Ten in-demand jobs that don't involve sitting behind a desk all day - and all pay more than £40k

With the end of summer spelling the return to work after holidays, many people's minds wander to what they could be doing instead.For some who relished a break from office life and the computer screen, the idea of getting out from behind a desk appeals.Meanwhile, concerns over the effect of artificial intelligence on the employment market are focused largely on white collar office jobs. Data for This is Money from job search site CV-Library shows there are plenty of vacancies for jobs that don't require spending all day at a computer desk and pay more than the average wage.Estate agents are the most in-demand role, with almost 29,000 vacancies over the past year, while quantity surveyors are the highest paid on our list.Below are the ten highest-paying non-desk-based jobs ranked by the number of vacancies advertised over the past year - and all pay more than £40,000 a year, topping the UK's £39,000 median full-time salary. Estate agents are still in demand and some of the largest property agency groups in the UK include Connells Group, Savills, and FoxtonsAlec Stanwell, of CV-Library, said: ‘AI is changing the job landscape quickly, with the biggest impact in its ability to remove some of the more administrative tasks of office work. 'But not all jobs are as susceptible to AI and those requiring a human touch or a skilled trade are among the most AI proof - and will likely remain so for a long time yet.‘Alongside the cost of going to University, more and more people are attracted to these sorts of roles that can be learnt via apprenticeships or through vocational qualifications.’Estate agent Total job postings: 28,837Average salary: £42,066Estate agents are the most in-demand occupation on the list, with 28,837 vacancies advertised over the past 12 months.An estate agent manages the selling, buying, renting and letting of residential and commercial properties. They also guide clients through property transactions, market properties and handle administrative tasks.While they spend part of their day at a desk doing paperwork and making calls, the rest consists of meeting clients and showing houses to buyers.To become an estate agent, you can either study a relevant university course, take an apprenticeship, work your way up, or train with a professional body.It's also important to have great people skills if you're considering this career.Vehicle technician / MechanicTotal job postings: 9,153Average salary: £41,540Vehicle technicians and mechanics are responsible for inspecting, diagnosing, servicing and repairing cars, vans and other motor vehicles.They spend most of their time in indoor automotive workshops, garages and dedicated service centres.To become a Vehicle Technician / Mechanic, you need a good understanding of motor vehicles, alongside strong problem-solving and customer service skills.You can get into this job through a college course or an apprenticeship.ElectriciansTotal job postings: 7,399Average salary: £48,093Electricians install, maintain and repair electrical systems in homes, businesses and industrial settings.They work in a wide range of indoor and outdoor environments. These include people’s homes, offices, shops, restaurants, and schools.Most electricians enter the profession through apprenticeships, although college courses and direct entry are also possible.Since you’ll be handling electrical equipment, you need good safety awareness. A good understanding of maths is also important when calculating electrical loads. Lift technicians and maintenance engineers are in-demand, say jobs specialistsMaintenance engineerTotal job postings: 6,561Average salary: £46,841Maintenance engineers / fitters install, service and repair industrial machinery and equipment to keep businesses running efficiently.Maintenance engineers typically work in factories, industrial sites or at clients' premises.Some useful skills include being confident using your hands for fiddly tasks, comfortable working alone, and computer software skills.To become a maintenance engineer you can either apply directly, or do a college course, an apprenticeship, or work your way up the ladder.Quantity surveyorTotal job postings: 3,855Average salary: £61,272Quantity surveyors are the highest-paid profession on the list, with an average advertised salary of £61,272.They oversee construction projects, manage risks, and control costs, making sure work is completed on time.Quantity surveyors need strong maths skills, alongside knowledge of engineering, construction and technology.Unlike many of the other roles listed, quantity surveying often requires a degree or graduate training scheme. Candidates could also complete an apprenticeship or start out as a surveying technician and work their way up.The role combines office work with regular visits to construction sites and client premises.Building control inspectorTotal job postings: 3,813Average salary: £58,611Building control surveyors and inspectors make sure existing buildings and new developments meet regulations and are safe for people who live and work in them.Day to day you’ll assess construction plans and carry out site inspections, advise building owners and work closely with architects.The role combines office work with regular site visits, often in all weather conditions.Useful skills include knowledge of engineering, construction and building regulations, alongside strong customer service skills.To become a building control inspector you can study a relevant course at university, or through college, an apprenticeship or applying directly.Lift engineerTotal job postings: 2,814Average salary: £40,900Lift engineers install, service and repair lifts, escalators and moving walkways. They are also known as lift service technicians or escalator engineers.Day to day, a lift engineer might work with wires and layout diagrams. They might refurbish interiors, panel displays, lighting and message systems. And fix lifts and carry out safety checks.The role can involve working in cramped conditions and travelling between client sites.Some useful skills include using your hands confidently, using computers and software packages, and being persistent and determined.Typical ways to get into this role include a college course, an apprenticeship, working towards the role, or applying directly. Both firemen and fire risk assessors are jobs that pay well and don't mean days at a deskFire risk assessor Total job postings: 2,519Average salary: £48,881A fire risk assessor (FRA) is responsible for carrying out fire risk assessments and associated consultancy services across a diverse range of properties.They will produce high quality reports, provide advice to clients and maintain strong relationships with them.The role requires strong technical knowledge, attention to detail and good communication skills.It also requires the ability to work independently while collaborating with colleagues and clients.FRAs usually work on-site in locations such as offices, shops, factories, hospitals, homes.To become an FRA, you’ll need to undertake either a university degree, a college course, an apprenticeship, or work towards the role.PlumberTotal job postings: 2,202Average salary: £47,315Plumbers install and repair water and heating systems in homes and businesses.Day-to-day you might cut, shape and join pipes and fittings. You could service gas and oil-fired central heating systems and radiators, or respond to emergency callouts for broken boilers and drains.Plumbers typically work in clients' homes, businesses and on construction sites. You might have to work in cramped spaces, at height and outdoors sometimes.Important skills include being good at maths, working comfortably with others, and a desire to use, repair and maintain machines and tools.Plumbing is commonly entered through apprenticeships, though college courses and direct applications are also options.FirefighterTotal job postings: 1,078Average salary: £42,235Firefighters respond to emergencies including fires, road traffic collisions, search-and-rescue incidents and flooding.Important skills include being physically fit with strong people skills. Since firefighters have to talk to people in potentially dangerous situations, they need to be sensitive, understanding and authoritative.You can become a firefighter through a college course, an apprenticeship, applying directly, or a fire service training course. This is Money podcast