Physically Active Jobs for Entry-Level Workers

Physically active jobs that give you a workout are not only good for your wallet, they're also good for your health. Sitting is the new smoking, they say, and for a large portion of the 9-to-5 population, well, we're addicted—and it hurts. In fact, only 53.3% of American adults meet the recommended amounts of aerobic activity each week.

Luckily, there are plenty of jobs that won't keep you glued to a desk—that is, manual labor. Good exercise routines aren't just found in a gym; they can also be completed in these various positions. Ready for a workout at work? Using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and Monster data, we found great physically active entry-level jobs that will help you stay fit and start a rewarding career.

Baggage Handler

Why: You know you over-pack when you're traveling, and so do most people. Who shoulders the brunt of that load? Baggage handlers—a calorie-burning position that can also lead to a career in the airline industry.
What you'd need: No formal education or certifications are required, but most companies will require candidates to perform a strength test—often lifting luggage around 70 pounds—to make sure you can do the job.
Popular areas hiring: New York City; Las Vegas; Los Angeles; Orlando; Chicago
What you'd earn: The median pay for a baggage handler is $14.3 per hour.

Find baggage handler jobs on Monster.

Construction Worker

Why: When you think of manual labor and jobs that give you a workout, construction is probably the first job to come to mind. Whether carrying heavy materials, digging trenches, or filling holes, construction workers have one of the more physically intensive jobs.
What you'd need: Employees typically get training from experienced construction workers on the job.
Popular areas hiring: New York City; Houston; Los Angeles; Dallas; Chicago
What you'd earn: The median pay for a construction worker is $15.99 per hour.

Find construction worker jobs on Monster.

Freight Agent

Why: Think about all that we import and export, and then think of what's required to get all those items from point A to point B. Freight agents arrange for the pick up, routing, and delivery of cargo and shipments in airline, train, and trucking locations, as well as shipping docks. There's little sitting still.
What you'd need: A high school diploma or equivalent is likely required, and employees will get training on the job.
Popular areas hiring: Los Angeles; New York City; Chicago; Atlanta; Houston
What you'd earn: The median pay for a freight agent is $24.77 per hour.

Find freight agent jobs on Monster.

Landscape Architect

Why: Who needs barbells when you can lift nature's weights—rocks, wood and soil? Landscaping is a great active job for people who want to stay in shape, work outdoors, and truly get out what you put in.
What you'd need: “All states except for Illinois, Massachusetts, Maine and Washington, D.C. require landscape architects to have a license,” per BLS. This includes passing the Landscape Architect Registration Examination.
Popular areas hiring: New York City; Washington DC; Phoenix; San Francisco; Los Angeles
What you'd earn: The median salary for a landscape architect is $63,530 per year.

Find landscape architect jobs on Monster.

Package Handler

Why: With the massive popularity of online ordering, warehouses have been hustling and bustling to fulfill orders. Package handlers unload shipments, pull orders, package them up, copy and repeat.
What you'd need: No formal education is required, but you need to be able to be on your feet all day, as well as lift, reach, and bend.
Popular areas hiring: Houston; Pittsburgh; San Jose, CA; Cleveland; Denver
What you'd earn: The median pay for a warehouse worker is $15.34 per hour.

Find package handler jobs on Monster.

Personal Trainer

Why: Your job is literally to help other people stay fit. If you're an athlete, gym rat, studying sports and exercise science or a related field, this might be a great job for you to pursue while you continue to stay in the best shape of your life. Arnie would be proud.
What you'd need: Most gyms, universities and other institutions with personal trainers require different certifications—some written and others practical. Most, however, don't require more formal education than a high school diploma.
Popular areas hiring: New York City; Chicago; Los Angeles; Boston; Washington DC
What you'd earn: The median pay for a personal trainer is $24.77 per hour.

Find personal trainer jobs on Monster.

Postal Carrier

Why: You've got mail—lots and lots of mail. You'll get plenty of legwork running up to doorsteps throughout the day, lugging letter and packages. Body by boxes.
What you'd need: Along with your high school degree, the only other requirement for becoming a postal worker is to pass a written exam that measures how quickly you can verify names and numbers, as well as your ability to memorize mail distribution procedures.
Popular areas hiring: New York City; Los Angeles; Chicago; Dallas; Washington DC
What you'd earn: The median pay for a post office worker is $24 per hour.

Find postal carrier jobs on Monster.

Server

Why: Order up! There are few jobs that keep you on your feet more than being a waiter or waitress. Compound that with carrying meals all day (or night), and you've got a recipe for burning some serious calories.
What you'd need: Most restaurants do not require any formal education to become a server, though to serve alcohol, you'll need to get certified based on your state's laws.
Popular areas hiring: New York City; Los Angeles; Chicago; Dallas; Houston
What you'd earn: The median pay for a server is $13.38 per hour (though this varies significantly because of tips and whether or not the restaurant splits front-of-house earnings with the back of house staff)

Find server jobs on Monster.

Teacher

Why: Though most teachers have a desk, they'll tell you that they're rarely at it. Teachers are on their feet most of the day, moving between groups, walking down the halls, patrolling playground and lunchroom… You get the idea.
What you'd need: In all states, you'll need a bachelor's degree, and sometimes an additional concentration like math or science. In some cases, you'll need a master's degree in education, as well.
Popular areas hiring: New York City; Los Angeles; Chicago; Houston; Dallas
What you'd earn: The median salary for an elementary school teacher is $54,878 per year; the median salary for a high school teacher is $56,245 per year

Find teaching jobs on Monster.

Get Fit and Get Hired

If you're allergic to cubicle life and the thought of sitting still makes you itchy, these physically active jobs that give you a workout can make for a happy career choice. Want some help getting started? Make a free profile on Monster and we can send you customized job alerts when new positions get posted. You can have a successful job search without breaking a sweat.