Not all high-paying jobs come with glamour and prestige. Some occupations are difficult, dirty, or dangerous, leading many to avoid them. However, these jobs often offer surprisingly high salaries to attract and retain workers. If you’re looking for a lucrative career and don’t mind getting your hands dirty, check out these eight unwanted jobs that pay well.
1. Sewage Worker
Salary: $45,000 – $80,000 per year
Sewage workers are responsible for maintaining and repairing sewer systems, ensuring proper waste disposal, and preventing environmental hazards. The work environment is often dirty and smelly, but the job is essential for public health. Many cities offer competitive wages, benefits, and job security for those willing to work in this industry.
2. Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) Remover
Salary: $45,000 – $100,000 per year
Hazmat removers deal with dangerous substances such as asbestos, lead, and radioactive materials. The job requires specialized training and strict safety protocols, but it offers high wages, especially for those willing to work in high-risk environments like nuclear plants or disaster zones.
3. Oil Rig Worker
Salary: $50,000 – $150,000 per year
Oil rig workers perform physically demanding tasks on offshore and land-based oil drilling operations. The job involves long hours, hazardous conditions, and isolation for weeks at a time. However, workers are compensated with high salaries, extensive benefits, and sometimes even bonuses for risk-taking roles.
4. Crime Scene Cleaner
Salary: $40,000 – $90,000 per year
Cleaning up crime scenes is emotionally challenging and requires a strong stomach. Crime scene cleaners remove biohazards, sanitize affected areas, and handle sensitive situations with discretion. Despite its gruesome nature, the field offers excellent pay and job stability due to the continuous demand for cleanup services.
5. Embalmer
Salary: $45,000 – $85,000 per year
Embalmers prepare bodies for funerals by preserving them with chemicals. While the job involves handling deceased individuals, it is vital in the funeral industry. Many embalmers earn high salaries due to their specialized skills and the emotional nature of the job.
6. Slaughterhouse Worker
Salary: $35,000 – $80,000 per year
Slaughterhouse workers process meat for consumption, performing tasks that many people find disturbing. The work is physically demanding and repetitive, but skilled butchers and meat processors can earn significant wages, especially in specialized or high-end meat industries.
7. Underground Miner
Salary: $60,000 – $120,000 per year
Mining is one of the most dangerous jobs due to the risks of cave-ins, gas exposure, and heavy machinery accidents. However, miners are compensated well, particularly those working in remote locations or extracting valuable minerals like gold and diamonds.
8. Garbage Collector
Salary: $40,000 – $90,000 per year
Garbage collectors keep cities clean by collecting and disposing of waste. The work involves heavy lifting, exposure to unpleasant odors, and varying weather conditions. However, municipal waste management jobs often provide excellent salaries, benefits, and pensions, making this an attractive option for those who don’t mind the nature of the work.
While these jobs may not be glamorous, they offer financial stability and lucrative salaries. If you’re open to unconventional career paths, consider these high-paying but unwanted jobs. The demand for these roles remains high, ensuring job security and growth opportunities.