The job market is full of unusual and exciting career paths that most people never consider, yet these positions can offer good salaries, flexible schedules, and truly unique work experiences.
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Weird, Unusual and Fun Jobs With Salaries
1. Pet Food Taster
Pet food tasters sample animal foods to check quality, flavor, and texture. They evaluate whether pets will enjoy the food and if it meets nutritional standards.
A typical day involves sampling multiple products, recording detailed notes about taste and smell, and providing feedback to manufacturers.
Pet food tasters earn between $30,000-$60,000 annually, depending on experience and employer.
Most pet food tasters have backgrounds in food science, nutrition, or veterinary studies. A degree in one of these fields helps, though no specific certification exists for this profession.
Job satisfaction tends to be high for animal lovers who enjoy knowing they contribute to pet health and happiness. The job can be challenging for those with sensitive taste buds or who dislike certain flavors.
2. Animal Massage Therapist
Animal massage therapists provide therapeutic touch to pets and working animals to improve mobility, reduce pain, and enhance well-being.
They work with animals recovering from injuries, elderly pets with arthritis, or performance animals like racehorses. Techniques include Swedish massage, myofascial release, and acupressure adapted for animal anatomy. Daily work might involve traveling to clients’ homes, farms, or veterinary clinics.
Therapists typically earn $50-$100 per session, with annual incomes ranging from $30,000-$70,000.
Becoming an animal massage therapist requires specialized training. Programs typically take 6-12 months to complete and cover animal anatomy, physiology, and massage techniques.
Many states require certification or licensing, often through the National Board of Certification for Animal Acupressure and Massage (NBCAAM) or similar organizations.
Job satisfaction comes from seeing immediate improvements in animals’ comfort and mobility, making this rewarding for those who connect deeply with animals.
3. Professional Dog Walker
Professional dog walkers exercise and care for multiple dogs daily while their owners are at work or away.
Daily responsibilities include picking up dogs from clients’ homes, walking them in groups or individually, providing water and treats, and ensuring their safety. Many dog walkers also offer pet sitting, training reinforcement, or basic grooming.
Earnings range from $15-$30 per dog per walk, with full-time walkers making $25,000-$80,000 annually depending on location and client base.
No formal education is needed, though certification in pet first aid and training in dog behavior proves helpful. Many successful dog walkers start by walking for friends and family, then gradually build their client list.
Job satisfaction rates highly among dog walkers who enjoy outdoor activity and canine companionship.
4. Breath Odor Evaluator
Breath odor evaluators test the effectiveness of products like mouthwash, toothpaste, and breath mints. They smell volunteers’ breath before and after using these products to determine how well they work.
Their daily routine includes meeting test subjects, recording baseline breath odors, and documenting changes after product use. They need sensitive noses and the ability to describe scents accurately.
Most breath odor evaluators earn between $40,000 and $60,000 annually.
The job typically requires:
- A background in sensory science
- Strong attention to detail
- Good communication skills
- Comfort working closely with strangers
You might begin this career through laboratory assistant positions at consumer product companies. No specific degree exists for this field, but chemistry or food science education helps candidates stand out.
5. Chocolate Taster
Chocolate tasters sample chocolates to ensure quality, consistency, and flavor profiles. They identify subtle notes like fruitiness, acidity, or earthiness in different chocolate varieties.
A typical day involves tasting 20-30 chocolate samples, cleansing the palate between tastings, and documenting observations. Chocolate tasters help develop new products and maintain quality standards.
Salaries range from $35,000 to $70,000 depending on experience and employer. Top chocolate companies like Godiva and Lindt often pay premium rates for skilled tasters.
Some qualifications that help in this field:
- Refined taste buds and sense of smell
- Knowledge of cocoa varieties and processing methods
- Ability to describe flavors precisely
- Experience in food science or culinary arts
Most chocolate tasters develop their skills through on-the-job training, though culinary backgrounds can be helpful.
6. Professional Ice Cream Taster
Ice cream tasters (also called flavor developers or food scientists) create and evaluate ice cream flavors for texture, taste, and appearance. They sample products throughout development to perfect recipes.
During a typical workday, they might test multiple batches with slight variations, collaborate with marketing teams, and research flavor trends. They must understand how ingredients interact and freeze.
The average salary ranges from $45,000 to $80,000. Companies like Ben & Jerry’s, Häagen-Dazs, and Baskin-Robbins employ these specialists.
Becoming an ice cream taster usually requires:
- A degree in food science or culinary arts
- Understanding of dairy chemistry
- Excellent sensory skills
- Knowledge of manufacturing processes
Many professionals start in quality control positions before advancing to tasting roles.
7. Cheese Sculptor
Cheese sculptors transform blocks of cheese into artistic creations for events, advertisements, and competitions. These artists combine culinary knowledge with artistic vision.
Their work varies by project. Some days involve sketching designs, while others focus on carving detailed sculptures that might weigh hundreds of pounds. Temperature control is essential since cheese properties change as it warms.
Earnings typically come per project rather than salary, with professionals charging $500-$5,000 depending on size and complexity. Top sculptors working with luxury brands can earn significantly more.
The path to this career often includes:
- Fine arts background
- Food handling experience
- Tools management skills
- Marketing abilities to find clients
No formal certification exists, but many cheese sculptors build portfolios through competitions and apprenticeships with established artists.
8. Professional Mermaid
Professional mermaids perform at aquariums, resorts, and special events while wearing custom tail costumes. They swim underwater, perform choreographed routines, and interact with guests.
Job duties include maintaining underwater breath control for up to 4 minutes, performing swimming tricks, and posing for photos with visitors. Many also educate audiences about ocean conservation.
Typical salaries range from $100-$300 per hour for events, with full-time aquarium mermaids earning $40,000-$70,000 annually.
A typical day might involve:
- Morning tail maintenance and costume prep
- 2-3 scheduled swimming shows
- Meet-and-greets with guests
- Practice sessions for new routines
Becoming a professional mermaid requires strong swimming skills, comfort underwater, and CPR certification.
9. Escape Room Designer
Escape room designers create immersive puzzle experiences where players solve challenges to “escape” themed rooms within time limits.
These creative professionals develop storylines, design physical puzzles, program electronic elements, and test gameplay mechanics. They balance difficulty levels to challenge players without creating frustration.
The average salary falls between $45,000-$70,000, though freelance designers can earn $5,000-$15,000 per room design.
Daily work involves:
- Brainstorming new puzzle concepts
- Building and testing prototypes
- Collaborating with builders and technicians
- Observing test groups to refine experiences
Most escape room designers have backgrounds in game design, theater, or engineering. No specific degree exists, but experience with puzzles, storytelling, and basic electronics proves valuable for entering this field.
10. Voice Actor for Toys
Voice actors for toys create the sounds, phrases, and personalities that bring dolls, action figures, and electronic playthings to life.
These performers record hundreds of lines for interactive toys, often voicing multiple characters across different product lines. They adjust their vocal technique to match character personalities and age-appropriate content.
Earnings typically range from $200-$500 per hour in recording sessions, with established actors making $40,000-$100,000 annually from toy work alone.
A typical workday includes:
- Vocal warm-ups
- Recording sessions (2-5 hours)
- Multiple takes of lines with different emotional tones
- Working with directors to match brand expectations
Breaking into toy voice acting requires acting skills, vocal versatility, and usually representation by a talent agency. Many successful toy voice actors study theater or take specialized voice acting workshops before auditioning for these unique roles.
11. Virtual Reality Tester
Virtual reality testers evaluate VR games, applications, and experiences before they reach consumers. They identify bugs, assess user experience, and provide feedback on comfort levels during extended use.
Their daily routine involves:
• Playing through VR games and applications multiple times
• Documenting motion sickness issues or physical discomforts
• Writing detailed reports about technical problems
• Meeting with developers to explain findings
The average salary ranges from $40,000 to $70,000 depending on experience and location. Entry-level positions might pay hourly rates of $15-25.
No formal education is mandatory, though a background in computer science, game design, or quality assurance helps. Most companies look for candidates with gaming experience and technical aptitude.
12. Professional Video Game Player
Professional gamers compete in tournaments, create content, and stream gameplay for audiences. Top players can earn millions through competitions, sponsorships, and content creation.
Daily activities include:
• Practicing specific games for 8-12 hours
• Analyzing gameplay footage to improve strategies
• Streaming on platforms like Twitch or YouTube
• Meeting with coaches and teammates
Earnings vary dramatically. Amateur competitors might make a few hundred dollars per tournament, while elite players earn $300,000+ annually plus sponsorships.
13. Social Media Trend Analyst
These specialists monitor social platforms to identify emerging trends, consumer behaviors, and viral content patterns. They help companies capitalize on cultural moments and adapt marketing strategies.
A typical workday might include:
• Using analytics tools to track hashtags and engagement
• Creating reports on trending topics across platforms
• Meeting with marketing teams to suggest content strategies
• Monitoring competitor social media activities
Social media trend analysts typically earn $55,000-$85,000 annually. Those working with major brands or agencies can command higher salaries.
Successful analysts combine data skills with cultural intuition and creativity.
14. Luxury Bed Tester
Luxury bed testers evaluate hotel beds and bedding for comfort and quality. They sleep in different hotels and resorts, then write detailed reports about their experience.
Job duties include:
- Testing mattresses, pillows, and bedding
- Rating sleep quality and comfort
- Providing feedback on room temperature and noise levels
- Writing detailed reviews for hotels or mattress companies
The salary ranges from $30,000 to $100,000 annually, depending on the employer and travel requirements.
A typical day might involve checking into a hotel, inspecting the bed’s features, sleeping overnight, and completing an evaluation form the next morning.
To become a luxury bed tester, you could start with a background in hospitality or customer service. No formal education is required, but strong writing skills and attention to detail help. Job satisfaction tends to be high due to the travel perks and unique experiences.
15. Island Caretaker
Island caretakers maintain private islands or island resorts when owners or guests are away. This job combines groundskeeping with property management in paradise settings.
Key responsibilities include:
- Maintaining buildings and grounds
- Monitoring weather conditions and preparing for storms
- Performing basic repairs and maintenance
- Managing deliveries and supply inventories
- Providing security for the property
Salaries typically range from $25,000 to $80,000 annually, often with free housing on the island.
A typical day might start with property inspection, followed by maintenance tasks like gardening or minor repairs. Caretakers also monitor boats, equipment, and wildlife on the property.
Most positions require practical skills like basic carpentry, plumbing, and gardening. Previous experience in property management or grounds maintenance is helpful. The job offers high satisfaction for those who enjoy solitude and nature, though isolation can be challenging for some.
16. Golf Ball Diver
Golf ball divers recover lost balls from water hazards on golf courses. They swim through murky ponds and lakes, often with limited visibility, collecting thousands of balls that can be cleaned and resold.
The job requires scuba certification and comfort working in challenging conditions. Divers contend with alligators in some regions, snapping turtles, and thick mud that can trap equipment.
A typical day involves:
- Arriving early at golf courses before players begin
- Diving for 3-4 hours in various water hazards
- Surfacing with mesh bags full of recovered balls
- Sorting, cleaning, and grading balls for resale
Income varies widely from $50,000-100,000 annually, depending on location and volume. Most divers work as independent contractors, selling recovered balls to recycling companies.
No formal education is needed beyond scuba certification, though understanding golf course operations helps secure contracts.
17. Professional LEGO Builder
Professional LEGO builders design and construct elaborate models for displays, theme parks, and corporate events. They transform thousands of plastic bricks into detailed sculptures, buildings, and interactive exhibits.
The job demands exceptional spatial awareness, patience, and creative problem-solving. Builders might spend weeks planning a single project before beginning construction.
Daily responsibilities include:
- Sketching designs or working from digital plans
- Calculating brick quantities needed
- Assembling complex structures
- Troubleshooting structural issues
- Documenting completed work
Salaries typically range from $30,000 for assistants to $75,000+ for master builders.
Many professional builders start as hobbyists. Some of them become Lego Certified Professionals.
18. Water Slide Tester
Water slide testers evaluate water slides at theme parks and resorts for safety, fun factor, and overall experience. They slide down newly constructed water attractions and provide detailed reports on speed, splash factor, and thrill level.
Job duties include testing multiple slides per day, documenting the experience, measuring slide speeds, and checking safety features. They also evaluate water quality and cleanliness of facilities.
A typical day might involve:
- Testing 5-10 different slides
- Taking detailed notes on a waterproof tablet
- Recording videos for marketing teams
- Meeting with engineers about design improvements
The salary ranges from $30,000 to $60,000 annually, depending on the company and travel requirements.
No formal education is required, but swimming skills and knowledge of water safety are essential. Previous experience in water parks or hospitality helps candidates stand out.
19. Professional Sleeper
Professional sleepers participate in sleep studies for scientific research or test beds and sleep products for companies. They spend hours or days sleeping while researchers monitor various aspects of their rest patterns. Learn more: How to Become a Professional Sleeper (Pros and Cons)
These unique professionals might earn $10,000 to $18,000 per sleep study, which typically last from a few days to several months. Extended NASA studies can pay up to $19,000 for three-month bed rest studies.
Daily activities include:
- Following strict sleep schedules
- Wearing monitoring devices
- Completing questionnaires about sleep quality
- Submitting to various tests and measurements
No specific education is required, but good health is necessary. Research facilities look for candidates with regular sleep patterns and no sleep disorders.
Some professional sleepers work for mattress companies, hotels, or spas testing comfort and quality of bedding products.
20. Foley Artist
Foley artists are audio specialists who create and record sound effects to enhance the realism of media productions.
- Film and Television Foley Artists create footsteps, clothing rustles, and prop handling sounds for movies and TV shows. They might use coconut shells for horse hooves or manipulate cellophane to simulate fire crackling.
- Medical Foley Artists specialize in creating realistic bodily sounds and medical procedure effects for training simulations and educational materials.
- Animation Foley Artists face unique challenges creating sounds for actions that don’t exist in reality, like a cartoon character stretching impossibly or fantastical creatures moving.
These professionals work across diverse industries, earning between $40,000 and $90,000 annually depending on their specialization, with freelancers typically charging $200-600 per day.
Most foley artists begin with formal education in audio engineering or sound design followed by apprenticeships with established professionals. Specialization typically develops through industry-specific training—such as gaming foley artists learning audio implementation tools or medical foley artists observing healthcare procedures.
Regardless of specialization, successful foley artists combine technical audio expertise with creative problem-solving skills and a meticulous attention to detail.
21. Bachelor Party Researcher
A Bachelor Party Researcher studies pre-wedding celebration trends and behaviors. This professional observes and documents party patterns, spending habits, and regional variations in bachelor party customs.
Their daily work might include:
- Interviewing party planners and participants
- Analyzing survey data about celebration preferences
- Writing reports for tourism boards or event companies
Most researchers earn between $45,000-$65,000 annually depending on their employer and experience level.
A typical day involves reviewing field notes, conducting interviews, and compiling statistical data. Some days might include attending actual events for observation purposes.
To become one, you need a background in sociology, anthropology, or tourism management. A master’s degree helps, and experience in qualitative research methods is valuable. Some professionals start in event planning before specializing in this niche.
22. Professional Line Sitter
Professional Line Sitters wait in lines for clients who value their time too much to wait themselves. They hold spots for everything from product launches to concert tickets or restaurant openings.
The job pays surprisingly well – between $25-$35 per hour on average. During high-demand events, rates can jump to $50+ hourly. Some experienced line sitters earn over $1,000 weekly during busy seasons.
The work requires:
- Physical stamina for standing long periods
- Weather tolerance (rain, cold, heat)
- Reliability and punctuality
- Good communication skills
Getting started requires no formal education. Many professional line sitters work through apps that connect them with clients. Others work independently through social media marketing.
A typical workday might begin at 4 AM for a popular store opening, equipped with folding chairs, snacks, and entertainment options for the long wait ahead.
23. Professional Cuddler
Professional cuddlers provide platonic touch therapy to clients seeking human connection without romantic or sexual elements. They offer hugs, hand-holding, and cuddling sessions in a safe environment.
Most cuddlers charge $60-100 per hour, with experienced practitioners in major cities earning up to $80,000 annually.
A typical day might include:
- 4-6 one-hour sessions with different clients
- Maintaining clear boundaries with each person
- Practicing active listening during sessions
No formal education is required, but most professionals complete training through organizations like Cuddlist or Professional Cuddlers International. These programs teach consent practices, boundary setting, and client management.
Many cuddlers work independently, though some join agencies that handle scheduling and client screening. The profession has grown as studies continue to show the health benefits of non-sexual physical touch.
24. Professional Food Stylist
Food stylists create the visually perfect dishes seen in advertisements, cookbooks, and food packaging. They transform ordinary food into photogenic art through specialized techniques that enhance appearance but often render the food inedible.
These culinary artists use tools like tweezers, glycerin, and food-safe paints to create idealized versions of dishes that highlight texture and color. They might spend hours arranging a single hamburger, selecting each sesame seed on the bun for optimal placement.
A typical day involves:
• Preparing multiple versions of the same dish for different camera angles
• Using specialized tricks to create visual effects (motor oil for syrup, glue for milk)
• Collaborating with photographers on lighting and composition
• Shopping for the most visually perfect ingredients
Professional food stylists earn $450-$850 per day for commercial work, with experienced stylists making $75,000-$150,000 annually.
Most enter the field after culinary school or photography training, often starting as assistants to established stylists. Success requires artistic vision, attention to detail, and understanding of how food behaves under studio lighting and over time.
25. Chief Happiness Officer
Chief Happiness Officers (CHOs) focus on employee satisfaction and workplace culture. These professionals develop programs to boost morale and create positive work environments.
CHOs organize team-building activities, implement wellness initiatives, and gather feedback about workplace satisfaction. They often collaborate with HR departments to address employee concerns.
A typical day for a CHO might include:
- Planning office celebrations or recognition events
- Conducting employee satisfaction surveys
- Meeting with department heads to address morale issues
- Developing new programs to improve work-life balance
Salaries typically range from $60,000 to $95,000, depending on company size and location.
Becoming a CHO usually requires a bachelor’s degree in human resources, psychology, or business. Strong interpersonal skills and 3-5 years of experience in HR or employee engagement roles can help you qualify for this position.
26. Professional Apology Writer
Professional Apology Writers craft sincere, effective apologies for businesses that need to address customer complaints or public relations issues.
These specialists understand the psychology of effective apologies and know how to acknowledge mistakes without creating legal liability. They carefully balance empathy with appropriate language that protects company interests.
Daily tasks might include:
- Consulting with legal teams about sensitive situations
- Drafting apology letters for customer service departments
- Creating scripts for company representatives to deliver verbal apologies
- Reviewing social media responses to company mistakes
Salaries range from $45,000 to $75,000, often with additional freelance opportunities.
This career path typically requires excellent writing skills and a background in communications, public relations, or customer service. Some professionals come from legal backgrounds, giving them insight into liability concerns when crafting delicate messages.
27. Netflix Tagger
Netflix taggers watch movies and TV shows to categorize content with descriptive tags that power the platform’s recommendation algorithm.
They analyze films for themes, moods, plot elements, and character types, assigning hundreds of specific tags per title. These tags create the metadata that helps Netflix suggest what viewers might enjoy next.
A typical workday involves:
• Watching 3-4 hours of content
• Creating detailed tag lists for each program
• Writing brief content descriptions
• Identifying potentially sensitive material for viewer warnings
Taggers earn between $10-$15 per hour, often working as contractors with flexible schedules.
Most taggers have backgrounds in film studies, media analysis, or journalism. The position requires attention to detail and understanding of narrative structures, genres, and cultural contexts.
28. Fortune Cookie Writer
Fortune cookie writers earn $40,000-60,000 crafting those tiny predictions we all love reading. They typically produce dozens of fortunes daily, requiring only creativity and writing skills.
These creative professionals craft hundreds of fortunes weekly, balancing positive predictions with universal appeal. They must write concise messages that fit the tiny paper slips while avoiding controversial topics.
Job responsibilities include:
• Developing fortune concepts in various categories (love, success, wisdom)
• Editing messages to fit character limits
• Translating fortunes for international markets
• Ensuring cultural sensitivity across diverse audiences
The position requires strong creative writing skills and cultural awareness. Many fortune writers have backgrounds in copywriting, poetry, or advertising, though no specific degree is required.
29. Professional Bridesmaid
Professional bridesmaids are hired to support brides on their wedding day, filling in when friends are unavailable or supplementing the existing bridal party.
These wedding professionals provide emotional support, handle logistics, manage difficult family situations, and ensure the day runs smoothly while appearing to be longtime friends of the bride.
Services typically include:
• Attending pre-wedding events
• Helping with day-of coordination
• Managing family dynamics
• Giving toasts or speeches when needed
• Keeping the bride calm during stressful moments
Professional bridesmaids charge $1,000-$2,500 per wedding, with experienced pros in high-demand locations earning $50,000-$75,000 annually.
Most enter the field with backgrounds in event planning, hospitality, or psychology. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to blend into various social groups are essential for success.
30. Professional Furniture Tester
Furniture testers evaluate chairs, sofas, beds, and other furnishings for comfort, durability, and functionality before products reach consumers.
These specialized quality assurance professionals spend their days sitting, reclining, and interacting with furniture prototypes while documenting their experiences. They assess ergonomics, material quality, and potential design flaws.
A typical workday might include:
• Testing 10-15 different furniture pieces using standardized protocols
• Recording detailed observations about comfort during different durations
• Performing repetitive actions to simulate years of consumer use
• Meeting with designers to provide feedback on prototypes
Furniture testers typically earn $40,000-$65,000 annually, with senior testers at luxury brands earning up to $80,000.
The position requires strong observational skills and the ability to articulate subtle differences in comfort and usability. Many testers have backgrounds in industrial design, ergonomics, or quality control.
Job satisfaction tends to be high, with testers appreciating the tangible impact their feedback has on products that improve people’s daily comfort and well-being.