Weird Jobs With Salaries That Are Just as Unusual

In the world of employment, not all jobs fit neatly into the traditional categories of “doctor” or “teacher.” Some roles are downright quirky, involving tasks and responsibilities that most people would never imagine. What’s even more surprising is that these unusual jobs often come with salaries that are just as outlandish as the positions themselves. Here’s a look at ten of the weirdest jobs you can find and what they pay.

Professional Snuggler

What They Do: Professional snugglers provide comfort and companionship through non-sexual physical touch, such as hugging, holding hands, and cuddling. Clients seek out these services for emotional support and human connection.

Salary: $40,000 – $80,000 per year

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Why It’s Unusual: This job emphasizes physical touch and emotional support in a professional setting, which is quite unconventional compared to typical office roles.

Carla Axtman

Water Slide Tester

What They Do: Water slide testers assess the quality and safety of water slides by riding them repeatedly. They evaluate the thrill factor, comfort, and overall experience of the slide to ensure it meets safety and enjoyment standards.

Salary: $30,000 – $70,000 per year

Why It’s Unusual: This job involves testing recreational equipment in a fun and leisurely environment, making it a unique blend of work and play.

Yara Tarek

Pet Food Taster

What They Do: Pet food tasters evaluate the taste and texture of pet food products to ensure they meet quality standards. They test the flavor and consistency of the food, and sometimes even test different formulations.

Salary: $50,000 – $80,000 per year

Why It’s Unusual: This job requires tasting pet food, which is a bit unusual given that the food is designed for animals, not humans.

Professional Mermaid

What They Do: Professional mermaids perform at events, theme parks, and aquariums dressed in mermaid costumes. They often participate in underwater shows, interact with guests, and pose for photos.

Salary: $30,000 – $70,000 per year

Why It’s Unusual: Combining performance art with underwater skills, this role turns a mythical creature into a viable career option.

PeterL

Feng Shui Consultant

What They Do: Feng Shui consultants advise clients on the arrangement of their homes and workplaces to create harmonious environments based on traditional Chinese principles. They suggest changes to enhance energy flow and balance.

Salary: $50,000 – $100,000 per year

Why It’s Unusual: The job involves an ancient practice with a focus on creating harmony through spatial arrangements, blending cultural tradition with modern consultancy.

Odor Judge

What They Do: Odor judges evaluate and score the effectiveness of odor control products such as deodorants and air fresheners. They assess products in various scenarios to ensure they meet performance standards.

Salary: $40,000 – $90,000 per year

Why It’s Unusual: This role revolves around assessing and scoring smells, which is an unusual focus for a professional position.

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Professional Sleeper

What They Do: Professional sleepers are hired to participate in sleep studies or to test the comfort and effectiveness of beds and sleep-related products. Their role is to sleep for extended periods while researchers gather data.

Salary: $30,000 – $60,000 per year

Why It’s Unusual: The job centers around sleeping, a basic human activity, but in a controlled, professional setting designed to gather scientific data.

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Train Pusher

What They Do: Train pushers are employed in busy transit systems, particularly in Japan, to help passengers board trains during peak hours. They ensure that passengers fit into crowded train cars safely and efficiently.

Salary: $25,000 – $50,000 per year

Why It’s Unusual: This job involves physical interaction with passengers to manage crowding, which is an unconventional approach to public transit management.

Dave Powell

Gumologist

What They Do: Gumologists specialize in the study and development of chewing gum. They work on creating new flavors, textures, and formulations, and sometimes test the gum themselves to assess its quality.

Salary: $40,000 – $90,000 per year

Why It’s Unusual: Focusing on a single type of confectionery, this role combines culinary arts with scientific research.

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Historical House Sitter

What They Do: Historical house sitters are responsible for maintaining and caring for historic properties while their owners are away. They ensure that the house is kept in good condition, perform minor repairs, and sometimes give tours.