20 Unusual Jobs & How Well Do They Pay [2024 Summary]

Ever wondered if you can make a living by designing virtual worlds or testing beds for comfort? As technology evolves and societal values shift, careers that once seemed odd or niche are now growing in demand.

But can unusual jobs pay the bills and provide fulfillment? In this article, I’ll explore the rise of unconventional jobs, provide 20 unique well-paid job examples with salaries, and discuss future labor market trends.

The U.S. Job Market Embraces Flexibility

More than 90% of US workers would consider freelancing or independent contracting work, which proves the growing significance of gig work in today's U.S. job market. This includes freelancing, contract work, and on-demand roles, many of which can be described as unconventional jobs.

The growth of independent work is driven by the need for flexibility and the rise of technology that makes working remotely easier than ever. Additionally, such work autonomy often sparks creativity and innovation, providing opportunities to explore new income sources.

The U.S. job market has transformed over the last few years, and traditional career paths are being affected mainly by:

• Technological advancements: Automation and Artificial Intelligence are redefining the job market, creating entirely new roles that did not exist a decade ago. The BLS notes that AI ‘flattens’ company structures, prompting businesses to increase their entry-level workforce and reducing mid- and senior-level management roles. The new roles require more specialized skills, many of which align well with freelance, contract-based, or gig work.
• Growing globalization: The increasing integration of the global economy has opened up new opportunities for remote work and freelance positions. As of 2024, approximately 36% of U.S. workers are engaged in gig work.
• Shifting societal values: A greater emphasis on work-life balance and job satisfaction prompts individuals to seek careers that align with their passions rather than social expectations. Nearly nine in 10 Gen Zs (86%) and millennials (89%) globally believe that purpose is key to workplace satisfaction and well-being.

But which unusual careers can really cover the bills and offer reliable earnings?

20 Unconventional Jobs That Pay Well

Through my research, I’ve identified 20 unusual jobs with well-paying wages and potential for future growth. While some may seem unconventional at first glance, they offer exciting opportunities for those looking to break away from traditional career paths and thrive in innovative fields.

1. Ethical Hackers

With vast amounts of data on the web and rising concerns over data breaches, ethical hackers have become essential in safeguarding sensitive information and preserving trust in digital platforms. This high-paying field allows professionals to protect organizations and individuals from cybercrime, making it an ideal career for those passionate about cybersecurity and adept at problem-solving.

Median salary: $110,757 annually
Demands: High-level cybersecurity knowledge and ongoing learning to stay ahead of evolving threats.
Challenges: Constantly fighting new forms of cybercrime and the potential legal implications of hacking, even if ethical.

2. AI Trainers

AI trainers teach artificial intelligence systems to perform specific tasks by labeling data and guiding machine learning models. They ensure that AI can make accurate decisions and adapt to new challenges, making them crucial in sectors like healthcare, retail, and finance.

Median salary: $51,570 annually

Demands: Understanding machine learning principles, excellent communication, and domain expertise.
Challenges: Keeping up with rapid AI developments and managing complex datasets.

3. Drone Operators

Drones are essential tools in various industries, from agriculture to filmmaking. The drone operator’s job relies on both technical skills and creativity, making it a multifaceted career choice. With the drone industry projected to reach USD 57.16 billion by 2030, pursuing a career as a drone operator could lead to exciting opportunities in fields like drone delivery and aerial data collection.

Median salary: $51,708 annually
Demands: Proficiency in operating drones and adhering to FAA regulations.
Challenges: Navigating regulatory hurdles and ensuring safety in crowded airspaces.

4. Virtual Reality (VR) Experience Designers

VR experience designers are at the forefront of technology and creativity, influencing how people interact with digital environments. As VR technology continues to develop, the profession becomes increasingly relevant in fields such as education, healthcare, and entertainment.

Median salary: $70,361 annually
Demands: Expertise in software design, 3D modeling, and UX/UI for immersive environments.
Challenges: Keeping up with rapidly changing VR technology and hardware requirements.

5. Virtual Real Estate Developers

Virtual real estate developers focus on creating, designing, and enhancing digital properties within the metaverse. They develop virtual landscapes, construct immersive environments, and optimize spaces for user experiences.

Median salary: $103,395 annually
Demands: Strong understanding of virtual worlds, digital architecture, and online community building.
Challenges: Navigating the evolving legal and financial structures around virtual land ownership.

6. Sustainability Consultants

Sustainability consultants assist businesses and organizations in adopting eco-friendly policies and reducing their environmental footprint. They evaluate energy consumption, waste management practices, and supply chains, recommending sustainable alternatives and green technologies. They help companies meet environmental regulations and corporate social responsibility goals.

Median salary: $108,629 annually

Demands: Expertise in environmental science, proficiency in sustainability assessment tools, and strong analytical skills.

Challenges: Persuading organizations to invest in long-term sustainability efforts and navigating complex environmental regulations.

7. Corporate Wellness Consultants

Corporate wellness consultants design and implement programs that promote employee health and well-being in the workplace. They may lead initiatives such as stress management workshops, fitness programs, and nutrition counseling, all while aligning these efforts with the company’s objectives. These consultants collaborate with HR teams to create a healthier work environment, which can improve employee well-being and productivity.

Median salary: $78,883 annually
Demands: Expertise in health and wellness trends and strong communication and program management skills.

Challenges: Engaging employees in wellness initiatives and maintaining program relevance over time.

8. Emoji Translators

Emoji translators interpret emotions, concepts, and ideas into emoji formats that resonate with global audiences. For many people, this might be a weird job, but they ensure that emojis effectively represent the intended message, regardless of language or cultural differences. These professionals not only work on translating existing text into emojis but also collaborate with emoji designers to help create new emojis that reflect modern communication trends.

Median salary: $52,328 annually

Demands: Strong design skills and a deep understanding of cultural and communication trends.
Challenges: Balancing creativity with the need for universal appeal and cultural sensitivity.

9. Character Designers

Character designers specialize in creating the visual look and personality of characters for various media, including animated films, TV shows, and video games. They collaborate with directors, animators, and writers to ensure that the character's concept fits the narrative, conveys emotion, and engages the audience. 

Median salary: $96,247 annually

Demands: Strong artistic skills, creativity, proficiency in digital design tools, and knowledge of anatomy and storytelling.
Challenges: Tight deadlines, quick turnaround for design iterations, and adapting to different artistic styles required by projects.

10. Food Stylists

Food stylists create visually stunning food presentations for photography, television, and film. Their job is to make food look appetizing for the camera, often using creative tricks. They work closely with photographers, chefs, and advertising teams to design food layouts that evoke hunger and appeal.

Median salary: $74,934 annually
Demands: Artistic skill in food presentation, working long hours on set.
Challenges: Tight deadlines and maintaining food freshness under hot lights.

11. Flavorists

Flavorists are chemists who create the flavors used in food and beverage products. They work closely with food scientists and manufacturers to develop tastes that are appealing, safe, and in compliance with industry regulations.

Median salary: $101,310 annually
Demands: Expertise in chemistry, sensory science, and food regulation.
Challenges: Balancing creativity with high safety and regulatory standards.

12. Toy Designers

Toy designers develop toys that inspire creativity, learning, and play for children of all ages. Their work involves understanding child psychology, safety regulations, and market trends to create toys that are both fun and safe. Toy designers often collaborate with engineers and product developers to bring their concepts to life, combining artistic vision with technical precision.

Median salary: $79,925 annually
Demands: Understanding child psychology, materials, and safety regulations.
Challenges: Balancing creativity with commercial appeal and safety standards.

13. Professional Gamers

Professional gamers earn a living by competing in eSports tournaments, streaming their gameplay, and creating content for platforms like YouTube and Twitch. They may specialize in specific games and gain sponsorships, endorsements, and prize money through their high-level performance.

Median salary: $99,508 annually

Demands: High skill level in specific video games, commitment to practice, and building an audience.
Challenges: Intense competition, inconsistent income, and the pressure of constant public performance.

14. Ice Sculptors

Ice sculptors create stunning, temporary art pieces from blocks of ice, often for weddings, festivals, and corporate events. Their craft requires both technical skill and artistic vision, as they transform simple ice blocks into detailed sculptures. Ice sculptors often use specialized tools to carve intricate designs, ranging from swans and flowers to company logos.

Median salary: $50,375 annually
Demands: Strong artistic and carving skills, ability to work in cold environments.
Challenges: Temporary nature of work due to seasonal demand and physically demanding tasks.

15. Underwater Welders

Underwater welders perform welding tasks at depths in oceans, rivers, or lakes, often working on infrastructure like oil rigs, bridges, and pipelines. This job requires a unique combination of commercial diving skills and welding expertise, which involves repairing or constructing submerged metal structures. This unusual job is in high demand, especially in industries like maritime construction and offshore oil drilling.

Median salary: $61,278 annually

Demands: Certification in both commercial diving and welding, strong physical stamina, and the ability to work in challenging underwater environments.

Challenges: Risk of injury due to underwater hazards, exposure to harsh conditions, and long periods away from home on offshore assignments.

16. Bed Testers

Bed testers evaluate the comfort, durability, and overall quality of mattresses. Their role involves testing a wide range of bed types, from memory foam to hybrid mattresses, ensuring that each product meets high standards of comfort and support. Bed testers provide detailed feedback on factors such as firmness, motion transfer, and support, helping manufacturers refine their products for consumers.

Median salary: $95,254 annually
Demands: Willingness to test a variety of mattresses and provide objective, detailed evaluations.

Challenges: Physical toll from repeated testing and maintaining objectivity regarding safety standards.

17. Foley Artists

Foley artists create the sound effects that bring films, television shows, and video games to life. Using a variety of everyday objects, they replicate sounds like footsteps, door creaks, and glass breaking to improve the audio experience of visual media. Foley artists work closely with directors and sound engineers to ensure the sounds match the action on screen.

Salary: $66,365 annually

Demands: Understanding sound design, creativity in sound production, and attention to detail.
Challenges: Meeting tight deadlines and working with challenging visual elements.

18. Mermaid Performers

Mermaid performers entertain audiences at events, aquariums, and themed attractions, bringing the mythical creatures to life. These performers wear custom mermaid tails and swim skillfully in water, often performing synchronized routines or interacting with guests. This niche career combines performance art with physical fitness, making it both unique and fulfilling.

Median salary: $79,042 annually

Demands: Strong swimming abilities, physical fitness, and comfort performing in water for extended periods.
Challenges: Maintaining physical endurance and dealing with cold or chlorinated water environments.

19. Professional Bridesmaids

Professional bridesmaids offer emotional and logistical support to brides who may not have close friends or family available for their wedding day. Their services include helping with wedding planning, attending fittings, and assisting on the big day with tasks like handling the dress or organizing the bridal party. They also offer emotional support, acting as a calming presence during what can be a stressful time.

Median salary: $100,037 annually
Demands: Excellent communication, organization skills, and emotional intelligence.
Challenges: Managing high-stress situations and balancing multiple clients during peak wedding season.

20. Perfumers

Perfumers create new perfumes and refine existing ones by blending different scent notes. Their highly developed sense of smell and deep understanding of fragrance composition allows them to create complex scents that are both appealing and unique. They work closely with fragrance houses and clients, ensuring that the final product meets specific quality and sensory standards.

Median salary: $109,387 annually

Demands: A highly refined sense of smell, extensive knowledge of fragrance ingredients, and creativity in blending new scent profiles.

Challenges: Prolonged exposure to strong scents can lead to sensory fatigue, and maintaining creativity under commercial pressure can be demanding.

Finding an Unusual Job: Where to Start

To find an unconventional job, look for niche markets, emerging technologies, or specialized roles that are not widely known but in demand. Websites dedicated to freelance work, gig economy platforms, or job boards for startups are great places to discover unique opportunities. Networking within specific industries through LinkedIn and attending trade shows or specialized events can also expose you to less conventional careers.

To best market yourself, focus on experience, skills, and certifications. BLS says more than two-thirds of fast-growing jobs don’t require a college degree. Growing fields like creative arts, tech (coding, game development), and roles like drone operators or event planners often prioritize practical knowledge and hands-on ability over academic credentials.

Why an Unconventional Job Might Be Your Best Career Move

Many unconventional jobs offer greater autonomy, enabling you to manage your own schedule, pursue your passions freely, and balance work with private life more effectively. This flexibility is one of the major reasons why unusual jobs are so appealing today.

According to Deloitte’s marketplace survey on workplace flexibility, 94% of respondents believe autonomy would enhance their jobs, highlighting the growing desire for independence in career choices. The top benefits indicated by the respondents are:

• Less stress and better mental health (43%)
• Better work-life integration (38%)
• Increased job satisfaction (33%)
• Increased productivity at work (29%).

Additionally, unconventional jobs tend to offer unique opportunities for entrepreneurship, innovation, and adaptability in ever-changing markets. Whether it's through creative expression or developing niche expertise, they can provide higher job satisfaction and the potential for high earnings.

This combination of flexibility and innovation makes unconventional jobs highly attractive to those seeking not only work-life balance, but also the opportunity to pursue a unique career path in the modern job market.

Future Trends in Unconventional Jobs: U.S. Market Outlook

How will emerging trends shape the future of unusual jobs? The gig economy will include around 86.5 million workers by 2027. As more people embrace freelancing and contract-based roles, unconventional jobs are moving into the mainstream. Industries like virtual real estate, digital fashion, and content creation experience significant growth. For example, the metaverse real estate market is projected to reach approximately USD 48.57 billion by 2033.

Emerging technologies like AI, biotechnology, and the metaverse create new industries and career paths. AI boosts demand for machine learning experts, while biotechnology opens doors to genetic research and personalized medicine. These advancements are transforming the job market and expanding opportunities in unconventional jobs. Now is the perfect time to explore how your skills and passions could align with the future of work.

Summary

Here’s a quick summary of key findings from the article:

• Over 90% of U.S. workers are open to freelancing and independent contracting, which encompass unconventional jobs.
• A shift toward work-life balance and purposeful careers is driving people to search for flexible, passion-driven jobs.
• High-paying unusual jobs like ethical hackers, VR designers, and virtual real estate developers can confidently compete with traditional roles in compensation.
• The future of work is shifting toward freelancing and niche fields, driven by digital platforms and emerging technologies like virtual real estate.
• AI and VR are reshaping the job market, opening up new opportunities in unconventional careers, often centered around freelance or contract work and demanding entirely new skill sets.

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This article has been reviewed by our editorial team to make sure it follows Zety's editorial guidelines. We’re committed to sharing our expertise and giving you trustworthy career advice tailored to your needs. High-quality content is what brings over 40 million readers to our site every year. But we don't stop there. Our team conducts original research to understand the job market better, and we pride ourselves on being quoted by top universities and prime media outlets from around the world.

Sources

• Comparably
• Gig Economy Statistics: The New Normal in the Workplace
• Artificial intelligence and firm-level labor and organizational dynamics
• 2024 Gig Economy Statistics: Unveiling 85+ Remarkable Insights
• Deloitte’s 2024 Gen Z and Millennial Survey
• Commercial Drone Market Size To Reach $57.16 Billion By 2030
• Fast-growing occupations that pay well and don’t require a college degree
• Salary.com
• Workplace Flexibility Survey
• Metaverse in Real Estate Market to Surpass USD 48.57 bn by 2033