25 Most Dangerous Jobs in America

Electrical power-line installers and repairers are well compensated for their work, with a median annual wage of more than $69,000. The work is physically demanding, however, and exceptionally dangerous. Those in this line of work must deal with high voltage power lines, often at great heights. Therefore, both live wires and risk of falling are common hazards.

Grounds maintenance work is one of the most dangerous jobs in the United States and frequently requires the use of powerful machinery, such as chainsaws, tractors, and lawnmowers. As a result, the most common cause of death on the job is unintended contact with objects and equipment. Tree trimming and pruning, which can take place at elevated heights, are also activities that may result in injury.

A large portion of fatal injuries among farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers result from incidents involving motorized vehicles. Tractors, tools, and other farm machinery also pose safety liabilities. The job is one of the few in which there were more fatal injuries than nonfatal in 2017. A surprising 58.9% of injuries resulted in death.

Most of the driver/sales workers and truck drivers are delivery drivers who spend much of their time on the road in both light and heavy trucks. Not surprisingly, the most common types of accidents to result in fatal injury are transportation-related, such as motor vehicle accidents. Many of these workers must also lift and move heavy objects, which can cause injury.

While just over 1% of total injuries sustained by structural iron and steel workers are fatal, the sheer number of injuries suffered while working cause it to be one of the nation’s most dangerous jobs. These workers are often required to perform at great heights as they install and repair iron and steel on buildings, bridges, and roads. Because of this, a fall, slip, or trip can be uncommonly dangerous and at times deadly.