7 benefits of manual labor jobs and how to get one

Are you considering an active job that will get you up and moving? A manual labor job will do just that, as they require the worker to perform physical tasks.

These types of jobs are available to all skill levels. Some positions require little to no training, like general labor and housekeeping. Others are more technical and require years of training as an apprentice, such as an automotive technician or welder.

Regardless of the position, manual labor jobs have a lot of benefits over other types of positions.

In this article, we’ll look at the benefits of manual labor jobs and dive into the most popular career paths and companies that are hiring.

What are manual labor jobs?

Defined as a career where the worker spends at least 25% of their time doing physical labor (usually more than that), manual labor jobs can be rewarding career choices.

Manual work is often referred to as unskilled labor. That’s not necessarily true. As with any industry, there are entry-level positions that require little to no education or training. But there are also more technical jobs requiring formal training, certifications, licenses, and even lengthy apprenticeships.

For example, an order picker working at Amazon and an electrician are both working manual labor jobs. But the skill levels are very different.

There are opportunities to work in manual labor for someone of any skill level. With hundreds of positions available, ranging from custodians to automotive technicians, there’s something that could appeal to almost everyone.

For the right person, a manual labor job is a rewarding career, and for a good reason. Many benefits come with working in physical labor. Let’s take a look.

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What are the benefits of manual labor jobs?

Working a manual labor job provides some unique benefits that an office job won’t give you.

1. Improved coordination

Because you’re working with your hands, your hand-eye coordination is bound to improve over time. Of course, this will vary depending on the specific job you’re doing.

2. Skills for life

If you’re training for a more technical manual labor job, like an electrician or custodian, you’ll acquire manual skills that you’ll have for life. Not only can manual labor keep you fit, but the skills you build will improve your day-to-day.

All of the skills you learn are transferable and will greatly benefit you outside of work.

3. Physical activity reduces obesity and diabetes rates

Many of us head home after a long day of work and go straight to the couch. If you’re doing a lot of sitting at home and at work, odds are you’ll gain weight, and your health will suffer for it.

Manual labor jobs often require functional movement like standing, sitting, bending, and pushing. These tasks will have you burning a lot more calories than you would be sitting in an office.

All this physical activity will benefit you in many ways. You’ll build muscle and become stronger overall. Your risk of obesity and diabetes will lower as you maintain a healthy weight. Your heart will thank you for it.

4. Aids in sleep

Do you have trouble sleeping? If so, it could be because you’re not tired at the end of the day.

People who perform manual labor sleep better than those who sit around all day. This is because they’re more tired. It’s especially true for those who work outside in the sun.

5. Builds character

Physical labor is hard work. These jobs are equal parts humbling and rewarding, as they remind us of what we’re capable of. In addition, learning to do physical tasks can make us more confident and self-reliant.

6. Low barrier to entry

If you need a job fast, manual labor jobs are your best bet. Many opportunities require little to no training, and you could be working in as little as a week.

Companies like Amazon, for example, frequently hire untrained workers for their warehouses.

7. High pay

Like any industry, pay varies based on your position, but some manual labor jobs pay very well.

Positions requiring more training and technical skills, like an automotive technician or construction worker, generally have high pay. Many blue-collar workers make more than white-collar workers.

Most popular manual labor jobs and career paths

1. Housekeeper

Average salary: $28,010

Education requirements: None

Duties: There are over 795,590 employed housekeepers in the USA. Housekeepers perform light cleaning in hotels, private residences, and commercial establishments. Some duties include making beds, doing laundry, cleaning rooms, and vacuuming.

Find housekeeper jobs on Jobcase.

2. Custodian

Average salary: $30,985

Education requirements: None

Duties: To become a custodian, you must be comfortable emptying and cleaning trash and recycling bins. Other duties include maintaining floors (mopping, sweeping, waxing), cleaning and sanitizing bathrooms, and performing minor repairs.

Find custodian jobs on Jobcase.

3. Construction worker

Average salary: $32,240

Education requirements: High school diploma for general jobs, with more specialized training available.

Duties: A construction worker will do various types of construction, including working on roads, building houses, or erecting temporary structures. Various tools and equipment will be used, and workers are expected to lift up to 100 lbs.

Find construction worker jobs on Jobcase.

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4. Painter

Average salary: $40,280

Education requirements: High school diploma

Duties: A painter must be comfortable applying paint or materials like stains and lacquers using brushes, spray cans, and rollers. Workers may also remove and apply wallpaper and repair walls.

Find painter jobs on Jobcase.

5. Welder

Average salary: $42,239

Education requirements: Technical school or community college

Duties: Operating welding equipment to shape metal and join metal parts. Welder’s work with blueprints and workers are expected to be comfortable reading technical drawings.

Find welder jobs on Jobcase.

6. Automotive technician

Average salary: $41,430

Education requirements: Technical school or community college

Duties: Service technicians inspect, maintain, and repair vehicles and trucks. Workers are expected to be comfortable reading technical manuals and charts and running diagnostics on a computer. Main tasks include changing oil, checking fluid levels, rotating tires, and repairing or replacing worn parts like brake pads.

Find automotive technician jobs on Jobcase.

7. General labor

Average salary: $40,838

Education requirements: None

Duties: General laborers typically work in warehouses, performing tasks like loading and unloading trucks, picking up and packing orders, transporting merchandise, and other general duties.

Find general labor jobs on Jobcase.

What companies hire manual labor workers?

Here are four well-known companies that frequently hire manual workers:

1. Amazon

In 2020, Amazon hired an average of 1,400 new workers every day. The majority of these workers do manual labor jobs in Amazon’s many warehouses.

If you’re looking for a physical labor job, consider applying at one of Amazon’s fulfillment centers.

These jobs generally include warehouse and stock-keeping duties. Expect to offload trucks, locate stock in a large warehouse, as well as pick and pack orders. Some associates also operate machineries like pallet jacks, forklifts, and cherry pickers.

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2. Holiday Inn

Holiday Inn runs many hotels in the U.S. As such, it hires many housekeepers, stewards, and other similar positions that all require manual labor.

This is an excellent option for those looking to get into the hotel industry with a job that has a low barrier to entry.

3. Area Temps

Area Temps has a lot of general labor positions available around the country. The company works with various clients, so you could end up working at a company you really enjoy.

4. Staffworx Skilled Trades

If you’re a skilled manual laborer doing things like electrical work or welding, Staffworx could help you find jobs all around the country.

They specialize in connecting skilled manual laborers with long-term positions.

Find your dream manual labor job today

There are many benefits to working a manual labor job. They help keep you fit and healthy while you hone your skills. Plus, they often pay well and have a low barrier to entry.

Your skills and interests will determine what jobs you apply for. If you need some help with your job search, you can visit the Jobcase Getting Hired Resource Center.