In this post
The Best Careers if You Want to Avoid a Desk Job
Kristen Michaelides
If the thought of spending your working life trapped behind a desk is a little too much for you to bear, never fear; there happen to be boundless ways to make a living while staying active at the same time. Here we’ll look at some of the best non-desk jobs for those who’d rather not sit all day long.
1. Day Care Workers
$65,000
Average Day Care Worker Salary
Are you great with kids and looking for an ultra-active job? If so, this is it! Between all the walking, running and playing to the inevitable lifting and carrying, daycare work requires a high level of activity just to keep up. This important role also entails a huge amount of mental and emotional energy, which makes it the perfect choice for those with a good imagination, plenty of patience, and a calm demeanour.
Australia’s 150,000 daycare workers make an average of $48,000 per year and most have completed at least a Certificate III in Education Support or another education course which are the perfect way to get the skills needed to enter this active and rewarding industry.
2. Chef and Hospitality Workers
Click here if you want to read more about Ben’s life as a chef.
$90,000
Average Head Chef Salary
This fast-paced profession requires far more than just a love of cooking, as you’ll also need plenty of strength, precision and endurance. If you enjoy working with others and have the ability to stay calm under pressure then this is the career path for you. The job doesn’t stop when food service is over either because chefs are also commonly tasked with shift planning, menu creation and staff development duties as well.
Most of Australia’s chefs get their start via apprenticeship programs which typically include a Certificate or Diploma of Culinary Arts as well as four years of on-the-job training, and executive chefs can make upwards of $100,000 every year.
Start Your Career in the Culinary Arts
Click here if you want to read more about Jen’s career in hospitality.
3. Nurse
$80,000
Average Registered Nurse Salary
Want a job where you get to be active and help people at the same time? If so, consider nursing. Not only will you be on your feet for every shift but you’ll need plenty of physical strength and endurance, with nurses being a vital service needed around the clock.
Nursing is also one of Australia’s most highly respected and in-demand professions with an average income of around $69,888 per year and the best way to get started is by taking medical science courses, such as a Diploma of Nursing to become an enrolled nurse in Australia.
Start a Rewarding Career in Nursing With a Diploma of Nursing
4. Photographer
Click here if you want to read more about Stina’s career as a photographer.
$65,000
Average Salary for a Photographer in Australia
If you feel more comfortable behind a lens than a desk you’ll love your life as a professional photographer, because in this creative role you get to spend most of your time playing with light, experimenting with angles and capturing some of life’s most special moments. You can choose to specialise in the type of photography that interests you most, such as weddings, sports, or photojournalism.
The chances of exploring the world and capturing moments through your lenses are what attracts so many to this profession. There are just over 13,000 professional photographers now working throughout Australia earning an average of $65,000. Better yet, many choose to become freelance photographers after undergoing a photography course so the ability to be your own boss is another benefit of this dynamic and creative industry.
Becoming Your Own Boss and Start Your Freelance Photography Business Today
5. Animal Care Worker
Click here to read more about Carla’s experience in dog grooming.
$60,000
Average Salary for an Animal Carer
If you are an animal lover looking for a job that isn’t so inactive, consider your search over, because any career working with animals will allow you to get a huge amount of exercise, have access to all the fresh air and sunshine your heart desires, and spend every day given unconditional love by a variety of animals.
An animal trainer or attendant can earn over $60,000 per year, with those at a senior level earning over $70,000 and qualifications in animal care vary according to these specific jobs. If you’re after a rewarding job surrounded by animals big and small, then this career is a perfect move and better yet, there’s almost no chance of being stuck behind a desk.
Want a Career in Animal Care? Start Your Course Today
6. Fitness Instructor
$80,000
Average Fitness Instructor Salary in Australia
This highly energetic job will essentially pay you to stay in shape, providing of course, that you’re willing to help others do so too. The majority of fitness instructors spend their days working in gyms showing members how to use equipment properly, while many also lead classes in specialised skills such as Pilates, Cross-fit and Kettlebell. Apart from being an extremely active job, you’ll also meet plenty of like-minded people and get to share in the joy of helping others to achieve their personal goals.
Whether you’re interested in becoming a personal trainer, coach or gym instructor, there’s plenty of fitness courses such as a Certificate III in Fitness available Australia-wide which can assist you in taking that first step towards this rewarding career path. This is also a rather lucrative job, as fitness instructors in Australia can make up to $83,000
Start Your Challenging and Fun Career in Fitness
The best way to find your ideal non desk job is by doing some research, sharpening your skills and seeking out tips and advice wherever possible. But whatever you do, aim for a job that you’ll look forward to every day; after all, the right job should do far more than just pay the bills, it should make you feel great to be alive!
Browse Results
Bachelor of Cyber Security CRS1401441
The Bachelor of Cyber Security offered by AIBI Higher Education is a technical course designed to prepare students for entry-level roles leading to an exciting career in Cyber Security. Students will first learn the foundations of information technolog...
Certificate III in Non-Emergency Patient Transport (VIC Only) HLT31120
Our Promise We are confident in the delivery of our training. On successful completion of the course, graduates will be guaranteed a telephone interview for vacant Patient Transport Officer positions in the Non-Emergency Patient Transport division. So...
Diploma of Health Science
Contribute to a healthier and happier society with Endeavour’s Diploma of Health Science. In addition to gaining foundational knowledge of biological and social sciences, our one-year full time (two years part-time) course gives you the opportunity to...
Certificate IV in School Based Education Support (Class Based and Self-Paced) CHC40221
The qualification CHC40221 – Certificate IV in School Based Education Support is referred to in industry as the Cert 4 Education Support or your teacher’s aide course. Education support workers assist teachers and support student learning in a range of...
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (Melbourne Only) CHC30121
Are you patient, flexible and wanting to help nurture our future generation? Our CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is a course designed for entry-level into the early childhood education and care industry. As a childcare wo...
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (Melbourne Only) CHC50121
Are you passionate about offering children the best opportunities for their individual development? Our CHC50121 – Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care course is designed to train students in all aspects of childcare, from providing for care t...
Certificate IV in School Based Education (Perth Only) CHC40221
Enhance your job prospects, by completing the CHC40221 Certificate IV in School Based Education Support, where you will be qualified to work with children with additional needs. This course Is designed for individuals who are either currently working o...
Certificate III in Information Technology ICT30120
With a ICT30120 Certificate III in Information Technology from MCI Institute you will hold a nationally recognised qualification that is highly relevant to a wide range of industries and valued by your potential employers. A growing reliance on technol...
Certified Cybersecurity Professional
Our Certified Cybersecurity Professional course will prepare you for a career in an industry with 0% unemployment. This interactive online course will take you from zero industry experience to a job ready, front line Cybersecurity Analyst in less than...
Diploma of Counselling CHC51015
The CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling will teach you a range of therapy techniques that you can use to get the best result for your clients. It will also give you the skills necessary to communicate effectively, work within a case management framework, a...
Certificate III in Community Pharmacy (Perth Only) SIR30116
The Certificate III in Community Pharmacy prepares you for a rewarding career as a pharmacy assistant in a retail pharmacy setting. This course equips you with the skills to provide excellent customer service, assist with pharmacy products, and support...
Certificate IV in Business (Finance) BSB40120
Our nationally accredited BSB40120 Certificate IV in Business (Finance) is designed to provide you with the skills to manage and oversee the financial operations of a business. You’ll learn accounting practices, budget planning and analysis, and financ...
Diploma of Nursing (SA and WA Only) HLT54121
Build a meaningful career that makes a difference with the HLT54121 Diploma of Nursing. This nationally recognised qualification provides the essential skills, knowledge, and practical training needed to become a qualified Enrolled Nurse in Australia....
Graduate Certificate in Leadership in Sport
The Graduate Certificate in Leadership in Sport (GCLIS) provides students with the opportunity to target employment opportunities within upper management in the sport industry. Target roles include positions at the General Manager, Director or Executiv...
Pilates Matwork Instructor Course
Standout in the fitness and wellness industry with an accredited Mat Pilates Qualification! This course is a great opportunity to add a new skill set to your existing career or bundle with fitness certifications to establish yourself as a diverse, mult...
Climate Reporting Fundamentals
Discover the world of climate and sustainability reporting with this comprehensive short course and micro-credential. This training course will increase your understanding of climate reporting requirements and how these will affect your business by exa...
Upskill in climate and sustainab...
Certificate III in Individual Support (Perth Only) CHC33021
The Certificate III in Individual Support equips students with the skills and knowledge to provide person-centred care to individuals in aged care, disability, or community settings. This course is ideal for those passionate about supporting people to...
Personal Trainer Course SIS30321,SIS40221
Join the fitness industry as a Personal Trainer and turn your love for fitness into a rewarding career by graduating in both the SIS30321 Certificate III in Fitness & SIS40221 Certificate IV in Fitness. Enjoy the flexibility of being your own boss...
Fast Track PT Course SIS40221
Turn your love of fitness into a career and get on the fast track to becoming a qualified Personal Trainer. After completing the nine Fitness Fundamental units, you’ll then launch straight into the SIS40221 Certificate IV in Fitness and complete all th...
Certificate IV in Fitness SIS40221
Take the next step in your career and gain the qualification you need to become a Personal Trainer. If you currently work in the fitness industry as a Gym or Group Fitness Instructor, elevate yourself to the next level by studying the SIS40221 Certific...
Online courses also available
Latest Articles
Agriculture Careers: What You Should Know in 2025
As one of Australia's most important industries, the agriculture industry offers great career opport...
Are Digital Skills the Key to Job Security in 2025?
The digital revolution is here, and it doesn’t care if you have a technical job or not — it’s coming...
How to Become a Chef in Australia: Complete Guide for 2025
The complete guide to becoming a chef in Australia. Learn how to get your start and make it in the h...
Want to read more?
How to Become a Makeup Artist
Do you want to learn more about makeup artistry? Here's what you need to know about becoming a makeu...
How to Become a Special Effects Makeup Artist
Interested in special effects on makeup artist but you’re not sure where to begin? Here’s a guide on...
What Jobs Are In Demand In Australia? High Demand Jobs in Every Industry
Discover the most in-demand jobs in Australia for each industry, so you can pick a resilient and hig...
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Get expert advice, insights, and explainers on tricky topics — designed to help you navigate your learning journey with confidence.
