The World’s Most Extreme and Dangerous Jobs

A dollar is only worth a dollar no matter what job you do to earn it. Whether you work in retail or the business world, money is all the same once it’s in the bank. We decided to look into some of the most dangerous jobs from all around the world that you would never imagine actually being a real profession. So sit back, relax, revamp your CV, and get ready for the job hunt.

Crocodile Wrestler

I know – the picture terrifies us as well! Anyhoo, the day of a Crocodile Wrestler goes as follows: wake up, get dressed, head to work, and stick your head right into the jaw of a crocodile. Seems fake, right? Well, this is exactly what the Crocodile Wrestlers do everyday at a zoo in Thailand. These men definitely have one of the most dangerous job’s on Earth. Since 1985 in Bangkok, Thailand, when this gig first was set up, wranglers have been sticking their head between the jaws of some of the zoo’s biggest (and scariest) crocodiles ever. This job is one for the extraordinary people, people who literally fear nothing.

Shark Tank Cleaner

If this job doesn’t make your heart race at a crazy speed, then I think we found the perfect job for you – a Shark Tank Cleaner! Okay, maybe the cleaning windows part will turn you off from this profession, but at least you’ll be cleaning windows in a tank full of (hungry) sharks. What’s the danger of this job you ask? Let’s just hope that Mr. Shark ate a big dinner. But really, even the most “trained” tank cleaners fear the sudden shark attack. And if the tank is huge, then you have lots of windows to clean with even more sharks in the tank. My advice: make sure you don’t miss a spot.

Venom Milker

Out of the 2,000 types of snakes (in the world), 400 of those snakes are Venomous aka deadly reptiles. These deadly snakes should be steered clear from, just their slithering and sliding is creepy enough. Now this is going to sound absurd, and most of you may not believe it to be true, but there are people in this world who’s job, which they have chosen themselves, is to work with these deadly snakes. They are called Snake Milkers. Snake Milkers actually “milk” snakes for their venom. A snake milker will handle deadly, venomous snakes every single day. What’s the scariest and most dangerous part about this job (besides getting bit)? This job is hands on, where milkers will put their fingers millimeters away from their sharp fangs. One slip of a finger and, yup, it’s over.

Miners

Are you afraid of working in the dark? Are you partial to having healthy lungs? Does the concept of being alone, under immeasurable weight of the Earth, cause you to feel the slightest bit uncomfortable? Welcome to the world of Mining. Cave-ins and other natural disasters are of course immediate concerns, but there’s also a chance you’ll risk catching various respiratory illnesses, like the infamous Black Lung. We are impressed beyond belief by all of the courageous workers that do this grueling job, because without Miners the 21st century would surely take a hit without electricity. Dun dun dun!

Deep Sea Fishermen

We’ve all watched the TV shows that follow along crews going out to sea in order to hunt for that delicious Alaskan crab (yum). The environment conditions always seem to go as follows: wild winds, inclement weather, and the dangers of the ship are quite high. While this may be entertaining, considering we’re perfectly content watching from the couch, it is definitely more than just entertainment: it’s grueling and dangerous. Did you know that crew members don’t get cash advances? Why you ask. Because they must earn their money before they can see it, or else they risk not coming back. Fishermen experience fatalities at a rate of 81 per 100,000 workers. So, a big thank you to all the Deep Sea Fishermen, because hey without them, we wouldn’t be eating all that delicious seafood and fish.

Demining

Typically Land Mine Removals (Demining) is the duty of the Military and/or the government. However, there are some countries in the world that employ their own citizens to carry out the task. In order to accomplish this task Minesweepers use a variety of tools, trained animals (dogs and rats) being one of them (way back when). Now Minesweepers use metal detectors or vehicles that have mechanical tools attached. Minesweepers must wear protective equipment such as helmets, armoured gloves, visors, boots, etc. – this gear is worn to help protect in the case of a mine accidentally being set off. So where do we stand now? Well, British scientist are developing specific drones with crazy advanced imaging technology. This process will be most cost-effective, safer, and quicker. Technology at it’s finest.

Logging

Rain, sleet, snow, or sunshine, no matter what the weather condition is, Loggers are always with their hard hats on and machines geared up, ready to get to work. A Logger may refer to a variety of roles such as a Data logger or Lumberjack. Of course these are two very different types of loggers. We’re going to focus less on the technical type and more on the nature type. Whether it’s cutting down trees with hand-held power chainsaws, inspecting equipment for safety, separating logs by species and types of wood, or operating tractors to bring logs to the necessary area, the duty of a logger is essential for countless consumer and industrial products. The timber that Loggers harvest provides the raw material for such products. This is not just a “day in the woods” job, loggers unfortunately experience an average of 110 deaths per 100,000 workers. So we ask that if you log, log with caution.

Carpenter

Whether you are working on an unstable roof in the middle of the hot summer or trying to carefully install heavy pieces of furniture, your job will be difficult in one way or another. Carpenters build and repair various types of building frameworks and structures like stairways, windows, raters, partitions, or door-frames. They also do installations of kitchen cabinets, siding, and drywall. While the fatality rate is low for Carpenters, the amount of harm they incur to their bodies is sky high. The instruments, tools, heavy weights, heights, and weather conditions they work in/use are not so ideal and could be super dangerous. Carpenters actually have a higher rate of injuries and illnesses than the national average.

Airline Pilot

An Airline Pilot. Fly to new and exotic locations, meet a ton of people, fly your family and friends for a discounted price, and inherit very nice benefits – so sure why not, right? Well, this of course is not exactly how it goes down in the life of an Airline Pilot. Pilots tend experience a significant amount of stress, purely from a psychological level. I mean think about it, your role is to be in charge of thousands of peoples lives, every single month can be absolutely crushing and intense. Now take that stress and combine it with the rigors of constantly being in the air, away from home, an inconsistent sleep schedule, and working through all sorts of weather conditions – ya, I got stressed just reading that. Not to make matters worse, but the fatality rate is of 63 per 100,000 employees. Yikes! Nonetheless before a Pilot steps foot into a plane, they must undergo an intense two month training. Like any job, there will always be pros and cons – just depends on how you weigh them.

Astronauts

It’s not likely that you are going to be in the position to accept and/or decline a job offer as an Astronaut. Possibly a good thing? Of the 430 people who have gone to space, there have sadly been 34 deaths related to their excursions. The 7.5% mortality rate pushes this space gig to the top of many lists. In order to even be considered as an Astronaut, they must face grueling training and credential markers. After that, they are sent to the deadliest (or most awesome for those space lovers) place in existence: SPACE.

Mechanic

Working as a Mechanic can be utterly exhausting and dangerous to both your health and your mind. Many times, Mechanics will be working around exposed steel and body cutting materials, as well as fumes and toxic chemicals. In fact, the long term health effects of working as a mechanic can be downright devastating. There are certain situations where mechanics are compensated properly, but it’s too often that their strenuous work does’t add up to the money they earn.

Search and Rescue

As it turns out, Coast Guards faces more problems then just ones associated to the ocean. Search and Rescue teams are properly trained to face all sorts of adverse conditions in order to save the lives of those in need: mountain rescues, ocean rescues, and even blackout conditions during crazy storms. Search and Rescue men and women are the kind of people who seek out trouble. They are the first ones to leap in in attempt to save lives. That takes a special kind of mentality and a special kind of bravery — it’s also very dangerous. However, if there is a natural disaster or a terrible accident then you’ll be happy these men and women are around.

Truckers

Whether you are hauling goods for a large or small company, you might face some danger once you get behind the wheel. Not only do you face all of the danger that is inherent to simply driving on the road, but you also rack up all of the fear of maintaining quite comically large vehicles. Whether you are driving an 18 wheeler or an extended cab truck, you have to account for all sorts of things while on the road. Truckers are typically overtaxed in terms of deadlines and long hours. Truckers typically get paid by the mile, which is pretty good, but don’t forget that Truckers are away from home 5 – 6 days per week. Maybe this isn’t the most glorious job for many people, but those who enjoy “you” time and don’t mind driving far (I mean really far) distances, then hey why not.

Professional Stuntman

Do you want to live on the edge? Stuntmen are the true faceless heroes we see on TV or in movies. They are the guys that do what the Hollywood actors are too scared (probably) to do. Whether it’s walking through fire, dodging bullets, jumping from high rise buildings, crashing cars, jumping from planes, or any other outrageous stunt performed, to feel that thrill, that automatic heart racing adrenaline becomes addicting. The life of a stuntman is portrayed as cool and bada**, but it’s also dangerous, and at times life threatening. But if you want to feel what it’s like to really feel alive, then I believe this is your calling.

Technicians: Lineman & Power Workers

Line Workers are known to be one of the most dangerous professions due to the unfortunate annual fatalities. Working with electricity is dangerous as is, but imagine working with electricity high above the ground, like from the 80th floor of a building or what about the Linemen who work while dangling out of a helicopter. In addition to being very (very) brave, you also need to know exactly what you are doing, because once you go up it’s not so easy coming down. Technicians do not get as much recognition as they should be. If it weren’t for these courageous men and women there would be no power flowing to stores, hospitals, school, homes, and factories. And let’s thank Technicians for traffic lights, because without traffic lights there would be mayhem on the roads and one to many car crashes.

Police Officers

Talk about people who put their lives on the line for others. While this is truce, Policemen are known as the “bad guys”. They are the least “popular” public official in numerous parts of the world. Because they have the authority to write tickets, give fines, break up a house party, or make you say the alphabet backwards (which is hard to do even when sober),people simply either do not like them or are scared of them. We sadly live in a corrupt world with dangerous people and harmful laws, so it’s actually scary to think what life would be like if Policemen didn’t exist / have the authority that they do. There service should be appreciated greatly.

Skydiving Instructor

A Skydiver Instructor’s job entails a lot more then just jumping out of a plane, falling from great heights, and seeing the world from above. These daredevils need to worry not only about their life, but also about the new jumpers life. Once the jump happens, the instructor becomes responsible for what happens after. On average, there’s one death for every 142,000 jumps. Skydiving Instructors earn around $25 per every class they teach. It’s more of a seasonal job then full-time.

Safari Guide

Lions, tigers, and bear – oh my! But for a Safari Guide wildlife and nature is their life, it’s what they are surrounded by everyday. Being a Safari Guide is tough, terrifying at times, exhausting, and it takes brains. Guides have to know (verbatim) about all of the different types of plants and animal species, drive across rough terrains, and of course are responsible for both their own survival and the survival of the group. In addition to seeing natural wildlife up close and in person, on average Safari Guides make an average of $73,000 per year. So what’s the extreme factor about this job? Well, the animals that guides face are frequently dangerous and sometimes poisonous. However, those guides in charge are trained prior to their venture.

Zoo Keeper

Speaking of professions dealing with animals, Zoo Keepers is another very dangerous job. Zoo keepers must always be on guard, because the last thing they would ever want to do is upset one of the animals. Seriously, one wrong step or move could be the difference between life and death. Handling wild animals, out of their natural habitat, is inevitably dangerous. Actually the most dangerous part, which isn’t so obvious, is tending to the animals meaning cleaning their cage, feeding them, necessary jobs that keep the animal happy and alive.

High-rise Window Cleaner

High-rise Window Cleaners is a job that isn’t really recognized/talked about considering what their job entails. Clearly they are not scared of heights, this we all know. But have you ever thought about all of the different weather conditions they sometimes need to work in? Imagine that there are terrible wind gusts, downpour raining, lightening bolts, literally any type of bad weather condition, and at that high of an altitude, yup very dangerous. If workers are not careful, strong wind drafts could be enough to scarily and sadly take their lives. A fall from such heights and altitudes is pretty much a guaranteed death.

Storm Chaser

Because Storm Chasers deliberately put themselves at risk by pursing severe weather conditions and driving directly, literally directly, right into the eye of the storm makes this job easily one of the most dangerous ones. With all of the terrible tornadoes, hurricanes, and severe storms that have occurred throughout various parts of the United States, and there have been a good handful the past couple of months, destroying everything in their path and leaving terrified residents scared, homeless, and many times very injured. Storm Chasers are the brave souls that are drawn to these deadly spectacles. While there is technology, like radars and other data that allows these chasers to get as close as possible to the tornadoes, but of course technology fails and cannot be 100% reliable. In turn, chaser deaths and accidents are sadly on the rise.

Everest Guide

Out of the 4,000 people who have amazingly climbed the world’s tallest mountain, just over half have successfully made it to the very top. As impressive as this is, which it really is, they usually don’t do it alone. Everest guides can make around $5,000 per season. Due to the devastating avalanche, which killed 13 Nepali mountain guides, mountaineering agencies in Nepal have suspended all climbing activities. This tragedy as also put many guides at fear, being reluctant to return to the mountains aka their second (or first home). In order to dangerously cross over mountains, Climbers use ladders. These ladders are often referred to as a death trap in Everest. Oh, in addition to the dangerous of climbing icing and rocky mountains, guides must also lug along super heavy gear like ropes, oxygen, ladders, etc. I think these guides are half mountain lion or something.

Cave Diver

As magnificently beautiful as it is dangerous. Cave Diver’s risk drowning, decompression sickness, and breathing the wrong has mixture. This is one of the more dangerous forms of exploration on the plant, as it comes with great risks. The chances of getting disoriented or even lost underwater is very high, especially without proper training. But if you are a highly dedicated, adventurous, and brave person, who is infatuated with sea life, then the wait is over and it’s time to discover a whole new world!

Whitewater Rafting Guide

Just like all guides, one of the main responsibilities of a Whitewater Rafting guide is the safety of other people. This job is usually paid per season and of course only in certain locations. Whitewater Rafting guides lead others through the raging large rapids. The intensity of a rapid is very much based on the weather. On a stormy, windy, and rainy day the rapids will be large and dangerous as well. It is required that everyone on the raft wears a life vest, regardless if you’re an Olympic swimmer, due to a rapid collapsing right on the raft. The high adrenaline in this job is very much in tact.

Nascar Driver

To be a Nascar Driver takes more then going to your state’s DMV and getting your driver license. Nascar is a totally different type of driving, one that involves complete focus. With numerous cars racing past you at literally the speed of light, one look away/down from the racetrack could easily put your life to harm or even death. Even if a driver is completely in the zone and focused on the track, he must consider all other racers around him. If one driver goes to fast or makes an immediate turn, BOOM! And well yea, you know what happens next.

Surgeon

The type of danger that is associated with being a Surgeon is much different then Firemen or Whitewater Rafting Guides. The dangers of the job and high pressures contributes to the high pay Surgeons earn. Surgeons typically earn an average salary of $231,550 (2011). Here are just some of a Surgeons precautions: personal health and safety, patient expectations, reliance on hands, and lawsuits. Surgeon’s don’t go through years and years of school, internships, tests/exams, etc. for nothing. Education, patience and practice is key here!

Cattle Muster

In order to be a Cattle Muster you must be licensed as a helicopter pilot. A Cattle Musters job is to herd outback cattle from 10000 acres of open pastures, bushes, rivers, mountains, and hills. Because helicopter pilots must fly so close to ground, nearly grazing the open field, the risk of hitting a cow(s) or crashing to the ground is a very large. Musters must be properly trained, learning how to use the necessary equipment, as well as how to work with cows. The herded cows can be used to breed or sell the calves to other farmers to grow. Dealing with stock in a natural environment who are confined in yards brings an element of danger. Cows are very large and can be unpredictable – it would be scary to have a whole herd coming at you, don’t you think?

Bridge Painters

Picture this: standing (balancing) on a very narrow 700 ft high bridge with very minimal side railings. Keep picturing it, and now incorporate holding a paint can and painting this bridge. Seems to me like a magic trick. But this in fact is the job of a Bridge Painter. This job can only be done after completing and passing a series of tests. I’m not exactly sure what these tests entail, but one has got to be walking on a tight rope. If a Bridge Painter steps back one step too far or slips on wet paint their life could be on the line. Step-by-step, slowly slowly.

Smoke Jumper

Jumping from planes into burning forests to contain the inferno is the job duty of a Storm Jumper. Storm Jumpers are essentially the ultimate Firefighter. According to YourTradeBase, Storm Jumpers have to be totally self-reliant for as many as 72 hours with crazy, very large, flames raging rapidly around you. In addition to the obvious danger of being burned alive, Smoke Jumpers also risk getting severely injured when jumping out of planes. Nonetheless, Storm Jumpers are courageous humans who clearly don’t fear heights or fires.

Live Target

Who doesn’t love a good magic trick? I think majority of us do even the “live target” girl, except I think she enjoys the tricks from a slightly different perspective. Her perspective includes knives, daggers, and anything super sharp coming at her at a very fast pace. The act where someone (the magician) simply throws sharp tools at a board is interesting just by itself, but now add a blindfolded lady who is tied to the board. Ya, this brings the trick to a whole new level. As exciting and impressive as this trick may be, one bad throw and the lady might be injured or even killed. I wonder what the job description is for this? Fear nothing, like knives, love having sharp tools thrown at you? I’m not exactly sure, but all I know is that the Live Target lady deserves the biggest round of applause at the end of the show.