8 Demanding Jobs That Deserve a Much Higher Salary

"Work smarter, not harder" is a common mantra, but there are jobs where that may not apply. For some, there's no way to avoid hard work, and for others, no matter how hard they work, that doesn't mean they'll make enough money to stop living paycheck to paycheck.

Of course, we all start at the bottom and climb the ladder later. But whether there is just no "up," they work in tough conditions, or demand too much, here are eight occupations that deserve much more than what they're being paid.

Average annual salary: $29,710

If you enjoy a tasty fast food burger — or pretty much anything from a restaurant — then you've got food service workers to thank for it. But their job isn't easy and it comes coupled with the lowest salary on the list.

There's the obvious, like prepping food and taking orders, but there's also the customer-facing responsibilities. This can mean dealing with extremely unhappy (or potentially unpleasant) people. They are often expected to work odd hours, and uneven schedules are at play.

Average annual salary: $31,139

When a house is built in America, it comes from a few easily recognizable sources. The first of which would be trees. The people who harvest those trees are loggers, and their jobs are a combination of high danger and low pay.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) flags this job as "physically demanding and can be dangerous. Workers spend all their time outdoors, sometimes in poor weather and often in isolated areas." Despite the effort they're putting into providing for essential needs, they aren't fairly compensated.

Average annual salary: $34,563

As the saying goes: "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime." The core issue here is that fishing, and by extension, hunting, are brutally difficult jobs that don't pay very well.

Fishers are working in hazardous, wet conditions. Hunters are working to track down animals for their pelt and meat in similarly hazardous conditions. It's tough, and it's dangerous.

Average annual salary: $38,598

Teachers shape the lives of every child they educate. They use hands-on methods to help students grasp concepts, solve problems, and think critically. Teachers may even focus on multiple subjects and guide students through lessons, activities, and collaborative learning.

This is their drive, but it's no easy task. From long hours to demanding environments, teachers carry out their jobs because they care — even without a salary that compensates their hard work. In addition, these jobs are declining. The BLS estimates that employment for teachers will decline by 1% over the next decade.

Average annual salary: $39,341

Childcare workers are a key component of fostering children's early life needs — often right up until those kids are ready for kindergarten. It could also mean helping others with things like homework.

They engage babies and toddlers through play, and they help preschoolers prepare for kindergarten. They also supervise school-age children, especially during summers and after school. Their work is essential but isn't necessarily reflected as such through their salary.

Average annual salary: $40,217

Farmers are the backbone of the American agricultural system. They manage primarily family-owned farms, though some lease land.

On small farms, they handle all tasks, from planting and harvesting to equipment maintenance. Larger farms often employ workers, including specialists like truck drivers and bookkeepers. It's backbreaking work with long hours and occasionally hazardous conditions.

Average annual salary: $44,780

Unfortunately, saving lives doesn't mean making a lot of money. If you want to talk about stress on the job, these health care professionals have it covered.

EMTs and paramedics typically work full time, often exceeding 40 hours per week. Their schedules include nights, weekends, and holidays. The job can be physically demanding and highly stressful, requiring quick decision-making in life-or-death situations. Despite the challenges (and pay), their work is essential in providing urgent medical care and saving lives.

Average annual salary: $49,313

If something is happening in the world — be it local or global, politics or lifestyle — you're going to hear about it from a reporter. Journalists might be down the street talking about traffic enforcement or on the other side of the planet filing from a warzone.

Despite the conditions they work in, they aren't very well paid. They could be risking their life and limb to get a story and yet barely able to make rent. With industry-wide layoffs, jobs for journalists are also on the decline. The BLS projects the occupation will decrease by 3% over the next decade.

If you think you deserve a higher salary, research what the standard is in your industry and consider scheduling a meeting with your manager. Coming prepared with your case, along with quantifiable reasons and accomplishments that prove your skills, could put you on track to boosting your bank account.