When it comes to making a lot of money, most people think of careers like software programmers, doctors, and lawyers. But the reality is there are many other high-paying jobs out there that get ignored.
The problem is that, in many cases, people don’t want to do them and turn their noses up at them. But while they might sound unenjoyable on the surface, many people like doing the work.
So what are these high-paying jobs that people routinely ignore? We compiled a list that includes 15 ideas, many of which don’t require extra certifications. Even better, many allow you to quickly increase your income to get to the top-paying levels within a reasonable amount of time.
1. Waste Management
Unfortunately, I’ve always heard about waste management careers being something you want to avoid. You have to get a degree so that you can avoid becoming a “trashman.”
As it turns out, that belief is much more classist and inaccurate than we are led to believe. Waste management careers can pay well over six figures, which is fantastic for those who want to achieve financial freedom. The stigma it carries with it might just be why these kinds of jobs pay so well.
2. Trucker
Trucker jobs are not that glamorous. There’s a lot of driving, inactivity, and health challenges often brought on by limited access to healthy food choices. But if you can manage to get through that and don’t mind being on the open road, you may want to consider trucking.
Truckers make, on average, around $66,000 a year, but many report making $80,000 or more. Just make sure you choose a well-managed company, as truckers have reported nightmarish experiences working with unorganized businesses in the past.
3. Homeless Shelter Employee
Homeless shelters get a bad rap. From what I’ve seen from those who need to go there for shelter, it’s not uncommon to complain about cleanliness, safety, and theft. But part of making these spaces better overall relies on having the right staff.
Now, it’s important to note that salary data is all over the place. Anecdotally, people are saying that they’ve been making $25 an hour plus benefits, which is good considering how much most jobs pay these days. Salary sites like Salary.com list annual salaries as high as $124,000 per year. Either way, you might want to look into this career path if it speaks to you.
4. Offshore Oil Rigging
Offshore oil rigging is a tough and filthy job. It also demands a great deal of hours and puts strain on your body over time. But, if you need to make good money fast, it’s something you shouldn’t turn your nose up at.
Offshore oil rigging starts with fairly low pay, bringing in an average of $50,000 to $60,000 a year. However, it grows with seniority. If you stick around, you can easily jump to $100,000+, and well over $200,000 with more technical knowledge. It’s not fun or easy, but it will definitely help you manage your bills.
5. Mortician
There are certain career paths that some may not necessarily think they’re above but may not partake in due to the nature of the job. For example, a mortician comes to mind. I’m not sure I could do most of the tasks that they manage for the loved ones of the deceased on a daily basis. But it’s an honest living that could pay quite well.
Morticians themselves can make $74,000 a year or more, and the same goes for those who offer funeral services. The demand for such a job won’t be waning anytime soon either.
6. Attic Insulator
There are specific jobs out there I’ve read about that surprised me. One great example was an attic and crawlspace insulator. Apparently, some people do these jobs and do these tasks only. Of course, crawling into these tight spaces to insulate them would probably be considered to be below them.
Some report making around $45 an hour working with a company and as much as $85 for themselves. While the work can be physically challenging, that’s good pay for the work being done.
7. Painters
House painting is a job that takes a long time, requires great attention to detail, and will challenge your fear of heights. Most people don’t want to paint their own homes, let alone get paid to paint someone else’s. But what if you could make good money?
The challenge with becoming a commercial or residential painter is that pay varies wildly. The more skilled could make as much as $40 an hour or more. Meanwhile, the average salary is around $47,000 per year. Research this one a little more carefully if it appeals to you.
8. Construction
Construction is a necessary job that is unnecessarily looked down upon. I’ve heard all kinds of terrible things said about those working in construction, often used to justify why people don’t associate with construction workers or wouldn’t consider being one. But it’s important to challenge that. It’s also important to look at how much you make while you’re challenging it.
With a construction laborer job, you could make anywhere from $65,000 a year on average to $94,000 a year at the highest. You could see even more if you’re a manager or doing administrative work. It’s a good job that comes with some challenges. But aren’t all the jobs worth doing and the ones that pay the most exactly that?
9. Hazmat Cleaning
Our world produces a host of dangerous things that we’re unable to clean on our own. That’s where hazmat cleaners come in. Hazmat cleaning could make you $28 an hour or more, depending on how squeamish you are with handling materials that require you to wear a high amount of PPE.
It’s not for the faint of heart, but it’s a job that needs to be done.
10. Crime Scene Cleaning
Crime scene cleaning is something that fascinates me. It’s a job that we really don’t see brought up that often because it’s not something that most of us ever need. But for those who do, crime scene cleaners are the difference between having something disturbing in your house and having a clean home.
Median pay for 2023 was reported to be around $48,000 per year, but those who have been on the career path for longer tend to make $75,000 or more.
11. Roofer
Roofers have dangerous jobs that are essential to maintaining homes. Without them, roofs would be crumbling, and homeowners would be at risk of being exposed to all sorts of elements.
The average roofer may only make around $54,000 per year, but there are plenty of reports of salaries starting at $75,000 or above. Much like with the other trades on this list, there’s always the potential to start your own roofing business, which can bring in even more cash.
12. Plumber
From what I’ve heard, plumbers seem to be on par with garbagemen. People constantly look down on them and their profession, but they’re so essential to being able to deal with issues in your home that only they can take care of.
Plumbers, like other tradespeople, tend to make less starting out. However, mid-to-top-level plumbers can make anywhere from $60,000 to $100,000 per year. That’s a lot of money!
13. Kitchen Manager
When you think of kitchen jobs, what do you think of? Chefs might come to mind first, given how glamorous famous chefs seem to be, but a kitchen manager is a thankless job that doesn’t get nearly enough love from people.
Kitchen managers can make anywhere from $41,000 to $70,000 per year on average, with some making more than that. Forget what you’ve seen on TV. The salary alone is plenty of reason to like this job.
14. Pet Waste Removal
As an animal lover, I love nearly all aspects of having a pet. However, there are things that none of us really want to deal with, like removing pet waste.
But did you know that you could pay someone to do that for you? It’s hard to put a number on how much you could make doing this, given that most people who do it start their own businesses. But if it’s not below you, this might be a plan worth considering.
15. Offshore Welding
Dangerous and undesirable jobs tend to pay a lot. This is something that remains true with offshore welding.
Underwater welders could make as much as $80,000 a year with time and even more if they stick with this career path. The more experience you have, the more valuable you are.
