High-Paying Jobs Most People Avoid, But Pay Over $100K
Everyone wants six figures, until they see what it takes. Many glamorize tech, finance, and medical careers, but there’s a whole world of $100k jobs that are messy, dangerous, physically demanding, or just plain unpopular.
So what are the $100K jobs no one lines up to do? We’re talking about dirty jobs, dangerous work, and career paths with a side of stigma. These are the jobs that test your patience, grit, and gag reflex but reward you with serious income.
Keep reading and you might realize the road to $100K isn’t as crowded as you thought.
Table of Contents
Crab Boat Captain: The Deadliest Catch That Pays
If your idea of a hard day’s work involves sea spray, 30-foot waves, and pulling cages out of freezing water, this is your lane. Crab boat captains can pull in close to $200,000 a year, but it comes at a real cost: safety.
Commercial fishing consistently ranks as one of the most dangerous jobs in America, with fatality rates among the highest of any industry. You’re not just managing a crew, you’re surviving.
Storms hit fast, the work is relentless, and time off is measured in short bursts between seasons. The money is great, but the risk isn’t for everyone. Still, if you’ve got the endurance and a stomach for danger, few blue-collar jobs match this kind of payoff.
It’s not for the faint of heart, but that’s the point.
Tool Pusher: Oil Rig Work That Pays in Sweat
On an oil rig, the tool pusher is king of the operation. These are the people who keep everything running smoothly, safely, and on time, often for $120,000 to $150,000 a year. That kind of paycheck doesn’t come with air conditioning and Wi-Fi, though.
It comes with isolation, 12-hour shifts, and pressure to deliver under grueling physical and mental demands. Most tool pushers work weeks on, weeks off, in remote locations miles away from anything that resembles home.
It’s a grind, and one mistake can shut down a multi-million dollar rig. The oil industry is cyclical too, so job security can feel like a roller coaster. But for those who can handle the remote life and run a tight operation, it’s one of the highest-paying hands-on jobs out there.
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Elevator Technician: Six Figures in Tight Spaces
Fixing what goes up, and making sure it comes back down safely, can earn you close to six figures, even more with overtime. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for elevator installers and repair techs is $106,580, and experienced union techs can break $150K without blinking.
But it’s not as smooth as it sounds. You’ll find yourself working in cramped shafts, sometimes suspended above empty elevator shafts, sometimes buried in mechanical rooms no one’s cleaned in years.
The risks are real: higher injury rates than most other installation jobs. Still, if you’ve got the nerve and the technical skills, this is a job that quietly prints money. Not bad for a trade that doesn’t require a college degree.
Garbage Collector: Dirty Work, Clean Pay
Say what you want about hauling trash, some people are getting paid well to do it. In high-cost areas like New York City, garbage collectors can make up to $100,000 a year, especially with overtime.
It’s physical work, no question, but it’s also one of the most stable jobs out there. No matter what the economy looks like, trash still needs to be collected. The workday starts early, usually before sunrise.
You’re lifting heavy bags, dodging traffic, and occasionally dealing with hazardous waste. It’s not glamorous, and the smell can stick to your clothes. But you won’t need a degree, and you’ll have benefits, a pension, and a solid paycheck.
It’s one of those jobs people overlook, until they see the direct deposit.
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Slaughterhouse Worker: Behind-the-Scenes Money
Most people don’t want to think about what happens before their steak hits the plate. Slaughterhouse workers live in that world, and the job is as intense as it sounds.
Between the physical labor, the emotional weight, and the repetition, burnout is common. But for those who stick with it, pay can reach $100,000, especially in skilled positions like cutters or maintenance roles with heavy overtime.
Turnover is high, yet those who master the process and stay in the industry can command high wages. You’re working in cold conditions, around loud machines, and handling a lot of blood and raw meat.
There’s no sugarcoating it. But if you can stomach the environment, the pay is there.
Roofer in Major Cities: Money on the Edge
There’s no shortcut to the top of a roof, just a ladder and your own two feet. Roofers in big cities, especially unionized or self-employed, can earn between $90,000 and $120,000 depending on demand and season.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists roofing as one of the most injury-prone construction trades, which helps explain the pay. Heat, wind, and slippery surfaces don’t care if you’ve got a deadline.
Most days involve lifting, climbing, and working on steep inclines under direct sun. Bad knees and sunburns come with the territory. Yet roofing companies struggle to keep crews full, and skilled roofers often name their price.
In areas with constant construction, steady work is a given. If you’ve got balance, stamina, and a strong back, this is one way to stack cash, fast.
Portable Toilet Technician: Six Figures in Sanitation
This might be the least brag-worthy job on this list, but it’s one of the most recession-proof. Portable toilet technicians, yes, the people who clean and maintain porta-potties, can earn $100,000 or more in high-demand regions or with private routes.
The work is messy, the hours unpredictable, and the image far from glamorous. Still, there’s real money in the mess. You’re dealing with human waste, cleaning out tanks, and managing logistics for construction sites and events.
The equipment is heavy, the smell is bad, and nobody’s handing you a tip. But it’s consistent work with surprisingly low competition. If you can get past the embarrassment, you might just find a job that pays more than your neighbor’s desk gig.
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Long-Haul Truck Driver: Big Wheels, Bigger Paychecks
Life on the road isn’t for everyone, but it pays a lot more than most think. Long-haul truckers can earn between $90,000 and $120,000 depending on mileage, endorsements, and time on the road.
The American Trucking Associations recently reported a shortage of over 60,000 drivers, with demand climbing as older workers retire and fewer newcomers apply. That labor gap is driving up pay fast.
You’re spending days, sometimes weeks, alone behind the wheel, logging long hours and sleeping in rest stops. Physical health can take a hit if you’re not disciplined, and the job requires real endurance.
Still, there’s a sense of freedom many find appealing. It’s you, the road, and a rig worth more than most houses. If solitude doesn’t scare you, this job’s as stable and high-paying as it gets.
Sewage Inspector: Underground Pay, Above-Ground Salary
It doesn’t get more behind-the-scenes than inspecting sewer lines. It’s cramped, damp, and usually foul-smelling, but experienced sewage inspectors can earn up to $110,000 depending on the region and certifications.
Urban municipal inspectors with licenses in wastewater management are in especially high demand. You’re using cameras, sensors, and specialized gear to monitor aging infrastructure that most people forget exists until it fails.
This job requires problem-solving, not just pipe-checking. You’re identifying leaks, corrosion, and blockages before they cause disasters. There’s often climbing, crawling, and close quarters with rodents or worse.
But once you’ve got the credentials, the job security and pay are real. If you can stomach the sights and smells, it’s a rare chance to earn big while staying in the shade, literally.
Oil Rig Worker: High Risk, High Pay
Life on an oil rig isn’t glamorous. Most rig workers pull 12-hour shifts for weeks at a time in harsh offshore conditions, and the work itself is physically demanding and dangerous.
Entry-level roustabouts and floorhands can already earn near $90,000, but with a few years of experience and steady overtime, six figures isn’t out of reach. Add in hazard pay, and you’ve got one of the most lucrative blue-collar gigs available.
The catch? You’re isolated. Crews live on site, often in remote oceans or deserts, with limited connection to the outside world. Injuries are common, and the machinery doesn’t care how tired you are.
But the industry continues to hire, especially as seasoned workers retire. If you’ve got the grit and don’t mind being off-grid, the money is there, and so is the demand.
Podiatrist: A Niche Role With Surprising Pay
Feet aren’t glamorous, but treating them can be lucrative. Podiatrists specialize in diagnosing and treating issues related to the feet and ankles, and according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary hovers around $152,800.
The work is steady, think sports injuries, diabetes-related complications, and chronic pain that keeps patients coming back. The downside? Years of education, licensing, and the not-so-pleasant task of dealing with bunions, fungal infections, and foot surgeries.
It’s a medical field most people don’t even think about unless they’re in pain. You won’t get the prestige of a heart surgeon, but you’ll still get the paycheck. And compared to other MD-level specialties, the hours tend to be more stable.
If you’re not squeamish about feet and want solid income with less burnout, podiatry stays under the radar, but delivers.
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Crime Scene Cleaner: Not for the Faint of Heart
This isn’t just cleaning, it’s trauma cleanup, often after deaths, accidents, or violent crime. Crime scene cleaners work in environments few others can handle, yet it’s one of the few non-degree jobs that can cross into six-figure territory with enough contracts.
Top professionals in this field make serious money once certified. You need proper training, gear, and nerves of steel. The job is unpredictable and often involves 24/7 availability.
On top of the physical work, there’s emotional weight in dealing with grief-stricken families or disturbing scenes. Turnover is high, which means those who stay are rare and rewarded. For people who want recession-proof work and don’t flinch easily, this job delivers both.
Coal Miner: Classic Danger, Modern Money
Coal mining isn’t dead, it’s just hidden in the background while the world focuses on clean energy headlines. Deep in certain regions, miners still pull down over $100,000 a year with experience and hazard bonuses.
The job is physically intense and health risks like black lung disease haven’t disappeared. But where the jobs still exist, the pay remains high to attract workers. Miners work underground in tight, dusty tunnels, often with only headlamps for light.
Machinery is loud, powerful, and dangerous. Training is required, and many roles are union-protected, which helps with benefits and long-term stability. For workers in regions where opportunities are scarce, this can be one of the few options that still offer a middle-class lifestyle.
It’s hard work in the dark, but it still pays bright.
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Landfill Supervisor: Dirty Work, Clean Earnings
Managing a landfill doesn’t mean you’re knee-deep in garbage, but you’re not exactly far from it either. Landfill supervisors oversee operations at waste disposal sites, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and keeping things running smoothly.
It’s not glamorous, but according to Glassdoor, salaries can exceed $100,000 for experienced supervisors managing large-volume facilities. You’re coordinating crews, monitoring equipment, and making sure hazardous materials are handled safely.
The smell is part of the job, as is dealing with complaints or regulatory inspections. It takes leadership and some technical knowledge, especially around soil safety and environmental impact.
But once you’re in, it’s steady, underrated work with real upside. In an industry most people avoid, leadership pays well.
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Veterinary Surgeon: High Pay with a Heavy Heart
Working with animals might sound warm and fuzzy, but this role is anything but easy. Veterinary surgeons can earn up to $200,000, especially those in private specialty clinics. Long hours, emotional strain, and tough decisions wear down even the most passionate.
There’s also the student debt. Vet school doesn’t come cheap, and many carry six-figure loans well into their careers. You’re also dealing with pet owners during their worst moments, which means you’ll need patience and people skills.
If you can handle grief, surgery, and the occasional bite, the financial reward is significant. But don’t confuse it with an easy path, it’s not.
High-Rise Window Cleaner: Heights That Pay
This job comes with a harness, not a desk. High-rise window cleaners can earn over $100,000 annually, especially in dense urban markets where contracts are competitive and buildings never stop growing.
The job involves ropes, ledges, and the kind of courage that can’t be taught. It’s also dangerous, accidents happen, which is why the pay is what it is. The gig usually requires training, certifications, and a stomach for heights most people can’t handle.
You’re exposed to wind, rain, and unpredictable conditions. But once you’re on the crew, you’re often working with smaller teams and earning more than people indoors. It’s a niche skill with steady demand. You’re literally cleaning up, and getting paid well to do it.
Hazmat Removal Specialist: Cleanup with Consequences
Hazmat removal isn’t just gloves and goggles, it’s specialized work that pays well for a reason. Specialists can earn $100,000 or more, especially in metro areas or disaster zones.
The safety protocols are strict, and the stakes are high.You’re cleaning up lead, asbestos, mold, chemical spills, or anything else considered a public health threat. Training and certification are required, and mistakes aren’t just costly, they can be fatal.
But that’s exactly why the job pays well and always needs new hands. For those who can follow protocol and stay sharp under pressure, it’s a solid path to serious income.
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Commercial Diver: Underwater Work With a Heavy Paycheck
Commercial divers do everything from underwater welding to bridge inspection, and they get paid handsomely for it. Skilled divers can earn well over $100,000 depending on certifications and job type.
You’re not swimming in clear water for fun; you’re working in murky, dangerous environments with low visibility and high-pressure gear. Mistakes can be fatal, which is exactly why few are willing to do it.
Jobs often involve travel, unpredictable schedules, and long stretches away from home. You’ll need to be in excellent shape and mentally sharp at all times. Specialized training is a must, but it opens the door to one of the best-paying physical trades out there.
It’s demanding and intense, and for the right person, totally worth it.
The $100K Jobs Nobody Wants
Not every six-figure job comes with a shiny title or a spotless office. Some of the best-paying work out there is overlooked, uncomfortable, or downright brutal. But that’s exactly why it pays.
Most people want the money without the mess, and that’s where the opportunity is. If you’ve got the stomach, the stamina, or just a different definition of success, these jobs don’t just pay the bills, they build wealth.
The question is: are you willing to do what others won’t?
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