8 Unpopular Jobs That Offer Insanely High Salaries – When most people think of high-paying jobs, careers like doctors, lawyers, and CEOs come to mind. But what if we told you that some of the best-paying jobs are the ones no one talks about? Many lucrative careers go unnoticed because they are unconventional, challenging, or just plain unappealing. Yet, these unpopular jobs pay six-figure salaries—sometimes even more!
Whether it’s working at dizzying heights, handling hazardous materials, or diving into deep waters, these roles offer excellent pay to those willing to step outside their comfort zones.
8 Unpopular Jobs That Offer Insanely High Salaries
| Job Title | Average Salary | Why It’s Unpopular? |
|---|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller | $115,000 – $197,400 | High stress, intense training.FAA.gov |
| Elevator Installer | $80,000 – $100,000 | Physically demanding, technical skills required |
| Underwater Welder | $80,000 – $300,000 | Dangerous, requires diving skills |
| Oil Rig Worker | $100,000+ | Harsh conditions, long hours |
| Crime Scene Cleaner | $40,000 – $80,000 | Emotional and disturbing work |
| High-Rise Window Cleaner | $100,000+ | Extreme heights, risky |
| Embalmer | $45,000 – $80,000 | Morbid work environment |
| Hazardous Materials Removal Worker | $46,000 – $100,000 | Toxic exposure, safety risks |
| Professional Ethical Hacker | $90,000 – $150,000 | Requires deep technical skills, cybersecurity expertise |
| Snake Milker | $60,000 – $100,000 | Risky job extracting venom from snakes |
If you’re looking for a high-paying job without a traditional career path, these unpopular roles could be your answer. While they come with challenges, they offer financial stability and job security.
1. Air Traffic Controller
Salary: $115,000 – $197,400
Why it’s unpopular: High stress, long hours, and intense training.
Air traffic controllers ensure that planes take off and land safely, preventing collisions and managing air traffic flow. Despite the hefty salary, this job is highly stressful. Controllers must undergo rigorous FAA training and pass multiple exams. However, if you thrive under pressure and enjoy working in aviation, this could be a fantastic career choice.
👉 How to get started: Apply through the FAA Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) or pass the FAA Academy program.
2. Elevator Installer & Repairer
Salary: $80,000 – $100,000
Why it’s unpopular: Requires apprenticeship, physically demanding.
Elevator technicians install, maintain, and repair elevators and escalators. The role requires technical expertise and physical labor, but due to increasing urbanization, the demand is rising.
👉 How to get started: Complete a 4-year apprenticeship program via the National Elevator Industry Educational Program (NEIEP).
3. Underwater Welder
Salary: $80,000 – $300,000
Why it’s unpopular: High risk, requires diving skills.
Underwater welders repair pipelines, ships, and oil rigs. The job is dangerous, with risks including explosions and decompression sickness.
👉 How to get started: Obtain a commercial diving certification and welding training through American Welding Society (AWS).
4. Oil Rig Worker
Salary: $100,000+
Why it’s unpopular: Harsh conditions, long shifts.
Oil rig jobs involve long hours, extreme weather, and isolated environments, but the compensation is excellent.
👉 How to get started: Gain certifications through IWCF or OPITO and apply to companies like Schlumberger or Halliburton.
5. Crime Scene Cleaner
Salary: $40,000 – $80,000
Why it’s unpopular: Emotionally challenging, biohazard exposure.
Crime scene cleaners sanitize locations where violent crimes or accidents have occurred. It’s emotionally taxing, but well-compensated.
👉 How to get started: Get OSHA-approved training and certification in biohazard cleaning.
6. Professional Ethical Hacker
Salary: $90,000 – $150,000
Why it’s unpopular: Requires deep technical knowledge in cybersecurity.
Ethical hackers protect organizations by finding vulnerabilities before malicious hackers do. The work is in high demand but requires extensive training and problem-solving skills.
👉 How to get started: Obtain Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification from EC-Council.
7. Snake Milker
Salary: $60,000 – $100,000
Why it’s unpopular: Extracting venom from dangerous snakes.
Venom from snakes is used for making antivenoms and medicines. It’s a highly specialized and risky profession.
👉 How to get started: Work at a venom research institute and undergo training in handling venomous reptiles.
8. Embalmer
Salary: $45,000 – $80,000
Why it’s unpopular: Handling dead bodies.
Embalmers prepare deceased bodies for burial. It’s a crucial role in funeral homes and requires expertise in anatomy and chemistry.
👉 How to get started: Earn a degree in mortuary science and obtain state licensure.
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FAQs
1. What is the highest-paying unpopular job? Underwater welding can pay up to $300,000 annually, depending on experience and location.
2. Do these jobs require a college degree? Most of these jobs require certifications or apprenticeships rather than a traditional degree.
3. Are these jobs in demand? Yes! Due to specialized skills and fewer applicants, these positions often have higher demand and job security.
