America's Most Dangerous Jobs | Jobsite Safety

Most Dangerous Jobs

Updated on: February 9, 2026 1 MINUTE READ Published on: Feb 03, 2023

Deaths on the job are at their highest level since 2008, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Get a quick break down of the top 10 most dangerous occupations and understand the common causes for fatalities, fatal injury rate rankings, and average salaries.

AMERICA’S MOST DANGEROUS JOBS

Infographic Transcription

According to the BLS, here are the top 10 most dangerous professions with the highest fatal injury rates in 2019.

1. FISHING & HUNTING WORKERS
DEATHS PER 100,000 WORKERS: 145.0
• Total injuries: 44 fatal injuries, 50 nonfatal injuries
• Most common cause of fatal injuries: Transportation incidents
• Total employment: N/A
MEDIAN SALARY: N/A

2. LOGGING WORKERS
DEATHS PER 100,000 WORKERS: 68.9
• Total injuries: 46 fatal injuries, 930 nonfatal injuries
• Most common cause of fatal injuries: Contact with objects and equipment
• Total employment: 37,960
MEDIAN SALARY: $41,230

3. AIRCRAFT PILOTS/FLIGHT ENGINEERS
DEATHS PER 100,000 WORKERS: 61.8
• Total injuries: 85 fatal injuries, 440 nonfatal injuries
• Most common cause of fatal injuries: N/A
• Total employment: 122,350
MEDIAN SALARY: $121,430

4. ROOFERS
DEATHS PER 100,000 WORKERS: 54
• Total injuries: 111 fatal injuries, 3,850 nonfatal injuries
• Most common cause of fatal injuries: Falls, slips, trips
• Total employment: 129,690
MEDIAN SALARY: $42,100

5. HELPERS, CONSTRUCTION TRADES
DEATHS PER 100,000 WORKERS: 40
• Total injuries: 20 fatal injuries, 2,770 nonfatal injuries
• Most common cause of fatal injuries: Falls, slips, trips
• Total employment: 242,400
MEDIAN SALARY: $32,720

6. REFUSE & RECYCLABLE MATERIAL COLLECTORS
DEATHS PER 100,000 WORKERS: 35.2
• Total injuries: 31 fatal injuries, 1,840 nonfatal injuries
• Most common cause of fatal injuries: Transportation incidents
• Total employment: 121,330
MEDIAN SALARY: $37,840

7. DRIVER/SALES WORKERS & TRUCK DRIVERS
DEATHS PER 100,000 WORKERS: 26.8
• Total injuries: 1,005 fatal injuries, 79,040 nonfatal injuries
• Most common cause of fatal injuries: Transportation incidents
• Total employment: 3,223,840
MEDIAN SALARY: $40,310

8. STRUCTURAL IRON & STEEL WORKERS
DEATHS PER 100,000 WORKERS: 26.3
• Total injuries: 18 fatal injuries, 1,070 nonfatal injuries
• Most common cause of fatal injuries: Falls, slips, trips
• Total employment: 76,570
MEDIAN SALARY: $55,040

9. FARMERS/RANCHERS & OTHER AGRICULTURAL MANAGERS
DEATHS PER 100,000 WORKERS: 23.2
• Total injuries: 238 fatal injuries, 400 nonfatal injuries
• Most common cause of fatal injuries: Transportation incidents
• Total employment: 5,060
MEDIAN SALARY: $71,160

10. GROUNDS MAINTENANCE WORKERS DEATHS PER 100,000 WORKERS: 19.8
• Total injuries: 229 fatal injuries, 13,770 nonfatal injuries
• Most common cause of fatal injuries: Transportation incidents sustained while traveling or by being struck by vehicles.
• Total employment: 999,960
MEDIAN SALARY: $30,890

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