In 2022, the United States recorded 5,486 fatal work injuries, representing a 5.7% increase compared to the previous year, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Occupations that involve vehicles or working at heights remain among the most perilous in the U.S., with falls and collisions accounting for over half of the on-the-job deaths last year.
Despite the rise in workplace injuries, there does not appear to be a declining interest in high-risk fields. A study by St. Louis personal injury law firm Burger Law analyzed BLS data to identify the most dangerous jobs in 2022 and assessed the growth potential for each, noting that many of these professions are expected to see job growth in the coming years.
Below, explore the most dangerous jobs in the U.S., each with fatality rates significantly exceeding the national average of 3.7 fatalities per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers.