15 Most Difficult Ways to Make Money in the U.S.

X (Twitter) Facebook Pinterest Reddit Flip it

Making money is often portrayed as a straightforward path, but in reality, some routes are strewn with obstacles. In the U.S., a handful of professions and business ventures stand out not just for their lucrative potential, but for the sheer difficulty involved in succeeding in them. Understanding these challenging paths is crucial, particularly for those contemplating a career shift or starting a new business with eyes wide open to the potential hurdles.

1. Commercial Fishing in Alaska

One of the most challenging ways to earn a living in the U.S. is through commercial fishing in Alaska. The work is not only physically demanding but also extremely hazardous due to the frigid temperatures and rough seas. Fishermen often spend weeks or even months at sea, battling the elements to haul in catches like salmon and crab. Despite the potential for high earnings during peak seasons, the risk and strenuous nature of the job make it a tough way to make money.

2. Oil Rig Work

Working on an oil rig is another demanding way to earn an income. These jobs are located in remote areas, often offshore, and require long hours under potentially dangerous conditions. Workers are exposed to hazardous materials and risk severe injuries or accidents. The isolation from families and the intense physical and mental demands make this one of the harder ways to earn a living, despite the lucrative pay associated with the industry.

3. Logging

Logging stands out as one of the most perilous jobs in the United States. Loggers work with heavy machinery in the dense forests, where the risk of falling trees and equipment-related accidents is high. The job not only demands physical strength and endurance but also significant skill in handling dangerous tools in unpredictable environments. While it pays well, the risks involved and the physical demands place it among the toughest ways to make money.

4. Starting a New Restaurant

Launching a new restaurant is an incredibly challenging venture. The restaurant industry is notoriously competitive, with a high failure rate; many new establishments close within their first year. Entrepreneurs must deal with enormous upfront costs, ongoing operational challenges, and the constant need to attract and retain customers. The stress of managing staff, meeting health regulations, and ensuring customer satisfaction makes this a particularly tough way to earn money.

5. Mining

Mining is another difficult and risky way to make a living. Miners work deep underground in conditions that can be hazardous and claustrophobic, facing the constant threat of cave-ins, explosions, and various health issues related to prolonged exposure to dust. The work requires not just physical stamina but also resilience, as the work environment is among the most challenging. Despite the high wages associated with mining, the danger and difficulty level place it on the list of hard ways to make money.

6. Professional Athlete

Becoming a professional athlete is an exceedingly difficult path to earning money. The level of competition is incredibly high, requiring years of training, exceptional skill, and a significant amount of physical fitness. Athletes must also cope with the risk of injuries, which can be career-ending. Additionally, the window for earning potential is often limited to a few years, making the long-term financial stability challenging to achieve.

7. Independent Filmmaking

woman photographer with a camera — Photo Credit: Depositphotos.

Independent filmmaking involves numerous challenges, from funding and directing to distributing and marketing the final product. Filmmakers often face significant financial risks and the daunting task of competing in a market dominated by large studios. The process requires creativity, perseverance, and a significant amount of networking to succeed. While successful films can yield substantial returns, the unpredictability and barriers to entry make this a difficult way to earn money.

8. Wildland Firefighting

Wildland firefighting is one of the most physically and emotionally demanding jobs in the United States. Firefighters face extreme conditions, battling large wildfires that can spread rapidly and unpredictably due to wind and dry weather. The job requires long hours, often in remote locations, with a high level of danger from the flames and smoke inhalation. Despite the risks and tough working conditions, wildland firefighters are crucial for protecting landscapes and communities, making it a challenging yet vital way to earn a living.

9. High-Rise Window Cleaning

Cleaning windows on high-rise buildings is a job that not only demands physical strength but also nerves of steel. Window cleaners work at dizzying heights, suspended on platforms or harnesses, which can be extremely daunting even for seasoned professionals. The job involves facing the elements, as workers must contend with wind, rain, and the intense sun, all while performing meticulous cleaning tasks. This career offers a unique set of challenges that combine the fear of heights with the need for precise and efficient work.

10. Rodeo Performing

Rodeo performing is a highly specialized form of entertainment that involves significant physical risk. Performers must train extensively to compete in events such as bull riding, bronco riding, and roping, which require not only physical skill but also an exceptional level of bravery. Injuries are common, and the career longevity of a rodeo performer can be short due to the physical toll it takes. Despite the excitement and potential prize money, the risk factors make rodeo performing a difficult way to make a steady income.

11. Art Dealing

Art dealing is a complex and high-stakes profession that requires a deep understanding of the art market and strong networking skills. Art dealers must be adept at identifying valuable pieces, negotiating purchases, and selling artworks for a profit. The industry is notoriously opaque, with fluctuating prices and trends that can change rapidly, making it difficult to maintain steady earnings. Success in this field requires not just an eye for art but also strategic business acumen and a bit of luck.

12. Alaskan Bush Piloting

Flying small aircraft in Alaska, known as bush piloting, is an occupation fraught with challenges. Pilots often fly in unpredictable weather conditions and to remote areas with unimproved landing strips. The job requires excellent flying skills, thorough knowledge of survival techniques, and an ability to handle potentially life-threatening situations. Although bush piloting is essential for transportation in Alaska, the inherent risks and required skill set make it a tough way to earn money.

13. Mountaineering Guide

Being a mountaineering guide entails leading clients through some of the most rugged and treacherous terrains. Guides must be highly skilled in climbing techniques, first aid, and survival skills. They also need to manage the safety of groups, often in unpredictable mountain weather conditions, making decisions that can affect the well-being of the entire group. This job combines the physical demands of climbing with the responsibility of leadership, placing it among the more difficult ways to earn a living.

14. Urban Farming

Urban farming is an innovative yet challenging way to make money. Urban farmers face unique challenges such as limited space, soil contamination, and the complexities of growing in non-traditional environments. They must be knowledgeable in sustainable practices and often need to be creative with vertical or hydroponic setups. Despite the growing interest in local and organic food, making a profitable urban farm requires overcoming a steep learning curve and significant initial investment.

15. Stunt Performing

Stunt performing in movies and television shows is one of the most high-risk professions in the entertainment industry. Stunt performers must execute dangerous acts that often involve physical stunts, combat, and controlled explosions. They are required to maintain peak physical condition and must constantly train to perform safely and effectively. Despite the thrill and the potential for good paychecks, the risk of severe injury makes stunt performing a daunting and difficult way to earn a living.