If you're tired of desk jobs that leave you no time to work out, consider switching to a career where you buff up on the job instead of gaining "cubicle weight." While labor-saving devices have made many jobs easier, there are still plenty of jobs that require physical fitness. Some of them pay quite well, particularly jobs that also expose workers to physical danger, notes career expert Laurence Shatkin, the author of "175 Best Jobs Not Behind a Desk."
Because so many Americans are out of shape, physically fit people have an edge when applying for physically demanding jobs, says Brian Sharkey, a coauthor of the 2008 book "Hard Work." You must be in shape to qualify for many tough jobs, and some jobs, such as firefighter, require passing an annual fitness exam.
Sharkey recommends that if you're out of shape and want a shot at a physically hard job, you allow several months to get in shape. Prospective employers can provide information on the physical requirements for their jobs and in some cases can offer training recommendations. Many people need to build up their strength or work on the aerobic conditioning needed for many tough jobs.
"You need to have endurance to do something like fighting a wildfire all day long," Sharkey says.
Here are some of the best-paying jobs that demand--and help you maintain--physical fitness:
1. Sheet-metal worker
It's sweaty, dangerous work: fabricating all the metal pieces needed in buildings, from downspouts and siding to air-conditioning ducts. Apprentices usually do four or more years of classroom and on-the-job training, and demand is expected to grow by 6 percent in the next decade, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports. Median annual salary: $52,829
2. Police and sheriff's patrol officer
They may have a patrol-cars-and-doughnuts image, but in reality law officers may need to sprint after suspects or wrestle them to the ground. The BLS reports that future demand for officers is expected to grow 8.7 percent. Median annual salary: $50,190
3. Electrician
Working around potentially dangerous electrical wires all day, electricians need strength to bend conduit, climb ladders, and lift heavy objects. They may also need to stoop or kneel for long periods as they wrestle wires into place. As we head into economic recovery, demand for electricians is forecast to soar nearly 12 percent, the BLS says. Apprenticeship programs usually last four years. Shatkin says demand may be better than initially forecast due to the electrical component in booming green technology--electricians are needed to wire solar panels. Median annual salary: $45,524
4. Firefighter
Blazing heat, blinding smoke, irregular hours--what's not to love? Firefighting attracts people who thrive on danger and who can go with the flow. Most firefighters work for local governments. Population growth in coming years will see this occupation grow more than 18 percent. Median annual salary: $44,795
5. Brickmason or blockmason
Bricklaying is one task that's still done by hand--lifting heavy materials into place and stooping or kneeling are common workday activities. Apprentices train for up to four years. The BLS foresees more than 11 percent growth in the field, with particular opportunity for workers with restoration skills. Median annual salary: $40,656
Business reporter Carol Tice contributes to several national and regional business publications.
Source: All salary data is from PayScale.com. The salaries listed are median, annual salaries for full-time workers with five to eight years of experience and include any bonuses, commissions, or profit sharing.
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