20 high-paying jobs not in an office

Not everyone dreams of making it to the corner office—some people are specifically looking for jobs not in an office.

Maybe you’re one of them. The good news is that you don’t have to sacrifice a comfortable lifestyle by giving up an uncomfortable desk chair. If you’re looking for a job that offers a change of scenery but that still has high earning potential, start your search with this list.

These 20 jobs allow workers to spend all or most of their time outside of an office. 

Salary levels are determined by your level of experience, specialty field, and where in the country you're employed. For example, a construction manager salary in New York City is 6.7% higher than in Dallas; and an environmental engineer salary in Portland is 6.2% higher than in Minneapolis.

Airline and commercial pilot

What it pays: $211,790 per year

What you'd do: Airline and commercial pilots fly and navigate airplanes, helicopters and other aircraft to transport people or cargo. You also may fly aircraft for other purposes, such as charter flights, rescue operations, firefighting, aerial photography and aerial application (crop-dusting).

Where you’d do it: In the air! Pilots may spend a considerable amount of time away from home because of overnight layovers. Bear in mind: Many pilots have variable schedules.

Find airline and commercial pilot jobs on Monster.

Air traffic controller

What it pays: $132,250 per year

What you’d do: Air traffic controllers work around the clock to coordinate air traffic. They are responsible for monitoring and directing aircraft to ensure safe air travel. Tasks include providing pilots with landing and takeoff information and weather updates, and controlling airport ground traffic.

Where you’d do it: In a control tower. The towers are usually located close to large airports. Most control facilities work continuously to ensure safe plane arrivals and departures, which means controllers usually work in rotating shifts.

Find air traffic controller jobs on Monster.

Biochemist

What it pays: $80,670 per year

What you'd do: Biochemists are instrumental in developing new medicines by studying the chemical principles of living things and of biological processes. Tasks include conducting experiments with high-tech systems to understand more about molecular mechanisms, the evolution of plants and animals, and the passing of genetic traits to successive generations.

Where you’d do it: In a laboratory working full time, most likely with a team. To conduct experiments, especially ones that involve dangerous organisms or toxic substances, one needs to be in a safe environment to avoid contamination.

Find biochemist jobs on Monster.

Biomedical engineer

What it pays: $99,550 per year

What you'd do: Biomedical engineers combine a knowledge of engineering and medicine to design products and new procedures. Things you might design include artificial internal organs, body-part replacements or machines that diagnose medical problems.

Where you’d do it: A hospital, a manufacturing setting or a laboratory. Biomedical engineers can work in the therapy section of hospitals or in a laboratory to conduct research, or they may work in a manufacturing setting designing medical products.

Find biomedical engineer jobs on Monster.

Construction manager

What it pays: $101,480 per year

What you'd do: 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. Your responsibilities include planning, coordinating and budgeting an entire project. Learn how to become a construction manager.

Where you’d do it: Most construction managers have a main office to report to periodically, but the majority of time is spent at construction sites to easily monitor the work and make decisions more quickly. You may have to travel between multiple sites.

Find construction manager jobs on Monster.

Environmental engineer

What it pays: $96,530 per year

What you'd do: Environmental engineers study environmental problems and ways to solve them. The principles of engineering, chemistry and biology are used to improve recycling, waste disposal, public health, and water and air quality. Some environmental engineers study ways to minimize the effects of acid rain, climate change, automobile emissions, and ozone depletion.

Where you’d do it: At specific outdoor locations when conducting studies with hazardous materials.

Find environmental engineer jobs on Monster.

Geographer

What it pays: $88,900 per year

What you'd do: Geographers study the Earth and its land, features and inhabitants, as well as the effects and relationships geography has on the culture, economy, politics, and environment. Research can be used to make decisions on the location of structures, on improved response to disasters and to develop marketing strategies.

Where you’d do it: In the field. To study the land, geographers travel to the sites they are researching, whether at a nearby location or in a foreign country.

Find geographer jobs on Monster.

Geoscientist

What it pays: $69,390 per year

What you'd do: Geoscientists study the physical aspects of the Earth. Many collect rock samples to conduct research on the past, present, and future and to search for natural resources. You might work in specific areas like oceanography or environmental protection and preservation.

Where you’d do it: Outdoors, often in remote locations. Searching for natural resources can take scientists all over the world in all sorts of weather conditions. Reaching these locations may require unexpected forms of transportation, including helicopters, boats, or four-wheelers.

Find geoscientist jobs on Monster.

Hydrologist

What it pays: $85,990 per year

What you'd do: Hydrologists study how water influences the environment and how changes in the environment affect the quality and quantity of water. They determine solutions to water quality and availability issues and develop conservation plans with biologists.

Where you’d do it: Wading in lakes or streams in order to collect samples, view results from monitoring equipment, and make sure the equipment is running properly. The job often requires travel.

Find hydrologist jobs on Monster.

Judge and hearing officer

What it pays: $151,030 per year

What you'd do: Judges and hearing officers oversee the legal process in courts. They can supervise hearings of all kinds, such as traffic offenses or issues concerning large corporations’ rights. The main purpose is to interpret the law to determine how to proceed for different cases.

Where you’d do it: Courtrooms, sitting for long periods of time paying close attention to the case at hand.

Find judge and hearing officer jobs on Monster.

Landscape operations manager

What it pays: $50,810 per year

What you’d do: Landscape operations managers coordinate crews, budgets, and schedules to keep outdoor spaces—like parks, campuses, and commercial properties—healthy and well-maintained.

What you’d need: Experience in landscaping or horticulture is key, along with strong leadership and organization skills. Certifications in landscape management or pesticide application can be a plus.

Find landscape operations manager jobs on Monster.

Midwife

What it pays: $120,880 per year

What you'd do: Midwives act as the primary care providers for women and newborn babies. Duties include delivering babies and managing emergency medical situations during labor, as well as educating patients on wellness care, focusing on nutrition and disease prevention.

Where you’d do it: Birthing centers or patients’ homes. You may travel to women’s homes to help deliver babies or perform exams.

Find midwife jobs on Monster.

Mining and geological engineer

What it pays: $97,490 per year

What you'd do: Mining and geological engineers design mines to allow for safe removal of minerals for use in manufacturing and utilities. Responsibilities also include supervising the construction process and advising miners, managers, and other engineers.

Where you’d do it: Mines and other remote locations. You must keep a close eye on your designs, which means traveling often to mining worksites.

Find mining and geological engineer jobs on Monster.

Nuclear engineer

What it pays: $121,480 per year

What you’d do: Nuclear engineers design and maintain systems that harness nuclear energy and radiation, from power plants to medical technologies. They focus heavily on safety, ensuring reactors, equipment, and materials are handled responsibly.

What you’d need: A bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering (or a related field) is typical, with advanced degrees for research roles. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ongoing training in safety and regulations are key.

Find nuclear power plant operator jobs on Monster.

Petroleum engineer

What it pays: $131,800 per year

What you'd do: Petroleum engineers are responsible for designing the methods to extract oil and gas from the Earth. This includes researching new ways to obtain oil and gas, designing the equipment, and constructing extraction plans. Once the process starts, operations must be monitored to make sure everything runs smoothly.

Where you’d do it: Drilling sites. Petroleum engineers spend lots of time on-site to observe and quickly respond to problems. Sites are located all over the world, so travel to foreign countries is common.

Find petroleum engineer jobs on Monster.

Physicist and astronomer

What it pays: $142,850 per year

What you'd do: Physicists and astronomers study how matter and energy interact. Some individuals work to expand the knowledge of our world through research, while others apply findings in fields such as energy, electronics, communications, navigation, and medical technology.

Where you’d do it: National or international facilities. Travel may be necessary to access unique equipment, such as gamma ray telescopes.

Find physicist and astronomer jobs on Monster.

Plumber

What it pays: $60,240 per year

What you’d do: Plumbers install and repair the pipes, fixtures, and systems that deliver water, gas, and waste in homes and businesses. They diagnose problems, make repairs, and ensure everything flows safely and efficiently.

What you’d need: A high school diploma or equivalent, plus an apprenticeship or trade school training. Licensing is required in most states, along with strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

Find plumber jobs on Monster.

Sales engineer

What it pays: $108,530 per year

What you'd do: Sales engineers specialize in selling technologically and scientifically advanced products to businesses. You must have a complete understanding of the products or processes being sold, a willingness to negotiate, and the ability to close a sale.

Where you’d do it: Sales engineers can expect constant travel in pursuit of new businesses to sell to. Territories often span multiple states and require travel to foreign countries.

Find sales engineer jobs on Monster.

Sales manager

What it pays: $130,600 per year

What you'd do: Sales managers direct an organization’s sales teams, ensuring everyone stays on track to reach their goals.

Where you’d do it: Wherever the company has sales teams, which can include travel to national, regional, and local departments.

Find sales manager jobs on Monster.

Veterinarian

What it pays: $103,260 per year

What you'd do: Veterinarians diagnose, treat, and research animals’ medical problems. Your patients are animals of all sizes, including domestic pets and livestock. Treatment methods include prescribing medicine as well as performing surgery.

Where you’d do it: Most veterinarians work in private clinics or hospitals, but some travel to farms, slaughterhouses, and food-processing plants to inspect the health of animals and the safety conditions.

Find veterinarian jobs on Monster.

Get out there

Even though these jobs aren't based in a traditional office setting doesn't mean the hiring process isn't, well, more on the traditional side. Could you use some help getting the attention of hiring managers? Join Monster for free today. As a member, you'll get interview insights, career advice, and job search tips sent directly to your inbox. From updating your resume to interviewing for the job to negotiating your offer, Monster can empower your search and help you land the perfect job.