How to Land a High Paying Outdoor Job

Do you prefer to spend your time working outdoors rather than in a cubicle? If so, you might want to consider a job working outdoors.

Thankfully, there are plenty of high-paying job opportunities that will get you working in nature. And there’s something for everyone, whether you work in construction or are a scientist.

This article will cover some of the highest-paying outdoor jobs to help you get started in your dream career.

Why work an outdoor job?

Working outdoors can be a blessing or a curse, depending on who you ask. But when we look at the health benefits associated with an outdoor job, it’s clear that we should all be getting a bit more fresh air and Vitamin D.

Believe it or not, our natural habitat is the outdoors. Being outside is proven to be a mood booster and stress reliever.

Plus, working outdoors doesn’t mean lower pay. Many outdoor jobs have highly competitive salaries.

Plus, working inside all day in an uncomfortable office chair is sure to cause problems. Sitting all day is proven to adversely affect health, leading to higher rates of disease.

Skills needed to land an outdoor job

If you’re looking for an outdoor job, the following skills will help you stand out to potential employers:

Problem-solving skills

One of the tops skills for any job, problem-solving, is critical in outdoor jobs. You never know when you'll be faced with a challenge, so it's important to be able to think on your feet and come up with creative solutions. This skill is also important in outdoor jobs because it demonstrates that you can work independently and that you have the initiative to complete tasks.

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Decision-making skills

Decision-making skills are also important for outdoor jobs. You’ll often be faced with split-second decisions that can have a big impact. This skill is important in any job, but it’s especially important in outdoor jobs because of the potential risks involved in such work.

Adaptability

Outdoor jobs often come with a lot of change and uncertainty. For example, the weather can be unpredictable, so you need to be able to adjust your plans on the fly. Without adaptability, succeeding in an outdoor job is challenging.

Leadership skills

Many outdoor jobs require you to take on a leadership role, even if you’re not in a formal management position. For example, you may be tasked with leading a group of volunteers or employees on a project. Outdoor jobs typically require teamwork, so it’s also important to be able to work well with others.

Independence

Some outdoor positions will require you to work independently. With the remote environmental conditions of some areas, it’s easy to see why employers value this skill.

If you’re interested in an outdoor job, highlight your ability to work independently on your resume and in your cover letter to stand out from the competition. Every person’s skills vary, so be sure to focus on those in which you excel. Your unique experiences can help you land the outdoor job of your dreams.

Factors to consider when applying for an outdoor job

With any new job, it’s important to do your research and know what you’re getting yourself into. This is especially true for outdoor jobs, as there are a few extra factors to consider that you may not have thought about before.

First, you need to consider the climate and weather conditions of the job’s location. It may be tough to adjust to the job if you’re not used to working in extreme heat or cold. You’ll also need to be mindful of the dangers of working in such conditions, including heat stroke and frostbite.

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It’s also necessary to understand the job’s physical demands and their associated risks. Many outdoor jobs require manual labor, and you must be physically fit for these types of roles. Injuries are also more common in outdoor jobs, so safety should be a top priority.

Finally, when applying for an outdoor job, you should be prepared to work as part of a team. Whether you’re working with other employees or volunteers, teamwork and collaboration are the keys to success in many outdoor jobs.

If you’re considering an outdoor job, it’s important that you think about all of these factors. With a little bit of research and dedication, you’ll set yourself up for success.

12 of the highest-paying outdoor jobs

Here’s a list of twelve high-paying outdoor jobs for you to consider, along with the median salary for each.

1. Park ranger

National average salary: $64,010 per year.

A park ranger protects the land and wildlife in state or national parks. It’s a broad term describing someone who does anything from figuring out how to protect the land from fires and harmful insects to choosing and preparing new areas in which to plant trees.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), park rangers generally have a college degree in forestry or agricultural science. These degrees prepare students for a challenging new career path.

Find park ranger jobs on Jobcase.

2. Geographer

National average salary: $85,430 per year.

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A geographer studies the land through field observations, maps, satellite imagery, and other sources of information. They then connect this data to information regarding a region's health, politics, economics, and environment.

Geographers need a bachelor’s degree for most entry-level positions. A master’s degree is mandatory for many senior positions related to this career path.

3. Landscape architect

National average salary: $70,630 per year.

Have you ever visited an educational campus or business and been blown away by its exterior design? That’s the work of a landscape architect.

They design outdoor spaces, planning the layout of the greenery and other aspects of the design.

To start landscaping, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree, with many jobs requiring a master’s.

Find landscape architect jobs on Jobcase.

4. Construction manager

National average salary: $97,180 per year.

A construction manager oversees construction sites from start to finish. They’re in charge of managing the budget and ensuring the project is completed on time.

The job involves more than physical labor. Construction managers must be comfortable working with cost estimates and budgets, as well as managing schedules and sometimes hiring.

Many construction managers have a bachelor’s degree, while others are promoted based on years of experience.

Find construction manager jobs on Jobcase.

5. Civil engineer

National average salary: $88,570 per year.

A civil engineer oversees the design plans and construction of infrastructure projects. This includes things like roads, buildings, dams, tunnels, and bridges.

You’ll need a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering as well as co-op experience to land your first full-time job.

Find civil engineering jobs on Jobcase.

6. Farmers and ranchers

National average salary: $68,090 per year.

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Farmers and ranchers are in charge of crop production, including planting, fertilizing, and harvesting all crops. At the same time, you’ll be taking care of livestock.

Farmers also maintain and operate a lot of different equipment.

Most ranchers have a high school diploma. Many states offer agriculture programs, which could make you more appealing to employers.

7. Surveyor

National average salary: $65,590 per year.

A surveyor measures property boundaries in relation to the Earth’s surface for mapmaking and engineering purposes. It’s a career requiring a lot of travel, as well as research and writing abilities.

A large part of being a surveyor is preparing reports and presenting them to clients and the federal government.

You’ll need a bachelor’s degree followed by four years of supervised experience.

Find surveyor jobs on Jobcase.

8. Environmental engineer

National average salary: $92,120 per year.

Environmental engineers work to solve problems like climate change, unsafe drinking water, and sustainability issues.

It’s a challenging career that requires a background in chemistry, biology, engineering, and environmental science. Most entry-level jobs need at least a bachelor’s degree, but a master’s is recommended.

Find environmental engineering jobs on Jobcase.

9. Wildlife biologist

National average salary: $66,530 per year.

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A wildlife biologist is an exciting career involving the study of animals and their ecosystems. They look at animal behavior to see how it affects their environment and other natural resources.

Many wildlife biologists also look at how wildlife is affecting public health.

A bachelor’s degree is required for some entry-level positions, with a master’s degree or Ph.D. being required for more senior-level roles.

Find wildlife jobs on Jobcase.

10. Environmental scientist

National average salary: $76,530 per year.

Environmental scientists conduct research and offer solutions to problems related to the environment, such as air and water pollution. They can work in laboratories, offices, and the field.

These professionals strive to find ways to protect the environment and human health. They use their chemistry, biology, and physics knowledge to develop solutions to environmental issues.

A bachelor’s degree is required for entry-level environmental scientist jobs. Many environmental scientists also have a master’s degree or Ph.D.

Find environmental scientist jobs on Jobcase.

11. Conservation scientist

National average salary: $63,750 per year.

Conservation scientists work to protect and conserve natural resources like soil, water, and forests. They often work for the government or environmental organizations.

Training for this type of role usually includes a bachelor’s degree in a field such as biology, forestry, or agricultural science.

Find conservation scientist jobs on Jobcase.

12. Atmospheric scientist

National average salary: $94,570 per year.

An atmospheric scientist is a type of meteorologist who studies the atmosphere to understand and predict weather patterns. They collect data using instruments such as weather balloons and satellites.

Most atmospheric scientists have a bachelor’s degree in meteorology or a similar area of study, and some roles may require a master’s degree or Ph.D. Atmospheric scientists should also have a solid grasp of computer programming and engineering.

Find atmospheric scientist jobs on Jobcase.

Outlook and demand for outdoor jobs

Several factors can affect the outlook and demand for outdoor jobs. One factor is the changing climate. An increase in forest fires and other natural disasters provides an opportunity for growth in occupations like forest management and conservation science.

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Forestry workers can expect an employment increase of 7% between 2021–2031. Conservation scientists can expect an increase of 3%.

The availability of outdoor roles is location-dependent. If you are set on working in a specific outdoor role — for example ski instructor or marine biologist — you may need to consider moving to improve your job prospects.

Land your dream job in nature today

Choosing a career that gets you working outdoors has many benefits.

For starters, you’re getting out of that dreaded office chair and increasing your activity levels.

Aside from that, the best outdoor jobs offer competitive annual salaries. There’s no reason why you shouldn’t consider looking for one.

You can find more tips for job seekers searching for a high-paying outdoor job by visiting our Getting Hired Resource Center.