The Most Dangerous Jobs in America
For most Americans, the biggest threat to their health while working is sitting eight hours per day, five days a week; prolonged periods of sitting are bad for circulation, and the lack of activity contributes to heart disease. However, the majority of working Americans do not face life-threatening accidents at work every day. On the other hand, several workers put their lives in danger daily while on the job.
In 2018, a census revealed the 25 most dangerous jobs with the highest rate of fatal occupational injuries. Coming in at number one, logging ranked highest on the list. The occupation documents a fatal injury rate of 111 per 100,000 workers. Roofers, truck drivers, fishers, and farmers are also on the list, along with several others.
25 Jobs with the Highest Fatal Injuries per 100,000 Workers in 2018
- Logging Workers: 111 fatal injury rate per 100,000 workers, with a total of 56 deaths.
- Aircraft Pilots and Flight Engineers: 53 fatal injury rate per 100,000 workers, with a total of 70 deaths.
- Derrick Operators in Oil, Gas, and Mining: 46 fatal injury rate per 100,000 workers, with a total of 20 deaths.
- Roofers: 41 fatal injury rate per 100,000 workers, with a total of 96 deaths.
- Garbage Collectors: 34 fatal injury rate per 100,000 workers, with a total of 37 deaths.
- Iron Workers: 29 fatal injury rate per 100,000 workers, with a total of 15 deaths.
- Delivery Drivers: 27 fatal injury rate per 100,000 workers, with a total of 966 deaths.
- Farmers: 26 fatal injury rate per 100,000 workers, with a total of 257 deaths.
- Firefighting Supervisors: 20 fatal injury rate per 100,000 workers, with a total of 14 deaths.
- Power Linemen: 20 fatal injury rate per 100,000 workers, with a total of 29 deaths.
- Agricultural Workers: 20 fatal injury rate per 100,000 workers, with a total of 157 deaths.
- Crossing Guards: 19 fatal injury rate per 100,000 workers, with a total of 14 deaths.
- Crane Operators: 19 fatal injury rate per 100,000 workers, with a total of 9 deaths.
- Construction Helpers: 18 fatal injury rate per 100,000 workers, with a total of 11 deaths.
- Landscaping Supervisors: 18 fatal injury rate per 100,000 workers, with a total of 48 deaths.
- Highway Maintenance Workers: 14 fatal injury rate per 100,000 workers, with a total of 14 deaths.
- Cement Masons: 17 fatal injury rate per 100,000 workers, with a total of 11 deaths.
- Small Engine Mechanics: 15 fatal injury rate per 100,000 workers, with a total of 8 deaths.
- Supervisors of Mechanics: 15 fatal injury rate per 100,000 workers, with a total of 46 deaths.
- Heavy Vehicle Mechanics: 14 fatal injury rate per 100,000 workers, with a total of 27 deaths.
- Grounds Maintenance Workers: 14 fatal injury rate per 100,000 workers, with a total of 225 deaths.
- Police Officers: 14 fatal injury rate per 100,000 workers, with a total of 108 deaths.
- Maintenance Workers: 14 fatal injury rate per 100,000 workers, with a total of 64 deaths.
- Construction Workers: 13 fatal injury rate per 100,000 workers, with a total of 259 deaths.
- Mining Machine Operators: 11 fatal injury rate per 100,000 workers, with a total of 9 deaths.
Why Life Insurance Matters for High-Risk Jobs
If you or someone you love works in any of these high-risk occupations, having life insurance coverage is essential. While these jobs are scary for the individual performing them, they are equally terrifying for the families and loved ones who will be financially impacted should the worst happen. Fortunately, with a life insurance plan, your family can receive peace of mind and financial protection to help cover funeral costs, mortgage payments, and daily living expenses for those left behind. For those in these fields, life insurance is a wise choice and a vital part of planning for the future.
Another insurance policy you should consider if you have a hazardous career is disability income insurance. This coverage will ensure that you do not lose income during your convalescence.
Life Insurance Questions?
We hope that this information on the most dangerous jobs in America is useful to you.
If you’d like to learn how we can help you plan your retirement, call Empower Brokerage at (888) 539-1633 to speak to one of our Life and Annuity experts or leave a comment down below.
Get affordable life insurance quotes by clicking here.
See our other websites:
This article was updated on June 6, 2025.