15 Best Paying Jobs that Don’t Require Standing

by Rebekah Pierce

Updated

Whether you’re injured or simply struggle with being on your feet, there are plenty of jobs that don’t require standing.

In fact, there are options for anyone, regardless of education, skill level, or interests.

Take a look at these jobs where you can sit down, and take a load off!

15. Manicurist

A manicurist is someone who cleans, shapes, and styles clients’ fingernails and toenails.

You’ll work in a spa or salon, and can sit down the entire time.

If you enjoy conversation, you’re sure to have fun chatting with your clients as you paint and polish. 

Average Pay: $24,500 (Salary.com)

Trends on the Rise:

Jobs for manicurists and pedicurists are in high demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for these jobs is expected to grow by about 33% by 2030!

14. Box Office Attendant

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As a box office attendant, you’ll work the ticket counter, and be responsible for selling tickets to movies, plays, or concerts.

You’ll need to know how to run a cash register but otherwise, there aren’t many skills required (besides customer service and communication skills, that is).

Although you won’t make a killing at this job, box office attendants can sit down all day.

Make sure the job description doesn’t mention cleaning or covering concessions, since these tasks might require some walking and standing.

Average Pay: $26,013 (Zippia)

13. Telemarketer

This job requires very little education and training, and is quite easy to do. Plus, the communication and problem solving skills you’ll gain will be invaluable in other jobs.

Telemarketers might stand up occasionally, but it’s most commonly done from a seated position.

In this role, your main goal is to sell services and products on the phone. You’ll need to fill out order forms, operate a computer, and follow a sales pitch.

It can also be a hands free job if you have an injury, or are prone to carpal tunnel.

Average Pay: $29,855 (Glassdoor)

12. Bank Teller

A great entry-level job to consider if you want to sit all day is that of a bank teller.

These professionals sit behind a desk, and interact with customers as they process deposits and withdrawals. 

You’ll just need a high school diploma and some on-the-job training. Simple as that!

Average Pay: $30,571 (Glassdoor)

11. Customer Service Associate

Customer service associates spend the entire workday sitting behind a desk. In some cases, you may even be able to work from home.

You’ll handle customer complaints, answer questions, and process orders.

If you have excellent communication skills, there are plenty of opportunities to earn significantly more in this career. 

Average Pay: $31,235 (Glassdoor)

Tactics for Success:

Start your job search around the holidays. Companies tend to look for customer service associates at this busy period more than any other.

10. Receptionist

This is one of the most obvious sitting-friendly jobs out there. As a receptionist, you’ll be the face of a company to guests and clients. 

You might be responsible for registering names, taking appointments, and pointing guests where they need to go.

There aren’t any formal qualifications required in this line of work, though every position is a bit different.

To be successful, receptionists need to speak clearly and politely to customers, solve simple problems, and be very organized.

Average Pay: $42,679 (Salary.com)

9. Freelance Writer

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Working as a freelance writer, puts you in the driver seat of your career.

In this job, you’ll be self-employed and hired by publications and websites to produce articles, books, and other kinds of content.

As your own boss, you can choose to sit all day, and take breaks when needed!

Average Pay: $50,891 (Glassdoor)

Trends on the Rise:

More people are turning to the freelance lifestyle than ever before. In fact, the freelance workforce is expected to increase by more than 10 million in the next few years. 

8. Accountant

Are you good with numbers? If so, this career is worth exploring.

As an accountant, you’ll prepare and analyze financial records for businesses and individuals.

Not only can you sit down the entire day, but accountants also have solid job security and high salaries.

Average Pay: $73,560 (USNews)

Tactics for Success:

To become an accountant, you’ll need a formal education in accounting or related field. Many accountants also take their CPA exam to expand their job opportunities. 

7. Driver

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If you cannot walk or stand at all, then becoming a driver might not be option.

But if you’re okay with getting in and out of a truck and doing pre-trip checks, then this could be a great career for you.

As a CDL truck driver, you’ll be responsible for transporting goods across the country. That means you’ll be sitting all day!

If you don’t want the hassle of getting your CDL (commercial driver’s license), you could also become an Uber driver.

Uber drivers don’t earn as much, but also aren’t driving a fully loaded 18-wheeler down the interstate!

Average Pay: $77,350 (Indeed)

6. Graphic Designer

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Graphic designers are artistic professionals who use computer programs to create engaging, informative designs.

You can work in industries like advertising, public relations, and publishing.

Graphic artists can work from home, and sit down the entire day if they choose.

Average Pay: $97,866 (Salary.com)

5. Investment Fund Manager

If you’re good with numbers and you want to help individuals grow their investments, working as an investment fund manager could be a smart choice.

Not only that, but there’s no standing required.

All of your work can be done from a computer and a phone, so you can sit all day long if you want.

Average Pay: $107,480 (CareerExplorer)

4. Human Resource Manager

Human resource managers are critical leaders in a company. They ensure payroll is processed, employees receive the right training, and that disputes are handled professionally.

Since everything can done over the phone, computer, and face-to-face, there’s no walking or standing required.

You likely need a degree in business or human resources to apply for these jobs, as well as a high level of emotional intelligence.

Average Pay: $107,992 (Salary.com)

3. Software Engineer

With more than 300,000 new software engineer jobs projected in the next decade, this career has tremendous job security.

Software developers help businesses create applications and software systems that are up to date and effective.

This job can be entirely done behind a computer screen, so no standing required.

Average Pay: $110,140 (USNews)

2. Actuary

Actuaries are often hired by insurance firms to determine rates based on calculated risk. This helps insurers set reasonable and appropriate rates for the client.

You’ll need a bachelor’s degree and passing scores from your actuarial exams.

If you complete all the requirements, this job allows you to sit all day and earn a competitive salary.

Average Pay: $111,030 (USNews)

1. Computer Hardware Engineer

Another tech job that’s in high demand is a computer hardware engineer.

It’s one of the more popular jobs with a computer science degree, due to career flexibility and earning potential.

In this position, you’ll develop solutions to make hardware more effective, and increase computational power.

Since you’ll be seated behind a computer, you can sit all day long without having to stand!

Average Pay: $117,220 (CareerExplorer)

Wrapping Up

As you can see, there are plenty of jobs that don’t require you to stand. Hopefully you find one that’s right for you!

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Rebekah is a writer who covers all things education, business, agriculture, and finance. She owns a small farm business in upstate New York. Her educational credentials include a bachelor's degree in English from St. Lawrence University and a master's in special education from SUNY Plattsburgh.

About the Author

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Rebekah is a writer who covers all things education, business, agriculture, and finance. She owns a small farm business in upstate New York. Her educational credentials include a bachelor's degree in English from St. Lawrence University and a master's in special education from SUNY Plattsburgh.