7 jobs for thrill seekers

If the idea of sitting in an office for 40-plus hours a week poring over spreadsheets and attending meeting after meeting is horrifying, good news! You don’t have to.

There’s a job out there to fulfill your inner thrill-seeker so you’ll never dread the 9-to-5 again.

Using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and PayScale, we found seven of these action-packed careers—all of which have available jobs on Monster.

Pilot

Why: You know the feeling—the thrust of the plane as it begins to bolt down the runway, and the view of the city quickly shrinking as you head for the clouds. What if you could experience that every day, with your hands on the wheel? As a pilot, you can.
What you’d need: Pilots need a bachelor’s degree as well as a commercial pilot’s license from the Federal Aviation Administration, plus the Airline Transport Pilot certificate. To get started, check out local flight schools and pilot training programs and check out this article about how to become an airline pilot.
What you’d make: $102,520 per year

Find pilot jobs on Monster.

Police Officer

Why: For the brave men and women in blue, there are untold numbers of thrilling situations they face every day across the country: drug busts, car chases, riots—the list goes on and on. While not every shift comes with guaranteed action, no two days on the job are ever the same.
What you’d need: Most police agencies require applicants to have a degree in law enforcement or criminal justice, but on top of that, police officers need to have mental and physical toughness, as well as an extensive knowledge of state and local laws. View a sample resume for a police officer.
What you’d make: $60,270 per year

Find police officer jobs on Monster.

Emergency physician

Why: E.R. physicians are well acquainted with the term “life or death”—it defines their line of work. Among all the action in the E.R., these doctors’ primary concern is making sure their patients, who are often in dire straits, end up on the front half of that aforementioned term.
What you’d need: On top of four years of medical school and two to three years of residency programs, emergency physicians need excellent communication skills, compassion for their patients and an ability to make split-second decisions in high-pressure environments.
What you’d make: $187,200 per year

Find emergency physician jobs on Monster.

Ski instructor

Why: Ski season is upon us! With plenty of resorts looking for experienced skiers to teach both individuals and groups, becoming a ski instructor is a great way to gain valuable leadership skills, work outdoors in beautiful locations and stay in shape. Sure, you’ll have slow days on the bunny slopes, but training daredevils and mogul-mavens will give you the thrill you’ve been chasing. Bomb down a hill, and remember: If you french fry when you’re supposed to pizza, you’re gonna have a bad time.
What you’d need: Obviously, you need to be a skilled skier to coach others. You’ll also need great people skills and a lot of patience. Since most ski (and snowboard) instructors aren’t salaried employees, you’ll also need a flexible schedule.
What you’d make: $13 per hour

Find ski instructor jobs on Monster.

Hazardous materials inspector

Why: This job’s uniform isn’t called a “hazmat suit” for nothing. A day in the life could entail contact with asbestos, lead or even radioactive waste. Once you’re fully suited up and protected from these poisonous substances, you’ll be charged with identifying and disposing of them—whether they’re flammable, corrosive or otherwise bad news. Not for the faint of heart, this job gets you major street cred and totally unique dinner party talking points.
What you’d need: You won’t need a specific degree or license, but you will need to undergo 40 hours of training in accordance with standards set by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration. Nuclear facilities inspectors require much more training and education—potentially up to three months.
What you’d make: $39,690 per year

Find hazardous materials inspector jobs on Monster.

Miner

Why: Considered one of the world’s most dangerous occupations, mining may not immediately come to mind as a thrilling job, but the fear factor created by all of the inherent risks—explosions, floods, cave-ins, not to mention exposure to dangerous chemicals and minerals—should set your pulse racing.
What you’d need: Some colleges offer mining engineering majors. If you're interested in pursuing this line of work, make sure to take classes in geology, physics and other types of math and science. While there isn’t a specific license required, you can opt to get a professional engineering license later in your career, which can lead to higher pay and more work opportunities.
What you’d make: $94,040 per year

Find miner jobs on Monster.

Roofer

Why: If the idea of working several stories high with nothing tethering you to the ground gives you a thrill, roofing could very well be your dream job. Vertigo sufferers need not apply, but for anyone who’s ever dreamed of being Spiderman, this could be the next best thing.
What you’d need: Roofers don’t need any formal education, but many require or prefer apprenticeships to learn the trade.
What you’d make: $36,720 per year

Find roofer jobs on Monster.