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The World’s 50 Weirdest Jobs and What They Pay

“The World’s 50 Craziest Jobs and What They Pay: Dive into a world of unique and fascinating careers, from mermaid performers to forensic entomologists. Discover the quirks, responsibilities, and the potential earnings associated with each job in this eye-opening article.”

Introduction

In a world brimming with opportunities and diverse talents, the job market never ceases to amaze and intrigue. From cuddling people for a living to sculpting masterpieces out of cheese, the spectrum of jobs available globally defies the boundaries of imagination. This article unveils 50 of the craziest jobs you might have never heard of, shedding light on what these jobs entail and the kind of remuneration one can expect from them.

As we venture into this fascinating world, we will explore the nuances of each profession, offering you a glimpse into a day in the life of individuals who chose the road less traveled when it came to their career paths. Prepare to be astonished by the variety and uniqueness of jobs that exist around the globe, as we delve deep into the realms of the unusual, the exciting, and the downright bizarre.

Professional Cuddler

Job Description: In this unique profession, individuals offer a cuddling service to clients, providing comfort and human connection through non-sexual physical touch.
Average Pay: While the pay can vary greatly, professional cuddlers can expect to earn around $40 to $80 per hour.

Golf Ball Diver

Job Description: These individuals dive into golf course water hazards to retrieve lost golf balls, often facing murky waters and potential encounters with wildlife.
Average Pay: On average, they can earn between $30,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on the volume of balls retrieved.

Snake Milker

Job Description: Snake milkers extract venom from poisonous snakes, a critical role in the creation of antivenom and various types of research.
Average Pay: They can earn between $30,000 and $40,000 annually, depending on their level of expertise and the risks involved.

Ostrich Babysitter

Job Description: This job involves taking care of young ostriches, ensuring their safety and well-being, often in a farm setting.
Average Pay: The average pay for this role can be around $30,000 to $40,000 annually, depending on the location and level of responsibility.

Pet Food Tester

Job Description: In this role, individuals taste test pet food to ensure its quality and flavor. This job requires a person with a strong stomach and a willingness to taste various pet food products.
Average Pay: The salary can vary, but it generally ranges from $30,000 to $60,000 per year.

Odor Judge

Job Description: Odor judges are tasked with smelling and judging the efficacy of products like deodorants and antiperspirants. This job requires individuals with a keen sense of smell.
Average Pay: They can expect to earn around $19,000 to $52,000 annually, depending on the company and the complexity of the job.

Ash Portrait Artist

Job Description: These artists create beautiful portraits using the ashes of deceased individuals, offering a unique and personal memorial art piece.
Average Pay: Depending on their skill and reputation, they can charge anywhere from $300 to several thousand dollars per piece.

Professional Mourner

Job Description: Professional mourners are hired to attend funerals and mourn the deceased, a practice prevalent in various cultures around the world.
Average Pay: They can earn around $30 to $100 per funeral, depending on the region and the complexity of the service.

Crime Scene Cleaner

Job Description: Individuals in this role are responsible for cleaning up and restoring scenes of crimes or accidents, which can be quite gruesome. This job requires a strong stomach and the ability to work in potentially distressing environments.
Average Pay: The average annual salary for this role is between $35,000 and $80,000, depending on the region and the complexity of the tasks involved.

Chicken Sexer

Job Description: Chicken sexers are trained to determine the gender of baby chicks, a task that requires a surprising amount of skill and training.
Average Pay: They can earn between $20,000 and $60,000 per year, depending on their level of expertise and the demand for their services.

Water Slide Tester

Job Description: Individuals in this role are responsible for testing the safety and fun factor of water slides before they are opened to the public. This job often involves traveling to various water parks and resorts.
Average Pay: The pay can vary, but it generally ranges from $30,000 to $50,000 per year, with additional perks like travel allowances.

Bed Warmer

Job Description: Bed warmers ensure a warm and cozy bed for guests in luxury hotels, offering a touch of comfort and luxury.
Average Pay: The pay generally ranges from $20 to $50 per hour, varying based on the establishment and location.

Professional Line-Stander

Job Description: These individuals are hired to stand in line for others, often for product releases or special events, saving time for their clients.
Average Pay: They can earn around $18 to $35 per hour, depending on the demand and the length of the wait.

Beekeeper

Job Description: Beekeepers manage bee colonies, ensuring their health and productivity, and harvest honey and other products like beeswax. This job requires knowledge in bee biology and ecology.
Average Pay: The average annual salary for beekeepers can range from $25,000 to $50,000, depending on the scale of the operation and the market for bee products.

Worm Picker

Job Description: Worm pickers collect worms, usually at night, to supply bait shops for fishing. This job requires a keen eye and the ability to work during unconventional hours.
Average Pay: They can earn around $20,000 to $30,000 annually, depending on the demand and the region.

Human Scarecrow

Job Description: Human scarecrows are employed to scare away birds and other pests from crops, often using various techniques like noise-making devices. This job requires patience and the ability to work outdoors for extended periods.
Average Pay: The pay can vary, but it generally ranges from $15,000 to $25,000 per year.

Job Description: These writers craft the fortunes found inside fortune cookies, requiring creativity and a knack for writing concise, positive messages.
Average Pay: The salary for this role can vary greatly, but experienced writers might earn between $30,000 and $50,000 annually.

Dog Surfing Instructor

Job Description: In this role, individuals teach dogs how to surf, often for competitions or simply for fun. This job requires experience with dogs and surfing skills.
Average Pay: They can earn around $30 to $60 per hour, depending on their experience and the region.

Iceberg Mover

Job Description: Iceberg movers work to tow icebergs away from oil rigs and other structures, using boats and specialized equipment. This job requires expertise in navigation and maritime operations.
Average Pay: The salary can vary greatly, but experienced individuals might earn upwards of $60,000 annually.

Bicycle Fisher

Job Description: These individuals retrieve bicycles and other objects from canals and rivers, often working with local authorities to clean up waterways.
Average Pay: The pay can vary, but it generally ranges from $20,000 to $40,000 per year, depending on the region and the complexity of the job.

Mannequin Dresser

Job Description: Mannequin dressers are responsible for dressing and styling mannequins in retail stores, showcasing the latest fashion trends and outfits.
Average Pay: This job typically pays between $25,000 and $40,000 annually, depending on experience and the establishment.

Gum Buster

Job Description: Gum busters are tasked with removing gum from streets and sidewalks, using specialized equipment to maintain cleanliness in public spaces.
Average Pay: They can expect to earn around $25,000 to $35,000 per year, depending on the region and the extent of their responsibilities.

Duckmaster

Job Description: A duckmaster cares for the ducks that reside in the lobby of the Peabody Hotels, a tradition that has been ongoing since the 1930s.
Average Pay: The salary for this role is not publicly disclosed but is believed to be competitive, with additional benefits.

Elephant Dresser

Job Description: Elephant dressers are responsible for adorning elephants with decorative garments and accessories for ceremonies and festivals, often in countries where elephants are integral to cultural events.
Average Pay: The pay can vary greatly, but it generally ranges from $20,000 to $35,000 per year, depending on the region and the complexity of the job.

Marmite Taster

Job Description: Marmite tasters are employed to taste and assess the quality of Marmite, a popular yeast extract spread, ensuring consistency and quality in each batch.
Average Pay: This role typically offers a salary in the range of $30,000 to $45,000 annually, depending on experience and the company.

Paper Towel Sniffer

Job Description: These professionals are hired to sniff paper towels to ensure that they do not have any undesirable odors before they are packaged and sold to consumers.
Average Pay: The salary for this role can vary, but it generally ranges from $20,000 to $35,000 per year.

Train Pusher

Job Description: Train pushers, also known as “oshiya”, help cram people onto crowded trains, especially during rush hours, to ensure that the doors can close properly.
Average Pay: They can expect to earn around $30,000 to $40,000 per year, depending on the region and the hours worked.

Panda Nanny

Job Description: Panda nannies take care of pandas, often in reserves or zoos, ensuring their well-being and assisting with breeding programs.
Average Pay: The salary for this role can vary, but it generally ranges from $20,000 to $35,000 per year, depending on the establishment and the responsibilities involved.

Shark Tank Cleaner

Job Description: These brave individuals clean shark tanks in aquariums, ensuring a clean and healthy environment for the sharks, often while interacting with these magnificent creatures.
Average Pay: They can earn between $25,000 and $40,000 annually, depending on the complexity of the job and the establishment.

Sewer Inspector

Job Description: Sewer inspectors are responsible for inspecting and maintaining sewer systems, ensuring their proper functioning and cleanliness. This job requires individuals to work in challenging and often unpleasant environments.
Average Pay: The average annual salary for this role is between $35,000 and $60,000, depending on the region and the complexity of the tasks involved.

Land Mine Detector

Job Description: These brave individuals are tasked with locating and identifying land mines in areas affected by conflict. This job requires meticulous attention to detail and adherence to safety protocols.
Average Pay: The salary can vary greatly, but it generally ranges from $30,000 to $45,000 per year, depending on the region and the risks involved.

Crocodile Trainer

Job Description: Crocodile trainers work with crocodiles, often in zoos or conservation areas, performing tasks such as feeding, training, and sometimes putting on shows for visitors.
Average Pay: They can expect to earn around $25,000 to $40,000 annually, depending on the establishment and their level of experience.

Professional Apologizer

Job Description: In this unique role, individuals are hired to apologize on behalf of others, often in business or personal settings. This job requires excellent communication and diplomacy skills.
Average Pay: The pay can vary, but it generally ranges from $30,000 to $50,000 per year, depending on the complexity of the assignments.

Cheese Sculptor

Job Description: Cheese sculptors carve intricate sculptures out of large blocks of cheese, often for events and advertising campaigns. This job requires artistic skill and a deep understanding of the properties of cheese.
Average Pay: Experienced sculptors can earn between $60,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on the complexity of their projects.

Potato Chip Inspector

Job Description: These individuals work in factories, inspecting potato chips for quality and consistency before they are packaged and sold to consumers.
Average Pay: The salary for this role generally ranges from $25,000 to $35,000 per year.

Bingo Announcer

Job Description: Bingo announcers host bingo games, calling out numbers and ensuring a fair and enjoyable gaming experience. This job requires a clear voice and the ability to engage with an audience.
Average Pay: They can earn around $20,000 to $30,000 per year, depending on the establishment and the frequency of games.

Scuba Diving Pizza Delivery Man

Job Description: In this role, individuals deliver pizzas underwater, often to people on boats or underwater hotels. This job requires scuba diving skills and a sense of adventure.
Average Pay: The pay can vary, but it generally ranges from $30,000 to $50,000 per year, depending on the region and the novelty of the service.

Mosquito Bite Tester

Job Description: These brave individuals allow themselves to be bitten by mosquitoes to help researchers study mosquito-borne diseases and test repellents. This job requires a willingness to endure discomfort for the sake of science.
Average Pay: The pay can vary, but it generally ranges from $30,000 to $50,000 per year.

Furniture Tester

Job Description: Furniture testers are hired to test the comfort and durability of furniture, providing feedback to manufacturers to help them improve their products.
Average Pay: They can expect to earn around $25,000 to $40,000 per year, depending on the company and the complexity of the job.

Golf Ball Marsh Diver

Job Description: These individuals dive into marshy areas on golf courses to retrieve lost golf balls, often facing challenging conditions and potential encounters with wildlife.
Average Pay: On average, they can earn between $30,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on the volume of balls retrieved.

Paint Drying Watcher

Job Description: Individuals in this role are hired to watch paint dry to ensure it dries evenly and to the desired finish. This job requires a great deal of patience and attention to detail.
Average Pay: The salary for this role can vary, but it generally ranges from $28,000 to $35,000 per year.

Professional TV Watcher

Job Description: Professional TV watchers are hired to watch television shows and programs, often to provide feedback or to help identify clips for promotional use. This job requires a keen eye for detail and the ability to sit for extended periods.
Average Pay: They can expect to earn around $25,000 to $40,000 annually, depending on the complexity of the assignments.

Fake Wedding Guest

Job Description: These individuals are hired to attend weddings as guests, often to fill seats or to create a more festive atmosphere. This job requires good social skills and the ability to blend in seamlessly at various events.
Average Pay: The pay can vary, but it generally ranges from $100 to $200 per event.

Submarine Cook

Job Description: Submarine cooks are responsible for preparing meals in the confined spaces of a submarine, often for extended periods at sea. This job requires culinary skills and the ability to work in tight quarters.
Average Pay: They can earn between $30,000 and $50,000 per year, depending on their experience and the complexity of the job.

Space Archaeologist

Job Description: Space archaeologists study human-made objects and sites in space, including on the moon and other celestial bodies. This job requires a background in archaeology and an interest in space exploration.
Average Pay: The salary for this role can vary greatly, but it generally starts at around $50,000 per year and can increase significantly with experience.

Forensic Entomologist

Job Description: Forensic entomologists study insects found on dead bodies to help determine the time and circumstances of death. This job requires a background in entomology and forensic science.
Average Pay: They can expect to earn around $45,000 to $75,000 per year, depending on their level of expertise and the complexity of their work.

Lego Sculptor

Job Description: Lego sculptors create intricate sculptures and models using Lego bricks, often for exhibitions and promotional events. This job requires artistic talent and a deep knowledge of Lego building techniques.
Average Pay: Experienced Lego sculptors can earn between $30,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on the complexity of their projects.

Animal Psychologist

Job Description: Animal psychologists study the behavior of animals, often working to solve behavioral problems or to conduct research. This job requires a background in psychology and animal behavior studies.
Average Pay: The salary for this role can vary, but it generally ranges from $40,000 to $75,000 per year.

UFO Investigator

Job Description: UFO investigators research and investigate reports of unidentified flying objects, often working to determine the validity of sightings and to gather evidence. This job requires a skeptical mind and investigative skills.
Average Pay: The pay can vary greatly, but it generally ranges from $30,000 to $60,000 per year, depending on the region and the complexity of the investigations.

Mermaid Performer

Job Description: Mermaid performers entertain audiences by performing underwater routines, often in aquariums or themed shows. This job requires swimming skills and the ability to hold one’s breath for extended periods.
Average Pay: They can earn around $30,000 to $60,000 per year, depending on their experience and the venues where they perform.

Conclusion

In a world teeming with conventional careers, the existence of these unusual jobs is a testament to human ingenuity and adaptability. From watching paint dry to performing as a mermaid, these professions remind us that the job market is as diverse as the human imagination. Whether driven by necessity, innovation, or sheer creativity, these roles offer a glimpse into the quirky corners of the employment world, proving that there truly is something for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I pursue a career in one of these unusual jobs?

Answer: To pursue a career in one of these unusual jobs, it’s best to start by researching the specific requirements and qualifications for the job you’re interested in. Some jobs may require specialized training or skills, while others might be more accessible to those with a willingness to learn on the job.

Are these jobs available worldwide?

Answer: The availability of these jobs can vary greatly depending on the region. Some jobs are specific to certain cultures or countries, while others might be found in various locations around the world. It’s recommended to conduct research into the specific job you’re interested in to determine its availability in your region.

What is the average salary for these jobs?

Answer: The average salary for these jobs can vary greatly depending on the complexity of the role, the region, and the individual’s level of experience. As outlined in the article, salaries can range from around $20,000 to over $100,000 per year, depending on the job.

Are these jobs safe?

Answer: While many of these jobs are safe, some involve inherent risks, such as working with dangerous animals or in challenging environments. It’s essential for individuals pursuing these careers to be aware of the potential risks and to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.

How can I find job listings for these unusual jobs?

Answer: Finding job listings for these unusual jobs might require a bit more digging compared to more conventional careers. You might start by checking specialized websites, forums, or social media groups dedicated to the specific field you’re interested in. Networking and word-of-mouth can also be valuable resources in finding opportunities in these niche areas.