Working a dangerous job doesn’t always mean you are getting rich. In fact, many risky jobs in the United States pay far less than you would expect.
A new report by Resume Now, using data from the US Bureau of Labour Statistics, shows that some of the most dangerous careers come with surprisingly average salaries.
Even roles with higher pay do not always match the level of danger involved. Truck drivers, for example, had one of the highest fatality rates in 2023, with 984 deaths, but only earned a median salary of $57,440. Still, some dangerous jobs do pay well.
Which are the most dangerous jobs in USA?
According to the report, one of the most dangerous jobs in the USA are farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers face danger every day.
Whether it is operating heavy machines, working with large animals, or spending long hours in extreme weather, the job is physically demanding and full of hazards.
In 2023, 171 workers in this field died on the job, and the median salary was $87,980.
Aircraft pilots and flight engineers earn the most among these dangerous roles, with a median pay of $198,100. But their work is anything but easy.
They face the constant risk of mechanical failure, dangerous weather, and the pressure of keeping passengers safe. Last year, 62 pilots and flight engineers lost their lives.
First-line supervisors of mechanics, installers, and repairers also deal with serious risks. Their job is to oversee teams that work with dangerous equipment and systems, like electricity and moving machinery.
It is not just about management, it often means being close to the danger. In 2023, 47 of them died while earning a median salary of $75,820.
Electrical power line installers and repairers put their lives on the line daily. Whether it is fixing lines during storms or working at great heights, the job is incredibly dangerous.
The threat of electrocution and falling is always present. Their median pay is $92,560, and 27 died in 2023.
Construction managers are in charge of complex and risky job sites. They may not be operating the machines themselves, but they are constantly exposed to heavy equipment, unstable structures, and unpredictable environments.
With a median salary of $106,980, the job took 21 lives last year.
Transportation, storage, and distribution managers may not seem like they have a high-risk job, but working around trucks, forklifts, and hazardous materials can be dangerous. From warehouse floors to highway accidents, their role has real dangers. They made a median salary of $102,010, with nine deaths reported in 2023.
Mining and geological engineers face underground risks that most people never think about. They work in mines where cave-ins, gas leaks, or explosions are real possibilities. Despite the dangers, they earned a median salary of $101,020, and eight were killed in 2023.
Captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels have the tough job of dealing with dangerous waters. From harsh weather to mechanical problems at sea, it is a career that demands alertness and physical stamina.
The median salary was $85,540, and five people in this role died in 2023.
Industrial production managers oversee factories and plants, which are often filled with heavy machinery and potentially dangerous processes. Though they may work from an office part of the time, they are still frequently exposed to the risks of industrial environments. Their median salary was $121,440, and five died on the job last year.