10 “Bad” Jobs That Secretly Pay a Shockingly High Salary
People often overlook jobs that pay well because the work itself seems unappealing. Many of these designations demand physical effort, exposure to difficult environments, or tasks most would rather not handle. Yet they provide stable paychecks, benefits, and in some cases a clear path to advancement.
Here’s a closer look at various positions that many avoid despite solid pay.
Sanitation Worker – $24 Per Hour
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It is up to sanitation workers to collect and transport waste, operate large trucks, and complete fixed routes in all kinds of weather. Earnings can reach $24 hourly or $50,000 annually, with union benefits like health coverage and retirement plans.
Snake Milker – $24 Per Hour
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As the title suggests, snake milkers extract venom from live snakes for use in antivenom production and medical studies. They handle venomous species while staying alert to sudden movements that can cause serious injury.
Industrial Diver – $40 Per Hour
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Advancing as an industrial diver happens through accumulating dive hours, earning advanced certifications, and mastering skills like underwater welding and cutting. Each additional qualification makes divers eligible for more demanding assignments that pay higher rates.
Police Officer – $42 Per Hour
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Officers patrol streets, assist at crash scenes, and document every incident with precise reports. The average pay equals about $42 per hour in different regions, but those who pass promotion exams often see their earnings rise significantly.
Coal Miner – $22 to $ 35 Per Hour
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Coal miners typically make $22 to $35 per hour in the U.S., with pay depending on experience, location, and union status. Additional certifications or technical roles can raise earnings, and hazardous work often brings bonuses, but these rates remain standard across most operations.
Sewage Inspector – $32 Per Hour
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While this may not be the most glorious job, doing this work comes with steady income, government benefits, and reliable hours that many other trades lack. Inspectors receive health coverage, paid leave, and retirement contributions in many municipalities.
Landfill Operator – $33 Per Hour
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To become a landfill operator, you typically need a high school diploma, on‑the‑job training, and certifications to operate heavy equipment like compactors and bulldozers. The work pays roughly $33 every 60 minutes and is considered worthwhile, especially compared to other outdoor labor jobs with unpredictable hours.
Embalmer – $37 Per Hour
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You may not realize it, but there are people who are paid almost $37 by the hour to actively prepare remains for funeral services. Embalmers work in licensed facilities, where they apply chemical treatments and perform careful restoration so families can hold viewings.
Oil Rig Worker – $41 Per Hour
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Before anyone sets foot on an oil platform, they must complete safety training, pass medical checks, and learn how to operate specialized equipment. Daily tasks include maintaining drilling systems, inspecting pipelines, and following detailed emergency procedures in a demanding environment far from shore.
Portable Toilet Cleaner – $15 Per Hour
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This job involves cleaning and servicing portable toilets at construction zones, festivals, and other large gatherings. Crews disinfect interiors, restock supplies, and drive trucks that transport units across multiple sites.
Medical Tester – $19 Per Hour
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Getting paid to help develop future medicines may sound unusual, but that is exactly what medical testers do. They volunteer for clinical trials where new treatments are carefully monitored by medical teams. A single study can pay around $3,000, and frequent participants can pocket nearly $19 in an hour or $40,000 in a year.
Crime Scene Cleaner – $35 Per Hour
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Those who watch crime TV shows and movies know the dramatic aftermath, but few think about who cleans it up. Crime scene cleaners, who receive $35 every 60 minutes, step into homes and buildings after traumatic events and use specialized chemicals and protective gear to remove hazardous materials.
Roofer – $30 Per Hour
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Years ago, experts in roofing were hired at minimum wage despite the danger and effort involved. Over time, demand for skilled labor and improved safety standards pushed earnings higher, close to $30 hourly, and made the trade far more competitive.
Pest Exterminator – $25 Per Hour
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Pest control technicians apply approved chemicals, set traps, and follow strict security guidelines to protect homes and businesses. Flexible schedules are common, and with added expertise, technicians move into management or specialized inspection roles.
High-Voltage Electrician – $36 Per Hour
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Working as a high‑voltage electrician means facing live electrical currents, climbing tall poles, and repairing equipment during storms or outages. The risk of severe injury is constant, which is why strict security measures and protective gear are mandatory every day.