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People in some jobs confront death more often than others.
Using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, we found 26 career that encounter, study, try to prevent, or help us understand and cope with death as a major part of the job.
Death is an inevitable part of human life. And people in some jobs confront death more often than others.
Using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Employment Statistics program, we found the average annual pay and number of Americans employed as of May 2018, the most recent period for which data is available, for 26 occupations that encounter, study, try to prevent, or help us understand and cope with death as a major part of the job.
From protective workers like paramedics and police officers who sometimes tragically see death firsthand in the line of duty, to epidemiologists and actuaries studying causes and statistics of death, to the funeral directors and clergy who help us say goodbye to our loved ones, these careers all intimately touch the final stage of the human condition.
26. Lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective-service workers make an average annual salary of $24,420.
Number employed in the US: 144,370
What they do, according to O*NET: Monitor recreational areas like beaches and ski resorts to assist, protect, and rescue participants.
25. Funeral attendants make an average annual salary of $28,480.
Number employed in the US: 35,340
What they do, according to O*NET: Perform tasks during funerals, like arranging a casket and directing mourners.
24. Ambulance drivers and attendants make an average annual salary of $29,010.
Number employed in the US: 15,380
What they do, according to O*NET: Drive ambulances to transport sick, injured, or convalescent patients.
23. Security guards make an average annual salary of $32,050.
Number employed in the US: 1,114,380
What they do, according to O*NET: Guard, patrol, or monitor premises to prevent theft or violence.
22. Emergency medical technicians and paramedics make an average annual salary of $37,760.
Number employed in the US: 257,210
What they do, according to O*NET: Administer emergency medical care and transport sick or injured people to hospitals.
21. Police, fire, and ambulance dispatchers make an average annual salary of $43,290.
Number employed in the US: 95,020
What they do, according to O*NET: Operate radio, telephone, and computer equipment at dispatch centers, and receive reports from the public about crime, fires, or other emergency situations.
20. Embalmers make an average annual salary of $46,640.
Number employed in the US: 4,070
What they do, according to O*NET: Prepare bodies for internment and funeral ceremonies.
19. Correctional officers and jailers make an average annual salary of $49,300.
