In this article we're going to breakdown the most physically demanding jobs in the UK that you can consider if you're exploring a new career.
Physical jobs can give you that exercise and practical outlet that desk bound jobs simply can't match.
Disclaimer: Active Careers has collated average salaries from jobs posted on our jobs board from employers and has rounded them to nearest £1,000 per year. Many of the job titles listed have not been posted on our jobs board and we have harnessed third party data to give you indication of the average salaries in the UK.
View our list of physical jobs to spark some ideas of where you can take your career:
The personal Training sector has grown every year for over three decades (apart from the year of covid) and for good reason, it’s not just a physically active career that keeps you in shape, but it also is incredibly rewarding and potentially lucrative when you hone your craft.
Personal trainers leverage their fitness expertise to create tailored exercise plans and training programmes to help their clients obtain their fitness ambitions, whether they want to build muscle, reduce fat, increase flexibility or improve muscular endurance.
You will have to spot clients, conduct fitness assessments, correct form and demonstrate exercises making this is a highly physical job that requires a certain level of fitness.
You can deliver personal training via many mediums including face to face, in a small group setting, via live streaming services or offering a service that comprises all three.
One of the highest paying physical jobs on this list is that of an oil rig worker as they have to work offshore for vast lengths of time and be flexible for when they can work.
This job requires physical strength and fitness to manoeuvre heavy machinery, repair malfunctioning equipment and control powerful drills.
Physical jobs that pay well like this one do come with downsides, such as being isolated from friends and family and set working schedules mean that you could miss weddings and birthdays, but to compensate it will give you camaraderie, ability to work as part of a team and a very healthy income
If you want a physical job that pays well and gives you a sense of making a difference then being a youth activity instructor could be right for you.
A youth activity instructor specialises in organising and leading activities for young people, typically focusing on enriching their physical, social, and educational development.
You will help mentor young people towards better behaviour utilising adventurous activities such as rock climbing, mountaineering and team sports to build trust, confidence and social interaction skills.
You could find yourself working for a private institution like Keys Children, specilised outdoor adventure companies or even government backed anti-social programmes that are aimed at improving the lives of challenging kids.
One of the most physically demanding jobs is that of a fitness class instructor as unlike a personal trainer or a strength and conditioning coach they usually perform the movements they are teaching in synchronisation to the class members.
A class instructor's job is to design or follow class structures that are normally created with a training aim in mind and then to deliver such classes to groups of up to 30 people. It is your responsibility to provide instructions, corrections and motivation to group members, all whilst trying to sustain a positive group atmosphere and good class flow.
Most commercial gym operators offer a variety of classes in which you can specialise ranging from toning classes like legs, bums and tums and body pump through to more specific ones like pilates or spin. Further job pathways include working at class based studios, leisure centres and even cruise ships if you fancy a venture.
A sports massage therapist (SMT) is a popular career choice for those looking for a physical job, that pays well and does not require you to go to university.
You will specialise in applying massage techniques that are aimed at speeding up recovery and injury rehabilitation for things such as sprains, strains and other muscular based injuries.
The type of clients you will work with are both recreational and athletes that are engaged in regular physical activity or sport. This job involves being active and has ample career options such as working for a reputable rehabilitation clinic, studio or even working with a professional sports club.
As we hopefully know, police constables are tasked with upholding the law, ensuring public safety and maintaining positive relations within our communities.
However, it is also a very physically demanding career as you can find yourself patrolling or standing for hours at a time, physically having to restrain or arrest suspected criminals and sometimes having to perform self-defence maneuver
Naturally there will be times when you're having to file reports, update systems and be more desk bound, but the police even allow staff to have dedicated downtime time where officers can exercise using the onsite gym or focus on other professional development.
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Average Salary Average: £31,000 per year
Average Hourly Rate: £18 per hour
Next on our list of best physical jobs to consider is to become a running coach.
According to a national government survey “approximately 5.9 million people in England went running at least twice within 28 days” in 2022. Unsurprisingly there is a big demand for qualified coaches that can help both amateur and professional athletes across a plethora of distances and running types who are looking to take their training to the next level.
As a running coach you will write and administer progressive programmes based on your client’s goals and objectives. You will provide motivation, support, technique and nutritional guidance, as well as monitoring and tracking progress of your client's results.
This role is traditionally done in-person, either working 1-2-1 with clients to help refine their form and give coaching points, but many running coaches also "run", pun intended, small group sessions based on ability where they lead, motivate and provide emotional encouragement to other runners.
The biggest employers of running coaches tend to be athletic clubs or independent running coaches that have scaled their business and have a network of local running coaches under their remit.
If you want to start your own business, that is physically demanding and that pays well, without a degree, pre-requisite credentials or much initial financial outlay being needed, starting a window cleaning business could be a worthwhile consideration.
Apart from the obvious, window cleaning roles come with other responsibilities such as having to adhere to local health and safety protocols, operate lifts and scaffolding on tall high rise buildings as well developing lasting customer relationships.
window cleaning could be a part-time job to keep you active as well as a legitimate business that can be scaled as you could broaden your horizons from houses to local businesses and large corporations through to industrial equipment, cars and much more.
If you want an outdoor job that is physically demanding, challenging, fun and rewarding, then being an outdoor activity instructor might meet your criteria.
This is one of the most exhilarating and best jobs for physical activity whilst you work, as no two days are the same. One day you could find yourself leading a team building session on the high level ropes course and another, monitoring participants abseiling down a rock face or trying to navigate the white water rapids.
You will have to be very safety conscious, be confident in the activities you’re delivering and be a good communicator to large groups of people. If this sounds exciting to you, you can find careers at adventure centres like Go APE or Go Wild and some employers even operate retreats, giving you the opportunity to travel, all whilst getting paid.
This is one of the most physically challenging jobs you can do and there is an abundance of both part-time and full roles with set annual salaries as well as contracted and seasonal work.
The primary duty of a fence erector is to install fences for residential homes, parks, commercial properties and farms and naturally this job comes with many physical demands.
Being a Fence Erector requires skill, careful planning and precision, but also you need to be in good physical condition as you will have to lift heavy panels, mix concrete for securing posts and dig post holes.
Most fence erectors work for construction companies, but many roles can be an extension of other related services like landscapers, builders and general repairs.
When there is an health related emergency paramedics are the first on the scene. They need to quickly assess the situation they are presented with and the condition of the patient and provide immediate care.
Even though there are aspects of the role that are more sedative, such as filling in paper work and driving, what makes this role physically difficult is that sometimes you have to lift patients down stairs, maneuver them over difficult terrain or remove them from wrecked vehicles.
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This is definitely one of the most physical jobs that you can find as some yoga disciplines are very dynamic, requiring you to talk to your attendees regarding teaching points whilst holding strenuous poses.
You will plan sessions and sequences around the goal of the yoga sessions, suited to the ability level of the group you’re teaching. In conjunction with delivering classes and adjusting students' form, you will also promote mindfulness and mental wellbeing.
You can grow a yoga business around different styles of yoga such as restorative yoga that is more focused on relaxation, more vigorous styles like power yoga or even yoga for different demographics such as pregnant women or the elderly.
The most conventional ways yoga teachers operate is via freelance routes including freelancing between gyms that offer yoga classes, coupled with private yoga specific studios to which there are a reported over 6,000 in the UK.
Chiropractors are medical professionals that diagnose and treat neuromuscular disorders using non-surgical treatment methods for joint pains, headaches back problems.
They help patients with pain relief and functional improvement by applying sudden force to a joint (or adjustments) by pushing it beyond its usual range of motion without trying to cause injury or discomfort.
Most chiropractors have to stand for long time periods as most adjustments are made whilst standing up and when you have back to back clients throughout the day, this can be very physically taxing.
Warehouse workers need incredible levels of physical stamina and some workers can do up to 30,000 steps per day in a large warehouse.
You will find yourself having to retrieve good from delivery trucks, checking items for damage and stacking goods either manually or via heavy machinery. You will find yourself repeatedly bending to lift goods, climbing ladders to stack items on high shelving or having to prepare goods for shipping.
Working as a warehouse worker is a role that requires physical strength, endurance and mental toughness, as the job is relentless and time driven.
In the military, a Physical Training Instructor (PTI) plays a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing the physical readiness and capabilities of military personnel.
This role is one of the best physical jobs you can find as you will lead rigorous training programmes that are tailored to meet the specific requirements of military service personnel.
These programmes are geared around everything to make a soldier fit and combat ready, including strength training sessions, endurance building, intense cardio and combat specific training.
Additionally you will help with organising sporting events, be the driving force behind health and fitness initiatives promoted by the MOD across all sub-units in cohesion with reporting to the commanding officers on all fitness related matters.
A tree surgeon, also known as an arborist is someone who provides maintenance and care of trees both for private residents, urban parks and greenbelt land.
This job requires physical strength, skill and detailed botanical knowledge. It's not just cutting and trimming, it encompasses delicate work to not harm the tree's long-term health and you can't be afraid of heights as you could find yourself 50 foot in the attached by just a harness, so this certainly is not for everyone.
You will also be carrying out tree removal, when trees become hazardous, die or must be cleared for new construction, thus you will be handling heavy machinery and naturally you can expect to find yourself working outdoors most of the time.
If martial arts is your passion and you have a preferred style like Muay Thai, Brazilian Ju Jitsu or Taekwondo, exploring a career as a teacher in your respective discipline could be that physically demanding career choice that you’re looking for.
You typically would be teaching sessions to large groups, normally segmented by ability or belt. You additionally may work 1-2-1 with those aspiring to compete at competitions or those looking for extra tuition and support.
As part of the role, you're going to be on your feet most of the day, demonstrating movements, observing, providing feedback, making corrections and sparring with students.
This physically demanding career path is best for those who already have extensive experience of martial arts and have a belt within a certain discipline. Most martial arts instructors are freelance or run their own classes, but you can find employed roles at sports centres, martial art studios, schools and health clubs.
When you think of physically demanding career choices, being a miner probably is one of the job roles that comes to mind.
Miners have to extract minerals, metals, coal and other geological materials using heavy machinery such as drills, wheel loaders, and excavators.
Miners have to help construct underground tunnels and shafts, as well as install supports to stabilise tunnel roofs and walls to prevent them from caving in. This job requires both physical and mental resilience as shifts can be 12 hours in duration, all whilst wearing heavy proactive gear to limit exposure to dust and chemicals.
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Roofers are in demand in the UK and if you're not afraid of heights, this could be a good fit for you.
Roofers main duties are to install or repair roofs (surprisingly enough) by laying down shingles, tiles, slate or other coverings. As you would expect this is a physically intensive profession that requires lifting heavy materials, climbing ladders, carrying safety equipment, all whilst trying to work on sloped surfaces.
You are also going to have to have a tolerance for the UK weather, as the vast majority of jobs require you to be outdoors, come rain or shine.
Referees are essential to the smooth running of all sporting competitions at both amateur and professional level (whether you like it or not).
In games ranging from football and basketball through to hockey and netball, every sport requires a referee to function.
This job is physically challenging as you have to keep up with play, which if you're refereeing at an elite level is extremely difficult to accomplish. You need to have strong endurance and be physically fit to be a referee, especially as you're communicating with players and other officials whilst covering vast distance's.
Referees to predict the flow of play and position themselves at the centre of the action with a meticulous attention span and need to be extremely focused at all times.
For those who have an exceptional ability to spot infractions, deep knowledge of their respective sport and have desire to engage with their sport without directly participating, refereeing is an ideal role that is both physical and fun.
The role of a scaffolder is to erect and dismantle scaffolding around buildings, so that other trading professionals like window cleaners, painters, bricklayers and construction workers can operate safely.
You will have to lift heavy materials such wood, steel, aluminium and fibreglass to and from sites and the scaffolds themselves are pretty heavy and cumbersome.
Whilst hooked up to harnesses and wearing safety gear, you will have to assemble the scaffolding, which requires lots of strenuous activity like climbing, lifting and reaching all whilst combating the weather, which when you're at height, high winds can make this job both challenging and dangerous.
Being a stonemason combines both strength and artistry as not just will you have to be very physically capable, but you will also need an eye for creativity and precision.
Stonemasons work on sculptures, ornamental features, headstones, statues, historic buildings and residential homes. As you might expect, stone is heavy and you will have to have a certain level of physical capability to transport it and operate the necessary machinery, such as saws and grinders, making this very tiring work.
You might also find yourself working in awkward positions for sustained periods of time in order secure them properly, which can put a strain on your core and lower back.
A strength and conditioning coach (S & C coach) is someone who works with athletes to improve their physiological performance specific to their sport.
For example, a basketball player might hire a strength and conditioning coach to orchestrate them a programme to help them enhance their jumping reach or a fast bowler in cricket might want a programme to increase their bowling speed, this is where a S & C coach comes in.
This is one of the best physically demanding jobs for women and men alike as it requires you to strategise sophisticated programmes relevant to the athletes sport, create recovery plans for them, perform assessment analysis and detailed plans with injury prevention core to this.
Careers in strength and conditioning can be competitive, as you could find yourself working with high level athletes, at a professional sports club such as rugby team or cricket club as well as working with other highly reputable coaches.
You will also find independent strength and conditioning coaches and studios, which employ the vast majority of the market, but you can find opportunities at schools, universities, sport centres and medical facilities making this one of the best jobs for active people to pursue.
In a nutshell a removal worker is responsible for the transportation of goods, furniture, and personal items from one location to another.
This job goes from one extreme to another as you can find yourself driving for sustained periods of time throughout the day, but when arriving at a destination having to load or unload a truck full of items, which places huge physical stress on your body.
Additionally, removal workers as part of their role have to navigate heavy and sometimes irregular shaped items through narrow hallways, up winding stirs and have to pack items into lorries with Tetris like planning.
Removal workers are commonly employed by moving companies that service residential or commercial clients, but they can also find employment with companies that handle specialty items like pianos, antiques, or office equipment.
To be a firefighter, first and foremost you ned to be brave, be able to make quick and decisive decisions whilst working under extreme conditions and pressure....This is job some would love and others would avoid at all costs.
Of course you're going to be extinguishing fires and saving people from burning buildings, like in the movies, but also
It is a very physically challenging career as you might have to break through barriers, climb ladders, handle powerful fire hoses, carry people to safety, whilst enduring sever heat and wearing full protective that can weight over 30kg.
Most of the UKs' firefighters are employed by the government fire and rescue services, however the army and RAF also have their own fire rescue services, as well as high-risk industries such as airports and chemical plants.
A cement mason or concrete finisher as they are also known as are the people you see refurbing roads, pavements and curbs with freshly poured concrete. The work entails normally working as part of a team with early starts and requires a delicate balance of speed, precision and technique to ensure that concrete installations have a good aesthetic appeal.
This ia a very mentally and physically tough job as you're on your feet virtually all day, come rain or shine. You will have to be comfortable with crouching and bending to a lot and be accpering that you will have to operate hazardous equipment and risk being exposed to chemicals from uncured concrete.
Take this from first hand experience, pilates is a lot harder than it looks and being a pilates teacher where you have to teach classes whilst talking and motivating class attendees is very challenging, especially when you consider that they might teach 6-7 class every day.
As class members learn from the instructor demonstrating exercises, pilates instructors have to lead classes by example and showcasing how to do each movement or pose and this can place huge stress on their body, particular when they have to do this day in day out.
You can find pilates roles at Leisure centres, gyms, class based studios or you can venture out on your own and run private classes from your own home or by hiring space at a local sports hall or community centre.
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The life of a fisherman is very hands-on and an adventurous career choice, but it can be highly rewarding and offers great camaraderie among crew members.
You can find yourself at sea for unpredictable lengths of time, from a couple of days to a few weeks depending on the role or company.
It is a very physically demanding job as you have to clean and maintain the deck, monitor and replenish fuel levels, haul heavy nets full of fish, sort and clean the catch and operate heavy equipment like trawl winches all whilst bearing tough weather.
The shifts are long and arduous, with minimal rest bite, thus it you to have both physical stamina and mental grit to be a fisherman.
If you like the idea of working a labour intensive job in the countryside, the role of an agricultural worker could be a good fit for you.
This role normally divides into two depending on the type of farm you're working on, crop production or livestock care, both as physically challenging as one another, but in different ways.
With crops you will have to cultivate and harvest crops by performing labor-intensive tasks such as plowing , fertilising soil and applying pesticides, whereas a a farmer that works with livestock has to herd animals, feed and water them, clean them out, sheer them and monitor their health.
We will let you decide which is most physically burdensome, but either way with both coming work early starts, long hours and physically arduous tasks, they both deserve a place on this list.
Mechanics need a certain level of physical strength to lift and fit large car parts like engines, car panels, transmissions and batteries as well as operate robust equipment like hoists, small cranes and jacks. This said, the role also requires a huge amount of technical skills, problem-solving abilities, patience and attention to detail, making it an ideal career for someone who enjoys both the physical labour element and the strategic aspect.
Most car mechanic jobs are found at car dealerships, garages, vehicle rental companies and car breakdown services.
Physiotherapists are medical professionals that help people with illnesses, injuries and disabilities via a combination of hands-on therapy, rehabilitation focused exercise programmes, electrotherapy and acupuncture amongst other professional techniques.
Physiotherapy is very hands on, manual job as it entails soft tissue massage, stretching of clients muscles and joint mobilisation, in conjunction with palpating muscles to isolate where muscle soreness is occurring.
Most physios are found working in independent clinics, the NHS and private medical care centres, but they are also hired by professional sports team to help prevent and treat athletes injuries, in addition to wellbeing centres and nursing homes.
A landscaper is someone who is employed to design, construct and maintaining green spaces, from everything from residential gardens and parks and through to restaurant beer gardens, golf courses and churchyard's.
Landscaping is a physically active job for women and men that appreciate being outdoors and are not afraid of hard work and enjoy being creative.
Most of your core duties consist around levelling ground, clearing debris, installing patios, pathways and decking as well as planting trees and maintaining garden areas to make sure they look aesthetically pleasing.
It probably comes at no surprise that climbing instructors primarily role is to teach both one-on-one climbing sessions and lead group based classes to all different ability levels.
You will advise on climbing techniques and movement styles, provide coaching tips, motivational support and manually spot participants.
Climbing is one of the most difficult sports to master and requires immense strength to mass ratio and when you have to demonstrate grips, positioning and techniques, especially on difficult climbs, all whilst addressing customers, makes this job very physically stressful.
You can find roles at local dedicated climbing centres, schools, universities, outdoor adventure centres, retreats and outdoor guiding companies.
If you're not familiar a marine engineer helps ensure that water based vessels like ships, boats, submarines and yachts operate efficiently and safely.
As part of the job you will be working in small, confined engine rooms where it can get very humid and uncomfortable, especially since you have to work on a vessel sometimes for weeks or months at a time.
It is both mentally and physically difficult job as you will have to be on call to fix any emergencies that could arise, such as repairing faulty components as well as overseeing the hydraulic mechanisms, electrical circuits, lubrication and propulsion systems are all operating as they should be.
Being Foundry workers is a jobs that requires strength, be able to interpret technical drawings a bit of basic maths and take instruction well.
Foundry workers are key players within the manufacturing sector and mainly handle molten metal to shape castings using molds to produce a whole range of items from doors and cabinets to car parts and ornaments.
Foundry workers core tasks are to prepare and pack sand molds, measuring the correct amount of materials to prevent imperfections and operating the furnace and cleaning the castings to remove any excess material.
This is both a physically and mentally tough as your working at very high temperatures, wearing thick protective gear and having to carry heavy molds, tools, and metal components, some of which can weight in excess of 100 kilos.
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If tennis is a passion of yours becoming a tennis coach could combine both your hobby and desire for a job that is physical and pays well.
The role of a tennis coach is not just about teaching kids and adults alike how to hit a tennis ball, it extends to analysing movements, creating training plans, implementing tactical strategies, drills and refining player's techniques.
Beyond technical skills, tennis coaching means your constantly on your feet and teaching groups or one to one clients where you're demonstrating strokes, engaging in fast-paced drills and trying to show high energy levels when teaching lessons.
If you want a jobs that requires physical strength with a blend of craftsmanship and engineering, being a carpenter would certainly be an option worth further exploration.
The degree of physical work is dependent on the area of specialism, for example, rough framing is arguably one of the most strenuous with fine finish carpentry more about the skill and detail.
Holistically speaking, carpentry is about making, installing and repairing of primarily wooden structures such as cabinets, furniture, bookcases, stairs along with more external carpentry like roofs and decking.
Insulation workers are responsible for removing and disposing of old insulation, reviewing of blueprints and measuring and cutting insulation to fit into walls and around pipes in residential and commercial building.
Installing insulation is physical work as you will be cutting insulation materials to fit walls, floors, ceilings, and pipes, as well as operate air compressors to fill gaps and creating airtight seals. In addition, you will be climbing ladders, balancing on scaffolding, and working at heights.
Most insulation worker careers are found at manufacturing plants, construction companies and industrial facilities.
Like most instructing and coaching based roles, this positon requires a lot of exercise, through demonstrating strokes, kicks, techniques and drills.
The role of a swimming Instructor however involves planning classes in advance, tailored to suit the abilities of the swimmers within that group, and providing structure to provide a balance between skill development and enjoyment.
Swimming teachers are responsible for setting up the pool area before each lesson, ensuring that equipment is in place, motivating class members through offering guidance in coherence to constantly being energetic, and ready to respond quickly to any situation that may occur.
When your teaching hours worth of classes each day, this can drain yuor energy levels and it is the reason this makes our list of most physical jobs.
Assembling massive wind turbines anywhere between 250 and 500ft in the air where wind can reach 55pmh on a normal day is not for someone who has a phobia of heights.
Aside from climbing extreme heights, you will have to work lying or crouching in awkward positions to reach and repair components.
Tasks such as replacing gearboxes, generators, or rotor blades can involve using hoists and cranes, but technicians still need to perform a huge amount of manual lifting and when you combine that with typical 12 hour shifts, it one of the physically hardest jobs you can do.
Many of us know already how infamously tough the role of nurse can be, the long hours they put in and the physical and mental strain it places upon them, which is why it is featured on our best physical jobs list.
Nurses are the backbone of the healthcare system and perform. a plethora of different tasks from administering medicine, conducting physical assessments, manage pain relief, monitor patient progress, treat wounds to name just a few.
Typical shifts are 12 hours in length and one study found that nurses burn 1,521 calories during a 12-hour shift, which equates to roughly 2.12 calories per minute and that the average nurse takes 5,938 steps whilst on shift.
One of the most physically difficult jobs you can find is that of a dance teacher or instructor.
This rewarding profession is not just highly satisfying, but physically strenuous as you have to teach dance techniques, choreograph and demonstrate movements, assist students that are struggling and constantly repeat routines.
This role requires you to be on your feet or tip toes, whilst maintaining proper posture for the majority of the day which can be exhausting, especially when your stuck in a sweaty dance studio.
The skill set needed to be a successful structural welder is first and foremost a good eye for detail and hand eye co-ordination, but also being physically strong to lift heavy metal components and equipment.
When you become a structural welder you will have to prepare your area to ensure it's free of contaminants, as well as deciding on the appropriate equipment and technique to harness before welding commences.
Welding is a job that is going to test your physical resolve as you have to lift and fuse heavy metals like steel and titanium and sometimes work at unusual angles in order to weld parts together.
Structural welders function within a vast array of industries from mining and construction through to aerospace and oil, basically anywhere there is a large metal framework.
Electricians and other trade based personnel are very much in demand in the UK. As an electrician you will have to diagnose and fix electrical issues, such as from blown fuses, insulated cables, circuit trips, faulty wiring and insulated cables.
You will also have to design electrical blueprints and layouts for new buildings, homes and even outdoor lighting solutions such gardens and street lights.
The role of an electrician is a very practical one and needs someone who is prepared to be on their feet, not afraid to work on scaffolding when needed, as well as having to work on your hands and knees for extended periods of time, which can put am physical strain and your lower back.
Being a Demolition specialist is a very practical and physically demanding career as it involves removing debris, clearing sites for new construction and the demolition of building structures using a combination of both hand held tools like sledgehammers and drills, as well as larger equipment like bull dozers and wrecking balls.
Additional duties include separating reusable materials, dismantling roof tops, removing doors and window, identifying hazards and ensure that all utilities like gas, electricity, and water are properly disconnected.
If you don't mind a bit of dust, noise and vibrations from machinery this could be a perfect hands on job for you.