If you’ve been in the job market at any point in your life, you know that not all jobs are created equal. Some come with a nice office view and even nicer pay. Others might be just enough to pay the bills. Then, there are those so-called “dirty jobs.” In some cases, these “dirty jobs” pay really well. So, let’s take a look at eight quality jobs with great pay that most people would refuse to do.
1. Wax Specialist
A lot about the beauty industry might seem glamorous, but there are jobs within the industry that are less so. Case in point: wax specialist. It’s one of those jobs that not many people are clamoring to do. The role involves detailed hair removal, which requires precision. It is also intimate and it can be uncomfortable at times, even downright gross. Despite its challenging nature, the position pays well, with salaries in the United States averaging around $76,465 per year.
2. Garbage Collector
Being the trash collector isn’t the most exciting or high-profile job, but it is a necessary role in society. Without these individuals, we’d potentially be wallowing in our own filth and garbage. With such importance, you’d expect them to make good money. In most cases, they do. The estimated total pay for a garbage collector is about $54,624, including salary and bonuses.
3. Portable Toilet Cleaner
Port-a-potties aren’t anyone’s favorite place to sit and use the restroom, but they are necessary at outdoor events and other public spaces. Because portable toilets exist, portable toilet cleaners are a thing too. Average salaries for these individuals hover around $30,785 per year but could be as much as $100,000 per year, depending on the employer and how busy you are. It’s definitely not a job many people would seek out, but it is a position that pays fairly well.
4. Sewer Inspector
If you think portable toilet cleaners have a tough job, sewer inspectors operate on an even larger and more critical scale. These workers maintain all of the public sewers in the country. They deal with sewers and encounter human excrement in the process, all in the name of preventing sewage overflows and leaks to keep our cities clean. Sewer inspection is one of the highest-paying blue-collar jobs in the environmental management field, with an average annual salary of $43,278, with top earners making more than $83K.
5. Power-Line Installer
With approximately 240,000 miles of high-voltage transmission lines across the country, the role of power-line installers cannot be underestimated. While there isn’t anything inherently “dirty” about this job, you will be working outside in all kinds of weather. You’ll also have to work at heights many people would be uncomfortable with. That said, you’ll also make decent money. The average salary for a Power Line Installer is $85,420 per year. Entry-level workers who hold this job title can expect to start out around $46,200 per year, while more senior employees can earn up to $107,110 per year.
6. Colorectal Surgeon
People in the medical field have tough jobs, but there is one that stands out as particularly rough: colorectal surgeon or proctologist. These individuals deal with the health of the human digestive tract, which can include the colon, rectum, and anus. Colorectal surgeons and proctologists can help people identify certain cancers, treat digestive issues, and more. Financially, this “dirty job” pays off though. The average salary in the U.S. for a colorectal surgeon is $248,571 per year, with some salaries reaching $400K+.
7. Crime Scene Cleaner
Crime scene cleaners, also known as hazardous materials remover workers, are definitely not jobs many people would set their sights on initially. They are tasked with cleaning up crime scenes and typically work with the local police department. Tackling crime scenes can be a huge challenge and they often see things that no one ever wants to see. That said, people in this field earn decent money. The average salary for a crime scene cleaner is about $49,142 per year, with some salaries being as high as $78,000.
8. Mortician
Facing mortality is just part of life, but many people don’t want to do it every day as a part of their job. However, morticians do just that by preparing the bodies of people who have passed away for burial or cremation. It is an essential but unpleasant job. These individuals earn an average of $51,850 annually, with some morticians breaking $71K per year.
Overcoming Job Stigma
There are a number of “dirty jobs” out there that most people wouldn’t want to do, but many of them pay well. From waxing to preparing the dead, these jobs are often overlooked but are essential for everyday life. You might not consider any of these positions to be “nice” jobs, but they are important and their salaries reflect that. They may be unconventional, but to a certain degree, they are fulfilling and capable of providing workers with financial stability.