Some jobs on this list will be obvious, such as those that put a person in harm’s way, or jobs that force a person to be constantly active. But a few may surprise you. Regardless of their high salaries, some people think they’re worth the risk, hassle or mental strain.
Enlisted military personnel
Those on the front lines – in training or being used for back up – are in one of the most dangerous lines of work and experience some of the lowest pay. Median salary is $41,998.
Military general
Though the pay for generals is significantly higher than that of military personnel, so is the responsibility. Colonels, captains and lieutenants may not be in harm’s way as often as military personnel, but they carry the burden of sending soldiers out into harm’s way. The median salary for generals is $196,300.
Firefighter
Firefighting is arguably as dangerous as being in the military, and the means to determine the “enemy’s” next move are even more limited. The median salary for firefighters is $45,250.
Commercial airline pilot
While incidents of plane crashes are low, pilots still carry the weight of knowing hundreds of lives are in their hands every time they take off. Add to that the limited sleep and extended hours away from home and family. The median salary is $92,060.
Public relations executive
While this job may not seem like it belongs on this list, consider handling public relations for politicians, or a company that caused an oil spill, or failed to follow safety regulations and could be responsible for the death of hundreds of workers. There is no shortage of berating, threatening emails or calls from the press. The median salary is $57,550.
Senior corporate executive
Unlike its depiction in movies, this job does not entail playing mini golf in the office. Senior corporate executives are responsible for proving revenue growth for major corporations. The median salary is $101,250.
Photojournalist
Soldiers have the most dangerous jobs, but photojournalists often have to be right beside them on the frontlines, minus all the heavy artillery and forms of protection. Cap that off with the low salary of $29,130.
Newspaper reporter
One ounce of fear of approaching strangers, and you miss a story, miss a deadline and cost your publication money. Newspaper reporters regularly have to confront public and corporate officials who are unwilling to speak to them. And the salary is low at around $36,000.
Taxi driver
Taxi drivers work long hours, encounter all sorts of characters, and sit all day in everyone’s least favorite thing: traffic. And the pay is notoriously low, with the median salary at $22,440.
Police officer
Carrying out the duty of protecting neighborhoods and citizens while risking their lives, police officers somehow rank lower that firefighters, military personnel, and even public relations executives. Median salary is $55,010.