15 Jobs That Require Travel and Pay Well (And How to Start One)
Traveling for fun is amazing. But what if you could do it for work—and get paid well at the same time? If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing the world while building your career, you’re not alone. There are jobs across healthcare, tech, business, and adventure that let you combine income with exploration. Whether you want frequent flyer miles, remote freedom, or overseas living, here are 15 high-paying jobs that require travel—and how to break into them.
1. Travel Nurse
Why it pays well: Travel nurses take short-term assignments where healthcare staffing is urgently needed. This high demand translates into higher pay, bonuses, free housing, and per diem stipends.
- Average salary: $75,000–$120,000/year, often more with overtime and bonuses
- Top perks: Paid housing, flexible contracts, choice of location, license reimbursement
You’ll typically work 8–13 week assignments across the U.S., often in major cities or underserved regions. Many agencies even let you choose whether you want urban hospitals or scenic rural areas.
How to start: Get your RN license, gain 1–2 years of hospital experience, and apply to travel nurse agencies like Aya, AMN, or Cross Country.
2. Flight Attendant
Why it pays well: While starting salaries can be modest, seasoned flight attendants earn excellent pay and enjoy unbeatable travel perks. You’ll also get per diems, bonuses, and discounts on personal travel.
- Average salary: $60,000–$85,000/year; senior attendants can earn $100K+
- Top perks: Free flights for you (and often your family), flexible schedules, global layovers
Expect long days and jet lag, but the lifestyle rewards make it worth it for many. You might fly to multiple countries in a single week.
How to start: Apply directly to major airlines like Delta, American, or United. Training is provided, and customer service experience is a big plus.
3. International Sales Representative
Why it pays well: Global sales reps close deals for major companies and often earn commissions and bonuses on top of base salaries. You’ll travel to meet clients, attend trade shows, and manage international accounts.
- Average salary: $90,000–$150,000/year including commission
- Top perks: Business-class travel, company-paid meals, networking with global clients
You’ll need to be comfortable with frequent flights, cultural differences, and high-performance targets—but if you’re a people person, this could be your dream role.
How to start: Start with domestic sales, then transition to international roles in tech, pharma, or manufacturing. Language skills and cross-cultural savvy give you an edge.
4. Management or IT Consultant
Why it pays well: Consultants solve complex problems for companies, often working on multi-million-dollar projects. They travel weekly to client sites, and their expertise commands high fees.
- Average salary: $100,000–$140,000/year; top firms pay even more
- Top perks: Frequent flyer miles, hotel points, per diems, global networking
This is a great career if you want to live out of a suitcase while building a sharp résumé. You’ll often fly out on Mondays and return Thursdays, with remote Fridays at home or in hotels.
How to start: Apply to firms like Deloitte, Bain, or Accenture. Many hire directly from business schools or via entry-level analyst programs.
5. Cruise Ship Staff
Why it pays well: Cruise lines offer contract-based work with room, meals, and travel included. Pay varies by role—from entertainers and bartenders to chefs and officers.
- Average salary: $30,000–$90,000/year; some roles + tips
- Top perks: Sail to exotic destinations, meet people from around the world, live onboard
You’ll work long hours but get days off in amazing ports. Perfect for those who thrive in hospitality, music, or event planning.
How to start: Apply to cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Disney, or Norwegian. Some positions require auditions or specific certifications.
6. Commercial Pilot
Why it pays well: Airline pilots are responsible for lives, logistics, and safety. Their training is extensive—but so is the compensation and travel freedom.
- Average salary: $100,000–$250,000/year depending on airline and seniority
- Top perks: Free global travel, premium lodging, flexible routes
Expect overnight stays, erratic hours, and rigorous schedules. But you’ll see the world and rarely be stuck behind a desk.
How to start: Earn your private pilot’s license, build hours through flight schools or regional airlines, then earn your ATP certification.
7. Foreign Service Officer / Diplomat
Why it pays well: Diplomatic roles come with excellent government benefits, hardship pay, and international prestige. Assignments rotate every few years, giving you a global lifestyle.
- Average salary: $70,000–$120,000/year plus overseas allowances
- Top perks: Paid housing, international schools, travel support for family
You’ll represent your country abroad in political, economic, or cultural roles—and gain insight into global affairs.
How to start: Pass the Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT) through the U.S. State Department. Language skills, global experience, and public service backgrounds help.
8. Travel Blogger / Content Creator
Why it pays well: Once you’ve built an audience, brand deals, affiliate links, paid press trips, and product collaborations start rolling in.
- Average salary: $30,000–$200,000+/year; varies by reach and monetization
- Top perks: Sponsored travel, flexible schedule, freedom to choose your destinations
It takes time to build an audience, but if you love photography, writing, and sharing tips, it’s a creative way to make travel your job.
How to start: Launch a blog or YouTube channel, post consistently on social media, and partner with travel brands or tourism boards.
9. Event or Destination Wedding Planner
Why it pays well: You’re managing high-budget events with a lot on the line. Destination weddings pay especially well—and require travel to resorts and venues.
- Average salary: $50,000–$100,000/year; premium clients earn planners six figures
- Top perks: Trips to tropical resorts, business-class client meetings, hotel comps
If you’re creative, organized, and love logistics, planning events abroad combines passion with profit.
How to start: Gain experience locally, build a portfolio, and network with venues, photographers, and destination vendors.
10. Professional Photographer or Videographer
Why it pays well: Travel brands, tourism boards, weddings, and adventure companies all pay for high-quality visuals in exotic places.
- Average salary: $50,000–$150,000/year depending on niche and reputation
- Top perks: All-expense-paid travel, creative freedom, and consistent new backdrops
Whether you’re shooting safaris or hotel interiors, photography lets you see the world through a lens—and earn doing it.
How to start: Build a strong online portfolio, pitch to tourism boards, and sell prints or license work to publishers.
11. Remote Software Developer / Digital Nomad
Why it pays well: Developers are in global demand—and many tech jobs allow full-time remote work with salaries unaffected by location.
- Average salary: $90,000–$150,000/year
- Top perks: Work from anywhere, live where costs are lower, and travel freely between contracts
If you love code and independence, this path gives you a passport to freedom.
How to start: Learn programming (HTML, JavaScript, Python), join platforms like Toptal or Upwork, or get hired by remote-first companies.
12. Tour Guide or Expedition Leader
Why it pays well: While seasonal, these roles come with great tips, travel stipends, and access to bucket-list places.
- Average salary: $40,000–$80,000/year depending on experience and company
- Top perks: Hike, bike, or guide through national parks, international cities, or historical sites
You’ll need charisma, stamina, and a love of storytelling—but you’ll get to work where people vacation.
How to start: Apply to tour operators like G Adventures, Backroads, or local tourism offices. Certifications in outdoor leadership help.
13. Yacht Crew Member
Why it pays well: Private yacht crews earn great salaries plus tips—especially during charter season. You’ll travel through the Med, Caribbean, or South Pacific on luxury vessels.
- Average salary: $40,000–$120,000/year (plus tips and room/board)
- Top perks: Live onboard, see glamorous ports, no rent or food costs
Life at sea is intense but rewarding. You’ll work hard, but wake up with ocean views every day.
How to start: Complete STCW training (basic safety), then apply to yachting job boards or through crew agencies.
14. Traveling Physical Therapist
Why it pays well: Like nurses, PTs who travel fill temporary needs in hospitals or outpatient clinics, often earning more than permanent staff.
- Average salary: $80,000–$115,000/year
- Top perks: Flexible assignments, paid travel, housing stipends, location choice
Each new contract is a new city to explore—with gaps between gigs to recharge or take mini-vacations.
How to start: Get licensed, build clinical experience, and sign up with PT travel staffing agencies like MedTravelers.
15. Archeologist or Field Researcher
Why it pays well: Universities, non-profits, and private companies fund fieldwork in unique places—often remote or internationally.
- Average salary: $60,000–$100,000/year
- Top perks: Field grants, international assignments, professional recognition
If you love science and exploration, research jobs give you a lifetime of global discovery.
How to start: Pursue degrees in anthropology, archaeology, or environmental science. Volunteer in fieldwork, then apply for grants or join research teams.
