15 Best Jobs That Don’t Require Standing - Zippia (2024)

If your ideal workday involves less standing and more sitting down, there are job openings in a variety of industries that require minimal physical activity. These jobs still come with the potential for growth in an established career.

While sitting for prolonged periods can lead to health risks, like poor circulation, varicose veins, and cardiovascular complications, it is also sometimes necessary.

Key Takeaways:

• The top three jobs that don’t require standing are accountant, commercial truck driver, and software developer.

• The top entry-level jobs that don’t require standing are delivery driver, receptionist, and bank teller.

• Make sure to carefully read the skill requirements of jobs that don’t require standing. Usually, they want a special skill set.

• Jobs that don’t require standing are great for those who are not too active and need to remain seated as much as possible.

5 Best-paying jobs that don’t require standing

Having a job that doesn’t involve standing won’t mean earning a less attractive paycheck. Numerous jobs don’t require much standing but still have pretty high salaries.

Here are a few of the top best-paying jobs that don’t require standing:

1. Accountant
   Average Annual Salary: $52,000

   Accounting is the job for you if you’re good with numbers and in search of a rewarding desk job. This job requires you to prepare and analyze financial records for individuals and companies, especially during tax season and quarterly audits.

   Accountants have good job security and typically perform their job duties in workstations that encourage sitting down for prolonged periods.

   To become an accountant and earn an average annual salary of more than $71,000, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field and a Certified Public Accountant, or CPA, certification.

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2. Commercial Truck Driver
   Average Annual Salary: $62,000

   Commercial truck drivers operate tractor-trailers and transport goods from one place to another. The job requires a commercial driver’s license and spending long periods sitting behind the wheel.

   In addition to avoiding having to stand for long periods, commercial truck drivers rarely seldom have to deal with coworkers they can’t stand and usually don’t encounter bullying at work. But, since truckers most often drive alone, working as a commercial truck driver can sometimes be isolating.

   Although commercial truck drivers have a very untraditional workday and work environment, they still earn a meaty salary. Labor statistics show that commercial truck drivers earn more than $45,000 a year, on average.

   Commercial truck drivers should prepare to spend long periods on the road, away from family, friends, and homes.

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3. Software Developer
   Average Annual Salary: $80,000

   Software developers are needed now more than ever in the age of modern technology. The industry is growing much faster than average, with more than 300,000 new jobs expected to become available by 2029.

   Software developers create applications and software systems that run on computers or mobile devices. They have the luxury of working on the computer, behind a desk, for most of the workday and earn some of the highest wages in the tech industry.

   Find Software Developer jobs near me

4. Executive Assistant
   Average Annual Salary: $48,000

   Executive assistants provide high-level assistance to chief decision-making business professionals. In addition to completing daily administrative tasks, executive assistants conduct research, prepare reports, train entry-level office staff members, and support executives with all duties.

   The gig requires sitting behind a desk for most of the day. Executive assistants typically must hold a college degree, have prior office administration experience, and polished interpersonal and communication skills.

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5. Web Developer
   Average Annual Salary: $72,000

   Web developers create and maintain websites, ensuring that they’re functional, practical, and engaging. Most web developers work in the computer systems design industry or are self-employed and spend long hours sitting in front of a computer screen.

   To become a web developer and earn an average of nearly $74,000 annually, you’ll typically need at least an associate’s degree and advanced computer and coding knowledge.

   Find Web Developer jobs near me

5 Entry-level jobs that don’t require standing

Many entry-level jobs don’t require standing for long periods if you’re just breaking into the professional industry, fresh out of college, or looking for a career change. Here’s a list of the top five entry-level jobs that don’t require standing:

1. Manicurist
   Average Annual Salary: $23,000

   Manicurists and pedicurists clean, shape, polish clients’ fingernails and toenails. While manicurists typically work in salons or spas, the job requires a lot of sitting.

   The beauty industry is growing much faster than average, so manicurists can be rest assured that they’ll have good job security and high employee satisfaction rates. Working as a manicurist can be a fun alternative to a traditional 9-5 job, and it’s a great way for entry-level applicants to break into the cosmetology industry.

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2. Delivery Driver
   Average Annual Salary: $37,000

   Delivery drivers are needed now more than ever with more and more individuals and companies turning to delivery services to pick up, transport, and drop off packages, products, and food. The industry is growing faster than average and has a lot of entry-level availability.

   Like truck drivers, delivery drivers spend a lot of time behind the wheel, but they focus on local transport instead of long-haul drives. Although the job requires a fair amount of sitting, there is some physical labor involved as well since drivers are typically also required to unload cargo.

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3. Receptionist
   Average Annual Salary: $28,000

   Receptionists greet visitors, communicate with customers, and direct phone calls. The job is pretty slow-paced, and low-intensity and only requires standing or moving for about 20 percent of the workday.

   Receptionist positions also rank among the top jobs for retirees since employees, about 20 percent of whom are over the age of 55, report a satisfaction rate of more than 60 percent. To land a gig as a receptionist, you’ll need a high school diploma and excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

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4. Researcher
   Average Annual Salary: $60,000

   Working as a researcher can be a rewarding and educational career for people interested in conducting research and analyzing important data.

   Researchers spent long periods sitting down, either working on the computer or making phone calls, and usually work at research films, polling companies, business corporations, colleges, and universities, or nonprofit organizations.

   To become a researcher, you’ll usually need a bachelor’s degree, although higher education is sometimes required.

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5. Bank Teller
   Average Annual Salary: $26,000

   Bank tellers spend their days sitting behind desks, interacting with customers, and processing transactions, like cash deposits and withdrawals.

   Working as a bank teller is a great entry-level position for people looking for a low-stress, easy-going job. Most bank tellers are only required to hold a high school diploma and complete a month-long on-the-job training program.

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5 Work-from-home jobs that don’t require standing

Some of the best jobs that don’t require standing can be done right from the comfort of your own home. Finding a job that allows you to sit and work from your home office can be a great option for professionals looking for a flexible schedule.

Here are some of the best work-from-home jobs that don’t require standing:

1. Freelance Writer and Photographer
   Average Annual Salary: $52,025

   Freelance writers are typically self-employed and work at home to write articles, books, and other written content. Writers spend the large majority of their workday sitting at a desk and typing on a computer.

   The gig comes with lots of flexibility. Successful freelance writers typically hold a bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, or English.

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2. Customer Service Associate
   Average Annual Salary: $28,000

   Not only do customer service associates spend their workday behind a desk, but they’re also typically able to work from the comfort of their homes. Professionals with top-notch communication skills can also earn considerable commission-based income.

   Customer service associates handle customer complaints and interact with clients and customers to process orders and answer questions. Companies typically look to hire more customer service associates during peak sales seasons, so if you’re looking for a seasonal job, this could be a great match for you.

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3. Professional Gamer
   Average Annual Salary: N/A

   Jobs in professional gaming have gained popularity in recent years as live streaming platforms, like Twitch, have become more widely used in the gaming community.

   Professional gamers spend their days sitting behind a desk and playing video games. To lead a successful career as a professional gamer, you’ll need to develop a following and gain sponsorships to make a profit.

4. Information Technology Consultant
   Average Annual Salary: $73,000

   Computer and information technology positions are in high demand as the world relies modern technology. IT consultants typically work at home and offer assistance to companies and individuals struggling with computer issues.

   Information technology consultants make more than $85,000 a year, on average, and have the ability to work from almost anywhere — all they need is a desk, a working computer, and a stable WiFi connection.

   Working as an IT consultant can be a rewarding career for professionals with top-notch computer skills who don’t want to stand for long periods.

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5. Graphic Designer
   Average Annual Salary: $45,000

   Graphic designers use computer programs to create informative and engaging designs. Many graphic designers are self-employed and work from home or have full-time employment in the publishing, advertising, or public relations industries.

   Graphic designers typically only need a desk, a computer, and appropriate computer applications and programs to complete their work, so this sedentary job can be done from practically anywhere. Successful graphic designers typically have a bachelor’s degree in art and a whole lot of creativity and originality.

   Find Graphic Designer jobs near me

What to look for in jobs that don’t require standing

Knowing what to look for in jobs that don’t require standing will help you find your dream career quickly and efficiently and set you up for success during your first day at your new job.

• Focus on computer-based jobs. When browsing job listings, keep an eye out for office occupations and roles that involve a heavy computer-based workload. More often than not, office-based careers require prolonged sitting.

• Consider your skills and qualifications. Any time you’re applying for a new position, it’s important to review your qualifications and highlight the most important skills employers are looking for, like analytical skills, communication skills, and interpersonal skills.

  For professionals with top-notch computer skills and the required administration experience and qualifications, office jobs can be a great career choice as they allow employees to engage in fulfilling projects while typically sitting behind a desk all day long. Computer workstations are among the most productive and practical work environments for non-standing occupations.

• Read the job listing carefully. While looking for job opportunities in the administrative office industry, carefully read the job posting and the required qualifications for the role. Sometimes even sedentary office jobs require employees to be able to stand or lift office supplies up to 50 pounds.

  Don’t worry, even if you see that a job requires some heavy lifting or standing, if you think it might be your dream job, you could still apply for the position and make a case for why you’re a great fit in your cover letter. Sometimes you can still land a job you’re not fully qualified for by focusing on your strengths and emphasizing the skills and qualifications you do have.

• Look for what is high in demand. If your computer skills aren’t your best asset, you’ll probably find that some of the best non-technical sedentary jobs involve driving. For roles requiring minimal work experience or education, it’s usually a good idea to look for job openings as truck or delivery drivers — both of which are in pretty high demand in today’s job market.

• Consider perks and benefits. You should also think about any other career perks you’re looking for in a new job. For example, introverts or people who are naturally shy might look to find a non-standing job that requires no customer interaction and is a low-stress and anxiety-friendly role.

When looking for sedentary jobs that require minimal standing, it’s important to keep in mind that it’s okay to apply for jobs unrelated to your college major.

Most of all, you should look for a career that will make you happy and keep you professionally fulfilled at work. If that means finding a job that doesn’t require a whole lot of standing, don’t be surprised if your new career doesn’t perfectly align with your college major.

The pros and cons of jobs that don’t require standing

It is very important for you to consider the pros and cons before seeking a job that doesn’t require standing.

This is especially true if you are an active person. You do not want to be caught itching to leave your work stations every so often because you are tired of sitting down all the time.

Pros:

• A consistent place to work that allows you to focus.

• If you are someone dealing with an injury or other physical ailment, your body will be less strained.

• You may find you have more energy at the end of your workday.

Cons:

• You may experience restlessness and want to move around.

• Sitting down all day leads to poor circulation.

• You may not interact with as much people as you would normally like.

These are just some of the pros and cons of jobs that don’t require standing. However, overall these types of jobs can be very positive experiences, especially if you are the type of person who benefits from this type of work environment.

Why sitting jobs can be beneficial

Looking for work that requires little or no standing could be a great career option for people with disabilities or illnesses, elderly job-seekers, pregnant women, and people who feel fatigued when they stand up for long periods.

Contrarily, jobs that require employees to be on their feet all day can also lead to health issues. Because of this, career paths that don’t require standing for long periods can offer a few health benefits as well. Occupations, where the workday consists mostly of sitting down, can help employees avoid extreme fatigue and lower back, hip, knee, and foot pain.

• If you’re looking for a career with balance some primarily non-standing office roles can still be a great option for you, as more non-traditional adjustable height desks are gaining popularity in the workforce.

  Nowadays, standing desks with adjustable heights allow office professionals to complete their work while standing up instead of sitting behind a desk. There are even treadmill desks that allow professionals to walk and work simultaneously.

• These high-adjustable desks allow employees to enjoy all of the health benefits of both sitting and standing, leading to higher employee satisfaction rates and increased productivity levels.

However, with the ever-increasing popularity of computers and technology, high demand for drivers, and projected job growth in a variety of industries, landing your non-standing dream job might be easier than you think.

Jobs that don’t require standing FAQ

1. What kind of jobs can you get sitting down?

   Computer jobs, driving jobs, and managing jobs are all jobs that you can do sitting down. Make sure you are reading job descriptions when looking for jobs because that is where it will tell you if you will be sitting or standing most of the time.

2. Is it healthy to sit all day?

   Sitting all day or for long periods of time have been linked to a number of health concerns. If you sit all day at you job, consider adding some extra exercise into you day to help reduce the risk of health issues. There are standing desks that allow for things like under the desk treadmills or even just to stand while you work.

Final thoughts

If for whatever reason, you’re on the market for a job that requires minimal standing and prolonged periods of sitting down throughout the workday, there are many occupations that fit the bill.

Whether you’re interested in launching a career in the transportation, technology, or office administration industries, there’s definitely a job out there for you that doesn’t require a whole lot of standing.

Use this article to give your knees a break and illuminate back pain for good by finding your dream work-from-home, either entry-level or a high-paying job that requires less standing and more sitting behind a desk or a wheel.

References

1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Tractor-trailer Truck Driver Occupational Outlook

2. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Writer and Author Occupational Outlook