The data is in – These are the 25 most dangerous jobs in America

Some jobs come with real risk. To keep this list clean and fair, we ranked occupations by their most recently available (2023) fatal work injury rates (deaths per 100,000 workers) from the BLS. To add everyday context, we show typical nonfatal injury rates for the closest private-industry sector, based on BLS 2023 injury and illness tables (total recordable cases per 100 workers). A few jobs span many industries; for those, the sector rate is a practical proxy. You can find our full range of data sources and methodology below. And we also dug into the typical salaries for these most dangerous jobs in America.

25. Carpenters

• Job category: Construction and Extraction
• Fatalities per 100,000 workers: 7.2
• Nonfatal injuries (sector TRC): 2.3 per 100 workers

Carpentry mixes height, power tools, and changing weather. Falls from ladders and unfinished framing are common risks, and saws or nail guns add another layer. Tight schedules can push crews to hurry, which raises the odds of slips and cuts. Training, jobsite housekeeping, and proper fall protection keep risk in check.

Many carpenters move between residential and commercial sites. Workloads swell during booms and slow in winter, so fatigue and seasonal extremes matter. Good crews plan lift points, stage materials smartly, and rotate tasks to reduce repetitive strain.

Average carpenter salary: $59,310

24. Electricians

• Job category: Construction and Extraction
• Fatalities per 100,000 workers: 7.6
• Nonfatal injuries (sector TRC): 2.3 per 100 workers

Electrical work adds shock, arc flash, and confined-space hazards to the usual jobsite risks. Installers may crawl attics or rafters, then move to energized panels. Clear lockout/tagout steps and testing before touch are the basics that prevent tragedies.

Much of the danger shows up during service calls and remodels, where older wiring and cramped boxes make mistakes easier. Crews that label circuits, use insulated tools, and keep PPE handy cut exposure dramatically.

Average electrician salary: $62,350

23. Bus & Truck Mechanics (Diesel Technicians)

• Job category: Installation, Maintenance, and Repair
• Fatalities per 100,000 workers: 7.8
• Nonfatal injuries (sector TRC): 4.5 per 100 workers (transportation & warehousing)

Heavy vehicles mean heavy components. Crushing and struck-by incidents happen when jacks, stands, or hoists are used poorly. Diesel exhaust, solvents, and noise add long-term health risks. Shops with strict lockout, ventilation, and lifting procedures see fewer injuries.

Mobile techs face extra hazards on roadsides and yards where visibility is low. Cones, lighting, and spotters help, along with torque checks and wheel-chock discipline before anyone climbs under a rig.

Average diesel technician salary: $60,640

22. Telecommunications Line Installers & Repairers

• Job category: Installation, Maintenance, and Repair
• Fatalities per 100,000 workers: 8.0
• Nonfatal injuries (sector TRC): 1.0 per 100 workers (information)

Working aloft around traffic and power distribution creates a tricky mix. Even when lines are low voltage, the fall risk isn’t. Weather swings, bucket-truck positioning, and roadside motorists all influence safety. Crews that plan set-ups and use spotters reduce surprises.

Underground fiber brings trenching, boring, and utility-strike hazards. Locates, test pits, and shoring keep jobs uneventful. Attention to fatigue on long restoration shifts matters after storms.

Average telecom technician salary: $64,310

21. Painters, Construction & Maintenance

• Job category: Construction and Extraction
• Fatalities per 100,000 workers: 9.4
• Nonfatal injuries (sector TRC): 2.3 per 100 workers

Most painting injuries come from falls, even on “quick” touch-ups. Open edges, skylights, and ladders are common traps. Respiratory exposures show up too, especially in enclosed spaces without ventilation.

Safer shops schedule ladder work conservatively, use scaffolds with guardrails, and pick low-VOC products for interiors. Masking and rolling beats over-spraying in tight rooms, and fit-tested respirators protect when spraying is required.

Average painter salary: $48,660

20. Maintenance & Repair Workers, General

• Job category: Installation, Maintenance, and Repair
• Fatalities per 100,000 workers: 11.2
• Nonfatal injuries (sector TRC): 1.7 per 100 workers (other services)

Generalists tackle whatever breaks: electrical, plumbing, HVAC, doors, docks. That variety brings changeable hazards and the risk of working alone. Simple habits like de-energizing equipment, using spotters, and documenting permits make a big difference.

Older buildings add hidden dangers such as brittle conductors, asbestos, or unstable ladders. A short pause to verify isolation and anchorage saves fingers and falls.

Average maintenance worker salary: $63,510

19. Police Officers

• Job category: Protective Service
• Fatalities per 100,000 workers: 11.3
• Nonfatal injuries (sector TRC): 2.7 per 100 workers (all industries incl. government; proxy)

Vehicle crashes, roadside stops, and assaults dominate the risk picture. Night shifts and high-speed response add fatigue and visibility issues. Defensive driving and scene control are as important as body armor.

Training that emphasizes de-escalation, traffic control, and seat-belt use reduces the big causes. Agencies also focus on wellness and sleep hygiene to manage long-term strain.

Average police officer salary: $73,430

18. Construction Equipment Operators

• Job category: Construction and Extraction
• Fatalities per 100,000 workers: 11.8
• Nonfatal injuries (sector TRC): 2.3 per 100 workers

Rollovers, blind spots, and ground failure are the big three. Spotters, berms, and seat belts prevent most tragedies. Daily walk-arounds catch leaks or cracked pins before they cause a tip or loss of control.

Busy mixed sites need traffic plans and radio discipline. Assigning a single signaler and keeping pedestrians out of swing radius keeps everyone honest.

Average construction equipment operator salary: $58,320

17. First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping & Groundskeeping

• Job category: Building and Grounds Cleaning & Maintenance (Supervisors)
• Fatalities per 100,000 workers: 13.9
• Nonfatal injuries (sector TRC): 1.8 per 100 workers (admin & support/waste services)

Supervisors spend time between crews and traffic. Mower rollovers, chain-saw work, and heat illness are steady threats. Good firms schedule heavy work for cooler hours and rotate tasks to reduce fatigue.

Roadside landscaping needs cones, arrow boards, and a trained look-out. Chainsaw PPE and tailgate talks before storm cleanups cut lacerations and kickback injuries.

Average grounds supervisor salary: $69,570

16. Underground Mining Machine Operators

• Job category: Extraction (Mining)
• Fatalities per 100,000 workers: 13.9
• Nonfatal injuries (sector TRC): 1.3 per 100 workers (mining, quarrying, oil & gas)

Confined spaces, roof falls, and heavy equipment make underground work unforgiving. Gas monitoring, roof bolting, and strict travel-way controls are non-negotiable. Training and culture matter most when visibility drops and alarms sound.

Modern mines use proximity detection and better ventilation to reduce collisions and exposure. Still, short cuts in lockout or haul-road rules can turn a routine shift into an emergency.

Average mining machine operator salary: $68,910

15. Construction Laborers

• Job category: Construction and Extraction
• Fatalities per 100,000 workers: 15.4
• Nonfatal injuries (sector TRC): 2.3 per 100 workers

Laborers handle lifting, demo, and the messy in-between tasks where hazards are easy to miss. Cuts, strains, and being struck by materials are common. Crews that stage loads smartly and use carts or lifts keep backs and toes intact.

Fall exposures creep in during decking and cleanup. Guardrails, covers, and daily housekeeping make jobs run smoother and safer.

Average construction laborer salary: $46,050

14. First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades & Extraction

• Job category: Construction and Extraction (Supervisors)
• Fatalities per 100,000 workers: 15.4
• Nonfatal injuries (sector TRC): 2.3 per 100 workers

Supervisors spend their day solving problems at edges, openings, and lifts. They’re often first into new areas and last to leave, which increases exposure. Pre-task plans and enforcing fall protection rules prevent many serious events.

Good leads set pace without rushing and insist on clear communication between trades. When cranes, trucks, and scaffolds overlap, a single controlling voice prevents chaos.

Average supervisor salary: $76,760

13. Electrical Power-Line Installers & Repairers

• Job category: Installation, Maintenance, and Repair
• Fatalities per 100,000 workers: 18.4
• Nonfatal injuries (sector TRC): 1.8 per 100 workers (utilities)

High voltage, height, and weather stack the deck. Storm calls add long shifts, low light, and unstable footing. Crews that respect minimum approach distances and use insulated tools lower the risk of arc and shock.

Utilities invest in bucket rescue drills and energized-work permits to keep crews honest. Fall-protection requirements in construction are clear, and they apply on poles and towers too; OSHA’s fall protection overview outlines the key thresholds.

Average line worker salary: $92,560

12. First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers & Repairers

• Job category: Installation, Maintenance, and Repair (Supervisors)
• Fatalities per 100,000 workers: 18.7
• Nonfatal injuries (sector TRC): 1.7 per 100 workers (other services)

Supervisors juggle hot work, energized gear, and multiple trades in tight spaces. They often troubleshoot alongside techs, which exposes them to the same shocks, crush points, and fumes.

Clear permits and isolation plans reduce risk. The best shops insist on job briefings before any lock is cut or panel opened.

Average supervisor salary: $77,130

11. Farmers, Ranchers & Agricultural Managers

• Job category: Management
• Fatalities per 100,000 workers: 19.0
• Nonfatal injuries (sector TRC): 4.2 per 100 workers (agriculture/forestry/fishing/hunting)

Tractors, PTOs, and livestock create year-round hazards. Rollovers remain a top killer on small farms, while large operations manage traffic, chemicals, and shift fatigue.

Rollover-protective structures, guards, and lockable storage for pesticides are simple, proven defenses. Planning during harvest, when hours are longest, keeps judgment sharp.

Average agricultural manager salary: $87,980

10. Structural Iron & Steel Workers

• Job category: Construction and Extraction
• Fatalities per 100,000 workers: 19.8
• Nonfatal injuries (sector TRC): 2.3 per 100 workers

Connecting steel at height is some of the most exposed work in construction. Open edges, wind, heavy picks, and shifting loads create constant fall and struck-by risk. Rigging checks and 100% tie-off are the guardrails between routine and tragedy.

Weather plans matter. When gusts pick up, smart foremen pause critical picks rather than push through.

Average ironworker salary: $62,700

9. Agricultural Workers

• Job category: Farming, Fishing, and Forestry
• Fatalities per 100,000 workers: 20.2
• Nonfatal injuries (sector TRC): 4.2 per 100 workers

Field labor mixes heat, repetitive motion, and machinery. Cuts, sprains, and vehicle incidents are common. Shade, water, and rest cycles reduce heat stress, while training around tractors and ATVs cuts severe cases.

Short seasons and high turnover make consistent training tough. Simple, picture-based briefings help new crews pick up safe habits quickly.

Average agricultural worker salary: $35,980

8. Grounds Maintenance Workers

• Job category: Building and Grounds Cleaning & Maintenance
• Fatalities per 100,000 workers: 20.5
• Nonfatal injuries (sector TRC): 1.8 per 100 workers (admin & support/waste services)

Mowers, trimmers, and chainsaws cause most injuries. Heat, noise, and traffic round out the list. PPE, hydration, and jobsite cones are simple defenses that pay off daily.

Storm cleanups raise risks from downed limbs and hidden power lines. Crews that stage tool checks and assign a lookout handle those days with fewer surprises.

Average grounds maintenance salary: $38,480

7. Driver/Sales Workers & Truck Drivers

• Job category: Transportation and Material Moving
• Fatalities per 100,000 workers: 26.8
• Nonfatal injuries (sector TRC): 4.5 per 100 workers (transportation & warehousing)

Road exposure drives the risk here. Long hours and tight delivery windows add fatigue. Crash data for large trucks underscore the stakes; FMCSA’s recurring crash facts series tracks the toll.

Seat belts, speed discipline, and smart trip planning still save the most lives. Lift-gate training and three-point contact prevent sprains during loading.

Average heavy truck driver salary: $57,440

6. Helpers, Construction Trades

• Job category: Construction and Extraction
• Fatalities per 100,000 workers: 27.4
• Nonfatal injuries (sector TRC): 2.3 per 100 workers

Newer workers often handle hauling, cutting, and cleanup. That puts them near sharp edges and moving loads. Mentorship and task rotation lower the learning-curve risk.

Simple rules, like wearing gloves, eye protection, and hearing protection, catch many first-year injuries before they happen. Good crews keep helpers away from live edges and out from under loads.

Average construction helper salary: $46,050

5. Aircraft Pilots & Flight Engineers

• Job category: Transportation
• Fatalities per 100,000 workers: 31.3
• Nonfatal injuries (sector TRC): 4.5 per 100 workers (transportation & warehousing)

Hazards differ by segment. Scheduled carriers focus on crew resource management and fatigue. General aviation and charter flights face weather, maintenance, and runway challenges. Adherence to checklists is non-negotiable across the board.

Recent investments in training and avionics help, but decision-making under pressure remains the core safety skill. Conservative go/no-go calls keep pilots and passengers alive.

Average pilot salary: $226,600

4. Refuse & Recyclable Material Collectors

• Job category: Transportation and Material Moving
• Fatalities per 100,000 workers: 41.4
• Nonfatal injuries (sector TRC): 1.8 per 100 workers (admin & support/waste services)

Working inches from traffic on slick streets is risky. Hops on and off moving trucks lead to falls and roll-under incidents. Routes with better lighting, strict stop-and-secure steps, and backup cameras reduce harm.

Collection crews that communicate clearly with drivers and avoid riding the step when turning cut the worst outcomes. Sharps and chemical exposures are managed with proper container rules and gloves.

Average refuse collector salary: $45,760

3. Roofers

• Job category: Construction and Extraction
• Fatalities per 100,000 workers: 51.8
• Nonfatal injuries (sector TRC): 2.3 per 100 workers

Unprotected edges and skylights are unforgiving. Heat stress and carrying bundles on steep slopes add to the danger. OSHA’s construction rules make fall protection clear; see the agency’s duty to have fall protection for the baseline.

Companies that plan anchor points, use guardrails or personal fall arrest, and protect openings see far fewer tragedies. Cooler start times and frequent breaks help during summer tear-offs.

Average roofer salary: $50,970

2. Fishing & Hunting Workers

• Job category: Farming, Fishing, and Forestry
• Fatalities per 100,000 workers: 86.9
• Nonfatal injuries (sector TRC): 4.2 per 100 workers (agriculture/forestry/fishing/hunting)

Cold water, heavy gear, and remote locations stack risks quickly. Weather shifts, winch entanglements, and fatigue are constant threats. NIOSH has long flagged logging and fishing as high-risk; its work on hazard controls and training is a useful guide for operators and crews.

Programs that reinforce rest, PFD use on deck, and lockout on hydraulic gear reduce injuries. Reliable comms and abandon-ship drills matter when rescue is hours away.

Average fishing/hunting worker salary: $28,530

1. Logging Workers

• Job category: Farming, Fishing, and Forestry
• Fatalities per 100,000 workers: 98.9
• Nonfatal injuries (sector TRC): 4.2 per 100 workers (agriculture/forestry/fishing/hunting)

Felling and moving timber combines heavy machines, slopes, and unpredictable forces in the wood. Chain-saw kickback, struck-by limbs, and rollovers are the classic killers. Safety programs emphasize planning each cut, maintaining escape paths, and using machines to keep people out of danger zones.

Modern mechanized harvesting has reduced manual exposure, but it hasn’t erased risk. NIOSH’s guidance for loggers outlines the controls that work in the field.

Average logging worker salary: $49,540

Methodology

We ranked occupations using 2023 fatality rates from the BLS Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (deaths per 100,000 workers). See the BLS chart “civilian occupations with high fatal work injury rates” for the underlying rates and definitions. For nonfatal context we list the nearest private-industry sector’s 2023 total recordable case rate (TRC) from BLS injury and illness summary tables (cases per 100 full-time workers). Where an occupation spans multiple industries (or largely public employment), we use the closest available proxy and note it. Salary lines show the most recent BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook or OEWS figures available for the specific occupation. For road-transport risk context we reviewed FMCSA’s Large Truck and Bus Crash Facts. For fall and line-work controls, see OSHA’s fall protection overview. For logging and forestry risk background, consult NIOSH’s program resources for agriculture, forestry, and fishing.