Do you know that there are actually strange jobs that are real in today’s world? You won’t believe that there are 50 weirdest jobs that actually exist. In this article we are going to discover 50 jobs that are not only weird but also strange.
In Europe, one out of three workers spends the majority of their work hours using digital devices like computers. Closer to home, the National Skills Coalition’s analysis reveals that more than 90% of jobs now demand digital skills.
In simple terms, in our part of the world, most of us have jobs where staring at screens is a regular affair You will hardly know that this is almost common apart from jobs that allow you to read but are still strange.
Now, let’s talk about the minority who aren’t conforming to the norm. What about those individuals who escape the daily grind of commuting, irritating coworkers, and challenging software and machines? Yes, these people do exist!
For those of you intrigued by unconventional career paths, here’s a list of the 50 weirdest jobs in the world. It might spark some ideas if you ever contemplate leaving your traditional 9-to-5.
50 Weirdest Jobs That Actually Exist
There are many common skills including the latest technological skills which will get you a job. But have you ever wondered, there are weirdest jobs that actually exist but also pay well.
If you are looking for strange jobs that are weird, then here are 50 strangest jobs that you can explore today.
The 50 strangest jobs in the world:
- Paranormal guide
- Snake milker
- Pet psychologist
- Dog food taster
- Feng shui consultant
- Odor sniffer
- Professional cuddler
- Intimacy coordinator
- Movie watcher
- Professional mourner
- Professional bridesmaid
- Iceberg mover
- Dog surfing instructor
- Professional mermaid
- Face feelers
- Professional cat trapper
- Professional queuer
- Fortune cookie writer
- Reindeer minder
- Human statue
- Golf ball diver
- Dinkey operator
- Airplane painter
- Bounty hunter
- Ice rink hand holder
- Online dating ghostwriter
- Professional drying paint watcher
- Paper towel sniffer
- Fake wedding guest
- Adult toy tester
- Professional sleeper
- Fine dining chef for dogs
- Bereavement coordinator
- Train pusher
- Bicycle fisher
- Algae scientist
- Water slide tester
- Underwater pizza deliverer
- Ethical hacker
- Chief listening officer
- Panda fluffer
- Teddy-Bear Repair Technician
- Pro car watcher
- Acoustics consultant
- Roof-snow clearer
- Full-time netflix watcher
- Hippotherapist
- Line stander
- Bed tester
- Gross stunt tester
50 weirdest jobs that actually exist:
1. Paranormal guide
Earning potential: $30–$40 per hour
Guess what? Being a Ghostbuster isn’t just a Halloween movie thing – it’s an actual job! Imagine working as a ghost hunter or paranormal guide, where your job is to lead groups of people through abandoned mansions, castles, hospitals, and prisons, all while searching for signs of paranormal activity.
2. Snake milker
Earning potential: $2,000–$5,000 per month
Clearly, we’re not talking about milking mammals here, especially not snakes since they fall into a different category. Snake milking involves extracting venom from these formidable, limbless reptiles. This process plays a crucial role in developing antidotes, ultimately saving thousands of lives each year.
3. Pet psychologist
Earning potential: $52,000
While there’s still much we don’t know about the countless species sharing the planet with us, both scientists and non-scientists generally acknowledge that animals can experience emotions similar to humans.
In the case of our beloved house pets, who have evolved to trust and coexist with us, they sometimes exhibit signs of depression and anxiety.
This may manifest in unusual behaviors, such as a loss of interest in their favorite activities. Pet psychologists specialize in diagnosing these issues and providing suggestions on how to improve their well-being.
4. Dog food taster
Earning potential: $45,000 per year
In the United States, there are about 90 million pet dogs, and as far as we’re aware, none of them can speak. So, the only way to gauge whether they like their food is, well, to taste it ourselves.
Of course, we’re just kidding. As any pet owner can attest, a cat or a dog will readily express their dislike for a meal. Pet food testers, however, are mainly responsible for assessing the nutritional value of pet food. Unfortunately, this sometimes involves tasting it.
5. Feng shui consultant
Earning potential: $50–$400 per hour
For those not familiar, “feng” translates to wind, and “shui” to water. So, the practice of feng shui revolves around the interconnection of human life and its alignment with the surrounding environment.
Professionals in feng shui build their expertise on this concept, advising individuals on how to organize their homes, gardens, or even offices to ensure that the energy forces in those spaces coexist harmoniously.
6. Odor sniffer
Earning potential: $48 per hour
Picture this: you walk into a job interview only to realize that the antiperspirant you recently purchased is not doing its job, leaving you with noticeable sweat patches and a faint odor.
Luckily, the team of scientists (and yes, odor sniffers!) responsible for creating these products won’t let you down. Their job is to make sure that deodorants, perfumes, and other cosmetic items not only smell pleasant but also live up to their claims of lasting effectiveness.
7. Professional cuddler
Earning potential: $40–$80 per hour
Research indicates that physical touch and intimacy can significantly enhance our well-being by triggering the release of oxytocin, a hormone that regulates stress and fosters feelings of wellness.
Unfortunately, some individuals are so lonely that they lack the opportunity to experience this closeness in their daily lives — unless they choose to hire someone for cuddling. This has led to the emergence of professional cuddlers, who provide a comforting service to people seeking a pick-me-up when loneliness takes its toll.
8. Intimacy coordinator
Earning potential: $1,100 per day
Ever had a date so cringe-worthy that it haunts you for years? Wouldn’t it be amazing if a magical force could swoop in and revamp the entire scene, turning it into something better?
Well, that’s somewhat the role of intimacy coordinators, but for movies, TV shows, and advertisements. (Unfortunately, they can’t step in to rescue your real-life dates just yet!) These professionals provide guidance to ensure that love scenes and romantic moments are captured in a way that is impactful and ensures the safety of the actors.
9. Movie watcher
Earning potential: Variable
Believe it or not, there are people who actually get paid to watch movies and TV series. While it might be a bit uncommon, Netflix has a position called “editorial analyst” where the job involves watching, rating, tagging, and annotating their shows. Sounds like a dream job, doesn’t it?
10. Professional mourner
Earning potential: $30–$120 per event
Ever heard of moirologists? These are essentially professional mourners, a practice that traces back to Egyptian, Mediterranean, Chinese, and Near Eastern cultures. Their role involves getting compensated to express grief for the departed, offer solace to the grieving family, and even deliver eulogies.
11. Professional bridesmaid
Earning potential: $21 per hour
Get ready for this: professional bridesmaids can make an average of $21 per hour and even up to $2,500 per wedding. Yes, you read that correctly.
Their job involves assisting the bride in choosing the perfect dress, organizing the bachelorette party, setting up a wedding registry, and coordinating with the venue and vendors to ensure everything goes off without a hitch.
12. Iceberg mover
Earning potential: $25 per hour
Imagine getting paid to play Tetris with icebergs – that’s essentially what this job entails.
When an iceberg poses a threat to a shipping route, these professionals step in to relocate it using tugboats and cranes. The goal is to ensure the safety of ship passengers and crew members.
13. Dog surfing instructor
Earning potential: Variable
If you’re not a dog owner, chances are you’ve come across quite a few of them, right? You know how dog owners love doing everything with their furry pals! So, it’s no wonder that some pet owners dream of teaching their dogs how to surf and ride the waves together.
Dog surfing trainers kick off the training by enhancing the pet’s obedience and working on their balance and strength on solid ground before gradually transitioning to the water.
14. Professional mermaid
Earning potential: Variable
Hold on a sec – are mermaids actually a thing? Well, maybe not in the deep sea, but professionally, yes! These professional mermaids usually make appearances at parties and events, crafting experiences that captivate and amuse their audiences.
As freelancers, mermaids have the flexibility to set their own hourly rates. Take Linden Wolbert, for example, who could charge up to $6,000 per appearance!
15. Face feelers
Earning potential: $25 per hour
You might know them as sensory scientists, but essentially, these professionals use their hands to assess the performance of products such as lotions, cleansers, and razors. It involves a bit of training, but it’s a fantastic way to earn some extra cash on the side.
16. Professional cat trapper
Earning potential: Variable
Not everyone is a fan of cats, but for those who are, the love for these creatures knows no bounds. If you count yourself among the cat lovers, here’s a job that might be right up your alley.
In essence, the role involves trapping feral cats that aren’t too fond of humans and tend to create havoc in people’s gardens, sheds, or garages—more so than their domestic counterparts. Usually, these cats are taken to a vet, neutered, and then released again if they can’t (or don’t want to) be adopted.
17. Professional queuer
Earning potential: $25 per hour
Ever heard of a professional line stander? Well, their job is precisely what the name suggests: they wait in line for other people.
With our schedules becoming busier and more demanding, many professionals (especially working parents) find themselves without the luxury of time to queue up at the bank or post office. This is even more pronounced during significant events like Black Friday or product launches, such as iPhone releases.
Earning potential: $55,000 per year
If you’re a writer, you’ve got a few paths to choose from. You could tread the “starving artist” route, the not-so-glamorous “I write for a marketing agency” trail, or you might opt for something a bit more lucrative: a career as a fortune cookie writer.
These are the creative minds, whether in-house or freelancers, who craft those cryptic, pseudo-wisdom messages that find their way into fortune cookies.
19. Reindeer minder
Earning potential: Variable
During various outdoor Christmas-themed events, like markets and fairs, you’ve probably noticed a corner reserved for reindeer.
However, these magnificent herbivores don’t magically appear there on their own. It’s the herders’ job to load them onto huge trucks and travel considerable distances, monitoring them day and night to make sure they’re safe, sound, and, of course, behaving themselves!
20. Human statue
Earning potential: Variable
Surprisingly enough, being a human statue is a job that can bring in some good money! Yes, standing as a live mannequin adorned in paint or garments can be quite lucrative, earning you between $60 and $100 per hour for the skill of standing exceptionally still.
21. Golf ball diver
Earning potential: $200 per day
Have you ever thought about what happens to golf balls when they end up in the water? Well, they don’t stay there forever.
That’s where golf ball divers come in – they’re tasked with retrieving these balls and bringing them back to be cleaned and reused on the course. So, if you’re a fan of swimming, this might seem like an unusual job, but it could be a great fit for you.
22. Dinkey operator
Earning potential: $45,000 per year
Ever heard of a dinkey operator? Their role involves working with dinkey engines, mainly in the rail industry. They operate power controls and levers to transport timber, coal, and rock.
23. Airplane painter
Earning potential: $45,000 per year
Ever thought about being an airplane painter? It’s a job where you get to refresh the paintwork on old aircraft with new designs, and also give airplanes a good polish.
People in this line of work can earn around $45,000 per year. But fair warning, it’s no walk in the park – you’ll be on your feet a lot, lugging around heavy equipment and tools.
24. Bounty hunter
Earning potential: $44,000 per year
While you might link bounty hunters to the Old West, the truth is they still exist today. In modern times, they go by the name of bail enforcement agents, and their gig involves capturing and bringing back fugitives or wanted criminals in exchange for a bounty.
25. Ice rink hand holder
Earning potential: $35,000 per year
As winter sets in, and particularly around the holidays, ice rinks become a hot spot for visitors. To ensure everyone’s safety, ice rink attendants are brought in to keep an eye on the ice-skating crowds and, in some instances, lend a helping hand.
Yes, you read that right – if you decide to take on this gig for some extra income this Christmas, get ready for quite a bit of hand-holding.
26. Online dating ghostwriter
Earning potential: Variable
Statista reveals that in 2022, there were 366 million online dating users worldwide, and this number is expected to grow to 440 million by 2027.
With such a massive pool of people seeking love online, it’s no wonder that some individuals have recognized the great potential in it – particularly as a business opportunity.
Enter online dating ghostwriters. Their job? To assist users in crafting profiles that showcase them in the most engaging and positive light possible. The salary varies depending on an individual’s marketing and writing skills, but it’s possible to earn as much as $2,000 per client.
27. Professional drying paint watcher
Earning potential: $27 per hour
Ever had a job that felt as exciting as watching paint dry? Well, there’s a profession where you literally get to watch paint dry. Something to keep in mind next time you find yourself complaining about your job being dull!
In this role, your task is to paint walls and surfaces and closely observe the color and texture changes as the paint dries, noting how long the process takes. It demands exceptional attention to detail and focus!
28. Paper towel sniffer
Earning potential: $52,000 per year
Let’s face it – when you’re buying rolls of paper towels, the scent probably isn’t the deciding factor. However, there are folks out there getting paid to make sure manufacturers create top-notch products that don’t have an unpleasant smell.
29. Fake wedding guest
Earning potential: Variable
When a friend announces they’re tying the knot, your initial reaction is usually one of happiness. But then, reality sets in, and you start thinking about all the costs involved: the travel, the outfit, the gift for the lovebirds…
Well, believe it or not, there are folks out there not only preserving their savings at weddings but actually making money from attending them! We’re talking about paid wedding guests who show up to make the crowd look larger and more lively.
30. Adult toy tester
Earning potential: $25 per hour
Believe it or not, there are individuals hired as adult toy testers. Their job involves trying out prototypes and new products to assess their effectiveness, visual appeal, and safety. Additionally, they often write reviews to help potential buyers make informed decisions.
31. Professional sleeper
Earning potential: Variable
Believe it or not, you can actually get paid to catch some Zs! Mattress manufacturers bring in professional sleepers to thoroughly test their products for comfort.
On top of that, there are sleep-related studies that will pay you to sleep on demand. And here’s a surprise – hotels may also need individuals to come in and make sure their rooms offer the perfect conditions for relaxation and a good night’s sleep!
32. Fine dining chef for dogs
Earning potential: Variable
You’ve probably heard of chefs in fine dining, but did you know that some restaurant owners hire chefs to whip up exquisite meals for our four-legged friends? It’s true! Places like Dogue, a San Francisco-based pawtisserie, specialize in crafting delicious meals for dogs using high-quality ingredients.
33. Bereavement coordinator
Earning potential: $69,000 per year
Ever thought about turning your passion for helping people into a full-time job? Well, here’s something you might not have considered – becoming a bereavement coordinator.
In this role, you’ll take on a variety of tasks, from organizing funeral services to offering grief counseling. It involves working closely with professionals from various fields, including medical staff and insurance brokers.
Related: 63 medical jobs that pay well
34. Train pusher
Earning potential: Variable
No, this job doesn’t require someone with superhuman strength pushing a train along its tracks. Instead, it’s about train station attendants, specifically during rush hour, who have the task of pushing people further into the (overly crowded) train so that the doors can close properly. Any guesses on where in the world a job like this might be needed?
You got it – Japan! They’re called oshiya, literally meaning “pusher.” These train station attendants have the responsibility of cramming as many people as possible into the coach, ensuring no limbs are sticking out when the train takes off.
35. Bicycle fisher
Earning potential: Variable
Now, here’s an interesting job for you! Waternet, the agency in charge of keeping all 165 of Amsterdam’s canals clean, frequently finds itself retrieving sunken bicycles from the water.
In a city boasting around 800,000 bikes and some pretty strong winds, you can easily understand why bicycle fishing is not just a quirky idea but a genuinely necessary profession.
36. Algae scientist
Earning potential: $73,000 per year
You know about astronomers studying celestial bodies and geneticists delving into heredity. But have you ever heard of phycologists?
While astronomers explore the vast reaches of space and geneticists unravel the mysteries of heredity, phycologists focus on the tiny organisms known as algae. Although to the average person it might look like green goo, these little guys play a huge role in the food chain and the planet’s oxygen production on a global scale.
37. Water slide tester
Earning potential: $28 per hour
Ever wonder who makes sure that the new water slide or ride at a hotel or waterpark is safe to use? That’s where the water slide tester comes in! The only usual requirements are that you’re 18 years old, enjoy a good adrenaline rush, and have excellent attention to detail so you can spot and report any potential hazards.
38. Underwater pizza deliverer
Earning potential: $25 per hour
Ever heard of a scuba diving pizza delivery person? Well, believe it or not, it’s a thing!
Jules’ Undersea Lodge, an underwater hotel in Key Largo, Florida, actually hires scuba divers to deliver pizza to its underwater guests.
39. Ethical hacker
Earning potential: $107,000 per year
While many folks tend to associate hacking with criminal activities, it turns out hacking can actually be a force for good!
Ethical hackers are cybersecurity experts who can be hired to uncover vulnerabilities in computer systems. Interestingly, they employ the same techniques and tools as criminal hackers but with a crucial difference – they have explicit permission to exploit those vulnerabilities!
Related: High paying computer jobs
40. Chief listening officer
Earning potential: $77,000 per year
Even though the title might suggest a role focused on wandering around the office, asking questions, and giving fist bumps or elbow bumps while maintaining strong eye contact, that’s not what a listening officer does.
Typically found in a company’s marketing department, a chief listening officer’s job is to tune in to conversations about the company on social media. This allows them to relay crucial information to the decision-makers within the company and improve customer support.
41. Panda fluffer
Earning potential: £22,900 per year
Pandas are facing the threat of extinction and happen to be quite tricky to breed. To set the mood for these shy animals, China’s Panda Fluffers use feather dusters, along with a lot of care, to assist them in their mating rituals.
At the China Giant Panda Protection and Research Centre in Ya’an, Sichuan Province, a Panda Fluffer can make a yearly salary of 200,000 yuan (£22,900).
42. Teddy-Bear Repair Technician
Earning potential: £30,000 to £40,000 per year
At Build-A-Bear, experts known as teddy specialists employ soft-toy surgeons to skillfully sew limbs and eyes back onto teddy bears that have been injured.
So, if your beloved bear happens to get into a scrape, make a beeline for your nearest high-street Build-A-Bear A&E. Depending on your location and employer, you could earn an annual salary ranging from £30,000 to £40,000.
43. Pro car watcher
Earning potential: Minimum $10 for a car
In Costa Rica, Cuidacarros offer to watch over your car for just $10 US, ensuring it stays put right where you parked it. It’s a modest fee for peace of mind, especially in areas where theft and vandalism are prevalent.
44. Acoustics consultant
Earning potential: £18,000 per a year
Starting with an average salary of £18,000 a year, an Acoustics Consultant specializes in measuring how materials respond to noise vibrations. They ensure your voice is clear (or not) in office meeting rooms and have the skill to distinguish all the a capellas from the back of a concert hall.
45. Roof-snow clearer
Earning potential: $13.24 per day
During winter, Yellowstone National Park receives a hefty amount of snow. To handle this, the Welcome Centre employs a full-time Snow Clearer – specifically for the roof. These Roof-Snow Clearers work to eliminate ice that could potentially cause the roof to collapse.
They cut checkerboard chunks of 10-foot high snow and then carefully slide the blocks to a safe area. Stephen, who began in 1973, initially earned $13.24 (£10) per day. Let’s hope he’s seen a well-deserved pay raise since then!
46. Full-time netflix watcher
Earning potential: $35,000 to $85,000 per year
Are you a fan of watching movies and series? Well, guess what? This job could be a dream come true for you. Netflix Watchers have the incredible task of watching all the content that’s about to be added to Netflix, giving feedback on how to properly categorize it (romance, drama, comedy, etc.) and providing additional information for Netflix’s marketing efforts.
By the time you log into Netflix, every show you see is already in the right place, and you even get suggestions based on things you’ve watched before. Cool, right?
47. Hippotherapist
Earning potential: $80,304 per year
Hippotherapy literally means “treatment with the help of the horse.” In this field, you harness the therapeutic benefits of horses and their movement to assist patients in overcoming speech, physical, or mental health disorders.
However, just having experience with and love for horses won’t cut it. To pursue a career in Hippotherapy, you’ll need to qualify and obtain a license as a physical therapist, occupational therapist, or a speech/language therapist first.
48. Line stander
Earning potential: $33,500 per year
If you have the patience or simply enjoy people-watching and don’t mind being outdoors, turning line standing into a side hustle could be a money-making opportunity for you.
Once you’re hired, your task might involve waiting in line for the release of movie tickets, concert tickets, the latest iPhone, gaming consoles, or pretty much anything else in high demand.
Essentially, you get paid to hold a spot for someone else who’s too busy or just prefers not to wait in line themselves. There are even websites and apps where you can sign up for these services if you’re interested.
49. Bed tester
Earning potential: $44,769 per year
Here’s an interesting gig that’s typically temporary but surprisingly not competitive: a professional bed tester. Mattress and bedding manufacturers, bed designers, and luxury hotels might be on the lookout for your services. Your job? Get paid to take naps, testing out comfort levels, sleep quality, room conditions, and other factors.
If this sounds like your dream career, consider looking into what a job as a professional sleeper entails.
50. Gross stunt tester
Earning potential: $800 per day
If you’re a fan of shows like “I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here” or “Survivor” and find yourself thinking, “I could do those challenges,” then you might have a future as a gross stunt tester.
Your role would involve preparing and testing out all the challenges, ensuring they’re both safe and reach the maximum grossness factor. On the positive side, you could potentially earn up to $800 a day, and one can’t help but wonder if there’s much competition for these unique jobs.
Final Thoughts
So, are you thinking about making a career change or looking to earn some extra dollars each month?
While these might not be the most glamorous employment opportunities, some of these peculiar jobs either stay in demand or are starting to become lucrative endeavors, especially for those who prefer a more laid-back approach!
Whether it’s feeling faces or standing in queues, there’s always a unique avenue to explore for making a living.
Hey, I am Sachin Ramdurg. I run and manage futuredecider.com website that helps students, graduates, and professionals, to find and decide on their future career with ultimate future career advices and future career guides. I have an overall 12+ years of career guidance experience in multiple domains which has helped multiple students, graduates, and professionals to find the best career path for their future.