Top 50 Most Dangerous Jobs In America (2024)

Several occupations in the United States offer competitive salaries with friendly work schedules and hours. However, most of these jobs have their risks, making them exceptionally dangerous.

Some of the most dangerous jobs in America include Logging Workers, Fishing and Hunting Workers, Roofers, Aircraft Pilots and Flight Engineers, Structural Iron and Steel Workers (Ironworkers)
Delivery and Truck Drivers, Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors, Underground Mining Machine Operators, Construction Trade Workers, and Electrical Power-line Installers and Repairers.

Top 50 Most Dangerous Jobs In America

1. Logging Workers

Logging workers are the most important members of the timber industry, providing the raw materials needed for construction and various wood-based products. Their work takes them into the deep forests, often in remote and challenging environments where they get timber from vast acres of woodlands.

With a fatal injury rate of 82 per 100,000 full-time workers and a non-fatal injury rate of 3.1 per 100 full-time workers, logging is undoubtedly one of the most dangerous jobs in America.

Fatalities among logging workers are often attributed to the physically demanding tasks they perform and the dangers associated with the heavy equipment they handle. Falling trees and equipment accidents are all too common, making this a high-stakes profession. Furthermore, maneuvering heavy machinery in dense forests can be dangerous.

2. Fishing and Hunting Workers

Fishermen and hunters are those who trap and catch sea and land animals for our consumption and other uses. Their duties frequently take them to remote areas, whether on boats at sea or deep in the woods, and they employ specialized equipment like traps, nets, and firearms to perform their tasks.

With a fatal injury rate of 75 per 100,000 full-time workers and a non-fatal injury rate of 4.2 per 100 full-time workers, fishing and hunting are inherently risky professions. Despite the challenges, these workers play a crucial role in providing food and resources to our society.

The remoteness of their workplaces exposes them to transportation-related accidents, a significant cause of injuries and fatalities in this industry. Working in isolated environments far from immediate medical assistance compounds the risks they face.

3. Roofers

Roofers are responsible for keeping our homes and commercial buildings dry and secure from the elements. They install and repair roofs, working at considerable heights and in all kinds of weather conditions.

With a fatal injury rate of 59 per 100,000 full-time workers and a non-fatal injury rate of 2.4 per 100 full-time workers, roofing is a profession that demands unwavering focus on safety. Despite an average salary of $51,190, these workers confront significant risks daily.

Falls, slips, and trips are the top occupational hazards for roofers. The nature of their work, which often requires ascending steep inclines and maneuvering on slippery surfaces at great heights, poses constant risks to their safety.

4. Aircraft Pilots and Flight Engineers

Aircraft pilots and flight engineers are responsible for the safety and operation of aircraft, from commercial airliners to private planes and helicopters. While flying might seem inherently risky, the greatest dangers often lurk in smaller private aviation.

The statistics reveal a complex picture. With a fatal injury rate of 48 per 100,000 full-time workers and a non-fatal injury rate of 5.4 per 100 full-time workers, this profession demands stringent safety measures.

Commercial flights adhere to strict safety regulations, making them relatively secure. However, private planes and helicopters frequently lack the same safeguards, leading to transportation-related fatalities. These professionals must navigate this delicate balance between their love of flying and the inherent risks involved.

5. Structural Iron and Steel Workers

Ironworkers, also known as structural iron and steel workers, form the backbone of construction. They’re responsible for installing the structural framework of buildings, bridges, and roads. Their work often unfolds at dizzying heights and under perilous conditions.

With a fatal injury rate of 36 per 100,000 full-time workers and a non-fatal injury rate of 3.7 per 100 full-time workers, ironworking is not for the faint-hearted.

The elevated level of risk these workers face is closely linked to the heights at which they operate. Every day is a gamble with gravity, increasing the likelihood of a fatal fall. Working at significant heights, often on narrow beams, elevates the risk of accidents related to slipping or falling.

6. Delivery and Truck Drivers

Delivery and truck drivers are some of the most important workers in this modern economy. They are responsible for moving goods and materials from manufacturers to retailers and directly to our doorsteps. From the driver of the semi-truck hauling goods across states to the courier delivering packages locally, these workers are the lifeblood of commerce.

In 2021, there were a staggering 1,032 fatal injuries in this industry, translating to a fatal injury rate of 29 per 100,000 full-time workers. This figure highlights the immense risks they face.

Their jobs often require long hours on the road, exposing them to the perils of traffic accidents, hazardous weather conditions, and fatigue. The most common cause of fatalities in this profession is transportation incidents, highlighting the inherent dangers of this line of work.

Despite these risks, many choose this career due to its accessibility; it often requires only a commercial driver’s license (CDL) rather than extensive formal education. However, it’s essential to recognize the price these workers pay for keeping goods flowing across the nation.

7. Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors

The people who pick up our trash and recyclables perform a vital environmental service. They are responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and sustainability of our communities by ensuring waste is properly disposed of or recycled.

In 2021, 23 fatal injuries occurred in this profession, leading to a fatal injury rate of 28 per 100,000 full-time workers. Additionally, there were 3 non-fatal injuries per 100 full-time workers.

Much like delivery drivers, refuse and recyclable material collectors are constantly on the move, navigating large trucks through city streets. This exposes them to the dangers of traffic accidents and, unfortunately, makes transportation incidents their most common fatal accident.

8. Underground Mining Machine Operators

Mining is the backbone of many industries, providing essential raw materials for construction, manufacturing, and energy production. Underground mining machine operators are responsible for operating heavy equipment used in the extraction of these vital resources.

In 2021, there were 10 fatal injuries in this field, resulting in a fatal injury rate of 27 per 100,000 full-time workers. The non-fatal injury rate stood at 2 per 100 full-time workers, with an average salary of $59,340. These figures reveal the perilous nature of mining work.

The primary risk for these operators is contact with objects and equipment. Operating heavy machinery underground, often in confined spaces, presents numerous challenges. Mishaps involving these machines can result in serious injuries or fatalities, making it one of the most hazardous professions in the country.

9. Construction Trade Workers

Construction is a cornerstone of any growing economy, with trade workers responsible for bringing our infrastructure dreams to life. They build our homes, offices, and the roads that connect us, often working at great heights and with powerful machinery.

In 2021, the construction industry recorded 15 fatal injuries, resulting in a fatal injury rate of 23 per 100,000 full-time workers. Non-fatal injuries occurred at a rate of 2.4 per 100 full-time workers. Despite an average salary of $56,510, these workers face the “fatal four” hazards: falls, being caught in or between objects, being struck by objects, and electrocution.

The construction industry is known for its physically demanding and risky work conditions. Workers often find themselves high above the ground, exposed to the elements and handling heavy equipment. The “fatal four” are named as such because they account for the majority of fatalities in this industry, underlining the need for strict safety measures and training.

10. Electrical Power-line Installers and Repairers

Ensuring that electricity reaches every home and business in America is the responsibility of electrical power-line installers and repairers. These professionals work tirelessly, often in challenging conditions, to maintain and repair the electrical grid.

In 2021, this industry recorded 30 fatal injuries, resulting in a fatal injury rate of 22 per 100,000 full-time workers. Non-fatal injuries occurred at a rate of 2.1 per 100 full-time workers. These dedicated workers face a high risk of transportation-related incidents due to the nature of their work. Hence, Electrical power-line installer and repairer is one of the most dangerous jobs in America presently.

Electrical power-line installers and repairers frequently have to work in adverse conditions, including during storms and other natural disasters. Their commitment to ensuring a reliable power supply for all of us puts them in harm’s way as they navigate dangerous situations to restore electricity.

Other dangerous jobs in the United States of America are:

• Tree Trimmers and Pruners
• Commercial Pilots
• Farm and Ranch Animal Workers
• Agricultural Equipment Operators
• Heavy and Tractor-trailer Truck Drivers
• Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians
• Sailors and Marine Oilers
• First-line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers
• Personal Service Managers
• Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers
• Painters, Construction, and Maintenance
• Pumping Station Operators
• Construction Laborers
• Roustabouts, Oil and Gas
• Maintenance Workers, Machinery
• Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining
• Plasterers and Stucco Masons
• Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers
• Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse
• Crane and Tower Operators
• Heavy Vehicle Mechanics
• Steel Workers
• Small Engine Mechanics
• Cement Masons
• Oil Rig Workers
• Landscaping Supervisors
• Power Linemen
• Crane Operators
• Crossing Guards
• Police Officers
• Garbage Collectors
• Foundry Workers
• Tree Surgeons
• Wellhead Pumpers
• Demolition Crews
• Firefighters
• Paramedics and Emergency Medical Technicians
• Hazardous Materials Removal Workers
• Aircraft Mechanics
• Scaffolding Erectors

Related:

• Top 100 Most Dangerous Jobs In The World
• Top 50 Biggest Waterfalls In The World
• Top 50 Biggest Water Parks In The World

Conclusion

From handling hazardous materials, working at great heights, or responding to emergencies, this article has highlighted the most dangerous jobs in America.

If you’re planning a move to America and considering a career in one of these fields, remember to prioritize safety, seek proper training, and be aware of the risks involved. These jobs demand courage and dedication, but they also offer opportunities for growth and development.