Many jobs in the U.S. offer six-figure salaries, yet employers struggle to find workers willing to fill them. The reasons vary from extreme working conditions, high stress, physical demands, or emotional tolls. While some positions require specialized skills and years of training, others are simply grueling and unappealing despite their financial rewards.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the U.S. labor market is facing such a critical shortage that between 2023 and 2033, there will be a shortage of 6.7 million skilled workers in trades.
Here are some high-paying jobs in ascending order of salary that most Americans avoid, even with competitive salaries and benefits.
Sanitation Worker
Average Salary: $45,760 per year
Sanitation workers keep cities clean by collecting garbage and disposing of waste. The job comes with long hours, exposure to hazardous materials, and extreme weather conditions, rain or shine, the trash has to go.
The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) reported an increase in worker fatalities in 2022 in the United States and Canada after a dramatic drop in 2021. For 2022, 46 solid waste industry worker fatalities were recorded by SWANA compared to 28 the year before.
Long-Haul Truck Driver
Average Salary: $54,320 per year
Picture this: weeks on the road, barely any sleep, fast food for every meal, and no time with family. That’s the reality for long-haul truck drivers. The job pays well, however, the isolation and exhausting lifestyle make it one of the least desirable careers out there.
The American Trucking Association reports a shortage of 80,000 drivers, a number expected to double by 2031 if trends continue.
High School Math Teacher
Average Salary: $65,220 per year
Teaching math might not seem like a dangerous job, however, burnout and stress have driven educators away in droves. Between overcrowded classrooms, low budgets, and increasing workloads, it’s no surprise that nearly every state in the U.S. has a math teacher shortage.
The declining STEM teacher workforce, with annual production dropping from 31,000 to 20,000 over the past decade, threatens the future STEM workforce despite improvements in diversity and qualifications. This highlights the need for better salaries and financial support.
Hotel Housekeeping Manager
Average Salary: $65,360 per year
Managing a team of housekeepers is not easy. This job involves handling guest complaints, managing staff shortages, and ensuring cleanliness standards are met. All while dealing with an industry known for high employee turnover.
The hospitality industry is still recovering from labor shortages, with 67% of hotels reporting staffing challenges in early 2024 despite wage increases. Even when the job pays decently, very few people see it as a long-term career option.
Power Line Technician
Average Salary: $85,240 per year
Power line technicians keep the lights on at a cost. They work at dangerous heights, in stormy weather, and around high-voltage electricity. One wrong move can be fatal, which is why many people don’t want the job, even with solid pay and benefits.
The BLS expects demand for electrical power line installers and repairers to grow by 6% by 2032. However, finding workers willing to take on the risks is proving difficult.
Hospice Nurse
Average Salary: $86,070 per year
Being a nurse is tough, and being a hospice nurse is emotionally exhausting. These professionals provide end-of-life care, helping terminally ill patients and their families through their final days. It’s a deeply rewarding job. However, the emotional weight can be overwhelming.
With an aging population, hospice care demand is skyrocketing. Burnout is widespread in nursing. A 2020 survey found that 62% of nurses experience it, rising to 69% among those under 25.
Financial Risk Analyst
Average Salary: $99,890 per year
Imagine making a single wrong prediction and costing your company millions. That’s the daily pressure financial risk analysts face. They analyze massive data sets, predict economic downturns, and make high-stakes decisions, all while working under intense stress.
Jobs for financial analysts are expected to grow by 9% from 2023 to 2033, which is much faster than most other careers. Similarly, the burnout rate is just as high. Many professionals leave because of the relentless pressure and constant fear of making the wrong call.
Mining Engineer
Average Salary: $100,640 per year
Mining engineers work in remote locations, often in harsh and hazardous conditions. Think cave-ins, gas leaks, and extreme weather. It’s a well-paying field, yet the risks are high, and the work can be grueling.
With the increasing demand for minerals and rare earth elements, companies are struggling to find workers willing to take on this job.
Elevator Installer and Repair Technician
Average Salary: $102,420 per year
Elevator technicians work in tight, enclosed spaces, at dangerous heights, and with complex electrical systems. It’s a specialized skill yet one that many people avoid due to the high safety risks.
The job market is growing fast, 6% by 2033, yet companies are struggling to find qualified technicians.
AI and Machine Learning Engineer
Average Salary: $108,020 per year
AI and machine learning engineers are in high demand, but the job isn’t for everyone. It requires advanced programming skills, a deep understanding of math and algorithms, and a commitment to continuous learning. The field evolves rapidly, making it hard even for seasoned professionals to keep up.
Despite six-figure salaries, there’s a growing talent gap. According to a Korn Ferry report, there could be a global shortage of 85 million skilled tech workers by 2030, with AI roles being among the hardest to fill.
Cybersecurity Analyst
Average Salary: $120,360 per year
With cybercrime expected to cost the world $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, companies desperately need cybersecurity experts. The problem is that the job is incredibly stressful. Analysts have to stay one step ahead of hackers, working long hours and dealing with constant security threats.
Despite salaries hitting six figures, there’s still a global shortage of 3.5 million cybersecurity professionals because many simply can’t handle the high-pressure nature of the job.
