Odd Jobs That Pay Well: 17+ Unusual Ways to Earn Money

Odd jobs that pay well are perfect for individuals who want something other than a traditional 9-to-5, without sacrificing earning potential or financial stability. Some of the highest-paying opportunities lie in occupations that most people have never considered or even heard of, ranging from diving into ponds to recover golf balls to legally hacking computer systems.

In this article, we’ll explore a range of unusual jobs that pay well. We’ll discuss what the work is about and what median salary you can expect. We’ll also examine a few odd jobs that you can do remotely, and we’ll show you how you can find all of them.

18 Odd Jobs That Pay Well in the U.S.

Odd jobs that pay well allow individuals to step off the conventional corporate ladder while still earning competitive wages and enjoying job security. Below are some of the highest-paying nontraditional occupations and unconventional careers ranked by earning potential:

#1. Ethical Hacker

Ethical hackers (classified by the BLS as information security analysts) are cybersecurity experts who are hired to legally hack into computer systems. Their work helps organizations discover vulnerabilities before malicious hackers get the chance to exploit them.

The day-to-day work of ethical hackers involves analyzing system architecture, conducting penetration tests, and developing comprehensive risk mitigation strategies.

Since companies increasingly rely on large and sensitive datasets to run their operations, demand for ethical hackers is surging. The current job outlook is 29%, which is much faster than average, with about 16,000 new openings each year through 2034.

#2. Elevator and Escalator Installer

Elevator and escalator installers perform highly specialized and physically demanding work for a premium salary. They are responsible for assembling, installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting intricate electrical and hydraulic systems that power freight and passenger lifts.

The work primarily happens in hazardous locations, such as cramped machine rooms, high elevator shafts, and tight crawl spaces. Because of significant safety requirements and the complexity of elevator and escalator systems, these professionals must undergo rigorous on-the-job training. Most states require licensure, as well.

This role is perfect for those who are after odd jobs that pay well without a degree. All you need is a high school diploma or equivalent, and a well-written elevator mechanic resume to start training.

#3. Multimedia Artist

Multimedia artists (also known as special effects artists and animators) are creative professionals who produce striking visual elements for movies, video games, TV commercials, mobile applications, and other media. They use specialized software to design 2D and 3D computer-generated imagery (CGI) to create engaging characters and environments and to simulate various effects, such as fire and water.

The role of a multimedia artist blends creativity and technical proficiency, perfect for talented professionals with a knack for technology. The average annual salary is close to six figures, and a 2% job outlook means about 5,000 new openings are projected each year by 2034.

#4. Genetic Counselor

Genetic counselors assess risks associated with inherited conditions. The occupation involves a combination of genetics, healthcare, and psychology. This allows professionals to help individuals and families determine their predisposition for genetic disorders, congenital disabilities, and other harmful conditions.

To achieve this, genetic counselors run DNA tests, analyze medical histories, advise patients on future steps and coping methods, and support them in decision-making. This is a high-paying occupation with a 9% job outlook. While much faster than average, this still amounts to about 300 new openings each year. Plus, the role requires a master’s degree and a license.

#5. Hydrologist

Hydrologists study how water moves across Earth’s surface and through its crust. They belong to a branch of environmental science that focuses on the properties of surface and underground water. Their work involves analyzing precipitation rates and monitoring soil infiltration, which allows hydrologists to solve problems related to water scarcity and quality, as well as floods.

This is a dynamic occupation, as hydrologists spend part of their time conducting field research in remote areas, and part analyzing data in laboratories. Hydrology can be a lucrative career with opportunities in both the federal government and the private sector. However, the role requires at least a bachelor’s degree.

#6. Acupuncturist

Acupuncturists are healthcare professionals who diagnose and treat various physical and mental disorders by stimulating specific anatomical points on the body. They use fine and sterile needles to alleviate pain, reduce stress, and treat systemic illnesses.

Depending on the practitioner, an acupuncturist may incorporate additional therapies such as acupressure, cupping, and herbal medicine. The majority of these professionals have private practices or work in specialized care centers. To become an acupuncturist, you need a master’s degree in acupuncture or Oriental medicine and to pass a certification exam.

#7. Toy Designer

Toy designers blend creativity, engineering prowess, and technical skills to create safe, engaging, and educational playthings. Typical responsibilities include conceptualizing and sketching new toys, building physical prototypes, creating 3D files using CAD software, and choosing the right materials for manufacturing.

Apart from the inventive and industrial nature of the work, the role of a toy designer also requires a thorough understanding of the stages of child development. This allows professionals to create toys which are both age-appropriate and commercially viable.

While the average salary is close to six figures, top earners can make well above that.

#8. Locomotive Engineer

Locomotive engineers primarily drive electric, diesel-electric, and gas-turbine locomotives. They are responsible for transporting hundreds of thousands of passengers and countless tons of freight across the country every day. The occupation often demands irregular hours, as trains operate year-round.

Beyond operating locomotives, they also need to interpret train orders, monitor electronic signaling systems, and adhere to strict railroad regulations. All of this allows locomotive engineers to operate trains seamlessly while continuously monitoring essential parameters such as speed, air pressure, and battery usage.

#9. Golf Ball Diver

Golf ball divers (grouped with commercial divers by the BLS) retrieve balls from water hazards scattered around courses. They typically operate as independent contractors, gathering, cleaning, sorting, and reselling golf balls. In general, divers either pay a flat fee to the golf course to access its premises or split the proceeds from retrieved balls.

The job usually requires scuba diving skills, while ponds can have no visibility and often contain mud, fertilizers, broken glass, and even dangerous wildlife.

Still, the average diver earns around $75,500, while seasoned professionals can net six figures annually. The role requires a scuba diving certification.

#10. Food Stylist

Food stylists work to make food look appetizing for commercials, photoshoots, social media, and other promotional materials. The role involves a mix of creative thinking and culinary skills to achieve specific goals.

Since real food rarely looks perfect for promotional recordings and quickly perishes under hot studio lights, food stylists use unconventional tricks like substituting motor oil for syrup or shaving cream for whipped cream.

All of this requires exceptional attention to detail, as well as color theory and composition. That’s why most employers look for candidates with traditional art school training and a portfolio.

#11. Bingo Manager

Bingo managers oversee the operations of casino or charity bingo rooms. They supervise callers and floor staff, schedule sessions, ensure compliance with gaming regulations, track payouts, and manage financial operations.

Additionally, bingo managers are responsible for resolving customer disputes, which typically requires strong customer service skills. All of this makes it one of the unique jobs in the management field, which often requires prior experience in the casino, retail, or hospitality industries.

#12. Wind Turbine Service Technician

Wind turbine service technicians (or “windtechs”) inspect, diagnose, and repair equipment and structures that generate wind energy. The turbines are often massive, so the work can involve climbing ladders hundreds of feet in the air to troubleshoot various hydraulic, electrical, and mechanical malfunctions.

Due to a growing demand for green energy sources, this is one of the fastest-growing occupations in the U.S., with a projected growth rate of 49.9% by 2034. To enter the field, you typically need a postsecondary non-degree award from a technical school and on-the-job training.

#13. Sommelier

Sommeliers are highly trained wine professionals who typically work in fine dining establishments. Their responsibilities range from curating restaurant wine lists and managing inventories to collaborating with chefs on wine pairings with specific menu items.

Apart from technical skills and extensive knowledge of wine, sommeliers also need to provide impeccable customer service and guide guests in their beverage selection. Sommeliers who work in high-end Michelin-starred restaurants can earn well above six figures. A strong sommelier resume can help you get such a high-paying position.

#14. Hearing Aid Specialist

Hearing aid specialists are technical professionals who help customers choose and fit the right hearing instruments. Day-to-day work involves taking physical impressions of ear canals and designing ear molds for comfort.

Unlike audiologists, who need doctorates, hearing aid specialists can typically enter the field with a high school diploma, state-specific licensing exam, and apprenticeship.

#15. Embalmer

Embalmers prepare deceased individuals for interment. They have an essential behind-the-scenes job that involves sanitizing bodies, using embalming fluids, and applying specialized restorative cosmetics.

These professionals primarily work in morgues and funeral homes and must follow strict biosafety laws. To become an embalmer, you need a specialized degree in mortuary science followed by an apprenticeship and state licensure.

#16. Furniture Tester

Furniture testers are paid to use household property like sofas, chairs, and mattresses. Manufacturers hire these individuals to help them test and evaluate the comfort, safety, and durability of their products.

The job involves spending hours shifting between sitting, lying down, and lounging on different pieces of furniture to check for any notable flaws or structural weaknesses.

The job requires sharp physical awareness and polished writing skills, as furniture testers need to provide detailed and constructive feedback.

#17. Crime Scene Cleaner

Crime scene cleaners (classified as hazardous materials removal workers) sanitize spaces after unattended deaths, industrial accidents, homicides, or biohazard situations.

The job can be both physically and emotionally challenging, as it involves working in difficult locations and scrubbing fluids and chemical residues. Plus, it requires heavy-duty personal protective equipment (PPE) and industrial-grade solvents.

To be a crime scene cleaner, you need polished cleaning skills and proficiency in safety protocols. For all these reasons, professionals in this job often earn higher pay than those in traditional cleaning occupations.

#18. Funeral Attendant

Funeral attendants have vital duties at funeral homes to ensure memorial services run smoothly and respectfully. Standard responsibilities include arranging floral displays, directing mourners, escorting grieving families, and carefully transporting caskets to viewing parlors and chapels.

Beyond that, funeral attendants may also manage lighting and issue necessary funeral equipment. While the profession doesn’t require a college degree, it takes emotional resilience, deep empathy, and strong professionalism in sensitive settings, which are practiced through on-the-job training.

5 Odd High-Paying Jobs That Can Be Done Remotely

If you’re looking to avoid commuting associated with having an office or a physical workplace, you’ll find plenty of remote strange jobs with high pay that you can perform from the comfort of your home. Some examples include:

How to Find High-Paying Unusual Jobs

To find high-paying unusual jobs, you often need to look beyond traditional job boards.

Still, you should always start with regular employment websites, like LinkedIn or Resume.co job board. Make sure to use specific keywords that are related to the odd jobs you’re after. Otherwise, you’ll usually end up with generic results from the most popular industries.

If your initial search doesn’t yield results, you should turn to professional networking, as it’s often the most effective strategy. Depending on your industry or the role you’re after, you can look up Facebook groups, Reddit communities, professional forums, and industry associations.

There may also be specialized job boards for niche occupations, such as eJury and OnlineVerdict for online mock jurors. You may also find opportunities when attending workshops, conferences, and trade events.

Finally, general freelance marketplaces like Fiverr and Upwork can be good starting points for those who want to get into unusual careers or earn some money in the gig economy. You can find a vast variety of jobs ranging from voice acting to prompt writing, and more.

How to Tailor Your Resume for Unusual Jobs

To tailor your resume for unusual jobs, you need to meticulously optimize it with the right keywords. Carefully read the job description and ensure your resume matches the requirements as closely as possible.

You’ll primarily have to focus on transferable skills and accomplishments from previous roles that are relevant to the odd job you’re applying for.

If you need help to do this correctly, you can use our resume builder. Our software comes with modern resume templates and resume examples, as well as a powerful AI that can help you write a perfectly tailored document from scratch or improve your existing resume.

Closing Thoughts

There’s a wide variety of odd jobs that pay well, allowing professionals to avoid the traditional job market if they are after uniquely rewarding work experiences. Whether you want to be a tech-oriented ethical hacker, an adrenaline-chasing diver, or you simply want to relax on your couch and review legal cases, there’s an interesting job that pays well out there for you.

Remember to look beyond traditional job boards and explore niche communities to find unusual opportunities. Once something catches your eye, tailor your resume to it, and don’t forget to use our resume builder if you want to maximize your chances of getting the job.

Odd Jobs That Pay Well FAQs

#1. What is the most fun job that pays well?

The most fun job that pays well is highly subjective, as it depends on individual needs and circumstances. In general, roles like toy designer and food stylist often rank at the top. They allow professionals to unleash their creativity while still offering them competitive salaries.

#2. Can you make a living with a nontraditional job?

Yes, you can make a living with a nontraditional job. Moreover, many nontraditional jobs offer salaries above the national average, some exceeding six figures. In particular, roles that are hazardous or require specialized skills often come with worthwhile compensation packages.

#3. Are odd jobs legitimate career options?

Yes, odd jobs are legitimate career options. Many of these roles are essential to the economy and often require extensive education, federal licenses, or lengthy apprenticeships to get into. They can provide long-term financial stability with lucrative benefits and retirement packages.