What are the high-paying jobs nobody wants?

High-paying jobs like coal mining, oil rig work, crab fishing, and hazardous material removal pay well over $100,000 annually. However, they may have unappealing working conditions, physical demands, and safety risks that deter many people from pursuing them.

Let's explore the topic to know more about it.

What does the highest-paid job mean, actually?

The highest-paid job means it pays very well compared to an average annual salary. For example, a general surgeon earns, on average, $257,000 to $343,000 per year in the U.S. 

A general surgeon prepares the patient for surgery and then leads the surgery. They must earn a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) and a Master of Surgery (MS).

Now that you know the highest-paying job, it's time to find out what high-paying jobs no one wants. If you're looking for a job, one of these could be on your list.

1. Coal Industry

Image source: mining-technology.com

There are numerous hazardous conditions that come with working as a coal miner. Miners face gaseous and chemical hazards throughout their day.

In 2022, the coal industry employed 43,582 people, 60 percent of whom were working underground.

Although coal miners average $48,361 per year depending on location, other salaries in the industry were higher. They include:

• Coal mining supervisor - $61,246
• Data minor - $69,435
• Coal analyst - $99,157
• Development miner - $106,675

Although a lucrative business, the coal industry has shrunk since 2010, when it had 86,057 employees in the U.S.

2. Oil Rig Worker

Image source: jobsite.co.uk

Oil rig workers support oil and gas drilling. They are in charge of extraction operations on offshore oil platforms.

Oil rig workers typically live on the rig for two to three weeks at a time for drilling rigs. They may stay on for a month or two for production rigs.

Many oil rig responsibilities require physically demanding work, including the operation of heavy machinery. There are risks to working on an oil rig. These include:

• Falls
• Chemical exposures
• Equipment malfunctions

Oil Rig workers start at $47,000 per year, and management positions can get an average annual salary of $100,000. Workers usually work for 14 days straight, followed by 21 days off work.

In case that sounds too good to be true, keep in mind that oil rig crews have some of the highest rates of injuries and fatalities in the U.S.

You’ll have to spend a few weeks in one place however, with the money you get paid on this get, you can have a great vacation with your family once in a while or you can grow your savings to meet the inflation.

You should know where to Keep your Emergency Fund even if you get a handsome amount of money.

3. Crab Fisherman

Image source: mashed.com

Crab fisherman use traps, nets, and other equipment to gather crabs for consumption. They work on fishing boats. The crew may consist of:

• Captain
• Deckhands
• Professional fishers

Crab fisherman may be at sea for days at a time. They may work long stretches of 28 hours or more and sleep an average of four hours daily.

Alaskan crab fishing is considered one of the most dangerous jobs in the U.S., with over 300 fatalities per 100,000.

Depending on the city you sail out of, you could make up to $59,063 annually.

3. Elevator Mechanic

Image source:constructionjobsireland.ie

An elevator mechanic constructs, modernizes, repairs, and services conveyances. These are typically:

• Elevators
• Escalators
• Dumbwaiters
• Wheelchair lifts
• Moving walkways

Pretty much anything that moves vertically is repaired by an elevator mechanic.

An elevator installer/mechanic is required to lift and carry heavy parts and equipment. They often work overtime. This is because quick repairs and emergencies often occur, so most elevator mechanics are on call.

To get into this job, you'll need to have at least a high school diploma.

In most states, elevator mechanics earn over $100,000 annually.

4. Plumber

A plumber is a tradesperson specializing in installing and maintaining systems used for:

• Potable water
• Hot water production
• Sewage
• Drainage

Like other trades, a plumber earns an hourly rate without a bachelor's or college degree. However, a formal education might be enough for you.

You'll go through an apprenticeship program, which is usually paid, to learn to plumb. Depending on the state, you'll be licensed as a journeyman or master plumber.

Master plumbers generally earn $80,053 per year.

5. Sanitation Worker

Image source:insider.com

The unsung hero of the streets is a sanitation worker. It's not a glamorous job—it's more like a thankless job—but well-needed and well-paid.

Sanitation workers keep the neighborhoods free of trash and protect the environment by handling recycling materials.

On the high end, sanitation work can earn about $60,039 but realistically look for about $45,000.

6. Embalmer

Also known as a mortuary technician, an embalmer prepares a body for burial and cremation. They preserve the body's appearance at the time of death. There's a mixture of science and art when it comes to embalming.

Embalming is done for several reasons, including:

• Legal
• Medical
• Personal

An embalmer removes the blood of the deceased and replaces it with preserving agents.

An embalmer in the U.S. can expect to earn around $49,000 annually.

7. Urine Farmer

Urine farmers collect undiluted specimens from animals, usually whitetail. The farmer then sells the urine to hunters, who use it to attract deer during hunting season.

The deer are brought into stalls, where they urinate in a trough. The urine is then collected

 in a chute. 

Deer are brought into stalls during heat cycles for estrus urine.

A urine farmer can make up to $90,000 annually per deer.

8. Hazardous Material Remover

Image source: yourfreecareertest.com

Very few people are willing to take on hazardous material removal. They remove, pack, transport, or dispose of hazardous materials. These include:

• Asbestos
• Lead-based paint
• Waste oil
• Fuel
• Transmission fluid
• Radioactive materials
• Contaminated soil

You’ll need specialized training and certifications.

Many workers earn up to $81,610 annually, with managers making triple figures.

9. Sewage Inspector

This is another job that is far from glamorous. Sewage inspectors work in underground sewers. They are checking for:

• Clogs
• Leaks
• Cracks

They must wade and sometimes swim through human excrement and toxic waste to determine hidden flaws in sewage systems.

You’ll be underground for extended periods. There is no natural light, and oxygen is scarce. You’ll also be exposed to dangerous microorganisms.

This stable job can earn you an average of $54,939, with the high end of $99,000.

10. Truck Driver

Image source: sobanco.com

Plan on being on the road for days and nights at a time. You’ll be driving long distances across multiple states.

The job entails moving materials from location to location in a tractor-trailer.

You’ll be responsible for:

• Loading trucks
• Completing paperwork
• Inspecting trucks
• General driving responsibilities

All long-haul truck drivers need a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Requirements for a CDL vary by state, but most include passing a driving test and knowledge test.

The average salary for a long-haul truck driver is around $71,196.

11. Podiatrist

A podiatrist, or doctor of podiatric medicine (DPM), diagnoses and treats issues or diseases dealing with the following:

• Foot
• Ankle
• Lower leg

There are different types of DPMs. Some specialize in:

• Diabetic foot care
• Sports medicine
• Surgery biomechanics

A podiatrist must complete four years of training in a podiatric medical school and three years of hospital residency training.

The demand for podiatrists is expected to increase by 28 percent by 2030. And they earn a good living. Expect to make $147,232.

With the amount you get per year, you’ll find the flight ticket to be cheaper.

12. Optometrist

An optometrist specializes in primary eye care. They perform vision tests. During an exam, they will:

• Check visual acuity
• Check eye health
• Check eye tissue and other diseases

They prescribe glasses and fit contact lenses.

They must be licensed to practice. To become an optometrist, they must complete four years of optometry school and earn a Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree.

Currently, there's a shortage of optometrists, with 68.79 percent of vacancies.

An optometrist can expect to earn $142,089 annually.

13. Head Lice Technician

Also known as a head lice professional, a head lice technician removes, treats, and prevents head lice.

Typically, head lice technicians work with children. These technicians use methods to remove lice that could involve:

• Combing.
• Handpicking.
• Use a professional-grade nit comb with oil.

A head lice technician also educates the family on treatment, follow-up, and prevention.

If you can stand the creepy crawlies, there's good money to be made. A head lice technician can earn up to $61,645 in the U.S.

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14. Railroad Engineer

A railroad engineer's job is to move trains down the track. They need to think logically and make quick decisions. They also need communication skills and time management.

They have irregular/ long hours and can be away from home for weeks at a time, but they do enjoy extended periods at home in between shifts.

In the U.S., a railroad engineer earns a median of $82,070, with the high side of $97,307.

Frequently Asked Questions

Although most of these jobs are not glamorous, they are all lucrative. But if you have more questions about these jobs, we have answers. Here are some frequently asked questions about employment.

1. What jobs are in most demand?

The fastest-growing jobs are in healthcare and administrative roles. Nurses and business administrators are in high demand, and customer associates and tax preparers are also needed.

2. What jobs are losing demand?

Word processors and typists are the job losers. Telephone operators and legal secretaries are also on the decline.

3. What jobs are the safest employment opportunities?

There are several jobs that are safe from A.I. or automation. They include healthcare positions, teachers, and personal services like stylists.

The High-Paying Jobs Nobody Wants: Conclusion

If you're looking for job stability in a volatile environment, some of the jobs mentioned may be for you. Many of them are physical, like an oil rig worker, but there are some that are less strenuous, like a urine farmer.

Although many are blue-collar jobs, podiatrists and optometrists are in-demand professional jobs that can give you a cushy living.