Creepy Careers: 15 of the Most Disturbing Jobs
From the dimly lit corridors of ancient catacombs to the unsettling silence of the morgue, the world offers a plethora of jobs that tread on the eerie and unsettling.
While most of us find comfort in the predictable confines of office spaces or the bustling environments of retail and restaurants, there are those who venture into professions that would send chills down the average person's spine.
Whether motivated by passion, necessity, or sheer curiosity, individuals in these roles often confront what many consider creepy, dark, or downright disturbing.
Dive with us into the world of the uncanny as we explore 15 of the most spine-tingling jobs out there, shedding light on what they entail, the settings they're in, and the compensation for embracing the dark side of the employment spectrum.
Mortician/Embalmer
Morticians, also known as funeral directors, handle the logistics surrounding a person's death, including the removal of the deceased's body. Embalmers specifically prepare the body for viewing and burial. Both jobs require being in close proximity to deceased individuals and often in dimly lit, quiet settings.
Salary: Around $45,000 - $60,000 annually.
Forensic Entomologist
These professionals study insects and arthropods in a legal context, usually to determine time of death at crime scenes. They might be found collecting maggots from a decaying body, all to aid the legal process.
Salary: $50,000 to $60,000 annually, although those in academic or research roles might earn more.
Grave Digger
The role is self-explanatory. Grave diggers work in cemeteries, excavating plots for burials. Their settings are always amidst gravestones and tombs, and they work irrespective of weather conditions.
Salary: Around $25,000 to $40,000 annually.
Catacomb Explorer
In ancient cities, especially in Europe, there are vast underground catacombs that were used for burial. Explorers and guides lead people through these labyrinthine tunnels, surrounded by bones and the remnants of the ancient dead.
Salary: This varies, often based on tourism and the location of the catacombs.
Forensic Cleaner
After traumatic events, crime scenes, or unattended deaths, forensic cleaners are responsible for cleaning and sanitizing the scene. This could mean dealing with blood, decomposition, or other unsettling elements.
Salary: $35,000 to $80,000, based on location and frequency of jobs.
Haunted House Actor
In haunted attractions, especially around Halloween, actors are hired to scare patrons. They spend their working hours in dark, eerie settings, often amidst props that look like gore or horror scenes.
Salary: Typically $10 to $15 per hour, often seasonal.
Sewer Inspector
These workers venture into the underground sewers, a dark and often unsettling environment. The job is not just creepy because of the setting, but also due to the unknown things they might encounter below city streets.
Salary: $30,000 to $60,000 annually.
Crime Scene Photographer
Their role is to photographically document crime scenes. This means they see the aftermath of violent crimes and accidents, capturing them in detail for evidence.
Salary: $40,000 to $75,000 annually.
Paranormal Investigator
While many are skeptical about the supernatural, paranormal investigators spend their time in reportedly haunted places, trying to document unexplained phenomena.
Salary: Varies widely; many work on a case-by-case basis, charging per investigation.
Taxidermist
Taxidermists preserve dead animals for display or other purposes. Their workshops are filled with animal carcasses, glass eyes, and various tools of the trade.
Salary: Around $25,000 to $50,000 annually.
Cryogenic Technician
Alfazet Chronicles, Adobe Stock
They deal with the science of ultra-low temperatures. Cryonics is the practice of preserving human remains, typically after legal death, at ultra-low temperatures with the hope that advances in future medical technology will allow for revival and the potential to treat the condition that led to their death.
Salary: Starting at $30,000, with potential to reach up to $70,000 with experience.
Morgue Assistant
Working closely with pathologists, morgue assistants help in handling, storing, and even dissecting deceased bodies.
Salary: $25,000 to $40,000 annually.
Mine Tunnel Inspector
Deep underground in the darkness, these inspectors ensure the safety and integrity of mine tunnels. The tight, dark passages can be miles deep into the Earth, away from the world above.
Salary: $60,000 to $90,000, depending on location and specific mining industry.
Air Accident Investigator
These professionals investigate plane crash sites. They might sift through wreckage, documenting and trying to piece together the events leading up to the accident.
Salary: $60,000 to $100,000 annually.
Pest Control for Exotic Animals
While regular pest controllers deal with bugs and small rodents, there are those who specialize in bigger, potentially dangerous animals like snakes or even alligators, especially in places where such creatures might wander into homes.
Salary: $30,000 to $50,000 annually, varying based on location and specialization.
Final Thoughts
In these eerie, chilling, or downright disturbing professions, individuals find a calling that many of us might shy away from.
Whether it's in the silent company of the dead, the deep darkness of underground tunnels, or amidst remnants of tragedies, these jobs remind us of the diverse and often uncanny avenues where livelihoods are made.
