Scary Jobs: 8 Creepiest Careers

These unique career journeys often include tasks and settings that most of us wouldn't even imagine, offering a fresh and sometimes unsettling view of the world of work.

Here are some of the creepiest careers that might be deemed as ‘scary jobs’ by some:

1. Forensic Pathologist
2. Mortician
3. Bomb Technician
4. Steeplejack
5. Alaskan Crab Fisherman
6. Miner
7. Exterminator
8. Rodeo Clown

Forensic Pathologist

Forensic pathologist's jobs involve investigating suspicious deaths and providing crucial insights into the cause of death, especially in cases where it's uncertain or potentially linked to criminal activity.

They carefully examine deceased individuals to uncover clues, injuries, or underlying medical conditions that might have contributed to the person's passing. This can include homicides, accidents, or unusual medical situations.

To become a forensic pathologist, individuals undergo extensive training, including medical school and specialized pathology training. They collaborate closely with law enforcement agencies, offering valuable expertise to help solve crimes and provide closure to grieving families.

While their work can be challenging, it serves a vital role in the pursuit of justice and the understanding of complex and puzzling deaths.

Mortician

Morticians, often called funeral directors or undertakers, are compassionate professionals who help families during the challenging time of planning a funeral. While it can be emotionally demanding, being a mortician is one of the most rewarding jobs around. They offer care and support just when it's needed most.

But it's important to know that becoming a mortician isn't a walk in the park. They're often on their feet, whether they're arranging caskets or positioning flower arrangements. Behind the scenes, they handle tasks like preparing bodies for funerals, which can involve lifting and moving. Plus, morticians might work long hours and be ready to assist at any hour, especially when hospitals need them. So, it's a role that requires both a kind heart and physical readiness.

To become a mortician, you'll need to complete specific education and training. This includes earning a degree in mortuary science, which covers everything from embalming to grief counseling. After that, you'll typically need to pass a licensing exam to practice as a mortician.

Bomb Technician

When there's a bomb threat, these courageous professionals take the lead in figuring out whether it's a real danger or a false alarm. They conduct thorough searches to spot any explosives, and if they find any, they have the risky job of deactivating and safely removing them.

Their top priority is making sure everyone nearby is safe. Sometimes, they face incredibly tough situations, like dealing with individuals wearing explosive vests or hostage scenarios involving bombs.

The scary part of their work lies in the constant danger associated with handling explosives. Their job involves safely defusing or disposing of explosive devices, which can be unnerving due to the potential for deadly consequences if something goes wrong.

To perform this challenging role, bomb technicians undergo extensive training in explosives handling, bomb detection, and bomb disposal techniques. They use specialized equipment and protective gear to minimize risks.

Steeplejack

Think about church spires, cathedral domes, industrial chimneys, and towering skyscrapers – all incredible human creations that eventually need fixing. That's where Steeplejacks step in. Their job is to build and repair these tall structures, and that means they spend a lot of time climbing up, hanging on, and working way up high, sometimes with really scary drops below. It's safe to say they need to be really comfortable with heights to do this job!

Working as a steeplejack can be eerie because they work at extreme heights. Climbing tall structures can be unsettling due to the dangers involved, and the feeling of being so high up can be amazing and frightening.

But it's not all about being fearless. Steeplejacks also need specific training to do their job effectively and safely. While some employers provide on-the-job training, others prefer candidates to gain experience through apprenticeship programs.

Alaskan Crab Fisherman

Alaskan crab fishing has been ranked as one of the most dangerous jobs in the United States, according to a recent survey by the US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. The numbers tell a chilling story: the mortality rates in this occupation are a staggering 26 times higher (80%) than those of the average worker.

The fishermen endure cramped living quarters for weeks, go without showers for days, and often work 48 hours straight in freezing conditions, hauling up nets or cages that can weigh several hundred pounds. And if that weren't challenging enough, they also contend with rain, waves that seem to have a mind of their own, and icy decks that can become treacherous.

These fishermen are constantly at the mercy of unpredictable weather and ocean conditions. Due to Alaska's unique geographical location, its waters are colder and less forgiving than most other fishing environments.

Miner

In the world of mining, professionals unlock the Earth's hidden wealth buried deep below. This age-old trade has been around for centuries and will continue for many more. The demand for underground miners is constant.

Underground miners undertake the challenging task of extracting valuable minerals and bringing them to the surface. However, there are risks in this profession. Once a mine is established, its job starts with drilling holes and using explosives to create tunnels and shafts that lead to the precious ores. Miners venture deep into the mines to collect these minerals.

Working with heavy machinery and explosives in tight spaces makes safety a top priority. It's a profession that demands skill, courage, and a strong commitment to ensuring everyone goes home safely after a hard day's work underground.

Exterminator

Exterminators, also known as pest control technicians or pest management professionals, specialize in the elimination and management of unwanted pests, insects, and rodents. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that homes, businesses, and other properties remain pest-free and safe.

Exterminators regularly come face to face with all sorts of creatures, from spiders to cockroaches, which can certainly be unnerving, especially for those with a strong aversion to these critters. Another source of anxiety in this job is the use of potentially harmful chemicals. Exterminators rely on pesticides to tackle pests, and mishandling these chemicals can be risky. This element of caution adds an extra layer of stress to the job.

Exterminators go to all kinds of places, from tidy homes to neglected buildings, so there's always a bit of uncertainty about what they might run into.

Rodeo Clown

Being a rodeo clown isn't just about entertaining the crowd with funny antics, these clowns also play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of bull riders. In a team of three, often riding on horses, they work together to distract the bull and give the rider a safe path to exit.

This job is all about teamwork and impeccable timing. As soon as the bull bursts out of the chute, there are only about 10 seconds to act. In that brief window, the clowns must do everything they can to divert the bull's attention. They yell, clap, wave flags, blow whistles, and even toss their hats into the mix, all with the goal of keeping the bull focused on them rather than the rider.

It's a challenging and adrenaline-pumping task that requires quick thinking and precise coordination to ensure everyone leaves the arena unharmed.

Note: Images presented in this article are AI-generated, provided to better illustrate each of the 'scary jobs' listed above.