Wages based on workplace danger gave way some time ago to occupations where earnings are dictated by knowledge of new technologies, expertise in demanding fields, or human resource management skills to shape successful companies. However, when looking at the world's most dangerous and toughest occupations, one can find those that continue to pay well for workers who sacrifice their health and lives every working day. Here are the TOP 5 of the world's toughest but highest-paying occupations.
Working on an oil rig
Extracting oil, gas or other resources using an oil rig is one of the most dangerous and at the same time mentally and physically exhausting occupations in the world. Employees who choose to work in the profession must expect 12-hour shifts and to be on the rig 14 or even 28 days in a row, working every day until they leave the rig for another 14 or 28 days, respectively. The dangers that come with working far from shore, without direct access to shore-based help and working 12-hour shifts in very difficult conditions are real here, but also well rewarded. It is estimated that one can earn $60-110,000 a year on an oil rig.
Fishing for crabs
Although this job may seem like a complete contrast to work on an oil rig, those who professionally engage in crab fishing each year really lose a lot of crew members in their environment. The problem here, of course, is usually the distance from shore, the need to work underwater and the very intense physical exertion during the season. The wages? It is estimated that the best fishermen are able to earn between $50,000 and even $100,000 per season.
Pilots
Pilots both in major airlines, the military and in cargo aircraft operations earn really good salaries, but they take considerable risks every day they sit at the helm of a flying giant. With an average paycheck of up to $114,000 a year, pilots boast a decidedly lucrative, albeit dangerous, job. Among the dangers, however, it's important to remember that it's not just loss of control, engine failures and planes plummeting to the ground - pilots suffer daily from occupational illnesses resulting from constant seated work at the controls, pressure differences on the ground and in the air, dry air in the aircraft cabin and an increased risk of eye disease from constant exposure to sunlight above cloud level.
Underwater work
Divers whose day-to-day work involves inspecting and repairing underwater parts of vessels, inspecting hydrotechnical structures, bottom attestation, cutting, welding and underwater concreting, laying precast and geotextile, or retrieving lost items in the water are exposed to fairly high occupational risks, but they also have the chance to earn quite good salaries. The estimated average income among professional divers is as high as $50,000 a year in the United States, and the best of them can earn up to double that.
Construction industry
Workers on construction sites, whether they work at heights, operating machinery or as engineers, are exposed to many different types of injuries, occupational diseases and serious accidents that can even lead to death. Earnings here can vary widely, and taking Poland as an example, one might expect that this is not an overly well-paid profession, but statistics kept by U.S. employment agencies show that average annual earnings for foremen and engineers on construction sites can reach up to $60,000.
To the list of dangerous, but well-paid professions in the world (not necessarily in Poland), it is also worth adding miners, power plant workers and those associated with power structures, garbage and sewage sorting plant workers, firefighters, lumberjacks, steel mill workers, welders, police officers and even doctors, who, having daily contact with biological agents, are exposed to all kinds of diseases and injuries. So while it may seem nowadays that white-collar workers earn much more than blue-collar workers, in reality globally it is the latter who are constantly on the list of top earners. The professions mentioned in the list often risk their lives for the good of the public - it is good to know that their work is rewarded accordingly.
