5 Terrifying Jobs That Pay Well

With Halloween fast approaching, it’s the perfect time to dive headfirst into a spine-tingling topic: scary jobs! There are real-life professionals out there who face terrifying and dangerous situations every day, so if that sounds like your thing, these jobs will be right up your alley—they require a unique blend of courage, specialized skills, and in many cases, a strong stomach. Now, without any further ado, let’s check out some truly frightening careers.

Forensic Entomologist

Forensic Entomologists are tasked with studying insects and their life cycles to assist in criminal investigations—especially those involving…gulp…human remains. While this job isn’t physically dangerous, it’s certainly not for the squeamish, and forensic entomologists often have strong stomachs to handle the grotesque nature of their work. That said, their expertise can be critical in solving cases, making this both a creepy and highly impactful profession.

Aside from the aforementioned strong stomach, the best forensic entomologists are analytical thinkers with strong observation and communication skills. If this role is of interest to you, work towards getting a bachelor’s degree in biology, entomology, or forensic science. For advanced positions, employers may prefer candidates who possess a master’s degree, so keep that in mind as you navigate your studies. As a forensic entomologist you can expect to make anywhere between $50,000 and $129,000 per year.

Storm Chaser/Meteorologist

Storm chasers and meteorologists who track dangerous weather phenomena such as tornados and hurricanes literally put themselves in the path of danger. While it’s their job to collect data that can improve weather predictions and save lives, it often requires driving toward the very storms that everyone else is fleeing! Chasing violent weather patterns means braving harsh conditions, flying debris, and the possibility of injury or even death. It’s a career that attracts thrill-seekers, but it also requires advanced knowledge of meteorology.

Storm chasers are physically fit individuals who are great at assessing risk, and who have excellent analytical skills. They’re often forced to make quick decisions, so you’ll have to be able to think on your feet. To get into this career, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in meteorology or atmospheric science. In this role, you’ll be making anywhere from $40,000 and $150,000 a year.

Body Farm Researcher

Body farm researchers work in a controlled environment where human bodies are left to decompose in various conditions, allowing scientists to study decomposition processes. This research helps forensic experts gather vital information while investigating criminal cases. This is certainly an unnerving career, and it may take a mental and emotional toll on some individuals.

Patient individuals who love to work independently and who have strong observational and analytical skills make the best body farm researchers. To get started in this career, get yourself a bachelor’s or master’s degree in forensic anthropology, biology, or a related field. As a body farm researcher, you can expect to make anywhere between $45,000 and $125,000 per year.

Wildlife Veterinarian (Specializing in Large Predators)

Wildlife veterinarians who work with large predators, such as lions, tigers, and bears (oh my!), face the constant danger or handling unpredictable animals. These professionals often work in wildlife reserves, zoos, or out in the field, treating and rehabilitating animals that are capable of serious harm. In addition to medical expertise, wildlife vets have the ability to remain calm when dealing with potentially life-threatening situations.

Emotional resilient individuals who pay close attention to detail make excellent wildlife veterinarians. Those who are interested in this career should seek to obtain a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, along with specialized training in dealing with exotic animals. In this role, you can make anywhere between $60,000 and $120,000 per year.

Volcanologist

Volcanologists study active and dormant volcanoes, often conducting fieldwork in dangerous environments near volcanic activity. Monitoring volcanoes for potential eruptions requires a deep understanding of geological processes and a willingness to get up close with one of nature’s most destructive forces. The risk of eruptions, exposure to toxic gases, and dealing with extreme temperatures makes this job one of the most thrilling (and scary) in the field of earth sciences.

Like a lot of other careers on this list, being a volcanologist requires you to have strong risk assessment skills, along with the ability to think analytically and research thoroughly. To start a career as a volcanologist, you’ll need to get yourself a bachelor’s or master’s degree in geology, earth science, or a related field. In this role, you’ll be making between $55,000 and $160,000 per year.

While these jobs are among the scariest out there, they each come with a unique sense of fulfillment. The risks are high, but you’ll be saving lives, solving crimes, and perhaps conquering your own fears, all while making a nice paycheck. Just remember, even these scary, high-risk professions still require the right mix of training, soft skills, and a passion for the work.