena to make sure they see what happens. Referees are responsible for pointing out violations, giving out warnings and implementing penalties. They also make sure players enjoy the game safely, provide updates regarding how much time is left and award teams points when they score.Related: How To Become a Referee

13. Elementary school teacher

National average salary: $49,324 per yearPrimary duties: Elementary school teachers educate young children who are in kindergarten through fifth grade. They're responsible for developing lesson plans, assigning and grading homework and presenting materials to the class in a way that's easy for students to understand. Elementary school teachers spend most of their days standing in front of their classrooms, but they may also participate in activities that require movement during recess and gym class. Their primary responsibility is to keep their students safe while providing an excellent education.Read more: What Does an Elementary School Teacher Do?

14. Recreation therapist

National average salary: $50,640 per yearPrimary duties: A recreation therapist uses structured recreational activities to improve their patients' overall well-being. They develop and coordinate activities to help patients who have injuries, illnesses or disabilities improve their physical and cognitive abilities. These activities can also help patients develop social skills, increase their confidence, reduce anxiety and manage stress. Recreation therapists often participate in these activities with their patients to make them feel comfortable and build strong relationships with them. They may also collaborate with physicians or other health care providers to develop holistic treatment plans.Read more: What Does a Recreational Therapist Do? (Plus Other FAQs)

15. Ironworker

National average salary: $60,844 per yearPrimary duties: Ironworkers create structures using materials such as steel and iron. These structures may require ironworkers to climb tall heights to work on skyscrapers and other large buildings. Ironworkers can also work on smaller projects, such as handmade iron fences for homes and gardens. Their daily tasks may include welding, operating heavy machinery and transporting metal beams. In addition to creating new structures and ornamental pieces, ironworkers may also work alongside other construction laborers to reinforce buildings using steel or iron bars.Related: How To Become an Ironworker: 6 Steps

16. Wind turbine technician

National average salary: $68,523 per yearPrimary duties: Wind turbine technicians are responsible for maintaining, repairing and installing wind turbines. They often climb between 200 and 300 feet in the air to work on existing wind turbines. This requires excellent stamina, coordination and physical strength. Once they reach their destination, they use their mechanical skills to run routine diagnostics, perform inspections, upgrade outdated materials and repair damaged parts.Related: How To Become a Wind Turbine Technician: Requirements, Salary and Outlook

17. Personal shopper

National average salary: $47,458 per yearPrimary duties: Personal shoppers purchase items for individuals. They may shop for a wide variety of products, such as clothing or groceries. Depending on the relationship they have with their clients, they may receive specific instructions about what to buy, such as a detailed grocery list, or a set of general parameters, such as fashion styles a client enjoys. Personal shoppers use this information to search for items in stores and deliver them to their clients.Related: How To Become a Personal Shopper

18. Lieutenant

National average salary: $64,298 per yearPrimary duties: Lieutenants work in police departments or military branches to oversee officers or members. While they perform many of the same job duties as police officers or military members, they also create work schedules and strategic plans. Lieutenants are typically responsible for reviewing departmental cases and conducting internal investigations. They also help conduct detective work and process criminals. Their primary responsibility is to make sure all the officers in their precinct, military base or department follow protocols and regulations.

19. HVAC installer

National average salary: $64,424 per yearPrimary duties: HVAC installers, also known as HVAC technicians, work with heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. They're responsible for installing, maintaining, servicing and repairing these types of systems in both commercial buildings and residential houses. This requires the ability to move heavy machinery and equipment and travel to different locations. In addition to servicing and installing systems in preexisting buildings, HVAC installers often work alongside construction crews to implement HVAC systems for new structures.Related: How To Become an HVAC Technician

20. Yoga instructor

National average salary: $44,130 per yearPrimary duties: Yoga instructors teach students how to move their bodies mindfully by coaching them through a series of poses and stretches. They often demonstrate these poses at the front of their classroom or studio. This form of exercise, ranging from low to high impact, can help students improve their strength and flexibility. Yoga teachers may also share deep breathing exercises and meditations to help reduce stress.Read more: Learn About Being a Yoga Teacher

21. Physical therapist

National average salary: $85,831 per yearPrimary duties: A physical therapist provides hands-on care to help patients improve their mobility, heal from injuries and reduce pain. Physical therapists work with each patient to create a customized fitness plan of stretches and exercises that can help them improve their condition. The goal of these fitness plans is typically to reduce the need for prescription medications or surgery. Physical therapists can work for hospitals, schools, private practices, nursing homes and fitness centers.Read more: Learn About Being a Physical Therapist

22. Videographer

National average salary: $49,922 per yearPrimary duties: Videographers capture video footage with cameras. They may record events, documentaries, commercials, television shows or movies. Depending on their industry, videographers may travel to different locations to capture video content or film in a remote work setting. This may involve setting up lights, cameras and audio equipment before they can begin filming. Videographers may edit the footage they film, or they may work with an assistant editor to compile the final video.Related: How To Become a Videographer (With Skills and Salary)

22 Jobs That Keep You Busy and Active (With Salaries)