15 Good Paying Jobs That Most People Will Say “No” To
Many people who aren’t content with how much money they make at their current jobs may envision what it’s like to have a different, higher-paying career. It’s only natural to want to be paid a higher salary for the work performed.
There are some better-paying jobs that workers would gladly accept if given the opportunity, but there are other jobs they would refuse to take. Would you work at these jobs if offered to you, or would you give them a hard no?
1. Air Traffic Controller
Air traffic controllers are well-paid occupations in aviation, with a salary of $137,380 a year. However, they also have an extremely high-pressure position. Air traffic controllers perform different duties to ensure the safety and efficiency of inbound and outbound traffic and airport ground conditions.
They communicate with pilots during takeoffs, landings, and while in the air to monitor and safely guide them through air space during their trip. It’s a job with major stressors that not everyone can understandably handle.
2. Electrician
A good-paying career that’s not without its share of risks is an electrician. They have a critical occupation because so many aspects of our lives require electricity. Even though these are much-needed jobs with faster-than-average growth, how many would choose to be electricians?
Their duties include the installation, repair, and maintenance of electrical systems in various settings, including homes and businesses. Handling electricity means using extra caution to prevent accidents and injuries. The median yearly salary for electricians is $61,590, but individuals must decide if it’s worth the risk.
3. Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer
Commonly referred to as HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) technicians, these specialists install, maintain, and repair heating, cooling, and ventilation systems in residential and commercial properties. Like electricians, it’s a much-needed occupation.
Despite its importance and rapid career growth outlook, HVAC technicians aren’t an occupation workers flock to. Thismay be because of the heavy lifting involved and the exposure to extreme temperatures, but the potential to earn $57,300 a year may sway workers to give the industry a try.
4. Food Service Manager
The popularity of the television show The Bear shines a light on the food service industry, particularly how a kitchen is managed. Unless you work in a professional kitchen, you probably don’t think about what goes on behind the scenes.
It has a good annual salary of $63,060, but it’s a high-stress position. Food service managers have to coordinate and supervise their staff to keep the service operation running smoothly and must also ensure customer expectations are being met.
5. Law Enforcement
The median annual salary of $74,910 is appealing, but police officers and police detectives are some of the most difficult careers. There’s always an element of danger working in law enforcement, and the hours can be long when working on a case.
Law enforcement officers have many obligations within their areas of work, such as responding to calls for assistance, conducting traffic stops, keeping the peace, and maintaining positive relations with the community.
6. Electrical Power-Line Installer and Repairer
Electrical power-line installers and repairers are some of the more underappreciated occupations until the power grid goes down. These specialists are tasked with installing, repairing, and maintaining the systems providing electricity to a given area.
They may work on the ground, poles, buildings, and towers to ensure the power grid and electrical systems function. Although working with electrical systems has risks, the $85,420 per year salary is a powerful incentive.
7. Water Transportation Workers
Better known as merchant marines, these workers operate watercraft like container ships, tugboats, tankers, and bulk carriers to transport cargo between locations. They also work on boats that carry passengers, like ferries, cruise ships, and tour boats.
Merchant marines earn $64,930 annually and fulfill various roles, including captains, machine oilers, mates, motorboat operators, pilots, sailors, and ship engineers. Some of these positions require completing a training program sanctioned by the U.S. Coast Guard.
8. Funeral Service Workers
Working with deceased people is a tough job that may understandably frighten people; interacting with their survivors can be just as difficult if not more so. There’s also a stigma in some cultures of handling dead bodies despite the $60,580 per year salary.
Funeral service workers do much more than prepare bodies for visitations, funerals, burials, or cremations. They plan and coordinate funeral services, comfort the loved ones of the deceased, and file legal documents like death certificates.
9. Registered Nurses
Nursing shortages have occurred on and off for years, but they increased during the global health crisis. Being a registered nurse is a demanding career that involves assisting others, usually when they face minor or serious health issues.
Registered nurses generally require an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in nursing and successfully pass their state licensing exams. It’s a challenging occupation, but it’s well-paid, at $86,070 a year.
10. Petroleum Engineers
The median annual salary of $135,690 should be high enough to attract workers to the occupation, but it’s not a job people seem to want. It may be the push towards clean energy that’s souring workers to the oil and gas industry, or the rigorous educational requirements for the job.
A four-year degree in chemical, mechanical, or civil engineering is typically required to enter the field, and these aren’t exactly the easiest programs of study. Regarding job duties, petroleum engineers oversee oil and gas production and develop more efficient extraction measures.
11. Pharmacist
Due to job burnout and other stressors, there has been a persistent pharmacist shortage for several years, even though it pays $136,030 a year. Pharmacists carry out numerous tasks aside from filling scripts for customers.
Pharmacists advise customers about their medications, administer vaccines, and work with insurance companies when billing issues arise. They also monitor inventory and keep accurate stock counts. They may also work on the front line with customer checkouts.
12. Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
Like electricians, plumbers are critical occupations that are overlooked until they are needed to address a problem or emergency. Plumbers are usually thought of when a water-using appliance or fixture is clogged or causing flooding, but they also install and maintain piping fixtures and systems.
Pipefitters and steamfitters are careers that are related to plumbing. While plumbers work with systems transporting water, pipefitters and steamfitters work with piping systems that transport gas, acids, or chemicals. Other specialists are called sprinkler fitters and gasfitters. These jobs pay around $61,550 annually.
13. Roofer
It takes a certain type of person to become a roofer. A willingness to work in all elements, ranging from extremely hot to below-freezing temperatures, and no fear of heights are two of the main requirements for the job.
Roofers earn approximately $50,030 a year, but they work hard for the money. Their work is physically demanding, involving a lot of lifting and the constant danger of slips and falls. It’s not a job for the faint of heart.
14. Heavy and Tractor-trailer Truck Drivers
Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers are critical in logistics and supply chain management. Their duties are to safely transport goods from one location to another promptly. A commercial driver’s license and completion of a professional driving school program are required.
They’re usually considered long-haul drivers, meaning they drive 250 miles or more from their starting point to their destination. This often means being away from home for extended periods and working long days or nights driving. Drivers can earn $54,320 a year or more.
15. Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
These four related careers earn workers about $48,940 a year. While they share similarities, there are also some differences. Welders use handheld or remote devices to bind metals together with heat.
Cutters use heat sources to take metal pieces apart, ranging from smaller surfaces to larger metal objects like buildings, ships, and train cars. Solderers and brazers bind metal pieces together using heat, with brazers using higher heat sources than solderers.
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