Life insurance by job
Your job can change your price. Some companies are much better with risky work than others. Pick yours to see what insurers ask and why coverage matters.
7.7x the average riskTruck driversLong hauls, owner operators and company drivers.
5.3x the average riskLineworkersPower line crews who climb for a living.
14.8x the average riskRoofersOne of the riskiest jobs in the country.
4.4x the average riskConstructionLaborers, helpers and crew leads.
2.2x the average riskElectriciansUnion, open shop and self employed.
NursesNight shifts, travel contracts and staff jobs.
3.2x the average riskPolice and fireCoverage on top of what your department gives you.
VeteransOptions beyond VGLI and VALife.
Rideshare and deliveryGig drivers with no work benefits.
5.4x the average riskFarmers and ranchersFor farm and ranch families.
TeachersCoverage that stays if you change schools.
Active duty militaryWhat SGLI covers and where it stops.
8.9x the average riskPilotsAirline, cargo, charter and private pilots.
4x the average riskMinersUnderground and surface mining crews.
28.3x the average riskLoggersThe most dangerous job in the country.
24.8x the average riskCommercial fishersBoats, crews and long trips at sea.
2.4x the average riskWeldersShop, pipeline and structural welders.
PlumbersPlumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters.
HVAC techsHeating, cooling and refrigeration.
2.3x the average riskMechanicsAuto, diesel and shop mechanics.
Warehouse workersPickers, packers and forklift drivers.
Oil and gasRigs, wells and pipelines.
Correctional officersJails, prisons and detention centers.
EMTs and paramedicsAmbulance crews and first response.
DoctorsBig student loans and a big paycheck to protect.
Small business ownersProtect your family and your business.
Self employed1099 workers with no work benefits.
Real estate agentsCommission pay and no group plan.
Factory workersPlant, line and production jobs.
5.9x the average riskLandscapersLawn crews and tree trimmers.
Owner operatorsSelf employed drivers with a truck note to cover.
Travel nursesBenefits that stop between contracts.
Union membersWhat your union plan covers, and what it does not.
Gig and 1099 workersNo employer, no group plan.How dangerous jobs compare
Fatal work injuries per 100,000 full time workers in 2023. The rate for all workers was 3.5.
Source: BLS CFOI: Civilian occupations with high fatal work injury rates, 2023. Some groups are wider than the job name. Veterans and app drivers have no BLS rate.
Questions about jobs and life insurance
Does my job change my life insurance price?
It can. Some companies charge more for risky jobs like roofing, logging or commercial fishing. Others treat many jobs like any other. An agent who knows your job can find the fair ones.
Is life insurance from work enough?
Usually not. Work plans often pay 1 or 2 times your pay and end when you leave the job. Many families need closer to 10 years of pay.
Can I get life insurance if I work a dangerous job?
Yes. People in high risk jobs get covered every day. Tell the truth about your job on the application so the claim gets paid.
Does life insurance pay if I die at work?
Yes. A regular life policy pays whether you die at work or at home, as long as the policy is in force and your application was honest.
See your price in 2 minutes
Two minutes, a few questions, and a licensed agent shows you what it really costs. No exam needed for many plans.
About 3 in 4 people guess life insurance costs more than it does. LIMRA 2026