You’ll Never Guess the Salaries of These 15 Undesirable Jobs – Are You Tempted?

Ever wondered about high-paying jobs that many often avoid due to inherent dangers or other unwelcome factors? Those occupations that seem to hold little appeal? If your curiosity is piqued, get ready to explore a list of undesirable jobs that surprisingly come with impressive paychecks.
How much do these jobs pay? What makes them unattractive to most people? Discover the world of seldom-chosen professions and satisfy your curiosity by uncovering their earnings. Prepare to be surprised as we delve into the fascinating intersection of money, risk, and occupational choices.
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### 1. Sewage Inspector
Let’s dive into our list with sewage inspectors. A sewage inspector is responsible for inspecting and monitoring sewage systems in a given area to ensure they function properly and safely. They may work for government agencies, private companies, or consulting firms.
Main duties include inspecting sewage systems, identifying and reporting issues, and ensuring compliance with codes and regulations. They may also investigate complaints and respond to emergencies like spills or leaks.
This job is undesirable because it involves working in unpleasant environments, exposure to hazardous materials, and dealing with foul odors. It can be physically demanding and often requires working in confined spaces. Specialized training and certification are also required, limiting the pool of qualified candidates.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for environmental compliance inspectors, which includes sewage inspectors, is $71,130. Salaries vary based on location, experience, and employer.
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### 2. Bull Semen Collector
A bull semen collector collects semen from bulls for artificial insemination. The process involves using electro-ejaculation devices to stimulate the bull, collecting the semen using specialized equipment, and storing it for laboratory use or insemination.
The job requires comfort in working with large, powerful animals and handling their reproductive organs. It is physically demanding and may involve long hours.
The average annual salary for animal breeders, including bull semen collectors, is approximately $43,650.
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### 3. Crime Scene Cleaner
Crime scene cleaners work in challenging conditions, removing hazardous materials and cleaning crime scenes. They must be well-trained in using personal protective equipment (PPE) and cleaning agents to avoid exposure to bloodborne pathogens and infectious diseases.
This job is emotionally taxing, as cleaners may encounter gruesome scenes that can cause psychological trauma or stress. It’s also physically demanding, requiring the ability to handle heavy objects or work in awkward positions.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual salary of $43,900 for crime scene cleaners. Salaries vary based on location, experience, and company size.
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### 4. Medical Tester (Clinical Trial Participant)
Clinical trial testers participate in medical research studies to assess the safety and efficacy of new treatments, drugs, or medical devices. Participants may be healthy volunteers or individuals with specific medical conditions.
Testers must follow strict protocols that may include blood tests, imaging scans, medication administration, or surgeries to evaluate treatment safety and effectiveness. Despite their critical role, many hesitate to participate due to potential side effects.
Clinical trial participants do not earn a salary but may receive compensation for time and related expenses, ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the study’s length and complexity.
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### 5. Police Officer
Police officers maintain public safety, enforce laws, and respond to emergencies across diverse settings like neighborhoods, highways, and specialized units such as SWAT or detectives.
Despite the risks of physical danger, emotional stress, and long hours, law enforcement remains indispensable. However, recent incidents involving police brutality and racial profiling have lowered public trust, deterring some from pursuing this career.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, police officers and detectives earn a median annual salary of $67,290, with additional benefits often provided, including health insurance and retirement plans.
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### 6. Snake Milker
A snake milker extracts venom from snakes for medical and research purposes. This role demands extensive knowledge of snake behavior, venom, and the use of specialized tools to safely collect venom.
Working closely with venomous snakes is risky and requires high skill and concentration, as snake bites can be life-threatening.
In the U.S., snake milkers earn between $30,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer.
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### 7. Embalmer
Embalmers prepare deceased bodies for funeral services, burial, or cremation by cleaning, disinfecting, and replacing bodily fluids with embalming fluid. They carefully set facial features and may dress the body and apply makeup for a peaceful appearance.
The work is emotionally and physically demanding, often involving bodies affected by traumatic deaths. Attention to detail and delicate handling are essential.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that funeral service workers, including embalmers, earn a median annual salary of $56,900. Some embalmers earn over $80,000 per year.
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### 8. Sanitation Worker
Sanitation workers, also known as garbage collectors or waste management workers, collect and dispose of waste and recyclable materials. They operate garbage trucks, pick up bins, and ensure proper waste disposal.
The job is physically demanding, often involving heavy lifting, exposure to unpleasant odors, and hazardous materials. Workers may face irregular hours and challenging conditions.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for refuse and recyclable material collectors is $38,990, with some earning up to $50,000 annually.
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### 9. Oil Rig Worker
Oil rig workers operate and maintain offshore oil rigs, handling drilling equipment, regulating oil flow, managing material transfers, and adhering to safety protocols.
Working on oil rigs is hazardous due to harsh conditions, potential for accidents, and long periods away from home. Physical stamina and strict safety adherence are essential.
Derrick operators, a type of oil rig worker, earn a median annual salary of $51,590 per the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Earnings vary based on experience, location, and specific duties.
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### 10. Slaughterhouse Worker
Slaughterhouse workers slaughter animals and prepare them for meat processing, using tools and machinery to stun, bleed, and dismember cows, pigs, chickens, and others.
This role is physically and emotionally taxing, performed in loud, dirty environments with exposure to blood, feces, chemicals, and the risk of injuries from sharp tools. Workers may also face potential exposure to animal-borne diseases.
Due to these challenges, the industry experiences high turnover rates. The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the median annual wage for slaughterers and meat packers at $29,360. Notably, no formal education is required to start.
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### 11. Portable Toilet Cleaner
Portable toilet cleaners maintain and clean portable toilets commonly used at outdoor events, construction sites, and other locations without permanent restroom facilities.
Duties include emptying waste tanks, sanitizing surfaces, restocking supplies, and performing routine maintenance. The job involves frequent handling of human waste and dealing with strong odors, which many find unpleasant.
Despite its challenges, this service is essential for keeping public spaces sanitary. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, janitors and cleaners (including portable toilet cleaners) have a median annual salary of $28,110.
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### 12. Elevator Installer
Elevator installers install, repair, and maintain elevators and lifts. They work with blueprints, install components, and perform regular maintenance.
This role requires specialized training, physical fitness, and comfort working at heights and in confined spaces. Apprenticeships typically last four years.
Safety risks and job demands contribute to a shortage of qualified elevator installers. Despite this, they earn a median annual wage of $84,990, depending on experience, location, and industry.
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### 13. Landfill Operator
Landfill operators manage and maintain waste disposal sites, ensuring safe and efficient operations while preventing environmental hazards. They coordinate daily activities, supervise staff, and liaise with waste haulers.
The job is physically laborious and involves exposure to odors and hazardous materials. There is also a social stigma attached to working in waste management that can make the role less appealing.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the median annual salary for landfill operators at $44,840. Despite challenges, these workers play a vital role in environmental safety.
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### 14. Coal Miner
Coal miners extract coal from underground and surface mines using specialized equipment. The job carries long-term risks such as lung disease and chronic back pain.
The coal industry faces declining demand, reducing job opportunities. However, coal miners remain vital in mining and energy production.
Mining occupations, including coal miners, earn a median annual wage of $47,040 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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### 15. Crab Fisherman
Crab fishermen commercialize crab harvesting by setting traps, baiting them, and retrieving catches. Their work is physically demanding, dangerous, and often seasonal.
Ranked among the most perilous professions globally, crab fishermen face severe risks including storms, rough seas, and accidents. Financial compensation is often modest relative to the dangers faced.
Despite this, crab fishermen are critical suppliers for the seafood industry. The median annual wage for fishermen and fishing workers, including crab fishermen, is $52,435, with top earners making between $52,435 and $132,077.
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These jobs illustrate the complex dynamic between risk, reward, and societal necessity. Although often overlooked or shunned, these professions provide essential services while offering substantial financial compensation for those willing to accept their challenges.
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