The Most Dangerous Jobs In The United States

Think about your average day. What’s your biggest hazard? The morning commute? Spilling hot coffee? A sharp pair of scissors? A rowdy, bear-hugging co-worker? For most people, the average day to day life is pretty tame. Then there are people who have dangerous jobs.

For whatever reason, there are lots of people that pursue dangerous jobs. Do they love the thrill? Need a bit of adrenaline? Or do they just like the paychecks? Luckily for most armchair adventurers, dangerous jobs are often highlighted on television. Have you ever watched Ice Road Truckers? Deadliest Catch? Ax Men?

A cool infographic from FinancesOnline, highlights the 10 Most Dangerous Jobs In The US. Before we dive into the dangerous jobs, it’s important to note that workplaces are much safer than they used to be. Risk assessment, hazard management, and overall awareness has increased. This has dropped the workplace injury rates by 29% between 1992 and 2012.

Next it’s important to look at the causes of workplace fatalities (these statistics are from 2012):

• Transportation Incidents – 41%
• Homicide, Violence, and Injuries by People or Animals – 17%
• Struck by Object or Equipment – 16%
• Falls, Slips, Trips – 15%
• Harmful Substances or Environments – 7%
• Fires and Explosions – 3%
• Other – 1%

Now what you’ve been waiting for, the most dangerous jobs in the US. The most dangerous jobs are:

10. Construction Laborers

• Average Pay – $34,500
• Deaths Per 100,000 Workers – 17.4

9. Farmers, Ranchers, Agricultural Managers

• Average Pay – $73,700
• Deaths Per 100,000 Workers – 21.3

8. Drivers / Sales Workers, Truck Drivers

• Average Pay – $27,000
• Deaths Per 100,000 Workers – 22.1

7. Electrical Power Line Installers and Repairers

• Average Pay – $62,300
• Deaths Per 100,000 Workers – 23

6. Refuse, Recyclable Material Collectors

• Average Pay – $35,200
• Deaths Per 100,000 Workers – 27.1

5. Structural Iron and Steel Workers

• Average Pay – $50,700
• Deaths Per 100,000 Workers – 37

4. Roofers

• Average Pay – $38,800
• Deaths Per 100,000 Workers – 40.5

3. Pilots, Flight Engineers

• Average Pay – $128,000
• Deaths Per 100,000 Workers – 53.4

2. Fishers, Fishing Workers

• Average Pay – $36,900
• Deaths Per 100,000 Workers – 117

1. Loggers

• Average Pay – $34,600
• Deaths Per 100,000 Workers – 127.8

Statistically these are the most dangerous jobs in the US. Some other jobs that might qualify are pit crew, policemen, firemen, bike Messenger, miners, stuntmen, deep sea divers, or highway flaggers. You can learn about dangerous jobs on JobMonkey.

If you’re a fearless individual, then a dangerous job may be perfect for you. Be sure to weigh the pros and cons first. Then apply for the type of job that is right for you. Head over to the JobMonkey Industry Guides to learn more about different jobs and then use the Job Board to dial in your cool job search. Best of luck!