25 Dangerous Jobs That Pay Well

Updated April 30, 2024

If you're interested in work that comes with a little risk, consider one of the many dangerous jobs that pay well. A variety of industries have roles that involve heavy lifting, complex machinery, sharp tools, strenuous physical activity and the risk of injury. However, some find the pay and interesting responsibilities worth the risks. In this article, we explore dangerous or risky jobs to help you determine the right career path for your goals and risk appetite.

25 dangerous jobs that pay well

The following careers involve some level of risk, require diverse skill sets and training and pay at least as much as the national average for all jobs. For the most up-to-date salary information from Indeed, visit indeed.com/salaries.

1. Truck driver

National average salary: $74,931 per yearPrimary duties: A truck driver operates large trucks to deliver consumer goods, packages or other items across the country. Driving a large truck requires specialized training and licensure that helps these professionals stay safe on the road. They also are trained to inspect their vehicles and monitor fluid levels to ensure the truck is safe to operate. In addition, they may help load and unload cargo and work long hours.Related: Learn About Being a Truck Driver

2. Miner

National average salary: $57,408 per yearPrimary duties: A miner works underground extracting coal, ore and other materials and bringing them to the surface. They build entryways and exits, install transportation systems underground and operate mining equipment. Miners may have limited oxygen supply, be exposed to air pollution, use explosives or hazardous tools and risk cave-in.Related: Learn About Being a Miner

3. Mining engineer

National average salary: $96,239 per yearPrimary duties: A mining engineer designs mines to work as efficiently and safely as possible. They also monitor mining operations, evaluate risks and produce plans for ongoing safe, efficient operations. Mining engineers work around heavy machinery, air pollution from extraction and explosives, as well as being at risk for cave-in.

4. Crude oil hauler

National average salary: $94,512 per yearPrimary duties: A crude oil hauler operates large trucks that carry oil, gasoline or other chemicals to gas stations or other locations. In addition to being able to drive a semi-truck or tractor-trailer rig, they must safely load and unload volatile materials, follow safe driving practices and closely monitor the truck's operation to safely reach their destination.

5. Registered nurse

National average salary: $70,822 per yearPrimary duties: A registered nurse cares for patients by providing medication and treatment, monitoring vitals, tending wounds and educating patients and their families on proper treatment and wellness. RNs may be at risk from infectious diseases, volatile patients and family members and harsh working conditions.Related: Learn About Being a Registered Nurse (RN)

6. Zoo veterinarian

National average salary: $68,906 per yearPrimary duties: A zoo veterinarian cares for animals housed in a zoo, including large wildlife like elephants, tigers and bears. They're responsible for identifying injuries and illnesses, prescribing medications, operating diagnostic machinery and performing surgeries. Since zoo veterinarians can work with a variety of animals, they may risk being injured by large or dangerous animals. However, with a skilled team of technicians and assistants, as well as adequate and safe sedation methods, these professionals can securely help animals in need.Related: Learn About Being a Zookeeper

7. Construction manager

National average salary: $84,874 per yearPrimary duties: A construction manager oversees construction projects. They lead a team of construction workers and monitor a project, including supplies, vendors, machinery, training and budgeting. Being around heavy machinery, large materials, hazardous tools and air pollution can pose a risk, but wearing protective gear and following protocols help improve safety.Related: Learn About Being a Construction Manager

8. Demolition supervisor

National average salary: $83,880 per yearPrimary duties: A demolition supervisor plans and oversees demolitions, usually as part of mining or construction projects. They survey the site, develop and file plans, arrange for waste removal and ensure the safety of the demolition crew and the general public. Demolition supervisors work in dangerous environments such as mines and handle explosives. Related: How To Become a Demolition Specialist in 6 Steps (Plus Salary Data)

9. Professional athlete

National average salary: $63,852 per yearPrimary duties: A professional athlete plays a sport like football, basketball, baseball, soccer or hockey at the top level. They are at risk for various injuries due to playing against equally skilled athletes, working long hours and excessive training. With adequate protective gear and sports physicians monitoring their wellness, professional athletes can perform safely.

10. Cargo pilot

National average salary: $68,086 per yearPrimary duties: A cargo pilot flies planes that only carry cargo like consumer goods and packages. They chart a course to and from delivery destinations, coordinate with air traffic control and operate aircraft in hazardous weather conditions.Related: Learn About Being an Airline Pilot

11. Sheriff

National average salary: $63,356 per yearPrimary duties: A sheriff is the leading law enforcement officer in a county responsible for leading a department of sheriff deputies, overseeing and training new deputies, enforcing county laws, investigating crimes and filing reports. They're typically elected by county residents or appointed by county officials. The risks for this role include using weapons and safety gear and intervening in dangerous or violent situations.

12. Aircraft mechanic

National average salary: $60,267 per yearPrimary duties: An aircraft mechanic inspects, maintains and repairs airplanes and helicopters. They may use mechanical and manual tools and welding equipment to work on various aircraft, but they complete specialized education and training, follow Federal Aviation Administration regulations and wear adequate protective gear to stay safe on the job.Related: Learn About Being a Mechanic

13. Operating engineer

National average salary: $78,897 per yearPrimary duties: An operating engineer works on a construction site to maintain heavy equipment. They operate heavy machinery, clean and maintain equipment and collaborate with team members to move materials, dig holes and position equipment. The nature of construction work and using heavy equipment make this job dangerous.

14. Arborist

National average salary: $62,808 per yearPrimary duties: An arborist plants and maintains forests, trees and shrubs for individuals, companies and government organizations. They use ladders, ropes, safety harnesses and other equipment to climb and trim trees, apply pesticides and monitor tree health. Arborists may also test soil and plant new trees. Working with sharp tools, climbing trees and handling chemicals make this job dangerous, but arborists are highly trained and work with teams to support them. Related: How To Become an Arborist (With Steps, Skills and FAQs)

15. Rig manager

National average salary: $76,904 per yearPrimary duties: A rig manager supervises a team of oil rig operators and technicians in the field. They coordinate drilling, oversee machine operation, train new technicians, enforce safety measures and handle supply shipments and deliveries. A rig can be a volatile location with a risk of explosion or pollution.

16. Diver

National average salary: $52,252 per yearPrimary duties: A diver, also called a commercial diver, inspects, services and repairs underwater machines such as oil rigs, bridges and pipelines. They use scuba equipment, water-safe tools and diving best practices to efficiently and safely maintain these structures.Related: What Is a Commercial Diver? (With Types and FAQ)

17. Solar installer

National average salary: $62,622 per yearPrimary duties: Solar installers work as part of a team setting up, assembling, maintaining and repairing rooftop solar energy systems that convert sunlight to energy. They ensure solar panels fit on rooftops and connect them to the building's electrical system. Risks for this physically demanding job include working outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, climbing on ladders, working on roofs and handling electrical wiring.Related: Guide To Becoming a Solar Installer

18. Firefighter/paramedic

National average salary: $65,418 per yearPrimary duties: A firefighter/paramedic responds to reports of fires, vehicle accidents and many other hazardous situations. They put out fires, rescue people, perform first aid, use high-pressure water hoses and clear people away from dangerous areas. Firefighters complete rigorous safety and fire training and have head-to-toe protective gear to effectively and securely respond to calls.Related: Learned About Being a Firefighter

19. Journeyperson electrician

National average salary: $72,649 per yearPrimary duties: These experienced electricians train apprentice electricians while also completing electrical tasks such as installing, inspecting and repairing equipment and systems. Working with electricity can be hazardous, but years of training, experience and proper use of tools ensure journeyman electricians stay safe as they work.Related: Learn About Being an Electrician

20. Carpenter foreman

National average salary: $57,957 per yearPrimary duties: A carpenter foreman is a highly experienced carpenter who leads teams and trains new carpenters. In addition to building structures, they coordinate with vendors, oversee carpenters' work and monitor the building timeline. Carpenter foremen use potentially hazardous tools like saws and drills and may climb heights, but protective gear, safety protocols and carpentry experience help them keep themselves and their teams safe.Related: Learn About Being a Carpenter

21. Police officer

National average salary: $59,621 per yearPrimary duties: A police officer serves and protects a local area by patrolling streets, investigating potential crimes, arresting perpetrators, making traffic stops and monitoring hazardous situations. They carry weapons and defense items, intervene in dangerous or violent scenarios and risk their lives keeping people safe. With protective gear such as Kevlar, training and experience, police officers can better keep themselves and others safe.Related: Learn About Being a Police Officer

22. Pipefitter

National average salary: $57,388 per yearPrimary duties: A pipefitter makes pipes and installs, maintains and repairs pipe systems. They usually work in heavy industry and industrial settings on pipe systems that carry water, steam, petrochemicals and industrial waste. Since pipefitters use welding tools and grinders, work with steel and iron and may work on hazardous sites, they complete rigorous training and apprenticeships and become licensed to ensure they and the pipe systems they create remain safe. Related: Your Guide to Becoming a Pipefitter

23. Diesel mechanic

National average salary: $59,498 per yearPrimary duties: This automotive technician inspects, repairs and maintains diesel engines in trucks, buses and other machines. Being around fumes, heavy machinery and hazardous tools can pose risks to diesel mechanics, but protective gear and effective training prepare them for the dangers.Related: Learn About Being a Diesel Mechanic

24. Tree climber

National average salary: $52,893 per yearPrimary duties: A tree climber climbs up and down trees to maintain their appearance and health by cutting off dead branches, removing excess debris and spraying pesticides. They may also perform aerial rescues. Tree climbers use a variety of sharp and complex tools to prune trees, as well as harnesses and protective gear to keep them safe on the job.Related: How To Become a Professional Tree Climber in 7 Steps

25. Farm manager

National average salary: $61,169 per yearPrimary duties: A farm manager leads a team of farmhands in planting, sowing and harvesting crops. They typically also have administrative duties such as monitoring the budget, overseeing inventory, ordering supplies, coordinating with vendors, hiring and training farm employees and ensuring everyone follows strict safety protocols and farming best practices. Farm managers work around or operate heavy machinery, such as tractors and harvesters, handle chemicals and work long hours outdoors.Note that figures from Glassdoor helped supplement data from Indeed.

25 Dangerous Jobs That Pay Well