Soap Boiler - $17.50/hour - $36,527/year

Soap-making may sound like a hobby. But for big manufacturers, it’s a serious job that requires a workforce to get done. For example, factories have a specific position for soap boilers. These are people tasked to control the industrial kettles in which lye, resin, and other ingredients are mixed to make the final product.

Their responsibilities include everything from setting the machine to specific temperatures to stirring the mixture itself with a paddle! For their hard work, soap boilers are paid a salary of $36.5K annually, according to data from Comparably. This, unfortunately, is much less than the national median wage of about $51K.

Billboard Installer - $17/hour - $35,556/year

Ever wonder how those large billboards that flank the highway got there? Well, that’s all the work of dedicated billboard installers. Scaling heights that are often over a dozen feet from the ground, these workers fight against the elements to put up advertisement posters for our viewing pleasure.

According to the website recruiter, the average installer receives an average paycheck of about $35.5K a year. It doesn’t sound like much for such a dangerous and labor-intensive job, huh? We reckon it makes for the perfect training regimen if you dream of becoming the next Spider-Man, though!

Braille Proofreader - $24/hour - $50,369/year

Good grammar transcends language. And so, there are many opportunities for people with a mastery of braille in the proofreading sector. Their knowledge of the dot-based writing system can help people with disabilities access quality reading materials and resources.

Braille proofreading jobs pay $50.3K annually on average, according to Glassdoor. That amount’s almost on par with the national average! And from what we can find, a person doesn’t need a college degree to qualify for these job positions. You’d most likely need a certification from the Library of Congress’ blind and print disabled program, though.

Costume Attendant - $19.74/hour - $41,190/year

Helping people in and out of clothes may seem like a strange job description, but that’s just the world of costume attendants for you! Their job title is pretty much explanatory and covers their main responsibilities. Typically employed in film sets, performing companies, and museums, they receive a median pay of $41.1K yearly.

It’s worth noting, though, that the top percentage of earners in this line of work can earn up to $77.6K annually. And aside from that relatively good pay, costume attendants enjoy a pretty exciting job, it seems. We reckon that working on a Hollywood set allows them to meet celebrities!

Automatic Door Technician - $19.63/hour - $40,966/year

Modern problems require modern solutions. And for all your self-closing door needs, we bet there’d be plenty of automatic door technicians to call for help. Equipped with their extensive mechanical knowledge, they offer various installation, maintenance, and repair services.

On average, these experts typically bring home $40.9K annually, with the best ones earning closer to $63K. To qualify for job posts in this line of work, a person might need some form of certification from the American Association of Automatic Door Manufacturers (AADM) and experience in a trade like metalwork.

Aircraft Painter - $20.66/hour - $43,123/year

Companies like Southwest Airlines make sure to highlight their branding in every aspect of their operation. And that includes decking out their passenger planes in their signature colors, too. For that task, an aircraft painter is the man (or woman) to hire.

Skilled in painting and finishing, they’re responsible for not just making sure a plane looks good from the outside but also for making its paint coat well-protected from corrosion. Aircraft painters receive a median pay of $43.1K annually, but top-earners can bring home up to $50.5K a year.

Faller - $20.69/hour - $43,190/year

If you’ve ever tried to cut a tree, then you already have an idea of how much work fallers do on a regular basis. So, it’s no surprise that people who want to get into this line of work must have some sort of certification. Well, at least, in Canada’s British Columbia province.

For $43.1K a year, fallers are tasked to fell trees using chainsaws or axes. They’re also expected to know about cutting techniques and tree characteristics to predict how a trunk would fall. Given the dangers that come with this job, we reckon fallers need workers’ compensation insurance coverage for good measure.

Forest Fire Inspector - $20.20/hour - $42,150/year

Given the number of devastating wildfires in the United States in recent years, forest fire inspectors are all the more critical now. Often grouped with fire prevention specialists, these experts use their knowledge of codes and hazards to reduce the risk of outdoor fires.

People in this line of work are expected to have at least some experience in firefighting. However, some employers look for candidates with a degree in subjects like engineering and fire science. Those who qualify have a $42.1K a year payday in store for them when hired.

Acoustical Ceiling Tile Installer - $20.38/hour - $42,538/year

If you’re planning on embarking on a home remodeling project to turn a room into a home studio, chances are you’d need to hire an acoustic ceiling tile installer at some point. These professionals do everything from creating design plans to the actual adhesion of the tiles to improve a room’s acoustics.

Acoustic ceiling tile installers are typically paid $42.5K, which translates to an hourly wage of $20.38. While that may not seem like a lot, the fact that a person doesn’t necessarily need additional schooling to qualify makes up for it. Math skills are a big plus, though.

Seismograph Shooter - $34/hour - $70,808/year

We’ve got to be honest; the job title seismograph shooter sounds more cool than odd. It’s reminiscent of the kind of work a hero in an action movie would have. Reading its job description further confirms this observation. See, the job entails the location and detonation of explosives.

Seismograph shooters are also responsible for the measuring instrument as well as coordinating with helpers and observers. With such essential responsibilities, people in this line of work are required to have years of prior experience and a blasting certificate. In exchange for all that, they’re entitled to annual earnings of $70.8K, which is way above the national average.

Embalmer - $23.48/hour - $49,003/year

As Benjamin Franklin said, there are only two things certain in life: death and taxes. So, as odd as their work may be perceived, it’s safe to say that embalmers can expect to enjoy a high rate of job security for the foreseeable future.

What’s more, those in the business of preparing the bodies of the deceased for burial receive relatively good pay. On average, an embalmer earns $49K a year, with top-earners even taking home up to $69.9K. As for qualifications, candidates need to have a license or finish an apprenticeship, depending on the state’s regulations.

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator - $26.80/hour - $55,930/year

Now this one is definitely not for the squirmish. Working with wastewater (sewage), treatment plant operators quite literally have a dirty job on their hands! The good pay would make it worth it for some, though. People in this line of work typically earn around $55.9K annually.

Moreover, candidates can qualify for a position in the industry using a high school diploma (or its equivalent) and be trained on the job. The catch, though, is that the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the employment of people in wastewater treatment plants would decline from 2019 to 2029 due to automation.

Dinkey Operator - $26/hour - $53,956/year

You might be wondering, “Dinkey, what on earth is that?” Well, put simply, it’s a kind of small locomotive typically used to haul things in a railroad yard. And tell you what, its operators make a pretty good living managing these rail transport vehicles.

They take home about $53.9K a year, just a bit higher than the national average, and will accept applicants with a secondary-level education. But similar to treatment plant workers, those working in the railroad sector are expected to face a decline in employment from 2019 to 2029.

Underwater Demolition Diver $26.26/hour - $54,800/year

Now, this next odd job is not for the faint-hearted. As the job title implies, underwater demolition divers work in dangerous circumstances clearing debris and other obstructions with the help of detonation techniques. That said, applicants need to fill a tall order to qualify for this line of work.

According to the website Chron, these divers typically train while serving in the United States military. Navy SEALs, for example, receive weeks of training in underwater explosives. While there are no specific numbers on the pay demolition divers receive, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that commercial divers earn around $54.8K a year.

Bridge Tender - $25/hour - $52,340/year

Bridge-guarding is a task associated with the mythical troll. But did you know that actual people earn a living facilitating the passage of water vehicles through bridges? These tenders are also responsible for overseeing the safety and operation of these artificial structures.

To qualify for this exciting $52K a year job, candidates are usually expected to have some experience in maintaining mechanical systems and a high school diploma. This can be supplemented with on-the-job training, though. Having superb communication skills and the ability to operate a radio are big pluses.

Private Investigator - $25.55/hour - $53,320/year

Guess it’s time to put those stalking skills to good use! The employment of private investigators and detectives is on the rise based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. But what does it take to qualify for this occupation, which typically pays $53K annually, by the way, in the first place?

Before you can offer private detective services, you’d need to finish secondary-level schooling and gain years of work experience. Some states might also require a license. Once those are out of the way, you can search for information to aid in clients’ financial, legal, and personal needs.

Ballet Composer - $25/hour - $52,250/year

Here’s some great news for ballet fans born with two left feet! You can still participate in the art form you love in a different capacity. Taking music lessons or going to music school might just land you a job as a ballet composer.

Besides, you never know. You might just be the next Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, composing ballet that would be performed for generations to come. On average, music directors and composers earn somewhere around $52K a year. We reckon the veteran and popular ones make much more than that, though.

Wind Turbine Technician - $27/hour - $56,230/year

With the world appreciating the power of sustainable energy more and more, wind turbine technicians or windtechs are bound to be in demand for years to come. The statistics reflect that, too, with the occupation seeing a predicted 61% increase in employment come 2029.

That said, you might want to consider going to a technical school to learn this trade. Better start training yourself to get used to heights as well! Wind turbines are growing to surpass the average 280 feet soon. In exchange for overcoming acrophobia, you’d be able to pocket annual earnings of $56K.

Bulldozer Mechanic - $25.57/hour - $53,370/year

Remember playing with toy bulldozers as a kid? Well, now, you can earn a living working with those heavy machineries in real life. That is, if you have the proper qualifications to become a bulldozer mechanic. A trade school education is a plus but apprenticeships might be what you need to get your foot in the door.

Usually grouped with heavy vehicle technicians, bulldozer mechanics are responsible for maintaining and repairing the motorized machine, which sees a ton of use in the construction industry. People in this line of work typically receive $53K a year in pay.

Hearing Aid Specialist - $25/hour - $52,630/year

The world is often stacked against the hearing-impaired, so hearing aid specialists do an important job. They work with patients to fit them with the proper device. This task also involves administering tests, designing ear molds, and assessing an instrument’s efficacy.

Aside from directly helping people with hearing incapacities, another great thing about becoming a hearing aid specialist is that it accepts those with secondary-level schooling. Candidates are expected to learn on the job from other health care providers in the same field. Of course, receiving an average of $52.6K a year in pay is a nice perk, too!

Undertaker - $28/hour - $58,170/year

Not afraid of death? Well, this undertaking might just be the one for you. Undertakers are funeral service workers who are responsible for preparing dead bodies for burials. They are often grouped together with funeral directors and morticians as all three perform similar tasks.

Although not paid as much as their namesake in the WWE, undertakers earn a good living with $58K a year. But before they can get to that, they must first finish an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree in a field like mortuary science as well as an apprenticeship.

Stenocaptioner - $29/hour - $61,660/year

Given how fast speech-to-text innovations are developing these days, you might think this next occupation isn’t an ideal one to get into. And we’re here to tell you that stenocaptioners are here to stay. Those who provide court reporting services, for example, are reportedly in demand in New York City these days.

Earning around $61.6K a year, these professionals are primarily responsible for operating stenographic captioning equipment, allowing them to provide captions for live or prerecorded broadcasts. Although we couldn’t find specific job requirements for stenocaptioners, we reckon that they’re expected to have some form of training certificate and superb listening skills just like stenographers.

Soil Scientist - $31/hour - $63,950/year

Think you’ve heard all possible jobs under the sun? Well, we bet this is the first time you’re hearing about soil scientists. Usually grouped with plant specialists, these professionals research topics like pest control and crop management. Their discoveries are then applied in agriculture or environmental science.

To get into this occupation, going to university for a four-year program is a must. The payoff is worth it, though. Soil scientists receive an average pay of $63.9K a year. Climbing the work ladder might lead to a six-figure sum in the long run, though. How’s that for a dirt(y) job?

Opera Singer - $29/hour - $60,000/year

Not everyone can be a Luciano Pavarotti or a Montserrat Caballé. But there are still opportunities for opera singers to earn a good living. For example, in the United States, these talented performers are paid around $60K annually, which is above the national average.

Aspirants can take music lessons or join youth artists' programs to get their foot in the door. Once in, they can sing anywhere between 50 and 75 performances every year. Some are also lucky to land recording contracts, which increases their profile in the field and earning potential.

Railroad Police - $35/hour - $72,580/year

This may surprise some, but railways are policed by a specialized group of law enforcement officers. Railroad police are individuals who are responsible for safeguarding everything from transit properties to the passengers who use them. They may also assist in instances of derailments and other related incidents.

While requirements will vary from employer to employer, most would want candidates who have been trained in a police academy. An educational background in criminal justice is also a plus. In exchange, those hired can expect to earn around $72.5K a year.

Algae Scientist - $40.44/hour - $84,400/year

Algae scientists work in the broader field of microbiology but focus mainly on the subject of algae and how these organisms can be used for commercial or research purposes. That said, a Ph.D. in microbiology might be a requirement that some employers would be looking for.

However, the Bureau of Labor Statistics says that finishing a four-year program would be sufficient for entry-level positions as an algae scientist. The average pay in this line of work is $84.4K a year. The government agency also predicts that employment in this field would see an increase on par with the national average, which is around 3%.

Theatrical Makeup Artist - $51.23/hour - $106,920/year

Stage performers have a lot of talent on their own, but they also need the help of many others to put out a fantastic production. Among this crew of behind-the-scenes workers are theatrical makeup artists. Armed with their kits and creative skills, they help actors and actresses transform into myriad characters.

While training in cosmetology helps a lot to give someone a leg up, going to school isn’t necessarily a requirement in this line of work. Getting experience by volunteering in local productions is an excellent way to get into the business. Once in, these artists can bring home $106.9K annually.

Escalator Installer - $42.42/hour - $88,540/year

Yes, you read that right. Some professionals train and gain expertise in the installation of escalators. And guess what; they actually earn a good living, too! In fact, they take home around $88.5K annually, which is way above the national average.

Escalator installers don’t just set up moving staircases, though. They also offer repair and maintenance services. To enter this field, a person typically needs at least secondary-level schooling and an apprenticeship. Another good news is that this line of work is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.

Crystallographer - $47/hour - $98,050/year

Here’s another job that sounds more cool than odd! Crystallographers specialize in a branch under materials science that focuses on crystalline formations. However, their discoveries are used in broader areas of study like biology, chemistry, and physics. That said, professionals in this field get paid pretty well, earning $98K a year on average.

Going more into what crystallographers do on the job, they usually use x-ray machines and techniques to observe and image solid objects for various uses. For example, they can identify materials for use in the creation of computer products.

Bereavement Coordinator - $23.10/hour - $48,212/year

Another not-so-well-known job in the funeral and burial industry is that of a bereavement coordinator. They primarily work with the loved ones of a deceased person and counsel them through their grief. People in this line of work may also provide their services to the terminally ill.

Due to the sensitive nature of this job, bereavement coordinators are usually expected to have a master’s degree in social work (or a related field) and some counseling experience. They earn around $48.2K a year. However, some can earn as much as $62K depending on their qualifications and work location.

Color Expert - $28.28/hour - $59,012/year

Color experts, also called color consultants, are well-versed in the subject of color theory and psychology. They work with clients to develop design schemes for both outdoor and indoor spaces depending on the latter’s business objectives. Thus, people who gravitate towards this line of work often have a degree in interior design.

Graduates of certificate programs can become color experts, too, though. After all, what’s important here is an eye for detail and a concise understanding of how color affects space. Color experts earn $59K annually or a wage of $28.28 an hour on average.

Online Dating Ghostwriter - $17/hour - $35,479/year

Got a way with words? This odd job might just be the one for you. With online dating becoming more popular today, some people are willing to pay the big bucks to have a well-written dating app profile.

This is where ghostwriters come in. Combining their knowledge of language and courtship, these professionals help single people who may not have a mastery of English or just aren’t great conversationalists communicate with potential partners. In return, online dating ghostwriters can earn $35.4K a year. Definitely not bad as a side hustle!

Bingo Manager - $13/hour - $27,050/year

As it turns out, you can earn big playing a game of chance like bingo, after all. Well, that is if you’re part of the action behind the scenes and not the one betting. According to the website Salary, bingo managers bring home median pay of $66.6K a year. That amounts to $32 an hour! Way above the minimum wage rate in the United States.

To earn this rate, bingo managers are expected to oversee and direct the activities of a bingo hall. Their responsibilities include approving jackpot payouts and ensuring that the enterprise adheres to gaming regulations.

Hippotherapist - $25/hour - $51,826/year

It’s amazing how many kinds of therapeutic methods are available today. Hippotherapy, for example, is a treatment that uses horseriding as a way to help patients deal with speech and physical issues. Those that work in this field are referred to as hippotherapists or therapeutic riding therapists.

Paid at a rate of $25 an hour, these experts are typically licensed speech pathologists and therapists who specialize in creating a bond between a rider and a horse. They seek to help people with a variety of medical issues, from emotional disabilities to hearing impairments.

Veterinary Acupuncturist - $40/hour - $83,211/year

It looks like alternative medicine is not just for humans! It’s possible for animals to see an acupuncturist, too, and get the benefits of the traditional Chinese healing method. Just like regular ones, veterinary acupuncturists treat a variety of ailments by inserting tiny needles into a pet’s pressure points.

Their services are also sought out by those who train animals for competitions. According to the website Payscale, a veterinarian with skills in this method receives average base pay of $83,211 a year. Someone specializing solely in performing acupuncture on animals earns considerably less, though, typically bringing home $38K annually.

Flavorist - $60/hour - $125,423/year

Ever wonder how food manufacturers manage to get the flavors of fruits for their cola drinks? Well, it’s all thanks to the work of flavorists, also called flavor chemists. Armed with their knowledge of chemistry and how taste works, they blend botanical extracts, essential oils, and similar materials to create both artificial and natural flavorings.

According to the website ZipRecruiter, these professionals enjoy an average annual pay of $125K. Sounds impressive for such a fun job, right? It takes a lot of work to become a flavorist, though. Aside from a bachelor’s degree, a person needs to have at least seven years of training to enter this occupation.

Clinical Ethicist - $49/hour - $102,043/year

It’s no secret that those in the medical field earn a good income. But did you know that you don’t have to go to medical school to make a six-figure sum in this industry? Clinical ethicists, for example, bring home an average annual pay of $102K by specializing in the ethics behind the interactions of patients and medical professionals.

The occupation often offers guidance in ethical, legal, and policy issues that may arise in treating a person. Clinical ethicists’ insights are particularly valuable when emotions run high during emergencies. Thus, these professionals receive tons of training and are expected to have finished a master’s program.

Master Marijuana Extractor - $16.52/hour - $34,470/year

Oh, how the times have changed! Marijuana is becoming more and more accepted in the United States today and is evidently a booming industry. That spells good news for master marijuana extractors, who specialize in separating cannabinoid-rich trichomes from their plant sources.

These extractors, whose qualifications range from a high school diploma to a Ph.D., are responsible for supplying the concentrated oil used in many cannabis products. According to the website Study, people who work these organic extraction jobs earn a base pay of $34K a year. However, Forbes reports that some technicians, especially those with advanced schooling, can bring home up to $125K annually.

Toy Designer - $31/hour - $64,180/year

Some may find it odd that it’s adults who design the toys kids play with. You’ll see no problem with it, though, once you find out how much a toy designer makes. While entry-level positions only come with a low $30K range paycheck, those working with design firms can expect to take home $64K a year.

Of course, designers can earn much more than that if they come up with a toy that flies off the store shelves. People in this line of work usually have an educational background in toy or industrial design. Still, nothing beats on-the-job training in honing their skills.

Art Therapist - $23/hour - $47,710/year

“Art heals the soul,” some people say. And it looks like they aren’t bluffing. There are therapists who specialize in using art to help clients of all ages deal with a mental or physical illness. Thus, people in this occupation are often found in hospital and clinic settings.

Grouped with recreational therapists, they earn around $47.7K a year as per data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Those who want to work in this field need at least a bachelor’s diploma and certification to practice depending on the location of their employment.

Podiatrist - $71/hour - $148,220/year

Contrary to what you might assume seeing this photo sans context, podiatrists don’t offer nail art services. They’re physicians specifically trained in treating ailments that affect the foot, ankle, and other related parts of the leg. They’re paid pretty well, too, from what we’ve heard.

According to Forbes, these professionals earn an average annual wage of $148K. That’s almost three times the national average pay other occupations earn! To become a podiatrist, a person needs to be prepared for extensive studies. After finishing a four-year program, one has to go to podiatry school and then do a residency.

Computer Hacker - $50.22/hour - $104,813/year

Those who take up hacking as a hobby don’t really have the best reputation. But did you know that there’s a well-paid occupation that this skill would be useful for? Yes, computer hacking is a legitimate job that comes with $104.8K in annual pay.

Also referred to as penetration testers, these professionals are paid to use their knowledge of computers and IT for good. Both corporate and government entities typically employ them to help test the strength of their security systems. Many testers are self-taught, but there are also courses and certifications available.

Voice-over Artist - $31/hour - $64,012/year

Got the voice of an angel but don’t know how to sing? Well, you can still earn a living off of that asset. The entertainment and advertising industries are always looking for talented voice-over artists to bring life into their projects. What’s more, you don’t really need a specific college degree to break into this industry.

With a lot of vocal versatility and creativity, you can earn an average of $64K a year and hear your work on TV and even movies. Of course, taking some voice acting lessons can also help hone your skills to meet industry standards.

Periodontist - $112.55/hour - $234,901/year

It may seem weird, but there’s a kind of dentist that specializes in treating gums instead of tooth-related maladies. They’re called periodontists, and they’re paid the big bucks for their work. According to the website Chron, people in this occupation earn $234.9K annually.

To become one and possibly earn an hourly wage of $112.55, you’d need to study dentistry first. Then, you’d need to do more schooling and get some post-doctorate experience before finally getting a license to practice. Seems like a long way, huh? The amazing pay makes it worth it, though!

Astronomer - $62/hour - $128,950/year

Not to be mistaken for astrologers, astronomers are scientists who study the Universe and all that’s within it. Their scope is vast, spanning everything from galaxies to stars and even searching for life beyond Earth. Pretty interesting stuff, don’t you think?

Astronomers, who work side by side with physicists, are usually employed in research institutions and observatories with some teaching at the college level on the side. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the occupation pays $128.9K a year on average. What’s more, employment in the field is expected to increase by 7% between 2019 and 2029.