Which term best describes a career that does not require manual labor?

The term that best describes a career that does not require manual labor is a white-collar career. These positions are typically found in an office or professional setting and often involve tasks related to management, administration, or knowledge-based work. White-collar jobs emphasize cognitive skills, decision-making, and professional expertise rather than physical labor. Examples include roles in finance, law, and healthcare administration, where the work primarily involves mental rather than physical effort.

In contrast, the other terms refer to different types of careers. Blue-collar careers involve manual labor and are often associated with trades or manufacturing jobs that require physical work. A physical career is somewhat similar to blue-collar but is not a commonly used term to classify careers. Lastly, service careers focus on providing services to others, which can include both white-collar and blue-collar work, depending on the nature of the service provided. Thus, the distinction made by the term "white-collar" accurately captures the essence of careers that do not involve manual labor.