Some careers come with serious risks—but which ones are the most dangerous? In this article, we’re breaking down the most dangerous jobs in America and the latest injury and death rates behind them.
We’ll reveal which high-risk occupations have the highest death rates, how many workers are injured every year, and what those numbers actually mean.
If you’ve been injured at work, Pearson Koutcher Law will fight for the compensation you’re entitled to. Our workers’ comp lawyers will hold your employer accountable and help you get the medical care and income support you need to recover. Call us today to discuss your case in a free consultation.
These are the 10 most dangerous jobs in America, based on the latest fatal injury rates and total deaths reported in 2018:
|
Job Title |
Fatal Injury Rate (per 100,000 workers) |
Total Deaths (2018) |
|
Logging workers |
111 |
56 |
|
Aircraft pilots and flight engineers |
53 |
70 |
|
Derrick operators in oil, gas, and mining |
46 |
20 |
|
Roofers |
41 |
96 |
|
Garbage collectors |
34 |
37 |
|
Ironworkers |
29 |
15 |
|
Delivery drivers (driver/sales workers & truckers) |
27 |
966 |
|
Farmers, ranchers, and ag managers |
26 |
257 |
|
Firefighting supervisors |
20 |
14 |
|
Power linemen |
20 |
29 |
On average, 14 workers lose their lives every day due to workplace accidents in the United States. That amounts to more than 5,000 work-related deaths each year, many of which are preventable. Leading causes include falls, transportation incidents, and contact with dangerous machinery, highlighting the urgent need for better safety protocols across various industries.
The construction industry remains one of the most dangerous sectors in the U.S., with 1,069 reported worker fatalities and a fatal injury rate of 9.6 per 100,000 workers. That’s nearly three times the national average. Falls from heights, struck-by-object incidents, and equipment accidents are among the leading causes of death in this field.
In 2021, there were 169,200 recorded injuries in construction, accounting for nearly half of all injuries in goods-producing industries. While not always fatal, these incidents often result in long-term disabilities, lost wages, and extended recovery times for workers.
Truck drivers accounted for 30.4% of all workplace fatalities in 2022, underscoring the dangers of the transportation and delivery sector. Long hours behind the wheel, tight delivery schedules, and roadway hazards contribute to a higher risk of deadly vehicle crashes and fatigue-related incidents.
If you’ve been injured on the job, Pearson Koutcher Law is ready to fight for you. Our workers’ comp lawyers will file your claim, handle insurance negotiations, and work to secure the benefits you deserve.
Call us today to schedule a free consultation and get the compensation you’re entitled to.
Benita Mehta. “Top 25 most dangerous jobs in the United States.” ISHN. https://www.ishn.com/articles/112748-top-25-most-dangerous-jobs-in-the-united-states
OSHA. “Commonly Used Statistics.” https://www.osha.gov/data/commonstats
US Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Civilian occupations with high fatal work injury rates.” https://www.bls.gov/charts/census-of-fatal-occupational-injuries/civilian-occupations-with-high-fatal-work-injury-rates.htm
Bryan Robinson, Ph.D. “10 Most Dangerous U.S. Careers Heading Into 2025, Study Reveals.” December 3, 2024. https://www.forbes.com/sites/bryanrobinson/2024/12/03/10-most-dangerous-us-careers-heading-into-2025-alarming-study-reveals/
NSC Injury Facts. “Industry Incidence and Rates.” https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/work/industry-incidence-rates/most-dangerous-industries/