20 Jobs That Change The World

Are you looking for jobs that bring meaning to your life? A new career might be exactly what you need. Now, how do you refine your job-search efforts to help you find a new job that means something, a job that can change the world?

Think it’s not possible – think again. These 20 jobs might be your ticket to making a difference. Imagine being satisfied with your career more than ever before and feeling good about what you do. It’s possible if you find a career path that has meaning to you.

Key Takeaways:

• The top three high paying jobs are doctor, environmental attorney, and environmental health specialist.

• The top three entry level jobs are travelers aid worker, fire fighter, and day care worker.

• The top three work from home jobs are therapist, online tutor, and medical transcriptionist.

5 High-Paying Jobs That Help Change the World

It’s all about the positive impact you can make in the world around you. Sometimes that change is big and other times it’s small, but if you’re looking for a world-altering job that comes with a big paycheck, then a career choice in one of these fields might be a good option for you.

1. Doctor

   Average Annual Salary: $180,000
   Job Outlook: Physician jobs are projected to grow 3% through 2030, according to the BLS

   We all know that the job of a doctor comes with a pretty nice-sized paycheck. It’s also true that doctors are out there to help people. They literally save lives and that can be the most rewarding and meaningful professional calling there is.

   Job requirements: The education needed to be a doctor is normally a bachelor’s degree. Doctors usually study medicine, biology or business. The necessary certifications that doctors must have to succeed are Medical Assistant and Registered Medical Assistant.

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2. Environmental attorney
   Average Annual Salary: $79,278
   Job Outlook: Lawyer jobs are projected to grow 10% through 2030, according to the BLS

   Sure, any lawyer can claim to change the world, but why not focus on the environment and see what impact you can make? Many environmental attorneys don’t actually try cases; they simply advise companies on the laws relating to environmental issues so the company can be compliant.

   Job requirements: There are several education requirements to become an environmental attorney. Environmental attorneys usually study law, political science or business. 49% of environmental attorneys hold a bachelor’s degree and 42% hold a doctoral degree.

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3. Chief sustainability officer (CSO)

   Average Annual Salary: N/A
   Job Outlook: N/A

   This dream job hasn’t been around for very long so there’s a good chance that if you get the position you can help shape what it means to you. Your primary task will be monitoring the impact your company has on the environment and society. This is a green job that’s quickly growing in importance and should be very rewarding.

   job Requirements: To become a chief sustainability officer (CSO), you should have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in business or an environmental science field, such as biology.

4. LEED-accredited design professional
   Average Annual Salary: N/A
   Job Outlook: N/A

   Whether you’re an architect, engineer, designer, or your qualifications are in another area of design and build, becoming LEED-accredited is great for your career and the world.

   LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. Once you’re certified you’ll know how to be more environmentally sound in your chosen building and design field.

   Job requirements: N/A

5. Environmental health specialist
   Average Annual Salary: $52,000
   Job Outlook: Environmental health specialist jobs are projected to grow 4% through 2030, according to the BLS

   This is a specialized profession that requires a lot of education in the sciences. You’ll study how certain businesses or industries are affecting the health of the planet and people.

   You might be called in to point out what they’re doing wrong in a legal scenario. Or you could be hired by the company so they can remedy their process and be more green going forward. Clearly, this job can make a huge difference.

   Job requirements: To become an environmental health specialist, you usually need a bachelor’s degree and 4-6 years of experience. Environmental health specialists usually study public health, biology or environmental science. The necessary certifications that environmental health specialists must have to succeed are OSHA Safety Certificate and Certified in Public Health (CPH).

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5 Entry-Level Jobs That Change the World

Whether you’re just starting and looking to land your first job or looking to change careers and head down new, more altruistic career paths, these starter jobs might be just what you need. They help you get your foot in the door and from there, your trajectory is up to you.

1. Travelers aid worker

   Average Annual Salary: $17,000
   Job Outlook: N/A

   The Peace Corps is probably one of the best-known aid worker jobs out there but there are many others.

   Typically, the pay isn’t great, but you get to travel the world, learn a lot about another culture, and many times there is some sort of tuition reimbursement or program attached to your work. It’s also an incredible experience that can shape your professional life.

   Job requirements: It takes an average of Less than 1 month of job training to become a travelers’ aid worker. The education needed to be a travelers’ aid worker is normally a bachelor’s degree. Travelers’ aid workers usually study business, economics or psychology.

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2. Fire fighter

   Average Annual Salary: $39,000
   Job Outlook: Fire fighter jobs are projected to grow 4% through 2020, according to the BLS

   Indeed, you can’t just walk into a fire department and get hired. You will need training, but that training doesn’t take very long so you can get a job almost immediately after graduation.

   In fact, some smaller communities still have volunteer fire departments, which means you can help the community you live in while still holding down your regular job.

   Job requirements: To become a fire fighter, you usually need a bachelor’s degree and 6-8 years of experience. To succeed in fire fighter careers it is a good idea to earn popular professional certifications among fire fighters like, OSHA Safety Certificate , Certified Fire Inspector II (CFI-II), or Medical Assistant.

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3. Day care worker

   Average Annual Salary: $23,081
   Job Outlook: Day care worker jobs are projected to grow 6% through 2030, according to the BLS

   Just like teachers can shape the world experience for little ones, daycare providers do the same. Creating a loving and nurturing environment for their little brains to develop and grow is a huge task, and it can be incredibly rewarding.

   The best part of it for you — it doesn’t take a lot of training. Some daycare facilities don’t require any training, or they might pay for your training while you work. Remember to ask these questions when you’re interviewing.

   Job requirements: There are several education requirements to become a day care worker. Day care workers usually study psychology, business or general studies. Even though some day care workers have a college degree, it’s possible to become one with only a high school degree or GED.

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4. Park ranger

   Average Annual Salary: $43,000
   Job Outlook: N/A

   If you’re looking to get into a green job, maybe working in the environmental sciences, you’ll probably need a degree. But you can start or supplement your income by diving right in and becoming a park ranger.

   This gives you up close and personal experience with the park systems, government policies, and the public. It can be an eye-opening experience and it’s very important when it comes to preserving land for everyone to use.

   Job requirements: To become a park ranger, you usually need a bachelor’s degree and 1-2 years of experience. The necessary certifications that park rangers must have to succeed are First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor and Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED.

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5. Emergency medical technician

   Average Annual Salary: $40,000
   Job Outlook: Emergency medical technician (EMT) jobs are projected to grow 7% through 2030, according to the BLS

   An emergency medical technical saves the world one life at a time. Much like doctors and nurses, they’re on the front lines when people need care. If you’re itching to pursue a career in healthcare, you can take the required training in less than a year at a technical college and then take your certification tests.

   This will have you working in no time and you can’t deny how important you are for the people you reach.

   Job requirements: Usually, emergency medical technicians don’t need a college education. To succeed in emergency medical technician careers it is a good idea to earn popular professional certifications among emergency medical technicians like, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA), or Basic Life Support for Healthcare and Public Safety (BLS).

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5 Work From Home Jobs Where You Can Change the World

You want to help the world, yet you don’t really want to get out there and be in it. You love your cozy home environment and that’s where you’re happiest. That’s perfectly okay because there are work-from-home jobs that let you make an impact that goes beyond the walls of your house.

1. Therapist

   Average Annual Salary: $51,000
   Job Outlook: Therapist jobs are projected to grow 14% through 2030, according to the BLS

   Interestingly, COVID-19 made online and virtual therapy not just something that’s possible, but for many it’s preferable. People who were hesitant or anxious about going to see a therapist found that it was easy to do a virtual session. The value you have to these people is immeasurable.

   job requirements: The education needed to be a therapist is normally a bachelor’s degree. Therapists usually study psychology, social work or school counseling. The necessary certifications that therapists must have to succeed are Certification in Forensic Social Work (CFSW) and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

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2. Online tutor
   Average Annual Salary: $31,000
   Job Outlook: N/A

   Children who are struggling with school can now turn to you through their computers and get the help they need to succeed. Turning a difficult subject into something the child can understand and maybe even master is about more than just good grades.

   The feeling it gives someone to succeed, even when it seemed pointless, can change their entire life. You’re showing them that they have value and can do anything as long as they try.

   Job requirements: There are several education requirements to become an online tutor. Online tutors usually study elementary education, English or education. 0.6% of online tutors have a bachelor’s degree. In terms of higher education levels, we found that 22.6% of online tutors have master’s degrees. Even though most online tutors have a college degree, it’s possible to become one with only a high school degree or GED.

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3. Investigative reporter

   Average Annual Salary: $55,000
   Job Outlook: Investigative reporter jobs are projected to decline 9% through 2030, according to the BLS

   You might not be able to do all of your work from your home office, but then again, maybe you can. If you want to expose corruption, shine a light on polluters, and point out injustices – then being a freelance journalist is a way to do just that.

   You can change the world in other ways as well. What if you turned your spotlight on charities that need help, causes people can support, and good deeds done by others?

   Job requirements: Investigative reporters usually study journalism, communication or business. The most common degree for investigative reporters is bachelor’s degree. It takes an average of Less than 1 month of job training to become an investigative reporter.

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4. Medical transcriptionist

   Average Annual Salary: $36,000
   Job Outlook: Medical transcriptionist jobs are projected to decline 7% through 2030, according to the BLS

   Every cog in the healthcare field is important and necessary. It might not seem like you’re making a big difference, but to the people getting quality care and reliable treatment because they have complete and accurate records, your work matters.

   Job requirements: Usually, medical transcriptionists don’t need a college education. To succeed in medical transcriptionist careers it is a good idea to earn popular professional certifications among medical transcriptionists like, Certified Medical Transcriptionist (CMT), Medical Assistant, or Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM).

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5. Environmental assistant

   Average Annual Salary: $29,000
   Job Outlook: N/A

   Yes, some of these jobs require you to be out in the field collecting samples and data. But on the other end of the spectrum are those people who sit at a computer and analyze that data, compare it to other data, and write reports.

   These people often work from an office and there’s no reason that office has to be anywhere other than your home.

   Job requirements: To become an environmental assistant, you usually need a bachelor’s degree and 1-2 years of experience. Environmental assistants usually study environmental science, business or biology. The necessary certifications that environmental assistants must have to succeed are Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) and Certified Environmental Professional: Environmental Operations.

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Here’s an added benefit to working from home: Studies are coming in from 2020 when a large portion of people had to work from home during the COVID-19 pandemic quarantine.

They’re discovering that there were far fewer pollutants in our air when people didn’t commute and worked at home. So, if the WFH life is for you, you’re sort of doing twice what others are to make the world a better place.

5 Other Jobs That Change the World

Okay, so maybe you don’t think you’ll make the most money, you’re not at that entry-level of your professional life anymore, and you’re happy to go out into the world. Going into the world and seeing that you’ve made a difference is one of the things that appeals most to people about picking a satisfying career.

If so, then maybe these occupations are right up your alley:

1. Teacher

   Average Annual Salary: $46,000
   Job Outlook: Teacher jobs are projected to grow 5% through 2030, according to the BLS

   You won’t make the big bucks, you’ll need an education and experience to do this job, and you’re going to have to be comfortable working in a school, but the difference you’ll make to the young children you teach can make a monumental change.

   And it’s not always about the subject you teach, sometimes just being a friend and listening means the world to someone.

   Job requirements: To become a teacher, you usually need a bachelor’s degree and none of experience. Teachers usually study elementary education, education or English. The necessary certifications that teachers must have to succeed are Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) and Child Development Associate (CDA).

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2. Environmental engineer

   Average Annual Salary: $66,000
   Job outlook: Environmental engineer jobs are projected to grow 4% through 2030, according to the BLS

   This is a growing field and it’s going to become increasingly important as companies accept that damaging the environment is no longer acceptable. Whether you focus on one area of the environment or a specific industry, you’re doing work that literally makes the planet better.

   Job requirements: To become an environmental engineer, you usually need a bachelor’s degree and none of experience. Environmental engineers usually study civil engineering, chemical engineering or environmental engineering. The necessary certifications that environmental engineers must have to succeed are Certified Environmental Systems Manager (CESM) and OSHA Safety Certificate .

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3. Police officer
   Average Annual Salary: $47,000
   Job Outlook: Police officer jobs are projected to grow 3% through 2030, according to the BLS

   The police do a great deal for their communities. They protect and serve, as the motto goes. It’s often about making a difference where you live and then watching that mold and shape other people. As a police officer, you see the best and the worst in people, but you can help others.

   Job requirements: To become a police officer, you usually need a bachelor’s degree. Police officers usually study criminal justice, law enforcement or business. The necessary certifications that police officers must have to succeed are Communications Training Officer (CTO) and OSHA Safety Certificate .

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4. Politician

   Average Annual Salary: N/A
   Job Outlook: N/A

   Working in politics gives you a hand in making the laws that affect other people, affect the environment, and can affect the world at large. It’s a powerful position in society and it can be very trying, but big things can happen if you are diligent and determined.

   Job Requirements: N/A

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5. Nurse
   Average Annual Salary: $59,000
   Job Outlook: Nurse jobs are projected to grow 6% through 2030, according to the BLS

   Being a nurse puts you in the middle of life and death situations with others. You can be the one person that makes all the difference to them and their families as they face some of the scariest days of their lives.

   Even when it’s not that serious, you can be the smiling face that helps a child feel comfortable about a routine check-up. That kind of compassion and kindness is indeed world-changing.

   Job requirements: The education needed to be a nurse is normally a bachelor’s degree. Nurses usually study nursing, nursing science or business. The necessary certifications that nurses must have to succeed are Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) and Medical Assistant.

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Final Thoughts

Kermit the Frog said, “It’s not easy being green”, but we’re here to tell you that it’s sure getting easier. Today’s world is full of jobs that can change the world, and those jobs don’t even have to be green.

If you’re looking to make a difference, you can find your niche in healthcare, education, public service, environmental studies, and many other places. It just requires a real dedication to doing good things and helping people and the planet. Remember that changing the world one person at a time is still incredibly valuable and makes your work more rewarding.

Author

Kristin Kizer

Kristin Kizer is an award-winning writer, television and documentary producer, and content specialist who has worked on a wide variety of written, broadcast, and electronic publications. A former writer/producer for The Discovery Channel, she is now a freelance writer and delighted to be sharing her talents and time with the wonderful Zippia audience.