10 High Paying Jobs Nobody Wants
When we think of high-paying jobs, what often comes to mind are roles like doctors, engineers, software developers, or CEOs. But there exists a world of lesser-known professions that pay surprisingly well—yet remain unpopular. Why? Because these jobs are often dirty, dangerous, emotionally demanding, or even stigmatized. However, if you’re someone who dares to go against the grain, these “unwanted” professions might just lead you to financial freedom.
In this blog, we explore 10 high-paying jobs nobody wants—and why that might be exactly why you should.
1. Crime Scene Cleaner
💰 Average Salary: ₹6–12 Lakhs per year (India); $35,000–$75,000 (USA)
Why It Pays Well: Biohazard cleanup is not for the faint-hearted. You’re cleaning scenes of murders, suicides, and industrial accidents—jobs that require intense emotional detachment, physical stamina, and specialized training.
Why People Avoid It: The psychological toll is high. Many can’t handle the trauma, bodily fluids, or the emotional intensity of dealing with grieving families.
Opportunity: A booming niche with little competition. You can start your own cleanup business after certification in biohazard management.
2. Sewage Worker
💰 Average Salary: ₹5–10 Lakhs per year (India); $40,000–$60,000 (USA)
Why It Pays Well: Maintenance of underground sewage systems is vital to urban health. These workers often get bonuses and hazard pay due to the dangerous conditions and exposure to toxic substances.
Why People Avoid It: It’s a dirty, smelly, and sometimes life-threatening job. There’s a lack of dignity associated with manual scavenging despite modern equipment.
Opportunity: Government and private contracts offer job security. With increasing focus on sanitation (like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan), the profession is gaining attention.
3. Mortician / Embalmer
💰 Average Salary: ₹4–8 Lakhs per year (India); $50,000–$70,000 (USA)
Why It Pays Well: Morticians handle the preparation and embalming of deceased bodies before funerals. The job is emotionally taxing but pays well due to a limited workforce and consistent demand.
Why People Avoid It: Working with the dead can be unnerving. Cultural taboos and emotional burden keep many away.
Opportunity: With a professional diploma and basic anatomy knowledge, you can find work with funeral homes or start a private embalming service.
4. Coal Miner
💰 Average Salary: ₹6–10 Lakhs per year (India); $60,000–$90,000 (USA)
Why It Pays Well: Mining is a high-risk industry. From cave-ins to toxic gas exposure, the risks justify the high pay, hazard allowances, and retirement benefits.
Why People Avoid It: Risk of injury, long hours in claustrophobic, dangerous environments, and the physical toll make this a dreaded profession.
Opportunity: With automation increasing, skilled operators of mining machinery are in high demand and are compensated heavily.
5. Oil Rig Worker
💰 Average Salary: ₹10–20 Lakhs per year (India-based workers on foreign rigs); $80,000–$150,000 (USA, Middle East)
Why It Pays Well: Oil rig jobs are physically and mentally demanding. Workers are isolated for weeks or months, exposed to harsh conditions, and perform high-risk tasks.
Why People Avoid It: Long rotations, limited communication with family, and dangerous working conditions discourage many.
Opportunity: For those willing to work abroad or offshore, this job offers rapid wealth-building potential and tax-free income in many countries.
6. Slaughterhouse Worker / Meat Processor
💰 Average Salary: ₹3–6 Lakhs per year (India); $30,000–$55,000 (USA)
Why It Pays Well: Demand for meat processing is high, especially in exports. Workers often receive good compensation, food, and health benefits.
Why People Avoid It: The nature of the work—killing and cutting animals—can be ethically and emotionally difficult. Physical injuries are common.
Opportunity: With experience, workers can become supervisors or start their own butchery businesses.
7. Professional Diver (Underwater Welder, Pipeline Inspector)
💰 Average Salary: ₹12–25 Lakhs per year (international contracts); $50,000–$100,000 (USA)
Why It Pays Well: Combining diving skills with technical know-how, these professionals work underwater in harsh conditions to repair pipelines, ships, and offshore rigs.
Why People Avoid It: High pressure, risk of drowning, and isolation. Divers must also undergo strict medical and technical training.
Opportunity: India has a growing marine infrastructure industry. Skilled divers with certifications from institutes like INPP or IDSA are highly sought after globally.
8. Garbage Collector / Waste Management Technician
💰 Average Salary: ₹3–6 Lakhs per year (India); $40,000–$70,000 (USA)
Why It Pays Well: Cities need waste management to function. The job offers steady pay, government benefits, and sometimes even pensions.
Why People Avoid It: Social stigma, health risks, and the nature of the work—handling waste—makes it unattractive to most.
Opportunity: Many workers eventually start their own recycling or composting businesses, turning waste into wealth.
9. Alaskan Crab Fisherman / Deep Sea Fisher
💰 Average Salary: ₹15–30 Lakhs per year (International seasonal work); $50,000–$200,000 (USA)
Why It Pays Well: This is one of the deadliest jobs globally. Workers spend weeks at sea, braving violent weather and harsh seas, catching high-value seafood.
Why People Avoid It: Extreme danger, long separations from family, and physical strain. It’s a seasonal job with short earning windows.
Opportunity: It’s perfect for those willing to take seasonal risks for high returns. Some do it part-time and earn the equivalent of a year’s salary in a few months.
10. Portable Toilet Cleaner
💰 Average Salary: ₹4–7 Lakhs per year (India); $35,000–$60,000 (USA)
Why It Pays Well: These jobs are usually contracted during large events, festivals, or construction projects and involve handling bio-waste in mobile units. For example latest mega event of Maha Kumbh at Prayagraj , India from Mon, 13 Jan, 2025 – Wed, 26 Feb, 2025.
Why People Avoid It: It’s considered demeaning and unhygienic. Lack of dignity and recognition deters applicants.
Opportunity: It’s a surprisingly profitable niche. Many entrepreneurs have built sanitation businesses with government tenders and event contracts.
Why These Jobs Matter
Many of these professions, while unglamorous, are the backbone of our society. They ensure public health, infrastructure, and even national security. The stigma around these roles often means less competition and better pay for those brave enough to take them up.
In a world where everyone wants a desk job or a startup dream, stepping into these “dirty” or “dangerous” jobs can actually give you an edge—both financially and professionally.
How to Get Started?
- Look for certification or training programs (e.g., HAZMAT for crime scene cleaning, commercial diving institutes, mortuary science courses).
- Connect with professionals in the field via LinkedIn or trade forums.
- Start small: Take internships or contract roles before committing fully.
- Don’t underestimate entrepreneurship opportunities in these fields.
Remember, it’s not about what society thinks—it’s about whether you can stomach the challenge and earn your worth.
Conclusion
High pay doesn’t always come in a suit and tie. Sometimes, it’s found in coveralls, helmets, gloves—and a bit of courage. If you’re willing to step outside your comfort zone, you might just find a career that pays you more than you ever imagined, both financially and in self-worth.
These 10 high-paying jobs nobody wants might just be the hidden gems in your career path.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this blog, “10 High Paying Jobs Nobody Wants,” is intended for general awareness and career exploration purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information presented, www.merijobs.in makes no representations or warranties regarding the completeness, suitability, or validity of any career path or salary figure mentioned.
Salaries may vary depending on geographic location, level of experience, certifications, employer policies, and changing industry trends. Some of the jobs listed involve significant physical, psychological, or health risks. It is essential that readers conduct their own research and consult with professionals or authorities in the respective industries before making career decisions.
The inclusion of any job in this list is not an endorsement or recommendation but a reflection of job market trends and demand. Personal preference, aptitude, and safety must always be prioritized when considering any career.
www.merijobs.in shall not be held liable for any decisions made based on the contents of this blog. Proceed with caution and choose a career path that aligns with your skills, ethics, and long-term well-being.
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