Looking for a job that’s both fun and pays well? You’re in the right place. Here, we’ll explore some of the most unconventional and entertaining careers that offer great salaries, with an average salary that can be quite appealing. These high-paying jobs not only promise excitement but also substantial financial rewards. From cuddling for cash to testing water slides, these jobs promise excitement and good pay.
There are numerous unusual jobs that offer surprisingly good salaries, such as professional cuddlers, snake milkers, and dog food tasters. Many of these unique careers, like professional bridesmaids and intimacy coordinators, require formal training along with specific skills and training, emphasizing the importance of expertise in niche roles. Jobs like water slide testers and golf ball divers highlight opportunities for those who enjoy adventurous work, blending fun with financial rewards.
Read on to discover the top 22 funny jobs that pay well.
1. Professional Cuddler
Imagine getting paid to give people hugs and snuggle with them! Professional cuddlers do just that, earning anywhere from $40 to $150 per hour. The median salary for professional cuddlers ranges from $30,000 to $60,000 annually, depending on factors like location and employer. This career addresses a significant need in our fast-paced, often lonely world: the need for human touch and connection, which can significantly impact mental health. Professional cuddlers help alleviate loneliness, boost well-being, and reduce stress through physical touch.
This job offers fascinating flexibility, with some professional cuddlers even providing remote sessions via Zoom for safe home engagement. This adaptability makes it a viable option even in times of social distancing. Although there is no formal licensing requirement, some professional cuddlers opt to complete certification programs to enhance their credibility and skills.
Events like Cuddle Con, first held in 2015, promote the benefits of cuddling and bring together enthusiasts and professionals from around the world. Whether you want to start a private practice or join an established service, the world of professional cuddling offers a unique and rewarding career path.
2. Snake Milker
If you’re not afraid of snakes and want a job that plays a vital role in the medical field, consider becoming a snake milker. These professionals earn between $2,000 and $5,000 monthly by collecting venom from snakes to develop antidotes. Snake milking is a highly specialized job that requires precision and a steady hand, as well as prior experience but the financial rewards and the critical role it plays in saving lives make it a fascinating career choice.
Snake milkers work with various types of snakes, extracting venom that is used to create antivenoms for snake bites. The job involves a high level of expertise and often requires working in controlled environments to ensure the safety of both the milker and the snakes.
A passion for reptiles and a keen interest in medical science make this a perfect career option.
3. Dog Food Taster
Would you believe that tasting dog food could be a high-paying job? Dog food tasters earn around $45,000 annually. These professionals, often requiring a bachelor’s degree in a related field, evaluate the nutritional value, taste, aroma, texture, and consistency of pet food to ensure it meets quality standards. It’s a job that combines the skills of a sensory scientist and a food stylist.
Most dog food tasters hold advanced degrees and work as researchers or product developers. They play a crucial role in developing pet food that is not only nutritious but also palatable for our furry friends. If you have a strong sense of taste and smell and don’t mind a bit of an unusual job, this could be a great career path for you.
4. Iceberg Mover
Moving icebergs may sound like something out of a superhero movie, but iceberg movers are real professionals responsible for relocating icebergs that obstruct shipping routes. Earning about $25 per hour, these individuals often work overtime during busy shipping seasons. The job requires knowledge of nautical operations, specialized equipment like tugboats and cranes, and an understanding of environmental factors such as weather and ocean currents.
A high school diploma is the minimum educational requirement for becoming an iceberg mover. With climate change affecting iceberg prevalence, the demand for iceberg movers is increasing. This job not only offers good pay but also plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of maritime travel. If you have a background in nautical operations, specialized education, and a sense of adventure, this could be the perfect job for you.
5. Fortune Cookie Writer
Ever wondered who writes those little fortunes inside your favorite Chinese restaurant treat? Fortune cookie writers can earn up to $55,000 annually. This job requires a unique blend of humor, insight, and creativity to write fortunes that resonate with people. Many fortune cookie writers prefer freelance positions for flexible working conditions and can work in various environments, including corporate settings.
If you have a creative flair and a good sense of humor, becoming a fortune cookie writer can be a financially rewarding career. It’s an opportunity to spread joy and wisdom, one cookie at a time, while earning a good salary.
Whether you’re a freelance writer or someone looking for a fun side gig, this weird job offers a unique way to make odd jobs for extra cash.
6. Professional Bridesmaid
Being a bridesmaid is not just for friends and family anymore. Professional bridesmaids can earn up to $2,500 per wedding, with an average rate of $21 per hour. These professionals assist brides with various tasks on their wedding day, from handling logistics to ensuring everything runs smoothly. They may also offer services such as planning, budgeting, and vendor coordination.
There are no specific requirements to become a professional bridesmaid, but important qualities include problem-solving skills, a love for weddings, and a calming presence. Most professional bridesmaids work on a freelance basis, allowing them to set their availability and take on as many or as few weddings as they like. Networking with wedding planners and vendors can be crucial for success in this unique career.
If you enjoy weddings and have a knack for organization, becoming a professional bridesmaid could be your dream job. It’s a unique career that offers both financial rewards and the satisfaction of helping brides have their perfect day.
7. Golf Ball Diver
Golf ball divers earn about $200 daily by retrieving all the golf balls from water hazards. This job requires scuba diving skills and the ability to inspect and maintain scuba gear for a few hours each day. Divers often work in teams with ground personnel to ensure safety and efficiency during retrieval operations.
For those who love diving and don’t mind getting wet, being a golf ball diver can be a fun and financially rewarding job. It’s a unique way to combine a love for the water with a job that pays well. Plus, you get to spend your days on beautiful golf courses—what’s not to love?
8. Paper Towel Sniffer
Quality control in the paper towel industry includes a role you might not expect: the paper towel sniffer. These professionals evaluate paper towel products to ensure they do not have unpleasant odors, earning around $52,000 annually. They play a crucial role in maintaining the product’s quality and ensuring a neutral or pleasant scent.
A keen sense of smell and an openness to unconventional jobs make becoming a paper towel sniffer a great career choice. It’s an important role in quality control that offers a good salary and a unique work experience.
9. Professional Mourner
Professional mourners, also known as moirologists, are hired to provide comfort at funerals, earning between $30 and $120 per event. They play a crucial role in lamenting the loss of a life and providing comfort to the grieving family. This job requires empathy, emotional resilience, and the ability to provide grief counseling.
A compassionate nature and a desire to help people through challenging times make becoming a professional mourner a fulfilling and financially rewarding career. It’s a unique way to provide a valuable service while earning a good income.
10. Water Slide Tester
Imagine getting paid to test water slides! Water slide testers earn approximately $28 per hour, ensuring the safety and fun of new rides. The job typically requires being at least 18 years old, having a love for adrenaline, and possessing good observation skills.
Water slide testers not only have fun but also ensure the safety of these attractions. If you love water parks and have a keen eye for detail, this could be the perfect job for you.
11. Professional Sleeper
Professional sleepers test mattresses, participate in sleep studies, and evaluate hotel room conditions for comfort, earning between $15 to $30 per hour. This job may involve staying overnight in various hotels and testing mattress comfort for extended periods. Some professional sleepers also participate in scientific research to study sleep patterns and their effects.
For those who love sleep and want to get paid for it, becoming a professional sleeper is an ideal job. It’s a unique way to contribute to scientific research or improve the hospitality industry while earning a good income.
12. Professional Mermaid
Professional mermaids often require specialized training in swimming and breath-holding techniques to perform safely underwater. These performers can charge clients for event appearances, birthday parties, and promotional events, with performance rates reaching up to $250 per hour. The job also involves creating a character or ‘mersona’ to enhance appeal and engagement during performances.
Mermaid performers often invest in custom-made tails that can range in price from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Many also participate in competitions like the World Mermaid Championship, which can further enhance their visibility and career opportunities. Loving the water and enjoying performing make becoming a professional mermaid a fun and financially rewarding career.
Professional mermaids perform at events, engaging audiences with underwater performances and creating magical experiences. If you have a passion for swimming and performing, this unique career could be just what you’re looking for.
13. Dog Surfing Instructor
Dog surfing instructors can earn between $20 to $50 per hour teaching dogs and their owners how to surf. During training, instructors focus on obedience, balance, and strength to prepare dogs for surfing. They also organize events and competitions to promote the sport.
For those who love dogs and surfing, this job offers the perfect combination. It’s a unique way to spend your days at the beach, helping dogs and their owners bond while earning a good income.
14. Ethical Hacker
Ethical hackers, also known as legal bank robbers, earn between $100,000 and $130,000 annually by identifying vulnerabilities in computer systems. This job is in high demand due to increasing reliance on technology and rising cybercrime rates. Ethical hackers often hold a college degree in a related technological field and certifications like Certified Ethical Hacker (C|EH).
A knack for technology and a desire to help organizations stay secure make becoming an ethical hacker a lucrative and fulfilling career. This job not only pays well but also plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of computer systems.
15. Human Statue
Performing as a human statue requires significant discipline and the ability to maintain stillness for extended periods. These performers can earn between $60 and $100 per hour, often enhancing their appearance with elaborate costumes and makeup.
Human statues engage their audience through subtle movements and gestures, creating an interactive experience. A love for performance art and enjoyment in captivating audiences make this a rewarding and financially beneficial career.
16. Odor Sniffer
Odor sniffers play a crucial role in assessing scents in products like deodorants and perfumes, earning $48 per hour. These professionals, also known as sensory scientists, often undergo extensive training to articulate sensory experiences accurately.
A keen sense of smell and enjoyment in testing products make becoming an odor sniffer a fulfilling and financially rewarding career. It’s a unique job that combines science with sensory evaluation.
17. Movie Watcher
Imagine getting paid to watch movies! Movie watchers typically earn between $16.50 and $18.23 per hour, with an average salary that reflects their important role. These professionals provide feedback on films, ensuring quality presentations and maintaining a safe environment in theaters.
Beyond cinema settings, movie watchers can also earn money through blogging, creating YouTube channels, and participating in market research. Loving movies and having a critical eye for detail make this job a fun and financially rewarding opportunity.
It’s a chance to turn your passion for films into a paying gig, all while enjoying the latest releases and contributing to the entertainment industry.
18. Intimacy Coordinator
Intimacy coordinators earn approximately $1,100 per day, advising on the safe and effective filming of love scenes. Their role includes ensuring that actors feel comfortable during intimate performances, and they often undergo training in consent, anti-harassment, and mediation techniques.
As productions increasingly feature intimate scenes, the demand for intimacy coordinators has grown. They create a safe and respectful environment on set, making this a crucial and financially rewarding role in the entertainment industry.
19. Face Feeler
Face feelers, also known as sensory scientists, assess the effectiveness of skincare products through tactile evaluation, earning $25 per hour. Candidates for this role must pass an acuity screening to assess their tactile sensitivity, and the training usually lasts about three months.
A keen sense of touch and attention to detail make becoming a face feeler a unique and financially rewarding career. It’s a job that combines sensory evaluation with the beauty industry, offering a special way to contribute to product development.
20. Train Pusher
Train pushers, known as ‘oshiya’ in Japan, assist in fitting commuters into crowded trains during peak hours. This is one of the many weird jobs that defy typical career expectations, offering unique tasks that can be both lucrative and surprising. The earning potential for train pushers is variable, but the job is essential for maintaining the efficiency of public transportation systems in highly populated areas.
Being physically fit and enjoying helping people make this job a unique way to contribute to public safety and efficiency. It’s an odd job that plays a crucial role in ensuring that everyone gets to their destination on time.
21. Bingo Manager
Ever thought about running the show at a bingo hall? As a bingo manager, you’ll oversee the daily operations, ensuring everything runs smoothly and everyone has a great time. With an average salary of around $72,000 per year, this odd job offers a surprising financial reward for those who enjoy the gaming industry.
Your day-to-day tasks will include managing staff, handling customer complaints, and ensuring compliance with gaming regulations. You’ll also be the one approving jackpots and payouts, making you a key player in the excitement of the game. A bachelor’s degree in business or a related field is often required, along with excellent communication and leadership skills.
Staying up-to-date with changing gaming regulations and technologies is crucial to remaining competitive in this role. Whether you’re working in a casino, a bingo hall, or even an online gaming platform, attention to detail and organizational skills are a must. If you love the thrill of the game and have a knack for management, this could be the perfect career for you.
22. Art Therapist
Imagine using art to help people heal and express their emotions. As an art therapist, you’ll do just that, working with clients to create personalized art therapy plans that address their unique needs. With an average salary of around $61,101 per year, this weird job offers both financial rewards and the satisfaction of making a difference in people’s lives.
Art therapists often work with clients who have mental health issues, disabilities, or other challenges, using art-making as a therapeutic tool. A master’s degree in art therapy or a related field is typically required, along with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Staying current with evolving art therapy techniques and technologies is essential to remain competitive in this field. Whether you’re working in hospitals, schools, or private practices, a high level of creativity and empathy is crucial. If you’re passionate about art and helping others, becoming an art therapist could be your dream career.
Unlock Your Dream Career in Weird Jobs
From professional cuddlers to train pushers, the world of unconventional jobs is vast and varied. These careers not only provide financial rewards but also offer unique experiences that can make your workday anything but ordinary. Whether you’re considering a career change or just curious about the unusual ways people make a living, these jobs demonstrate that there’s a place for everyone in the workforce.
If you’re tired of the same old 9-to-5 grind, consider exploring one of these funny jobs that pay well. You might just find your dream career awaits in the most unexpected places. Embrace the unusual, and you might discover a job that’s both fun and financially rewarding. For those looking to make a professional leap, consider checking out our resume writing services to help you stand out in your job search.
