Beyond the 9-to-5: 13 Odd Jobs That’ll Shock You With Their Pay

Steve Cummings

Video Game Tester

Gone are the days when a traditional 9-to-5 job was the only way to make decent money. The world is full of unique and surprising opportunities that can lead to high-paying gigs.

In this blog post, we'll examine 13 odd jobs that may shock you with their pay. These jobs offer high salaries and provide exciting and unconventional work experiences.

So, if you are looking for something unique and well-paying, keep on reading. You might just find your dream job!

1. Professional Cuddler

Loving old mother giving hug to son
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

A professional cuddler is someone who gets paid to cuddle with people. This job is all about providing comfort and warmth to others who might feel lonely or just need a hug.

People in this job create a safe space for clients to relax and feel connected.

They can make between $40 and $80 an hour just by giving cuddles. This unique way of making money highlights the importance of human touch and connection.

2. Video Game Tester

Man playing video games
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A video game tester is someone who plays video games, but it's not just for fun. Their job is to play new games before they are released to the public.

They look for bugs or problems that need fixing—it's their job to ensure that everything in the game works perfectly.

By doing this, they can earn about $68,212 a year. It's like making money by doing what many people do for fun. But they help improve the games we love to play.

3. Golf Ball Diver

miniature golf courses

A golf ball diver is a person who dives into golf course water hazards, like ponds and lakes, to collect lost golf balls. It might sound simple, but it requires diving skills.

Once they gather the balls, they clean them up and sell them back to golf courses or stores.

This job can pay between $36,000 to $64,000 a year. It's an excellent way to make money if you don't mind getting wet and muddy.

4. Pet Food Tester

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A pet food tester is someone who checks the quality of pet food. Their job isn't just to taste it and make sure it smells good and has the right texture. They help ensure that our pets are getting tasty and nutritious meals.

While it might seem odd to think about tasting pet food, these testers play a crucial role in keeping our furry friends healthy and happy. By doing this, they can earn between $20,000 to $31,500 a year. It's a unique way to contribute to pet wellness.

5. Waterslide Tester

Disney Amusement park
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A waterslide tester is someone who tests waterslides at water parks to ensure they are safe and fun. They slide down different slides, checking the speed, water flow, and safety. Then, they give feedback on how exciting and enjoyable each slide is.

Imagine getting paid to spend your days at a water park riding slides! They can earn about $28 per hour for this fun job. It's a dream job for anyone who loves water parks and seeks adventure.

6. Fortune Cookie Writer

Fortune Cookie
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A fortune cookie writer is a person who creates the little messages inside fortune cookies. These messages can be wise sayings, lucky numbers, or just fun predictions about the future.

It's a creative job where you get to think of ways to make people smile or ponder something profound when they crack open their cookie. 

They can make around $40 an hour for doing this cool and creative work. It's like getting paid to share little pieces of happiness.

7. Professional Sleeper

sleep on money
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A professional sleeper is someone who gets paid to sleep. It sounds like a dream job, right?

They do this for companies needing help testing products like mattresses, pillows, and blankets to make sure their comfort. Sometimes, they also help scientists study sleep patterns and dreams.

They can earn about $78,000 a year by sleeping on the job. It's a unique way to make money by doing something we all do every night—sleep!

8. Snake Milker

Snake Milker
Credit: Ton Bangkeaw/Shutterstock

A snake milker is someone who carefully collects venom from snakes. This might sound scary, but it's vital work.

The venom they collect is used to make medicines and antivenoms that can save people's lives if they get bitten by a snake.

Snake milkers must be very careful and skilled in handling snakes. They can earn around $40,000 a year by doing this brave job, which allows them to make a living by helping others stay safe.

9. Personal Shopper

Woman shopping
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A personal shopper is someone who helps other people shop. They pick out clothes, gifts, groceries, or anything else someone might need.

Some people are too busy, some don't like shopping, or others just want help making choices. That's where a personal shopper comes in.

They learn what you like and find things that match your style or needs. By shopping for others, they can earn about $15 an hour.

10. Crime Scene Cleaner

crime scene cleaner
credit: depositphotos

If you are not scared of a bit of blood and a lot of mess, then being a crime scene cleaner might be the job for you. 

They clean up after accidents, crimes, or other traumatic events. It's not easy work, but it's necessary to help people move on from difficult situations.

Crime scene cleaners earn around $35,000 annually for their brave and important work. So, if you are not afraid to get your hands dirty, this unique job might be a good fit.

11. Luxury House Sitter

Luxury House
Credit: velvetocean/Depositphotos

Do you want to make cash just by staying in a luxurious house? Well, the job of a luxury house sitter might just be perfect for you. You can live in fabulous homes while the owners are away on vacation or business trips.

You'll have responsibilities like caring for pets, watering plants, and keeping the house tidy. But it's worth it to have the chance to stay in a beautiful mansion. 

Depending on the location and responsibilities, you can make $16 to $25 per hour for this job.

12. Professional Mourner

Funeral
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Speaking of unique jobs, have you ever heard of a professional mourner?

It's someone who gets paid to attend funerals and mourn with the family and friends of the deceased. This is a common practice in some cultures, where having more mourners at a funeral is seen as a sign of respect for the departed.

A professional mourner can earn between $50 and $200 per event, which is usually a few hours long.

13. Voice-over Artist

Woman giving voice over
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Can you create unique voices and sounds? Can you imitate different accents and characters? Then, a career as a voice-over artist might be perfect for you.

From ads to animated movies, voice-over artists are in high demand for their ability to bring characters and products to life. Depending on your experience and the project, you can earn $44 to $500 per hour for your voice talents.

Find Jobs That Fit Your Interests

jobs for teens
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Now you know some unique jobs that are not your regular 9-5 desk jobs. You can explore your interests and skills to find a fulfilling job that pays well. We hope you learned something new and are inspired to try out some unique career paths. Don't be afraid to step outside the box and try something different. You never know where it might lead you.

12 Jobs Booming in Demand and Paying Over $75,000

Jobs are in high demand
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If you're looking for a high-paying job in high demand, you're in the right place! In this blog post, we will talk about 12 booming jobs that pay over $75,000 annually and have a growing demand in the current job market.

12 Jobs Booming in Demand and Paying Over $75,000

12 High-Paying Jobs That Are Perfect for People Who Want a Better Work-Life Balance

life balance
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Welcome to the hustle and bustle of the 21st century, where time is money, and work-life balance seems like a far-off dream. But what if I told you there's a way to work less and make more? Yes, you heard it right! This blog post will reveal 12 high-paying jobs perfect for those who crave a healthy bank account and a balanced lifestyle.

12 High-Paying Jobs That Are Perfect for People Who Want a Better Work-Life Balance

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