6 High-Wage Jobs That Come with Huge Risks

White-collar jobs have long been the most attractive sector in the job market due to their orderliness and generous compensation packages.

However, these positions often have demanding requirements regarding education, experience, interpersonal skills, and other employer-specific criteria.

Blue-collar jobs, on the other hand, may involve more risk-taking. And to be fair, not all of these jobs offer salaries comparable to those of their white-collar counterparts.

Still, they generally have a lower educational requirement, which makes these jobs more accessible. Plus, to add to that, some blue-collar positions can match or even exceed white-collar wages.

Nevertheless, while we discuss the ones on this list, it’s essential to not only focus on the rewards they offer but also to consider the risks and sacrifices you’d have to make.

Deep Sea Welders

This profession is a specialized diving and underwater welding field that can really pay off if you’re not afraid of the dark or tight spaces. In fact, according to Salary Experts, underwater welders can earn anywhere from $65,000 to $113,000 annually, depending on their experience and the specific project.

However, while the wage structure might seem too good to be true, there are numerous risks associated with this job.

According to Chopin Law Firm, an Oil rig accident lawyer, deep sea welders face so many hazards at work, like decompression sickness, also known as “the bends,” drowning, hypothermia, and even attacks from marine life.

But that’s not all. These welders also face other risks like equipment failure, which could lead to drowning and even severe injuries.

Plus, the job requires spending long periods away from home (and from your family), and let’s not forget the long-term health effects of repeatedly exposing your body to extreme pressure changes. So consider these factors first before making any decisions.

High-Rise Window Cleaners

This job requires a unique combination of cleaning skills, physical fitness, and an unwavering head for heights.

The primary risk in this profession is usually dangling hundreds of feet above the ground, secured only by ropes and harnesses.

In some cases, you could even be stranded on platforms for hours due to mechanical failures or sudden changes in weather conditions. It’s not a job for the faint-hearted.

But at least the wage is quite impressive. According to GlassDoor, experienced professionals in major cities can earn between $48,000 and $78,000 annually, with some top earners reaching six figures. The pay scale is often determined by the height and complexity of the buildings you’ll work on.

You can start your career by cleaning smaller buildings before progressing to skyscrapers. However, the job demands physical stamina, attention to detail, and nerves of steel to thrive.

Crab Fishers

If you’ve ever watched shows like “Deadliest Catch,” “and wondered if the payoff is worth the risk. Well, yeah, they are worth it.

During a good season, a crab boat captain can earn around $200,000 annually, and his crew members can earn as much as $50,000 during a three-month working period. But make no mistake – they earn every penny.

Crab fishing is one of the most hardest jobs in the world—these hardy workers brave icy waters, gale-force winds, and towering waves in the unforgiving Bering Sea.

The physical demands are extreme, with extended hours of backbreaking labor in harsh conditions. Frostbite, hypothermia, and injuries from heavy equipment are just some of the threats they face.

Plus, it’s not just the elements that make this job risky. The very nature of the work – being on a small vessel far from shore – means that help can be hours away in an emergency.

Capsizing, falling overboard, and getting caught in fishing gear are all real dangers that these professionals face.

Firefighters and Paramedics

Firefighters and paramedics hold one of our society’s most respected and dangerous jobs. These professionals are often the first to respond to emergencies, facing a wide range of hazardous situations, be it raging fires or medical crises.

The risks in this profession are both immediate and long-term. Firefighters face the apparent dangers of burns, smoke inhalation, and structural collapses. They also risk exposure to toxic substances and situations that can have a lasting psychological impact on them.

Paramedics are exposed to infectious diseases and a host of other risks when lifting and transporting patients.

While the base salary for these respective jobs might not seem as high as some other professions on this list, the total compensation package is quite okay.

In many areas, firefighters earn between $46,000 and $71,000 annually, with additional benefits like early retirement options, excellent healthcare coverage, and opportunities for overtime pay. In some major cities, paramedics earn between $40,000 and $61,000, including some benefits firefighters enjoy.

Roofers

Roofing might not be the first profession that comes to mind when considering high-risk, high-wage jobs, but it certainly qualifies. These experts work at heights on sloped surfaces, often in challenging weather conditions.

Unsurprisingly, the primary risk for roofers is falling. Even with safety equipment, the danger is ever-present. Other risks include heat exhaustion, as they often work long hours in direct sunlight and injuries from handling heavy materials and power tools. There’s also the long-term risk of skin cancer due to prolonged sun exposure.

While entry-level roofers might start at modest wages, experienced professionals and those who specialize in complex or dangerous jobs can earn a good wage. Top earners in the roofing industry can make over $65,000 annually, with some reaching six figures, especially those who run their own roofing businesses.

Becoming a roofer doesn’t require formal education beyond a high school diploma. Most roofers learn through apprenticeships or on-the-job training.

Oil Rig Workers

The pay for working on an oil rig can be tempting – entry-level roustabouts can start at around $47,000 annually, while experienced drilling consultants or offshore installation managers can earn well over $100,000 annually.

Some specialized positions even report salaries exceeding $200,000. But before you start planning how to spend all that, you need to factor in the risks associated with the job.

First, taking an oil rig job means working outside a 9-to-5 schedule. Oil rig workers generally work in rotations—two weeks on, two weeks off is common, but some schedules can be even more demanding.

During your “on” time, you work long shifts, often 12 hours a day, seven days a week. And you’re not just working hard—you’re doing it in some of the most challenging environments imaginable.

Then there’s the constant threat of a major incident like falls, equipment malfunctions, and fires. The 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster, which killed eleven workers and caused a massive oil spill, is there to help everyone understand the potential dangers in this industry.

While safety measures have improved, the inherent risks of working with volatile substances under high pressure are factors to consider.

Wrapping Up

If you find any jobs on this list suitable for your skill set and are willing to take on the associated risks, then make your findings and get the necessary training to kick-start your career. Good luck!