33 Non-Corporate Jobs For Those Looking For A Change

If you want a change from the typical corporate job—or if you are just starting out and a standard office role doesn’t appeal to you, it’s a great time to look for a non-corporate job.

With all the changes in how and where work takes place, plenty of people are rethinking their role and the kind of work they do—and you’re wise to do so.

You’ll be happier if you are working in a setting you enjoy and when there is overlap between what you have to do every day and what you like to do. The alignment between these is rarely perfect, but more overlap is better for your wellbeing and your satisfaction.

And you’ll find lots of opportunity today, because there is a shortage of talent. Most hiring leaders are struggling to find people—so you can count on a lot of options, alternatives and possibilities for the job you’ll pursue.

The Definition Of A Non-Corporate Job

Often, people ask what makes a job non-corporate and the definition is really based on your own preferences. For many, non-corporate means a job that is non-office—one that is done in the field or in a technical environment for example. In fact, you may actually be working for a corporation—but if you’re a doctor working for a healthcare company or a geologist working for an oil and gas company, you may not feel as corporate because they aren’t office jobs.

In addition, you can think of non-corporate that aren’t part of a corporation—like police officers that work for a city or astronomers that work for a university.

Why Consider A Non-Corporate Job

Another key question you want to ask is whether a non-corporate job is right for you—as well as why you should consider a non-corporate job and who should consider a non-corporate job.

The main reason you should consider a corporate job is if you want to do something that doesn’t keep you behind a desk or in a corporate environment. But there are nuances to this as well.

First, you’ll want to consider the content of the work, whether you enjoy it and how engaging it will be for you. Perhaps you love science and people, so a medical role would be right. Or maybe your days go by quickly when you’re working with your hands—so you would enjoy a job as an electrician.

Second, give thought to where you’ll be working and how you’ll spend your time—including where you’ll show up every day. If you’re a forest ranger, you’ll spend a lot of time outside, and if you’re in the building trades, you’ll be at construction sites.

Third, also reflect on who you’ll be working with. Most people make their friends at work, and even if your coworkers aren’t your BFFs, you’ll want to appreciate your colleagues.

People tend to select jobs based on personality—so when you find a job that’s a good fit, you’ll likely be working with people who have similar talents and passions. In addition, one of the primary drivers of friendship is similarity in occupations—so you’re likely to find friends based on the interests that influences your career choices.

Pivoting To A Non-Corporate Job

Making a pivot to a non-corporate job can be a great idea if you need a fresh start or a new perspective. If you’re experiencing burnout or frustration—or if you feel stuck in your current role, making a change can re-energize you.

If you’re making the pivot, you’ll need to take some key steps.

• Research alternative fields and then match your current skills with the skills you’ll need in the new role.
• Identify the overlaps between what the job will demand and what you already know, so you can reflect this on your resume and in job interviews.
• Or if you choose a job that doesn’t have a lot of overlap with your current capabilities, you can develop a plan for the classes you’ll need to take or learning that you’ll pursue.
• You’re also very wise to do some exploratory interviews with people in the jobs you’re considering, so you can understand more about what it’s like to do that kind of work—and also to build your network in the new field.

33 Non-Corporate Jobs to Explore

Some of the most prevalent questions people ask are, “What is a list of non-corporate jobs?” and “What are the roles and responsibilities of non-corporate jobs?” They also ask, “What experience or qualifications are needed for non-corporate jobs?” and “What is the average salary of non-corporate jobs?” The following list provides these details for a wide range of non-corporate jobs.

1. Aircraft mechanics maintain airplanes including inspecting, repairing and keeping aircraft up to FAA requirements. You typically need 18 months of training and a certificate to perform this job and the average salary is $60,000 per year.

2. Air traffic controllers work in the towers at airports and they coordinate air traffic. They monitor and guide planes to ensure safety in the sky, including communicating with pilots about weather and traffic on the ground. The typical salary is $125,000 per year.

3. Anesthesiologists care for patients during surgery or other medical procedures to administer anesthesia and monitor vital signs to ensure patient safety. They usually have a bachelor’s degree as well as a degree from a medical school and spend time as an intern or a resident. The typical salary is $265,000 per year.

4. Arborist is a job where you maintain plants, shrubs or trees for private clients or for organizations. Arborists apply pesticides and fertilizers and plant new foliage. A college degree is not typically required, but a certificate or degree in forest management can be an advantage. The typical salary is $63,000 per year.

5. Astronomers focus on the scientific aspects of stars, planets and galaxies. They use state-of-the art equipment like telescopes, and they spend time in observation and analysis. They typically have an advanced degree. The typical salary is $106,000 per year, and the projected job growth through 2026 is 10%.

6. Atmospheric scientists study weather and climate, collecting and analyzing data and making forecasts—as well as predicting severe weather. The typical pay is $94,000 per year.

7. Biochemists research and develop new drugs based on their knowledge of both chemistry and biology. They typically work in labs and conduct experiments, and have advanced degrees. The typical pay is $94,000 per year.

8. Biomedical engineers combine their knowledge of biology and engineering to develop products or methods to enhance health. They develop artificial organs, body parts or machines to do advanced medical work. They usually work in a medical, lab or manufacturing setting and have advanced degrees. The typical salary is $89,000 per year.

9. Boilermakers maintain boilers which are large tanks for liquids and gasses stored at high temperatures. They typically receive training on the job. The typical salary is $59,000 per year.

10. Chiropractors work with patients to manipulate their spine and increase range of motion—typically using their hands or instruments. A Doctor of Chiropractic degree is required. The typical salary is $82,000 per year.

11. Construction managers work at job sites to oversee the construction process and all the trades that come together in the building process. They may work on homes or commercial buildings, as well as roads or bridges. Often, construction managers have a bachelor’s degree. The typical salary is $90,000 per year with 11% projected growth through 2026.

12. Demolition leaders work in the fields of mining or construction and they orchestrate the process of demolishing buildings safely and removing the debris. They typically have on-the-job training and certifications in safety. The typical pay is $84,000 per year.

13. Dentists focus on the health of patients’ teeth and mouth. They must have advanced degrees and licenses to work within their state. The typical pay is $152,000 per year.

14. Dental hygienists assist dentists and do X-rays and clean teeth. They must have an associate’s degree as well as a certification. The typical salary is $75,000 per year.

15. Doctors (for general practice) see patients for all kinds of conditions and usually have regular, long-term patients. They are trained to treat a range of conditions, and they must have an advanced degree as well as years of internships and residencies. The typical salary is $212,000 per year with a growth rate of 14% through 2026. Pediatricians specialize in children and their typical salary is $188,000 per year with a growth rate of 15%.

16. Drywall installers work in the building industry and they hang, tape and sand drywall so it is smooth and ready for paint or other treatments. They typically receive training on the job and often engage in apprenticeships. The typical salary is $47,000 per year.

17. Electricians plan, install and repair electrical systems in homes or commercial settings. They may also work on phone lines or electrical lines. They usually receive training on the job and take part in apprenticeships. The typical salary is $54,000 per year.

18. Environmental engineers provide consultation on environmental problems like erosion or pollution. They work outside inspecting conditions and recommending solutions. They typically have a bachelor’s degree. The typical salary is $88,000 per year with 8% projected growth.

19. Firefighter-paramedics fight fires and respond to dangerous situations, and they administer emergency medical care. Specialized training is required as well as certifications. The typical salary is $65,000 per year going up to $77,000 per year for firefighter supervisors. The projected growth for supervisors is 7%.

20. Geographers study land features and people across the world connecting culture, economies, politics and environments. Their research is used to make decisions related to societies. Typical salary is $80,000 per year with 7% projected growth.

21. HVAC technicians work on planning, installing and repairing heating, ventilation and cooling in homes and commercial buildings. They typically have some vocational education as well as certifications. The typical salary is $71,000 per year.

22. Judges hear court cases and lead legal processes in courts to interpret the law. They address all kinds of issues from traffic to corporate rights and more. A degree is required. The typical salary is $117,000 per year.

23. Landscape technicians manage the grounds for homes, golf courses or other public or commercial spaces. They frequently receive on-the-job training or go through an apprenticeship. The typical salary is $52,000 per year.

24. Massage therapists provide support to clients in the form of touch or pressure to reduce stress or tension and increase health. Training and certifications are typically required through an accredited program. The typical salary is $46,000 per year.

25. Nurse anesthetists provide care in surgical or medical procedures through anesthesia-related interventions. An advanced degree is required along with clinical experience and licensing. The typical salary is $168,000 per year, and the projected growth is 16%.

26. Nurse practitioners provide care to patients and can be a primary source of that care, working on their own or with doctors. They address a wide variety of health-related issues. They must have an advanced degree along with clinical experience and licensing. The typical salary is $107,000 per year with a projected growth rate of 36%.

27. Registered Nurses work alongside doctors and other medical experts and provide a variety of care as well as triage. It’s possible to begin practicing as a nurse with an associate’s degree and then build to an advanced degree. The typical salary is $71,000 per year.

28. Occupational therapists provide support for patients to regain capabilities for daily life. They guide patients in stretching, exercises and therapeutic interventions. Most occupational therapists have an advanced degree. The typical salary is $84,000 per year with projected growth of 24%. On a related note, occupational assistants have a typical salary of $56,000 per year.

29. Orthodontists provide specialized treatment to align teeth using braces or other mouth appliances. They require degrees from dental school as well as licensing. The typical salary is $208,000 per year.

30. Pilots fly planes for the private or commercial industry. They require specialized training and hours of experience. There is a wide range of typical salaries that vary from $60,000-$140,000 per year with projected growth of 3%.

31. Police officers protect communities and enforce laws by patrolling, arresting, reporting or stopping crime. Specialized training is required. The typical salary is $60,000 per year. Police supervisors typically make $89,000 per year with projected growth of 7%. Police detectives typically earn $80,000 and have a projected growth of 5%.

32. Real estate agents list, market, buy and sell homes. They must have specialized training. The typical salary is $97,000 per year.

33. Veterinarians offer healthcare to animals, including both pets and livestock. They require an advanced degree as well as clinical training. The typical salary is $94,000 per year.

Take Action To Find A Non-Corporate Job

There are tons of great options if you’re interested in a non-corporate job—with a variety of educational requirements and pay ranges. And it’s a great time to consider, explore and pursue new opportunities for rewarding work that happens outside of a traditional office.