The highest paying outdoor jobs include petroleum engineer ($137,000/year), construction manager ($98,000/year), wind turbine technician ($56,000/year), and landscape architect ($73,000/year). These roles require a mix of fieldwork, technical skills, and formal education, often offering high pay due to labor intensity or specialized knowledge.
Why Choose an Outdoor Career?
Outdoor careers offer high income, hands-on work, and a strong connection to the natural world. They appeal to people who enjoy nature, prefer fieldwork over desk jobs, and want to avoid traditional office environments.
Many jobs in this field involve nature, from preserving natural habitats to managing national parks. Outdoor careers often combine environmental science, physical labor, and problem-solving. Construction workers, park rangers, environmental engineers, and wildlife biologists all benefit from working in open-air environments, often contributing to climate change mitigation, wildlife conservation, or the development of new buildings and infrastructure.
These jobs also support physical health, mental well-being, and job satisfaction, especially for nature lovers who prefer to work outdoors instead of in front of a screen.
Top 10 Highest Paying Outdoor Jobs
Here are the top-paying roles for those who want to work outside and earn well. These careers span engineering, construction, science, and sales, offering opportunities for both degree-holders and those with trade certifications.
| Job Title | Average Salary (USD) | Typical Education Required | Main Outdoor Duties |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petroleum Engineer | $96,592 | Bachelor’s in Engineering | Oversee oil/gas extraction at drilling sites |
| Environmental Engineer | $96,820 | Bachelor’s in Engineering/Science | Solve environmental problems, fieldwork |
| Marine Engineer | $89,478 | Bachelor’s in Engineering | Design, build, test ships, supervise construction |
| Geographer | $85,220 | Bachelor’s/Master’s in Geography | Study land, field observations, mapping |
| Construction Manager | $84,874 | Bachelor’s in Construction Mgmt | Supervise building projects on-site |
| Landscape Architect | $71,211–$67,950 | Bachelor’s/Master’s in Architecture | Design outdoor spaces, site visits |
| Heavy Equipment Mechanic | $70,000 | High School/Trade Cert. | Repair/maintain equipment on-site |
| Zoologist/Wildlife Biologist | $70,300–$64,650 | Bachelor’s/Master’s in Biology | Study animals/ecosystems, field research |
| Park Ranger | $63,750 | Bachelor’s in Forestry/Science | Protect/manage parks, wildlife, public education |
| Arborist | $62,808 | High School/Cert. in Arboriculture | Plant/maintain trees, climb, fieldwork |
Trade & Skilled Labor Jobs
Trade jobs offer high pay without a college degree, especially for workers who are comfortable with hands-on work in challenging outdoor settings.
High-Paying Outdoor Trade Jobs:
- Heavy Equipment Mechanic: Use power tools to maintain machinery at construction sites.
- Arborist: Maintain outdoor landscapes, prune trees, and treat disease.
- Surveyor: Use tools to measure property lines and property boundaries for construction or land use.
- Construction Worker: Help build new buildings and infrastructure with physical labor and precise skills.
- Wind Turbine Technician: Maintain turbines in the natural world, often in remote, elevated environments.
These jobs typically involve site visits, manual labor, and technical skills. Trade certifications or apprenticeships are often more important than a college degree.
Science & Environmental Careers
These roles combine research, fieldwork, and technical knowledge to address environmental issues and protect natural resources.
Common Careers:
- Environmental Engineer: Use science to fix environmental problems and improve air, water, and land quality.
- Wildlife Biologist: Study animals in the field, track movement, and support wildlife conservation.
- Zoologist: Study animals in the wild or in captivity. Zoologists study animals to learn about behavior, diet, and reproduction.
- Marine Biologist: Study marine life, focusing on fish, ocean plants, or underwater ecosystems.
- Conservation Scientist: Work with government agencies to protect natural habitats and regulate land use.
These careers typically require at least a bachelor’s degree, and many also need a master’s degree in biology, environmental science, or a related field.
Adventure & Tourism Careers
Adventure careers offer flexible schedules, field-based experiences, and seasonal income. These jobs are ideal for people who want to enjoy nature and work with the public.
Examples of Adventure Jobs:
- Park Ranger: Educate visitors, enforce rules, and protect wildlife in national parks.
- Outdoor Guide: Lead tours, hikes, and adventure experiences like kayaking or rock climbing.
- Marine Salesperson: Demonstrate boats outdoors, meet clients, and close deals.
- RV Salesperson: Show RVs, host outdoor demos, and travel to meet buyers.
- Dog Walker: Walk dogs, provide care, and work independently. Requires no formal education.
Though some of these jobs are entry-level positions, others offer high pay based on sales commissions or specialized knowledge.
How to Get Started in a High-Paying Outdoor Job
To transition into an outdoor career, start with a self-assessment of your skills and interests. Then take action with the following steps:
Steps to Begin:
- Get Certified: Earn credentials for trades (e.g., arboriculture, surveying, or heavy equipment).
- Earn a Degree: A bachelor’s degree in environmental science, biology, or engineering opens many doors.
- Volunteer: Join local park or wildlife rehabilitation programs to gain experience.
- Take Entry-Level Positions: Start in roles like landscaping, trail work, or conservation assistant.
- Network: Connect with professionals in the private sector or government agencies managing natural places.
Use platforms like USAJobs, Conservation Job Board, or trade union listings to find job openings that match your interests.
High-Paying Outdoor Jobs Without a Degree
Not all outdoor careers require a college degree. Some roles focus on on-the-job training, trade certifications, or sales ability.
Top Jobs Without a Degree:
- Heavy Equipment Mechanic: Repair large machinery on construction projects.
- Arborist: Care for trees and work at height.
- RV Salesperson: Meet clients outdoors and close high-ticket deals.
- Marine Salesperson: Sell watercraft and perform outdoor demos.
- Dog Walker: Offer pet care, work outdoors, and set your own hours.
These jobs provide good income, flexibility, and opportunities to work independently.
Unique FAQs About High-Paying Outdoor Jobs
Below are questions we get asked about this topic.
What are the best high-paying outdoor jobs for people who dislike extreme weather?
Landscape architects, environmental engineers, and marine engineers often split time between field and indoor work. These roles reduce exposure to extreme weather while still allowing you to be outdoors regularly.
Are there high-paying outdoor jobs that don’t require a college degree?
Yes. Heavy equipment mechanics, marine salespeople, and RV salespeople earn over $60,000 per year with on-the-job training or certifications instead of a four-year degree.
Which outdoor jobs offer the most travel opportunities?
Surveyors, geographers, and wildlife biologists frequently travel for fieldwork. Construction managers and archeologists also work on projects in various regions or countries.
How can someone transition from an indoor job to a high-paying outdoor career?
Transfer your current skills, such as project management or tech knowledge, into outdoor fields. Enroll in short courses, earn certifications, or volunteer to gain outdoor experience.
What are the most overlooked risks in high-paying outdoor jobs?
Risks include sun exposure, remote locations, and long hours. Some roles, like petroleum engineer or marine engineer, involve weeks away from home or high-pressure environments.
Is an Outdoor Job Right for You?
If you love nature, enjoy physical work, and prefer being active, an outdoor job could be your dream job. Many jobs in this space offer great pay, especially in fields like landscape architecture, construction management, and environmental engineering.
From natural resource protection to building infrastructure, these jobs impact the environment and the economy. Whether you’re starting from scratch or changing careers, there’s a high-paying outdoor job that fits your goals and lifestyle.
Ready to make the switch? Search for open positions on government job boards, trade sites, or environmental networks, and take your first step toward working in the great outdoors.
