High-paying jobs that most people don't want
Whether dangerous, physically demanding, or just less glamorous for whatever reason, there are some unique jobs that have high salaries but are less popular due to the nature of the work.
But if you're willing, these jobs pay well and most don't require a four-year degree. Here are seven well-paying jobs that most people don’t want and the general requirements needed to make it your next career.
Oil rig worker: Median salary of $75,000
This is one of the more dangerous and physically demanding jobs, and because of it, the salary can go well into the six figures.
There are several duties you may perform as an oil rig worker, including extracting oil from wells, cleaning rigs and drill sites, and overseeing operations. Shifts usually last for 12 hours.
Many oil rig workers first complete an apprenticeship or vocational training before moving into full-time employment. To become an oil rig worker, you must also be able to meet the physical demands of the job.
Oil rig worker requirements:
- 18 years old
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Basic Offshore Safety Instruction and Emergency Training (BOSIET)
Elevator technician: Median salary of $83,000
An elevator technician handles the installation and maintenance of elevators, escalators, and moving walkways.
Technicians need to be able to conduct safety tests, repair or replace needed parts, and have expert knowledge of all relevant systems. They can work as an independent contractor or part of a company.
To become an elevator technician, you’ll need to complete an apprenticeship program, which are generally four to five years long. Many states also require technicians to pass a licensing exam.
Elevator technician requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Complete apprenticeship program
- Licensing needed for some states
Plumber: Median salary of $58,000
People will always need plumbers for both residential and commercial structures. Duties plumbers fulfill are extensive, including but not limited to installing, repairing, and maintaining pipes, drainage systems, and fixtures, clearing obstructions from drains and toilets, and performing inspections.
To become a plumber, you typically become an apprentice for a master plumber or complete training at a local trade school. Most states then require plumbers to get a license; this usually involves training for a set number of years and passing an exam.
Plumber requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Valid driver’s license
- State plumbing license
Truck driver: Median Salary of $46,000
The pandemic has proven just how vital delivery truck drivers have become. But this job is not for the faint of heart, as it often requires driving many hours and long distances.
Other duties include inspecting truck for safety, assisting or supervising the loading and unloading of goods, complying with all regulations, and upholding general vehicle maintenance.
You’ll need a commercial driver’s license to legally operate a truck and you must be 21 year old to do interstate driving.
Truck driver requirements:
- Valid commercial driver’s license (CDL)
- Safe driving record
- 21 year old
Sanitation worker: Median salary of $38,000
Sanitation workers are vital to keeping communities and businesses clean. There are a couple different types of sanitation workers.
The first are government trash collectors who typically drive and operate garbage trucks, perform some manual lifting of discarded items like furniture, and empty the truck at the appropriate facility. The second type of sanitation worker is someone who handles sanitation for specific businesses like a factory, and this is more akin to a cleaning professional.
Most sanitation workers are expected to have a high school diploma and must be able to perform the physical aspects of the job.
Sanitation worker requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Commercial driver’s license (if operating truck)
- Pass regional exam
Railroad police officer: Median salary of $71,000
A railroad or transit police officer is a fully sworn police officer that presides various transit systems. Their job is to maintain the safety and security of passengers, employees, and all cargo.
Duties include patrolling, investigating thefts or other crimes, and arresting if necessary. Railroad officers may work for the government or private companies.
To become a railroad police officer, most employers require policy academy training, and many prefer either an associate degree or four-year degree.
Search railroad police officer jobs near you by clicking here!
Railroad police officer requirements:
- High school degree or equivalent 21 years old
- Meet physical requirements
- Police academy training
Mortician: Median salary of $58,000
A mortician is often also called a funeral director or undertaker. Duties vary depending on the size of the funeral home, but generally it’s someone that retrieves the deceased from its location, prepares them for wakes and funerals, and helping families with any funeral arrangements.
Some morticians also act as embalmers. The job can be stressful and requires good people skills, plus funeral directors are often on call 24/7.
To become a mortician, you generally need an associate degree in mortuary science or embalming, plus supervised training and passing a state license.
Mortician job requirements:
- Associate degree in mortuary science or embalming
- State license as a funeral director or embalmer
- Supervised training or apprenticeship
What do you think? Would you do any of these jobs?
Comments
Wel Eric, there are management options for the gated communities and you a be your own LLC and run the property I know a man he hasFive complexes he manages, and he doesn’t lift a finger other than budgets etc. he has no construction background but a fabulous business man and he has to turn complex’s down! He happens to be in west coast of Florida, but there are complex’s across the country! Good luck🙏
I'm a 57 year old man, going on 30. I've been Self-employed since I built my first contracted house at the age of 18. I started doing construction work at the age of 15. After about 40 years in the building trade, residential, commercial, and industrial, my knowledge is considerably vast. I have two years collage for architectural, and engineering. I'm looking for a job, and,, or company that needs a super dedicated individual, hard working, organized, very intelligent.
What do you have for a 58 year old man?
Telemetry CNA. I had to change jobs because of Covid and found CNA paid particularly well in my area based on the cost of education: $20/hour and they paid the training. I paid $750 and then got reimbursed for the telemetry class. I am now at $27 an hour at the next door hospital. (No more wiping butts). My schedule was originally three twelve hour days, but since I am a time clock whore I usually pull five 12’s for a weekly gross of $1890. Not bad considering any high school grad with the right sort of mindset can do the same
Don’t kid yourself regular CNA work is hard physically and emotionally difficult. While the training is easy burnout is also very high.
I’m already a mortician and I love it!
Interested in mortuary science. I have a B.S. in Advertising/Public Relations. Raised my children and gave up my career to do it. Starting over.
I want to work driver here,I from in Egypt,I have experience working in driver and farmer.
Yes I am interested
I would love to see what else I can learn maybe as a morticians I could do a great job
I don't feel like 38k (sanitation) or 46k (truck driver) are high paying. That's just enough to get by, living paycheck to paycheck, where I live.