America’s Least Desired Jobs: What Career Would You Avoid, Even for Double the Pay? [2024 Survey]

Created by TradeSafe • Viewlarger version

Key Findings

Regional Trends in Least Desired Jobs

Meatpacking Plant Worker

The role of a meatpacking plant worker is notably the least desired job in several Midwestern states, including Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Nevada, North Carolina, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

This trend highlights the physical and psychological demands associated with this industry, which is prevalent in these regions. The concentration of meatpacking facilities in these states likely contributes to the strong aversion, as residents are more aware of the job's challenges, such as repetitive tasks, exposure to cold environments, and high risk of injury.

Commercial Fisherman

This profession is predominantly viewed as the least desirable in coastal states like Alabama, Alaska, Florida, Maine, Massachusetts, and Virginia. The dangerous conditions at sea, long hours, and the physical toll of the job make it highly unappealing.

The fact that this job is least desired in both northern states like Alaska and Maine and southern states like Florida and Alabama reflects the universal recognition of the dangers associated with commercial fishing, regardless of the climate.

Skyscraper Window Cleaner

Skyscraper window cleaning ranks as the least desired job in urbanized and high-rise-heavy states such as Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington. The height-related risks, coupled with exposure to the elements, make this profession particularly unappealing in states with significant urban skylines.

Electrician

The role of an electrician is least desired in states like Delaware, Georgia, and Hawaii. This may be due to the high risk of electrocution and the challenging working conditions often faced by electricians, especially in areas prone to extreme weather. The demand for electricians in these states, combined with the associated risks, may contribute to the aversion.

Oil Rig Worker

Oil rig work is a prevalent yet highly undesirable career choice in states like California, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Texas. The dangerous working conditions, remote locations, and the potential for catastrophic accidents make this job particularly unappealing, despite the high pay often associated with the oil industry.

Roofer

Roofing is least desired in states with diverse weather conditions, including Arizona, Arkansas, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Utah, and West Virginia. The physical demands and the dangers of working at heights in extreme temperatures contribute to the aversion to this job across these regions.

Impact of Geography and Industry on Job Aversion

Logging

Logging is seen as the least desirable job in states with significant forested areas, such as Montana, North Dakota, and Vermont. The physically demanding nature of logging, combined with the inherent dangers of working in remote, wooded areas, likely drives this aversion.

Power Line Worker

In states like Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, and Oregon, power line work is viewed as the least desirable. The job's high-risk nature, involving work at great heights and exposure to dangerous electrical currents, particularly in regions prone to storms or harsh weather, contributes to this perception.

Coal Miner

Coal mining remains a traditional yet highly dangerous job, with Wyoming ranking it as the least desirable. The physical demands and the health risks associated with mining, including exposure to harmful dust and the potential for catastrophic accidents, make this a career path that few would willingly choose.

Steel Worker

Steelwork is least desired in several industrial states like Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. The combination of working with heavy materials, dangerous machinery, and often in extreme environments, makes steel working a job that many people in these regions prefer to avoid.

Cultural and Economic Influences on Job Perception

Security Officer

Interestingly, Rhode Island stands out with "Security Officer" being the least desired job. This could be due to the job's perceived monotony, potential for violent encounters, and the lower pay compared to the physical and emotional risks involved.

 

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