Many of the best high-paying jobs that go unfilled are blue-collar positions. Working in trades might seem intimidating, but these jobs offer great benefits, high pay, and job security.
Despite the perks, not many people choose to work in trades. If you’re feeling stuck in your current career, you might want to explore one of these high-paying options.
We curated this list by selecting jobs where you can earn at least $25 an hour. These positions are also in high demand, according to Indeed and ZipRecruiter.
Here are 20 high-paying jobs that few people want.
Crime Scene Cleaner
Crime scene cleaners handle the cleanup of sites where traumatic events have occurred, such as homicides, suicides, and accidents. This job is emotionally and physically demanding, but it pays well due to the specialized skills required. The average salary is around $43,900 per year, with experienced cleaners earning significantly more.
Oil Rig Worker
Oil rig work is physically and mentally demanding. Workers spend long hours in hazardous conditions, often away from loved ones. Despite these challenges, oil rig workers earn over $27 an hour on average.
Roadkill Collector
Roadkill collectors remove dead animals from highways and roads. While the job is unpleasant, it is essential for public safety and environmental reasons. These workers can earn a decent wage, with salaries averaging around $72,000 per year. Those working for government agencies or with specialized skills can earn more.
Electrician
We need electricians, but as older electricians retire, there are fewer new ones to take their place. Working with electricity is intimidating and can be dangerous, sometimes even deadly. The Electrical Safety Foundation (ESFI) reported that between 2011 and 2022, 1,322 people died from electrical incidents at work.
Despite the risks, electricians earn good money. The average base pay for an electrician in the U.S. is $29.09 per hour, which is about $60,000 a year, not including overtime and bonuses.
Oil Pipeline Inspector
Oil pipeline inspectors ensure the safety and integrity of pipelines transporting oil and gas. The job requires traveling to remote locations and working in challenging conditions, but it pays well. Inspectors can earn an average of $70,000 per year, with potential for higher earnings based on experience and certifications.
Garbage Collector
Garbage collectors’ pay varies widely depending on the company. This essential job is often seen as dirty and unappealing, but the pay and benefits are worth it. Garbage collectors make anywhere from $16 to $30 an hour and can work for private businesses or the government.
HVAC Technician
HVAC technicians are another group of workers that are often overlooked. However, they earn around $28.55 an hour, and on the high end, they can make nearly $50 an hour. Once certified, HVAC technicians can pursue various roles within the field.
Coal Miner
Coal mining jobs are available everywhere, but many people avoid them due to the risks and stigma. However, coal miners earn an average of $99,128 a year.
Truck Driver
Truck drivers keep the world moving by delivering food, medicine, clothes, and building supplies. The long hours and risks involved mean that truck drivers make good money. On average, they earn $35.37 an hour, nearly $2,000 a week. This in-demand job is easy to enter, with some companies even covering the cost of special licenses.
Technical Writer
There is a high demand for technical writers, a job that requires specific skills not all writers possess. Technical writers can work for companies or as freelancers, earning an average of $64,740 a year and up to $104,000 on the high end.
Sewage Plant Operator
Sewage plant operators manage and maintain the systems that treat wastewater. The work is dirty and can involve exposure to hazardous materials, but it offers good pay and job security. On average, sewage plant operators earn about $66,569 per year, with potential for higher earnings as they gain experience and certifications.
Pest Control Worker
Pest control workers handle infestations of insects, rodents, and other pests in homes and businesses. Despite the unpleasant nature of the job, it pays well, with an average salary of around $45,330 per year. Experienced workers can earn even more, especially if they specialize in certain types of pest control or run their own business.
Underwater Welder
Underwater welding is a risky job with dangers like explosions, electrocutions, drownings, and decompression sickness. Because of these risks, underwater welders earn between $14.66 to $30.05 an hour. This career also requires many certifications and safety practices.
Carpenter
Carpenters often work long hours under the hot sun, performing back-breaking and risky tasks. Despite the dangers, carpenters can earn $62,131 a year, with higher earnings for business owners.
Elevator Repair Technician
Elevator repair technicians are crucial yet often overlooked. They work long hours, sometimes on 24/7 call rotations. Their hard work pays off, with an average annual salary of $72,142.
Mortician
Morticians have an important but often avoided job due to the nature of their work. Handling deceased bodies is challenging and not for everyone. Morticians aren’t millionaires, but they earn a respectable income, averaging about $64,464 a year.
Proctologist
Proctologists, doctors who focus on colon and rectal issues, make a lot of money but spend many years in school. If you’re comfortable with this specialty, proctologists earn between $150,000 to $500,000 annually.
Dental Hygienist
The dental industry faces a significant shortage, particularly for dental hygienists. As a dental hygienist, you can make up to $66.42 an hour, with an average hourly pay of $49.31.
Registered Nurse
Registered nurses make good money and are the unsung heroes of the medical field. However, there are more job openings than nurses to fill them. Becoming a registered nurse takes time and money, and the job can lead to burnout. Despite these challenges, registered nurses earn about $93,899 a year.
Plumber
Plumbers earn excellent wages, but this career is rarely promoted in high school. The average plumber in the U.S. makes $29.13 per hour. With overtime, they can easily earn $100,000 a year.
People avoid this job because of the long hours and the idea of getting dirty. While plumbing isn’t glamorous, it’s a well-paying and essential job. We would be in trouble without plumbers!
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