10 Jobs That Get You Outside

 

The longer days and warmer temperatures of June are a great time to enjoy the outdoors as part of National Great Outdoors Month. If you love being outside – and don’t love the idea of working indoors – here’s a look at some jobs that typically involve spending at least part of the time outdoors according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Requirements Survey. They are all projected to grow from 2021 to 2031, and require different levels of education or training to begin.

 

Coaches and scouts instruct or coach groups or individuals in the fundamentals of sports. Coaches teach amateur and professional athletes the skills they need to succeed at their sport, while scouts look for new players, evaluating their skills and likelihood for success at the amateur, college or professional level. 

Median annual wage, 2022: $44,890 

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree 

Number of jobs, 2021: 244,300 

Projected employment growth, 2021-31: 20% (much faster than average) 

Occupational openings, 2021-31 annual average: 39,900

 

Construction laborers perform tasks involving physical labor at construction sites. They may operate hand and power tools, clean and prepare sites, and assist other craft workers. 

Median annual wage, 2022: $40,750 

Typical entry-level education: No formal educational credential 

Number of jobs, 2021: 1.4 million 

Projected employment growth, 2021-31: 5% (as fast as average) 

Occupational openings, 2021-31 annual average: 143,200

 

Construction managers plan, coordinate and supervise construction projects of homes, offices and industrial structures. They monitor schedules and budgets, and ensure building and safety codes are followed. 

Median annual wage, 2022: $101,480 

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree 

Number of jobs, 2021: 478,500 

Projected employment growth, 2021-31: 8% (faster than average) 

Occupational openings, 2021-31 annual average: 41,500

 

Electrical power-line installers and repairers install or repair cables or wires used in electrical power or distribution systems. They string power lines between poles, identity defective transformers and switches, and inspect and test power lines. 

Median annual wage, 2022: $82,340 

Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent 

Number of jobs, 2021: 126,600 

Projected employment growth, 2021-31: 3% (slower than average) 

Occupational openings, 2021-31 annual average: 11,100

 

Environmental scientists and specialists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment and human health. They may clean up polluted areas, advise policymakers or work with industry to reduce waste. 

Median annual wage, 2022: $76,480 

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree 

Number of jobs, 2021: 80,000 

Projected employment growth, 2021-31: 5% (as fast as average) 

Occupational openings, 2021-31 annual average: 7,800

 

Firefighters control and put out fires and respond to emergencies involving life, property or the environment. 

Median annual wage, 2022: $51,680 

Typical entry-level education: Postsecondary nondegree award 

Number of jobs, 2021: 326,100 

Projected employment growth, 2021-31: 4% (as fast as average) 

Occupational openings, 2021-31 annual average: 28,000

 

Highway maintenance workers maintain and repair highways, roads and runways. They patch broken or eroded pavement, repair guard rails and clear brush from roadway. 

Median annual wage, 2022: $44,930 

Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent 

Number of jobs, 2021: 145,900 

Projected employment growth, 2021-31: 7% (as fast as average) 

Occupational openings, 2021-31 annual average: 16,500

 

Landscaping and groundskeeping workers plant flowers, shrubs, trees and other vegetation to create new outdoor spaces or to upgrade existing ones. They also trim, fertilize, mulch and water plants. 

Median annual wage, 2022: $35,890 

Typical entry-level education: No formal educational credential 

Number of jobs, 2021: 1.2 million 

Projected employment growth, 2021-31: 5% (as fast as average) 

Occupational openings, 2021-31 annual average: 164,500

 

Lifeguards, ski patrol and other recreational protective service workers monitor recreational areas, such as pools, beaches or ski slopes, to assist and protect the people using them. 

Median annual wage, 2022: $27,270 

Typical entry-level education: No formal educational credential 

Number of jobs, 2021: 120,800 

Projected employment growth, 2021-31: 16% (much faster than average) 

Occupational openings, 2021-31 annual average: 36,200

 

Surveying and mapping technicians collect data to make maps of the Earth’s surface. Surveying technicians visit sites to take measurements of the land, while mapping technicians use geographic data to create maps. 

Median annual wage, 2022: $47,180 

Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent 

Number of jobs, 2021: 59,800 

Projected employment growth, 2021-31: 4% (as fast as average) 

Occupational openings, 2021-31 annual average: 7,800

 

Explore other options for outdoor jobs by browsing the Occupational Outlook Handbook, where work settings for occupations are described on the “Work Environment” tabs of occupational profiles. You can also find more data on job environmental conditions, such as working outdoors, from the Occupational Requirements Survey program.

 

Michael Rieley is an economist in the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Follow BLS on Twitter at @BLS_gov.