24 Jobs That Pay Decent, But (Most) People Think They Are Too Good For

Some jobs offer nice paychecks and great benefits, yet they are not popular. Why is that? Well, the reason they pay well is because the demand for the positions is low.
This article highlights 24 jobs that most avoid despite their relatively strong salaries and societal importance. For each of these roles, I provided pay estimates. Remember that salaries can vary significantly based on location and experience level.
Would you do any of these jobs?
Table of Contents
1. Sanitation Worker

Keeping cities clean and livable is no small feat, and sanitation workers do the heavy lifting, literally. Hauling trash, operating machinery, and working in all kinds of weather make this job far from cushy.
But here’s the payoff: up to $50,000 a year, solid benefits, and a vital role in public health. Sanitation work isn’t glamorous, but imagine life without them.
If stability and making a real impact appeal to you, this job checks the boxes.
My grandfather was a trash man. He started a trash company instead of going to high school. He retired in his 40s.
2. Slaughterhouse Worker

The meat industry depends on those who can handle tasks others shy away from. Processing and preparing meat may not sound appealing, but it’s indispensable for keeping grocery shelves stocked.
Workers here develop tough skin and earn steady pay around $15 an hour or more in certain regions. It’s not for the faint of heart, but their work feeds millions while adhering to stringent safety and quality standards.
3. Police Officer

Putting your life on the line daily isn’t for everyone, but police officers take up that challenge to protect their communities. With salaries reaching $88,000 annually, the financial perks are significant, but the job comes with more than its share of risks and responsibilities.
This is a career that demands sharp instincts, quick thinking, and a dedication to justice. Despite the dangers, police work remains a cornerstone of societal stability, offering opportunities to make a meaningful difference.
4. Coal Miner

When it comes to tough jobs, coal mining takes the cake. Descending into the earth to extract the fuel that powers industries is not for the faint-hearted, yet miners earn salaries up to $115,000 for their efforts.
The role requires grit and resilience, with workers battling dust, darkness, and long shifts. Modern safety measures have made the job less hazardous than in decades past, but it still ranks among the most challenging.
For those willing to dig deep, literally and figuratively, the financial rewards can be substantial.
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5. Portable Toilet Cleaner

Someone has to deal with the aftermath of festivals and construction sites, and portable toilet cleaners step up to the plate. Sure, the job isn’t glamorous, but it pays $15 an hour and comes with flexible hours, a steady paycheck, and the satisfaction of keeping things hygienic.
It’s hard work, but cleaning and restocking these units is crucial for preventing public health disasters. If you can handle the smells, you’ll find that this overlooked role is far more essential than it seems.
6. Sewage Inspector

If you think your office job stinks, imagine working underground to keep sewage systems running smoothly. Sewage inspectors earn more than $66,000 a year for ensuring cities don’t grind to a halt due to clogged pipes or leaks.
Armed with advanced tools and a stomach of steel, they tackle pests, odors, and tight spaces head-on. While it’s a role many wouldn’t consider, it’s essential for public safety and environmental protection.
7. Landfill Operator

Landfill operators might not wear suits to work, but they’re responsible for keeping waste under control and out of sight. With salaries over $67,000, this role involves heavy machinery, meticulous planning, and a focus on sustainability.
The conditions can be dirty and demanding, but their efforts are crucial for reducing pollution and managing the immense waste produced daily. If you’re into logistics and don’t mind rolling up your sleeves, this job has plenty of potential.
I mentioned earlier that my grandfather was a trash man and that he retired young. One of the main reasons he was able to retire young is that he owned a landfill (along with the company).
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8. Embalmer

Caring for the deceased isn’t a job most people talk about, but embalmers are vital in helping families say their final goodbyes. Their work involves preserving and preparing bodies for funerals, requiring technical skills and attention to detail.
Top earners can make close to $78,000 annually, and the profession offers a unique sense of purpose. Though emotionally heavy, this role allows for dignity and respect during one of life’s most difficult moments.
My sister-in-law was an Embalmer before she moved on to another position (that is also on this list).
9. Crime Scene Cleaner

Blood and biohazards are all in a day’s work for crime scene cleaners, who restore order to spaces most of us wouldn’t step into. It’s a demanding job, but the pay is solid averaging $72,000 a year and it provides a critical service for both families and public health.
Handling trauma and hazardous materials requires training, focus, and a level-headed approach. Their work often goes unnoticed, but its importance is undeniable in helping communities move forward.
10. Medical Tester

Testing new medications might sound like a game of risk, and to an extent, it is. Participants in clinical trials can earn up to $40,000 annually for their involvement, helping to bring life-saving drugs to the market.
Strict safety protocols and regular monitoring ensure participant welfare while researchers gather critical data. It’s not a job to jump into lightly, but for those willing to contribute to medical advancements, the rewards go beyond financial compensation.
11. Oil Rig Worker

Far out on the ocean or deep in the wilderness, oil rig workers tackle one of the most physically intense and dangerous jobs around. Their tasks include operating heavy machinery, maintaining equipment, and ensuring the safety of extraction processes.
Despite the demanding nature of the work, salaries can exceed $85,000 annually, with substantial benefits and long-term career potential. This job demands stamina, a sharp mind, and the ability to adapt to long shifts in isolated locations.
The energy industry relies heavily on these workers to keep the world running.
12. Bull Semen Collector

Behind the success of modern agriculture lies the unusual but vital role of collecting bull semen for livestock breeding. Specialists in this field use advanced methods to ensure the genetic quality of herds, which helps boost productivity across farms.
The job offers an average salary of $44,000, with experienced professionals earning even more. It may not top anyone’s childhood dream list, but this work is crucial for supporting food supplies globally.
13. Urine Farmer

Collecting deer urine might sound like an odd way to earn a living, but hunters pay top dollar for this product used in attracting game. Urine farmers can bring in over $100,000 annually in this niche industry, with some earning significantly more based on production scale.
While it involves long hours and managing animal care, it’s a highly lucrative business with minimal competition. This role demonstrates how creative approaches to niche markets can lead to remarkable success.
14. Snake Milker

Handling venomous snakes isn’t for the faint-hearted, but snake milkers bravely collect venom for medical research and antivenom production. Earning around $50,000 annually, they work in controlled environments to ensure safety while extracting these valuable substances.
The role demands precision, steady nerves, and an in-depth understanding of reptile behavior. Their contributions save lives and advance scientific understanding of venomous species.
I had never heard of this job until recently. Our seven year old son is obsessed with watching videos by Coyote Petersen. Some of them involve milking snakes.
15. Roofer

Roofs protect homes and businesses, and roofers ensure they stay in top condition. This job involves climbing, repairing, and installing materials in various weather conditions, requiring both physical strength and a sharp eye for detail.
Salaries range from $45,000 to $70,000, reflecting the skills and risks involved. Roofers are integral to construction and maintenance industries, and their work directly impacts safety and energy efficiency in buildings.
16. Fisherman

Fishing is as old as humanity itself, but modern fishermen face new challenges in meeting global seafood demand. The work involves long hours on the water, often in harsh conditions, but it offers potential earnings of $30,000 to $100,000 depending on catch and location.
This role is essential in feeding millions, with a focus on sustainable practices gaining importance. While it may seem grueling, it remains a cornerstone of the global food supply chain.
17. Pest Exterminator

Pest exterminators are the unsung heroes in the fight against infestations that threaten homes, businesses, and public health. Armed with tools and expertise, they address problems ranging from rodents to termites, often working irregular hours to meet demand.
Salaries average $50,000 or more, depending on experience and location. Their efforts protect property, prevent disease outbreaks, and maintain cleanliness in urban and rural areas alike.
18. Butcher

Butchers are masters of their craft, turning whole animals into neatly packaged cuts of meat found in grocery stores and markets. This job requires skill, precision, and knowledge of food safety standards, with salaries ranging from $35,000 to $50,000.
While it involves working with sharp tools and maintaining cleanliness, it’s a rewarding role for those passionate about culinary arts and quality food production. Their expertise supports the meat industry and satisfies millions of hungry customers.
19. High-Voltage Electrician

Working with high-voltage systems requires specialized training, steady hands, and a strong sense of safety. High-voltage electricians maintain and repair electrical grids, ensuring homes and businesses stay powered.
Earning potential exceeds $75,000 annually, with opportunities to advance into leadership roles. This profession is physically demanding and occasionally hazardous, but it is essential in supporting infrastructure and modern living.
20. Crab Fisher

Crab fishing offers one of the highest seasonal earning potentials, with top professionals making up to $200,000 in a few months. The work is intense, involving long hours in freezing waters and dangerous conditions.
These fishermen supply a delicacy loved worldwide, contributing significantly to the seafood market. For those who can endure the physical strain and extreme environment, the rewards can be life-changing.
21. Industrial Diver

Industrial divers go where most would never dream of, working underwater to maintain pipelines, oil rigs, and shipwrecks. This highly technical role demands certification, physical fitness, and comfort with deep-sea challenges.
Earnings range between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on expertise and the complexity of projects. Their work is critical for keeping infrastructure safe and operational in industries like energy and shipping.
22. Funeral Director

Funeral directors manage all aspects of end-of-life services, helping families navigate one of life’s most difficult experiences with compassion and care. Their responsibilities include coordinating ceremonies, handling logistics, and providing emotional support.
Salaries range from $50,000 to $90,000, reflecting the demanding nature of the role. While emotionally taxing, it offers a profound opportunity to provide comfort and closure to grieving families.
I mentioned my sister-in-law in the embalming section. She has since moved up to Funeral Director.
23. Ice Road Trucker

Ice road truckers brave treacherous conditions to deliver supplies to remote regions during winter. They drive across frozen landscapes, often at night, with the risk of icy roads and sub-zero temperatures.
Despite the danger, this seasonal work pays up to $80,000 in just a few months. These drivers are essential for sustaining isolated communities that depend on timely deliveries during harsh winters.
24. Wind Turbine Technician

In the age of renewable energy, wind turbine technicians are critical in keeping clean power flowing. Their work involves maintaining and repairing turbines, often hundreds of feet above ground.
Earning over $56,000 a year, this profession combines technical expertise with a taste for adventure. It’s a physically demanding but rewarding job that contributes to the global push for sustainability and green energy.
Jobs That Deserve a Second Look

These careers might not top most people’s wish lists, but they come with solid paychecks and the chance to make a real difference. It’s easy to overlook them because of misconceptions or the challenges they involve, yet they keep our world running smoothly.
For those willing to step outside traditional options, these roles offer stability, purpose, and often a unique sense of pride. Next time you think about career possibilities, consider that the jobs we depend on most are often the ones people avoid.
Would you do any of these? Do you know someone who already is? Let us know in the comments. Share their pay and location if you know it.
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