The 20 Jobs that Are Good for Your Health

Want a career that’s good for your mental and physical health? Here’s some inspiration!

Reviewed by Chris Leitch

Jobs that Are Good for Your Health

A standard workday usually takes over the largest part of our lives, leaving us with little time for anything else. And with most jobs being office-based, they usually lead to a sedentary lifestyle.

So, if you’re on the hunt for a healthier career and better work-life balance, whether it’s physically or mentally, then you’ve come to the right place.

Here, we will walk you through the healthiest jobs on the market!

1. Professor

Average annual salary: $80,790

As a university professor, you’ll have plenty of time outside of work for personal hobbies and activities. And since the work environment involves little to no stress, you’ll generally feel more rested and will have longer holiday breaks than most other professions.

2. Florist

Average annual salary: $29,140

Working so closely with flowers brings a sense of fulfilment and happiness to most individuals. Whether it’s putting together a bouquet for a life-changing moment, like an engagement, or simply pruning flowers, it allows the mind to switch off and focus on something relaxing.

3. Yoga instructor

Average annual salary: $40,510

If you want to find the ultimate Zen, then being a yoga instructor will offer you just that. Teaching meditation, relaxation and yoga poses will help your mind and body be in the healthiest state possible. Not only will you improve flexibility and build core strength, but you will also rid your mind of any negativity.

4. Government employee

Average annual salary: $62,140

While most government jobs are monotonous, they do offer a good work-life balance. With early finishes, more holiday allowances, higher pay and good healthcare plans, government employees have more time to focus on their wellbeing, too.

5. Gardener

Average annual salary: $32,220

Like a florist, gardeners spend their time taking care of plants, trees and flowers. Working with nature instead of dealing with fussy colleagues is a much healthier lifestyle, which offers little to no stress.

6. Data scientist

Average annual salary: $98,230

Since data scientists focus on analysing data and drawing conclusions and answers to complex questions, their daily routine usually follows the same pattern. Without having much stress in their work-life, data scientists have more time to focus on exercise and healthy living outside of the workplace.

7. Marine scientist

Average annual salary: $85,290

If you like the sea and all that it entails, then you’ll find working as a marine scientist enjoyable. Analysing the interaction of the sea and land is calming for most professionals and offers plenty of time outside of the office to focus on personal hobbies, too.

8. Allied health professional

Average annual salary: $69,870

Allied health professionals are a type of healthcareer career and can be orthodontists, physical therapists and chiropractors. They usually have a fixed schedule and routine appointments, allowing for no surprises and few emergency visits. This then gives them time to work on their physical health outside the office.

9. Nutritionist

Average annual salary: $63,090

Nutritionists can be found in gyms and health centres where they guide their clients on how to eat a more balanced diet. Since they’re helping others follow a healthier lifestyle, they feel fulfilled and happy in their job, which naturally leads to a healthier mindset.

10. Software engineer

Average annual salary: $110,140

While sitting at a desk all day isn’t the best for your health, software engineering has been listed as one of the least stressful jobs since it doesn’t affect most workers' mental states. By working for a company that also values a good work-life balance and offers great employee benefits, most software engineers also enjoy many perks on the job.

11. Choreographer

Average annual salary: $43,680

Not only does choreography allow you to be physically active, but it also gives you the chance to express yourself through movement and dancing. If you spend your days putting together dance routines, you’ll likely eat healthier, too, to ensure that you stay in shape.

12. Dietitian

Average annual salary: $63,090

Professional dietitians and personal trainers say that weight loss is 70% of what you eat, which is why the work of a dietitian is so important. And if you know how to guide others into a healthier lifestyle, then you’ll definitely have a better life for yourself, too.

13. Farmer

Average annual salary: $68,090

Being a farmer is a physically demanding job but also one that keeps the mind and body healthy. Since farmers manoeuvre heavy machinery and manage cattle, they spend many hours on their feet, lifting heavy objects and walking which naturally builds stamina and strength within the body.

14. Fitness instructor

Average annual salary: $40,510

What’s better than getting paid to keep fit? As a fitness instructor, you’ll spend hours on end teaching fitness classes or guiding clients through a one-on-one session on how to exercise and stick to a fitness regime. While you might be tired towards the end of the day, your body will thank you for a hard workout, and you can reward yourself with a well-deserved treat after burning all those calories during the day.

15. Artist

Average annual salary: $49,120

Artists get to express their thoughts and feelings through their work, which leads to a healthier mind. Whether you’re an art teacher or self-employed, you’ll have plenty of free time to fit in some exercise or cook your favourite meal and socialise with friends and family.

16. Writer

Average annual salary: $67,120

Although writing is a sedentary job, like an artist, it’s a profession that allows you to express yourself and get things off your chest. And unless you’re working towards strict deadlines, it’s a job that offers a great work-life balance. You can spend your free time reading your favourite books and expanding your imagination to better your work.

17. Insurance worker

Average annual salary: $52,180

While you’ll need the gift of the gab to earn your commission in this role, you’ll generally find it easy to win over clients who are looking to purchase some type of insurance. The best part? You’ll get free or cheaper insurance yourself and will have plenty of time outside of the standard 9-to-5 to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

18. Massage therapist

Average annual salary: $43,620

As a massage therapist, you’ll work in a peaceful setting and offer a range of different treatments that will relax and restore your client's health. For this reason, you should also feel calm and happy that you’re helping your clients, and you’ll feel satisfied that you’ve improved their mood once they’ve left your salon.

19. Administrative assistant

Average annual salary: $40,990

An administrative assistant generally works in an office setting making various phone calls and organising meetings and responding to emails. It’s not typically a stressful role since you’re instructed on the tasks of the day. That said, you’ll also receive company perks and have plenty of time to add a workout or walk into your day to get your step count up.

20. Small business employee

Average annual salary: Varies

Like administrative assistants, a small business employee shouldn’t have a long list of job duties and will, therefore, have plenty of time to focus on their nutrition and health. You’ll also have a better work-life balance and be able to maintain a social life which will boost your mental health.

Final thoughts

As you can see, a healthy job doesn’t necessarily mean that it has to be a physical one. You can still enjoy a healthy lifestyle if you have a job that doesn’t require too much brainpower and that, most importantly, is one that you enjoy doing.

Which of these jobs do you find the most interesting? Can you think of any healthy jobs? Let us know in the comments section below!

This article is an updated version of an earlier article published on 8 December 2016.