If you are looking for a career that will get you out of the office, but also give you a quality salary, you have options from being a miner or miner engineer to more spread out careers like being an electrician or truck driver.
Some of these careers do require some education, but their salaries are competitive and career to consider.
1. Miner
Why Become a Miner?
If you are comfortable being in confined spaces for a long period of time and get paid well while on the job, then mining may be a career for you.
In regard to salary, most miners make an average of $96,000 annually, depending on their experience and location.
There is only a year or two of educational background that is recommended, although many just enter into the field.
| Miner Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $100,450 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $48.29 |
| Education | 1-2 Years |
| Outlook | 4% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Miner
2. Geophysicist
Why Become a Geophysicist?
For those who are more focused on the physical features of the Earth, like the composition, structure, and how it continually operates each second, then you may be more suited for a career as a geophysicist.
These scientists do require a minimum of 4 years in undergraduate college and then graduate-level years in their primary focus.
The salary for this position keeps you out of the mine, but the salary average is only around $110,000 annually.
| Geophysicist Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $103,550 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $49.78 |
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 6% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Geophysicist
3. Mining Engineer
Why Become a Mining Engineer?
If you like a career in mining, but want to work more on construction instead of actual mining, then you may consider becoming a mining engineer.
An undergraduate degree in engineering is required for this position, but the salary averages around $100,000 for most mining engineers.
| Mining Engineer Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $100,450 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $48.29 |
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 3% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Mining Engineer
4. Surveyor
Why Become a Surveyor?
Exploring different properties and determining where the property lines are through Earth mapping is at the core of surveying.
The great thing about this career is that it can be affiliated with almost every industry out there.
You can survey and map residential properties, commercial properties, and other large properties mapping out the terrain as a surveyor.
Depending on your state, you will need to gain licensure from that state, making sure you meet all the experience and educational requirements.
The education can range from 1 to 4 years, depending on the length of the program.
The average salary for surveyors is around $70,000.
| Surveyor Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $68,880 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $33.12 |
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 6% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Surveyor
5. Project Manager
Why Become a Project Manager?
In every industry, there is a need for a manager, someone to lead projects and take control of all the different aspects affiliated with the project.
This person is known as the project manager, who can be employed through a corporation or as an independent contractor for higher.
Most project managers have an educational background, with many of them completing an undergraduate degree and even a Master’s program targeted directly at program management.
An average salary among all industries indicates that a project manager averages around $80,000 annually, with some making significantly more for larger projects.
This career field is one that is continuing to grow and will be needed over the next few decades.
| Project Manager Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $68,880 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $33.12 |
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 6% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Project Manager
6. Truck Driver
Why Become a Truck Driver?
If you are not interested in a career with a lot of education but want to make a decent living, then truck driving is for you.
All you need in order to start and be successful in this career is six months of experienced training with a CDL program, learning how to operate and drive these trucks safely.
A truck driving career can keep you close to home by working for local companies that need daily drivers, or those who haul freight and give you the opportunity to tour the country.
The average salary of a truck driver just entering the field is around $45,000 but as you gain more miles and take on larger loads, your salary will increase significantly.
| Truck Driver Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $50,340 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $24.20 |
| Education | 0-6 Months |
| Outlook | 5% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Truck Driver
7. Machinist
Why Become a Machinist?
By completing a quick trade program of one or two years in your state, you can easily become a Machinist, which is a desired trade in the manufacturing and construction industries.
In this position, you will learn how to develop different parts and can average a salary of $46,000 in the early years of your career.
Like other positions, with time and experience come larger salaries, especially as your ability to mill down parts only gets better, and your precision is desired.
There is still a market for these positions as these industries continue seeking out machinists in their factories.
| Machinist Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $49,020 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $23.57 |
| Education | 1-2 Years |
| Outlook | 3% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Machinist
8. Electrician
Why Become an Electrician?
The need to give power and maintain power is one that is sought after in every single industry.
As an electrician, you can get a technical degree in the field of work as an apprentice until you get your own license.
There will always be work in this field, and you can truly take control of your career in this field.
The average salary of those getting into the industry is around $62,000 each year, but those who work as independent contractors often see higher rates.
For specialized work and projects, you can increase your education and get the training necessary to work on larger projects.
| Electrician Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $63,310 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $30.44 |
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 10% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become an Electrician
