The majority of us dream of earning the big bucks. It’s not a lie to say that money makes life easier, from being able to afford essentials like rent and bills, to having unlimited funds for holidays, meals out, and shopping trips. However, there are certain jobs that — even though they pay well — many people would rather not do, for a variety of reasons. Here, we take a look at 10 roles that could earn you $100,000 or more. Compiled by Resume Trick, a free CV-making service, they’ve provided the average salary of each position and shared a little bit about what they entail… (Picture: Getty Images)
Oil rig worker — Salary: $50,000 to $100,000+ per year
Oil rig workers have varied responsibilities on offshore platforms. This could include anything from manual labour, for example operating heavy machinery, to more technical roles that require specific training, like engineering, electricians, and welding. Workers in this field have a variety of unpleasant things to contend with, all in the name of a potentially cushty salary. We’ll start with dangerous conditions, as the risk of accidents is ever-present. According to Canadian law firm, SMS Legal, personnel on offshore oil and gas sites are seven times more likely than the average American worker to die on the job. Additionally, there are also isolated conditions — many workers will have to spend months at a time away from their friends and family, often enduring basic conditions on the rig. (Picture: Getty Images)
Mining engineer — Salary: $70,000 to $120,000 per year
Mining engineers design, develop and manage projects that extract both minerals and other natural resources in a safe, sustainable and efficient manner. Part academic, part manual, they combine skills in geology, mechanics, and management with extraction and site development. These professionals often work internationally in remote locations with harsh environments — couple that with potential for dangerous events like rockbursts, and you’ve got a very high-stakes role. There’s also the stress element: many miners will have to manage multi-million dollar assets. The mining sector consistently ranks among the most dangerous industries worldwide, being responsible for up to 5% of all workplace fatalities despite employing only 1% of the global workforce. (Picture: Getty Images)
Logger — Salary: $40,000 to $100,000 per year
In a nutshell, a logger is a person whose job involves cutting down trees. It’s a very skilled and dangerous role, hence why it’s not the most popular career choice for many, even though the higher end of the salary range is very high. These days, heavy machinery is used for different types of logging methods. As per the US Department of Labour, logging is considered the most dangerous occupation in the country, thanks to the machinery types posing hazards wherever and whenever they are used. It’s also a physically exhausting job, often made worse by adverse weather conditions, like extreme temperatures, rain, and snow. (Picture: Getty Images)
Commercial fisherman — Salary: $40,000 – $100,000 per year
If you don’t mind being out at sea for long periods of time, be it rain, shine, or in torrential storms, then commercial fishing might be for you. These workers catch fish and seafood as a business, and sell their product to markets, restaurants or processors. Fatigue, isolation, and physical strain are some of the downsides, alongside the risk of developing chronic health issues. The National Library of Medicine states that ‘the prevalence of hearing loss, upper extremity disorders, and sleep apnea risk factors were higher than in the general population both before and during the fishing season.’ (Picture: Getty Images)
Roofing contractor — Salary: $40,000 to $110,000 per year
Danger is the first thing that springs to mind when talking about roofing contractors: workers are at a constant risk of falling from great heights. They’re also susceptible to physical stress as the work is demanding over a long period of time. Hazards aside, a roofing contractor is responsible for installing and repairing roofs. Castraga, a US-based sustainable roofing company, say there is a ‘silent mental health crisis’ in the industry. Alongside the aforementioned dangers, there is a ‘culture that prioritises toughness over well-being.’ The company writes: ‘Unfortunately, the stigma surrounding mental health in the trades means that many roofers suffer in silence, feeling that admitting to mental health struggles is a sign of weakness.’ Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that ‘construction workers have one of the highest suicide rates of any occupational group.’ It adds that roofers are at an elevated risk. (Picture: Getty Images)
Construction worker — Salary: $40,000 to $100,000 per year
This brings us to construction workers, who, despite being able to earn a pretty penny, are at risk of the same issues. These professionals build and maintain infrastructure, handle materials and collaborate with other on-site experts. They also operate large, heavy equipment daily and work in unsafe locations, like on scaffolds or roofs. As with many other roles on this list, the $100,000 wage often becomes more attainable when you reach more senior roles, such as construction manager. (Picture: Getty Images)
Firefighter — Salary: $50,000 to $100,000 per year
The job description is in the title: firefighters are first responders who control and extinguish fires. They also rescue victims (people and animals) and respond to other emergencies, not just related to fires. This could include road accidents, hazardous material spills, or search and rescue incidents. Firefighters must overcome many obstacles, from mental and emotional challenges (traumatic scenes and dealing with distressed victims), working in extreme conditions, and maintaining a constant level of physical fitness. The long periods of downtime, juxtaposed against the intensity of terrifying calls, can also be difficult to deal with mentally. There’s also a risk of illnesses following long periods in the service. The National Institute of Health notes that sudden cardiac events (SCEs) are the leading cause of on-duty deaths for firefighters in the US, ‘accounting for approximately 45-50% of all duty-related fatalities over the past several decades.’ (Picture: Getty Images)
Electrical lineman — Salary: $50,000 to $100,000 per year
Electrical linemen — otherwise known as lineworkers — install, maintain, and repair overhead and underground power lines and equipment. Essentially, they’re responsible for making sure that homes and businesses receive electricity. These workers operate in challenging conditions, most obviously working from great heights on poles, towers, and substations. Their high-pressure role of ensuring constant power, while constantly being at risk of accidents (falls and electrical burns from direct contact or arc flashes), is why it’s one of the least popular jobs out there, irrespective of the wage. Lineman jobs are one of the most dangerous occupations, only behind loggers and manual labourers in agriculture. 42 for every 100,000 linemen are killed on the job each year, according to Lineman Central. (Picture: Getty Images)
Submarine officer — Salary: $100,000+ per year
As a submarine officer, the Royal Navy says it’s ‘your job to provide the boat’s eyes and ears, deep below the surface.’ The pressure is always on this type of naval leader, who is responsible for operating, navigating, and managing all aspects of a submarine. While ensuring crew safety and mission success, submarine officers have to endure long periods of isolation while living in a confined space. That being said, the U.S. Navy and Royal Navy implement rigorous safety programs like SUBSAFE, the Submarine Safety Program, designed to maintain the safety of their submarine fleet. Comprehensive training is also provided to manage said risks and maintain the highest possible safety standards. (Picture: Getty Images)
Antarctic research scientist — Salary: $100,000+ per year
While there’s no denying that this is an incredibly cool job, it also comes with many cons. Yes, you’re researching climate change, ecosystems, and geology for the greater good (while also getting to see penguins in real life), but you’re also volunteering to live in one of the most inhospitable places on Earth. Much like the submarine officer, these scientists have to work against the extreme environmental and physical hazards of the location, while also dealing with the social and psychological challenges of isolated environments. Unfortunately, there’s also been an increase in the risk of sexual harassment and assault within Antarctic research communities. A 2022 report by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) found that 59% of women in the U.S. program had experienced harassment or assault. It also reported that many felt unsafe in certain areas of stations. (Picture: Getty Images)
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