The Most Dangerous Jobs in the World
15 of the Most Dangerous Jobs in the World
Of all the jobs in the world, some of them stand out not for their paychecks or prestige, but for the risks they carry.
Although every job comes with some challenges, there are certain roles that require people to face life-threatening situations almost daily.
In this article, we explore 15 of the most dangerous jobs in the world—what they entail, and how much they pay.
What is Danger Pay?
Danger Pay, also known as Hazard Pay, is additional compensation to a worker’s standard wage. It is given to employees who perform tasks that are particularly dangerous or hazardous.
This type of pay is designed to compensate workers for the increased risks they come across on the job.
Danger Pay is determined by an employer by doing a job analysis, while also taking into account regulatory standards and sometimes collective bargaining agreements.
The exact number of jobs that receive Danger Pay varies by region and industry. Typically, it is given to employees who have an increased risk of physical harm or exposure to harmful conditions.
Now, let’s dive into the top most dangerous jobs.
Logger
Loggers cut down trees for timber. It is said to be one of the most dangerous jobs in the world because they deal with massive weights and powerful machinery.
In fact, logging has a fatality rate of 135.9 per 100,000 workers.
Danger: Falling trees, malfunctioning equipment.
Salary: On average, $40,000 annually.
Danger Pay: No, but wages are higher to compensate.
Deep Sea Fisherman
Deep Sea Fishermen catch fish and other marine life from the deep, dark sea. More often than not, they experience extreme adverse weather conditions that put their lives in serious danger.
The fishing industry sees a fatality rate of 86 per 100,000 workers.
Danger: Drowning, hypothermia, and machinery accidents.
Salary: Approx. $25,000 to $80,000, based on catches and market rates.
Danger Pay: Yes, especially in dangerous locations.
Alaskan King Crab Fisherman
Similar to deep sea fishing, this job involves catching king crabs in the Bering Sea—often fighting dangerous icy conditions.
The Bering Sea claims the lives of over 70 fisherman a year.
Danger: Freezing waters, heavy machinery, and long hours.
Salary: Salaries can range widely, from $15,000 to $60,000 per season.
Danger Pay: Yes