Top 10 Most Unusual Jobs In The World That Pay Surprisingly Well

When we think of high-paying jobs, we normally think of high-end sectors like banking, medicine, business, and healthcare. However, there are some really strange jobs that not only sound fun, but are also known to pay a lot of money. What’s even more interesting is the fact that all of these jobs are legal enterprises that actually require some professionals to have years of experience, so you already know that they don’t take these jobs lightly. In this blog, we will discuss the top 10 most unusual jobs in the world that are also known to pay a decent salary. From professional sleepers to luxury bed testers, this blog will help you understand that there is a certain niche of employment that sounds just as fun as it is bizarre. 

Top 10 Most Unusual Jobs In The World

Let’s not waste any time and get straight to discussing the ten most interesting jobs in the world. While some of them might sound common and not super unconventional, you might be hard-pressed to find anyone who works in any of these roles. Here are some of the best unusual jobs that most people don’t know about. 

• Ethical Hacker:- 

While hacking is not considered ethical for the most part, there exists a kind of hacking that is very much required for ethical reasons. Companies hire ethical hackers to identify security vulnerabilities before unethical hackers manage to get their hands on the company’s weaknesses. Ethical hacking requires high-level technical skills and a very vigilant and curious mind. 

• Professional Line Stander:- 

Considered one of the weirdest jobs ever, some people are paid to wait for everything from the latest iPhone models to the top-selling Broadway tickets. It is mostly done to increase the hype behind a certain product and make it seem like the demand is very high. 

• Food Stylist:- 

Among the unusual jobs that pay well, a food stylist is one that definitely comes to mind. They are the reason why your McDonald’s burger doesn’t look nearly as appetizing as it does in the commercials. Food stylists use blowtorches, tweezers, and even motor oil to make food look " camera-ready " for advertisements.

• Luxury Bed Warmer:- 

Some high-end hotels in London and other cities have employed professional bed warmers to literally warm the bed. These individuals wear special thermal suits and lie in the guest’s bed for a few minutes before they arrive to ensure the sheets are at the perfect temperature. This is one of the most unique jobs in the world, as you basically get paid to lie on a bed and do nothing. 

• Golf Ball Diver:-

Golfers have accidentally sent balls flying into water hazards many times. Professional divers are hired to find these sunken balls, which are then cleaned and resold. 

• Professional Shopper:-

 Shopping for a living might sound like a dream to many, but you can actually get paid to do it. Professional shoppers need to have an incredible eye for style and a deep understanding of their client’s branding. They curate entire wardrobes for luxury brands and celebrities, making it one of the most fun jobs in the world, although one that requires specialised attention.

• Voice-Over Artist:- 

Voice-over artists are required almost everywhere. From the voice of a GPS to a narrator of a true-crime documentary, lots of media-related businesses hire voice actors. If you have a unique or authoritative voice, then you can get one of the best unusual jobs that pays a decent amount of money. 

• Embalmer:- 

For those who don’t know, embalming requires preparing deceased bodies for funerals, requiring a mix of medical knowledge and artistic skill to ensure that the body looks like that of a person sleeping peacefully rather than someone who looks completely lifeless. 

• Submarine Cook:-

 Cooking in a submarine is more difficult than cooking in a regular kitchen. You have to work in a tiny, pressurized vessel where fresh ingredients are incredibly rare. The high stress and specialised environment make submarine cook one of the best unusual jobs that pay well.

• Airplane Deliverer:- 

Unlike commercial pilots who fly passengers on predetermined routes, airplane deliverers or ferry pilots are hired to fly small planes across oceans to deliver them to their new owners. The risk involved in this job is high, and you need to have expert navigation skills to work as an airplane delivery person. 

How To Get These Unusual Jobs That Pay Well?

Since we have already discussed ten of the most unusual jobs in the world, you might be wondering how one can get these jobs. Surely you must need a qualification before you can apply to any of these jobs? Well, you might be surprised to know that some of them do not require a typical qualification. Here is how you can get the most unique jobs in the world. If you’ve been liking this article so far, how about you check out some of the most unusual sports in the world? 

• Ethical Hacker:-

 In order to become an ethical hacker, you must start with a degree in computer science or cybersecurity. Your next step should be to obtain the CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) or OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional) certifications. Next, you can try participating in ‘bug bounties’ for tech companies to build a strong portfolio. 

• Professional Line Stander:-

 To become a line stander, one of the most interesting jobs in the world, most people start as freelancers. You can sign up for task-based apps such as TaskRabbit or join specialised agencies that offer this kind of work. You must build a reputation for never breaking a line; for that, you need to build physical endurance. 

• Food Stylist:- 

Many food stylists start with a background in culinary arts or photography. You’ll likely begin by assisting established stylists on commercial sets and by learning to use a kit of non-edible tools. You can create a digital portfolio by making a ‘before and after’ of the food items you have photographed. 

• Luxury Bed Warmer:-

 This is usually an internal role within luxury hospitality groups. You can apply to these companies for high-end concierge services, and you might end up getting this job. Just be careful that a luxury bed warmer might be among the top 10 most unusual jobs in the world, but it is also pretty niche. 

• Golf Ball Diver:-

 To become a golf ball diver, you must be a certified commercial diver. Then you have to contact the manager of a local golf course, and you might apply. Although most golf courses require divers to bring their own scuba gear, you need a high tolerance for zero-visibility water. 

• Professional Shopper:- 

You can start by applying to high-end stores, and you’ll likely have to work as a freelancer by building a private client listor joining a styling agency. Even though it is among the weirdest jobs ever, it requires you to be incredibly observant of body types, color theory, and fashion trends. 

• Voice-Over Artist:-

The best way to find work as a voice-over artist is to take acting or vocal coaching classes. You might have to invest in a high-quality home studio with the best equipment and record a demo reel showcasing your command over your voice. You can then find clients on freelance websites and expand your portfolio. 

• Embalmer:- 

To become an embalmer, you must complete a mortuary science course. The next step is to complete a state-required apprenticeship at a funeral home. Having a strong background in biology and chemistry is essential, and most regions require you to have a specific professional license before you start practicing. Even though embalming is one of the most unique jobs in the world, many people don’t want to do it because of its morbidity. 

• Submarine Cook:- 

The role of a submarine cook is exclusive to military personnel. You’ll have to enlist in the Navy and specialise in culinary arts. That’s not enough, however, as you’ll also have to pass psychological and physical tests to prove that you can handle long-term isolation in a confined space. 

• Airplane Deliverer:- 

The role of an airplane deliverer sounds like one of the most fun jobs in the world, but becoming one isn’t easy. You need to have a commercial pilot license and a required number of flight hours (usually 1000) to qualify. You can start by networking at small regional airports or with airplane manufacturers. You must be proficient in flying ‘ferry tank’ systems (temporary fuel tanks) and have a thorough understanding of international flight planning. 

Salary, Perks And Benefits Of The Best Unusual Jobs In The World

Even though these jobs might not sound like they pay very well, some of them offer decent salaries. Not only that, but some of them also offer special perks that only people employed in that sector get. Here are some unusual jobs that pay well, plus the perks you get alongside them. 

Job Title	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Perks And Benefits
Ethical Hacker	$105,000-$160,000	High flexibility for remote work, job security is relatively high, and bug bounties can offer massive bonuses.
Airplane Deliverer	$80,000-$130,000	High autonomy allows you to travel the world and get paid.
Submarine Cook	$60,000-$90,000	Tax-free allowances, you get full healthcare and pension, plus specialised bonus pay for submarine service.
Embalmer	$45,000-$75,000	The industry is recession-proof, as people are not likely to stop dying anytime soon. Plus, you can get the satisfaction of helping grieving families.
Voice-Over Artist	$40,000-$100,000	You can work from home, the working hours are generally flexible, and you get residuals every time your voice is played.
Golf Ball Diver	$30,000-$100,000	You can be your own boss, and if you find additional equipment, you will be able to resell it for an extra profit.
Food Stylist	$45,000-$85,000	Allows for creative expression, networking with top chefs/photographers, and you might get to take some high-end ingredients home.
Professional Shopper	$35,000-$90,000	You might get designer discounts and access to exclusive fashion events.
Professional Line Stander	$25,000-$50,000	Low stress, and you’ll have plenty of time for yourself. You are also likely to receive discounts or free goods from clients.
Luxury Bed Warmer	$20,000-$35,000	You can get free stays in 5-star hotels, and the work is low-effort, so it doesn’t take a heavy toll on you.

How Are These Jobs Connected With Conventional Employment?

Even though these jobs might seem like outliers in the global job market, they are still closely intertwined with the broader market. They are deeply rooted in the same economic principles and professional standards as traditional corporate or trade jobs. Here is how some of the weirdest jobs ever supplement or complement the broader job market. 

• Specialised Extensions Of Common Industries:- 

The most straightforward answer to why these jobs exist is that they are simply extensions of larger industries. For example, a golf ball diver is essentially a commercial diver working in the recreational industry, golfing to be more precise. A food stylist is both an artist and a marketing professional; their way of doing marketing requires a specific skillset unique to them. 

• Shared Skill Sets and Transferable Expertise:-

 Some of the core competencies required for these roles are often identical to those found in conventional office environments. For example, ethical hackers utilise the same logic and coding foundations as software engineers, whereas personal shoppers rely on their skills of retail management, inventory tracking, and client relationship management. 

• The Professionalisation of Niche Services:-

 In today’s increasingly globalized economy, a growing number of roles that were considered oddities or hobbies have become professions with certification courses and micro-credentials. Many of these roles operate under the ‘gig economy’ model in which people work on a contractual basis and have more flexibility regarding their roles and responsibilities.

• Economic Symbiosis:-

 Lastly, these jobs are created to solve specific inefficiencies within conventional systems. For example, professional line standers exist because high-earning conventional professionals (doctors, lawyers, etc.) value their time at a higher hourly rate than the cost of hiring someone to wait for them. 

Conclusion

So those were the top 10 most unusual jobs in the world. There are a lot more weird jobs that you likely haven’t heard about, but all of these strange-sounding jobs are equally important for certain sectors as the main roles are. Think about it, how would a new fast food restaurant motivate more people to try out their product if they don’t put on a facade of high demand by employing professional line standers? If you liked this blog and would like to read more about interesting facts and tidbits, feel free to check out more at India Assignment Help.