Texas is known for its booming economy and diverse job market, but not all high-paying positions come with the perks of luxury offices or flexible schedules.
Some of the best-paying jobs in the state are often considered undesirable due to the nature of the work, long hours, or difficult working conditions. While these positions might not be glamorous, they offer solid salaries and can be a great way to build wealth or kick-start a career.
If you can handle the challenges, these jobs could be the key to a lucrative future.
Here are 7 jobs in Texas that pay well but are often avoided:
1. Oil Rig Worker
Texas is a hub for the oil and gas industry, and working on an oil rig is one of the highest-paying, yet most physically demanding and dangerous jobs in the state. These workers are often required to spend weeks at a time on offshore rigs or remote locations, away from family and friends, while performing physically strenuous labor.
Why it’s avoided: The long hours, isolation, exposure to hazardous environments, and physically demanding nature of the work are major deterrents. The job is also associated with a high risk of injury due to the heavy machinery and volatile materials involved.
Average Salary: $60,000 – $100,000+ annually, depending on experience and location.
2. Trash Collector
Collecting garbage may not be glamorous, but it is a crucial part of keeping Texas’ cities clean. Trash collectors work in all weather conditions, often lifting heavy loads and dealing with unsanitary materials. The job can be physically taxing and requires employees to start early in the morning.
Why it’s avoided: The work can be dirty and unpleasant, with exposure to foul odors, waste, and sometimes hazardous materials. Early mornings and long shifts can also contribute to job dissatisfaction.
Average Salary: $35,000 – $50,000 annually.
3. Sewer Technician
Sewer technicians maintain and repair the vast network of pipes that carry wastewater and sewage. In Texas, especially in larger cities, there is a constant need for these workers to ensure that sewer systems are functioning properly. It’s a job that demands technical skills, physical labor, and often dealing with unpleasant and hazardous conditions.
Why it’s avoided: The nature of the work is dirty, and sewer technicians are frequently exposed to unsanitary environments, odors, and potentially dangerous chemicals. It’s not the most glamorous job, and the risks associated with the work are considerable.
Average Salary: $50,000 – $70,000 annually.
4. Construction Laborer
Construction is one of the largest industries in Texas, but the work involved in construction labor can be grueling. These workers assist with the building of homes, roads, and infrastructure by performing tasks such as digging, lifting, and carrying heavy materials.
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Why it’s avoided: Long hours, working in extreme weather conditions, and the physical demands of the job can be exhausting. Additionally, the risk of injury from heavy equipment, machinery, and accidents on the job site is a constant concern.
Average Salary: $40,000 – $60,000 annually.
5. Coal Miner
Though coal mining is less common in some parts of the U.S., Texas still relies on this industry for energy production. Coal miners work in mines, extracting coal from the earth. The job involves physically demanding labor and often requires workers to work in cramped, poorly ventilated spaces.
Why it’s avoided: The job is considered dangerous due to the risk of cave-ins, exposure to harmful dust and chemicals, and long, irregular hours. Miners also face higher rates of respiratory illnesses due to inhaling coal dust.
Average Salary: $60,000 – $80,000 annually.
6. Farm Worker
Agriculture plays a vital role in Texas’ economy, and farm workers are needed to harvest crops, tend to livestock, and maintain farms. Although farm work can be highly rewarding for those who enjoy outdoor labor, it often requires long hours under the hot Texas sun.
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Why it’s avoided: The work is physically demanding, especially during harvest seasons, and it often involves repetitive tasks such as picking crops or caring for animals. In addition, farm workers are frequently exposed to pesticides and other chemicals, which can pose health risks.
Average Salary: $25,000 – $40,000 annually, though pay may increase during peak harvest periods.
7. Pest Control Worker
Pest control workers are tasked with eliminating rodents, insects, and other pests from homes and businesses. The job may require the use of chemicals and traps, and technicians often deal with unpleasant environments, including infested homes and attics.
Why it’s avoided: The work involves exposure to harmful chemicals, dirty conditions, and the risk of bites or stings from pests. Additionally, dealing with homeowners’ fears of pests can sometimes create a stressful work environment.
Average Salary: $35,000 – $50,000 annually.
Conclusion
While these jobs in Texas may be considered undesirable by many, they offer solid pay and job security, particularly in industries like oil, construction, and waste management, where the demand for workers remains steady. For individuals who are physically capable and willing to deal with challenging, often unpleasant conditions, these careers can provide a stable, lucrative income.
If you’re considering a career in one of these fields, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons. While the pay is often high, the work conditions can be harsh, and the long hours or physically demanding tasks may not appeal to everyone. However, for those who are willing to roll up their sleeves and put in the hard work, these jobs can be a stepping stone to long-term financial success.
