Some people just like to live dangerously.
But what outlets do adrenaline junkies have when it comes to their
Business Insider recently checked with the Bureau of Labor Statistics to find out.
Writing for the BLS, Elka Torpey breaks down the top "high intensity careers" - splitting up the list into jobs designed to protect the public, occupations devoted to saving lives, and careers that feature danger and adventure.
These are five gigs that promise heart-pounding excitement and uncertainty with a median pay over $50,000 a year:
5. Explosives worker, ordnance handling expert, or blaster
Median salary: $52,140
Employment (2014): 8,100
Explosives workers detonate and transport volatile substances.
4. Police officer
Median salary: $56,810
Employment (2014): 680,000
Police officers patrol areas for signs of criminal activity, respond to calls, and arrest people suspected of breaking the law, among other things.
3. Registered nurse
Median salary: $66,640
Employment (2014) 2,751,000
Registered nurses provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and the public about various health conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients and their family members.
2. Detective or criminal investigator
Median salary: $79,870
Employment (2014): 116,700
Detectives visit crime scenes, interview witnesses or suspects, and conduct raids and arrests.
1. Emergency room doctor
Median salary: $187,200
Employment (2014): 708,300
ER doctors are typically physicians and surgeons who treat all types of medical emergencies, from heart attacks to broken bones, and everything in between.