Americans think these 6 jobs should have the highest salaries - but they actually pay under $52,000

Average pay: $47,684

Firefighters are regarded as one of the most dangerous and heroic professions — they ranked as the second-most heroic profession in the Vantis Life survey. Despite saving lives, firefighters are not paid highly.

Average pay: $47,372

Teachers are widely regarded as one of the most underpaid jobs when considering their contributions to society. Despite the fact that teachers were perceived as one of the most trusted and heroic professions in the Vantis Life study, they are nevertheless paid lower salaries for their work. Efforts are being made, however, to increase teachers' salaries.

Average pay: $43,945

Without farmers, the food supply that we would have access to would be vastly different. Farmers work diligently to supply populations of people with fresh produce, meat products, and more. However, farmers are not highly-compensated for their contributions.

Average pay: $32,074

Soldiers ranked as the most-heroic profession in the Vantis Life survey. However, despite army officers and soldiers placing their lives on the line to defend their country, soldiers are the second-lowest paid job holders on this list besides stay-at-home parents. Soldiers are living proof that perceived heroism does not equate with a high salary.

Average pay: $0

Stay-at-home parents are the least-paid profession on Vantis Life's list of heroic jobs — probably because parents aren't paid at all for taking care of their children! While staying home to take care of your kids can be extremely rewarding in other ways, survey respondents said that stay-at-home moms and dads should be compensated for their work. It's no easy gig raising a child, and that should be acknowledged.

• Read more:
• 16 signs you're underpaid — and what to do about it

  10 jobs where American workers are getting paid less than what they're worth

  Politicians often brand teachers as whiners — but most Americans agree that teachers are underpaid and deserve the right to strike

  Here Are The Jobs That People Think Are Most Overpaid And Underpaid