Looking for jobs for adventurous people that pay well?
If you’re looking for an adventure while getting paid, we’ve compiled a list of high-paying jobs for the adventurous type. If you’re energetic, enjoy unpredictability, and are an all-around thrill-seeker, we’ve got you covered.
What Makes a Good Job for Adventurous People?
Note: Our scores below are based on how many of the following job characteristics apply to each job.
We looked for jobs that:
- Provide an opportunity to travel
- Require good health
- Have a potential safety risk
- Allow for independence
- Allow for flexible working hours
- Are in new or developing fields
Best Jobs for Adventurous People
1. Wildlife Photographer
- Average salary: $62,000
- Our score: 4/6
A wildlife photographer produces photographs of plants or animals in their natural environment.
The job requires that you travel to remote destinations, setting up your cameras and equipment to get the right shot. You’ll also need to edit the images to ensure the best quality.
Qualifications aren’t necessarily required but you’ll need a portfolio and experience with professional equipment will help you secure a job. You’ll also need Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom skills for post-production, as well as patience for capturing the best possible shot.
2. Commercial Pilot
- Average salary: $89,000
- Our score: 4/6
A commercial pilot is an aviation professional who flies complex aircraft.
As a commercial pilot, you’ll be responsible for performing inspections and assessing which route is the least risky. You’ll also evaluate weather and traffic to ensure passengers’ safety before and during flights.
You’ll have to go to flight school or aviation college to get an aviation license and complete the practical flight hours needed. This is considered a high-risk job so you’ll need to be able to make quick decisions in high-pressure situations.
3. Volcanologist
- Average salary: $85,000
- Our score: 6/6
Volcanologists travel to volcanoes to understand molten rock formation to predict volcanic eruptions.
Visiting both active and inactive volcanoes, you’ll be collecting samples such as lava, ash, and rocks, before analyzing their mineral elements in the lab. Duties range from monitoring erupting volcanoes, installing instruments, collecting data, and doing a bit of paperwork.
Only a few universities offer degrees in volcanology. It’s advised to start with a degree in geology and then advance to a volcanology master’s or Ph.D. Excellent communication skills are also useful for publishing articles that the general public can understand.
4. Travel Writer
- Average salary: $73,000
- Our score: 4/6
A travel writer’s job is to write about their experiences and destinations while traveling the world.
As a travel writer, you’ll usually work as a freelancer writing reviews, guides, or blogs, so the work requires a lot of research and content creation. It boils down to a lot of taking notes, writing, and editing.
There aren’t exact educational requirements but some travel writers have a degree in English or journalism. Being socially perceptive will help you capture a culture or country in a style and tone that suits the reader.
5. Cruise Director
- Average salary: $64,000
- Our score: 3/6
A cruise director is responsible for passenger activities and entertainment onboard.
You’ll oversee scheduled activities to ensure the safety and entertainment of everyone onboard. This involves coordinating events and managing staff such as musicians, actors, and backstage crews.
Experience trumps schooling in this line of work. Cruise directors often work their way up from servers to front-of-house, assistant managers, and finally, cruise directors. You’ll need an outgoing personality to interact with guests.
6. Professional Athlete
- Average salary: $52,000
- Our score: 5/6
Professional athletes train and compete in their chosen sport.
Becoming a professional athlete is more than a job; it’s a lifestyle. You’ll work with a team of trainers, coaches, and nutritionists to improve your sporting abilities while maintaining a fit physique.
There are no academic requirements, but stamina and mental toughness are required to keep consistent training and dieting. You’ll have to have natural talent, but strong ambition is what will further you in your chosen sport.
7. Search and Rescue Professional
- Average salary: $62,000
- Our score: 4/6
A search and rescue professional helps people in a variety of emergencies.
As a search and rescue professional, you’ll plan and execute operations to save trapped people in emergencies such as natural disasters, extreme weather and terrain, and even abduction. You’ll also provide medical aid to injured victims.
Extensive training at a search and rescue academy is required to learn about medical aid, emergency management, and outdoor survival skills. You’ll also need a high fitness level to endure hazardous environments.
8. Traveling Doctor
- Average salary: $105,000
- Our score: 6/6
Traveling doctors practice medicine worldwide, often in locations with little access to medical services.
As a traveling doctor, you’ll bring medical services and supplies to remote places. The job relies on typical medical responsibilities and practices, but you may need to undergo pre-travel training to diagnose common local illnesses.
You’ll need to complete your M.D. and residency. Specializing in malnutrition or infectious diseases is beneficial, as traveling doctors often face these types of health issues in developing countries. Having good communication skills is also strongly recommended.
9. War Correspondent
- Average salary: $46,000
- Our score: 4/6
A war correspondent reports stories from a war zone, providing first-hand accounts.
You’ll be assigned a story and stationed in a conflict-ridden location. Once on-site, you’ll then investigate reports and interview military personnel, rebels, and civilians to examine accurate information to present to the public.
A bachelor’s degree is typically required for an entry-level position. After that, work experience will increase your ranking at a news outlet. Strong interpersonal skills will help you adapt to cultural norms.
10. Bomb Squad Technician
- Average salary: $79,000
- Our score: 4/6
Bomb squad technicians specialize in disarming bombs to prevent detonation.
Working as a bomb squad technician, you’ll identify and dispose of bombs, ammunition, and grenades. You’ll also work with the local police to help evacuate areas to keep the public safe.
To become a part of a bomb squad unit, you should start in the armed forces and complete specialized military training. Remaining calm and having strong critical thinking skills are also needed to make quick decisions under pressure.
11. Commercial Diver
- Average salary: $56,000
- Our score: 6/6
Commercial divers use their mechanical abilities to dive underwater and perform various tasks.
There are many fields to venture into, from salvaging expeditions, repairs, and installation to securing samples for testing. Your duties will include checking and cleaning diving equipment, staying in contact with divers, and performing the specified work task, all to complete the operation or experiment.
To qualify, you’ll need to complete a commercial divers course, and communication skills are necessary to talk to fellow divers and report back to clients. The job can also be physically grueling, so a high fitness level is required.
12. Zoo Veterinarian
- Average salary: $63,000
- Our score: 4/6
Zoo veterinarians examine, diagnose and treat exotic species held in captivity.
As a zoo veterinarian, you’ll conduct medical checkups providing care such as setting bones, taking blood work, designing diets, and even performing surgery. You’ll also address the health of incoming animals, administering sedatives, vaccinations, and quarantines.
You’ll need to graduate with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, obtain your state license, and secure a veterinary internship. A certification in zoological medicine isn’t mandatory but shows further expertise and specialty training.
13. Astronaut
- Average salary: $91,000
- Our score: 5/6
Astronauts travel to space to maintain equipment and conduct experiments, all in the name of space exploration.
You’ll work as part of a crew, with each member assigned different responsibilities. Roles vary depending on the mission, but they include commander of safety, repairing specialist, and retrieval specialist.
Astronauts undergo years of extensive training, and competition is high. There is no particular degree, but you’ll need a high level of technical education and good physical and mental health before being selected.
There Are Careers for Adventurous People!
Whether you’re a bomb squad technician defusing deadly bombs or jetting around the world as a pilot, one of these daring careers is sure to get your adrenaline pumping.
Which one stands out to you? Let us know in the comments.