Many people assume that only jobs in traditional fields like medicine, law, or engineering pay well. However, there are numerous unconventional careers that offer excellent salaries, but often go unnoticed due to their unique nature. These jobs, often referred to as miscellaneous or odd jobs, require specific skills and expertise, but can pay very well. In this article, we’ll explore the salaries of 50 miscellaneous jobs to give you an idea of what these jobs pay and what you can expect if you pursue one of these careers.
Table of 50 Miscellaneous Jobs and Salaries
| Job Title | Average Salary (per year) |
|---|---|
| Soap Boiler | $40,090 |
| Clinical Ethicist | $72,385 |
| Bed Warmer | $200,000 |
| Underwater Demolition Driver | $49,980 |
| Windtech | $52,910 |
| Childbirth Educator | $70,680 |
| Undertaker | $54,150 |
| Escalator Installer | $84,990 |
| Podiatrist | $111,268 |
| Faller | $44,650 |
| Airplane Painter | $41,850 |
| Nail Technician | $25,770 |
| Dinkey Operator | $49,330 |
| Bereavement Coordinator | $57,158 |
| Algae Scientist | $75,650 |
| Horse Exerciser | $54,091 |
| Soil Scientist | $63,200 |
| Seismograph Shooter | $46,250 |
| Flavorist | $125,423 |
| Train Conductor | $63,930 |
| Oil Rig Worker | $60,930 |
| Sommelier | $60,000 |
| Toll Booth Operator | $28,680 |
| Bartender | $24,130 |
| Foley Artist | $47,630 |
| Audiobook Narrator | $59,230 |
| Furniture Tester | $31,120 |
| Embryologist | $76,055 |
| Professional Cuddler | $40,000 |
| Tattoo Artist | $45,000 |
| Pet Groomer | $28,670 |
| Chicken Sexer | $37,000 |
| Chocolatier | $49,000 |
| Graffiti Removal Specialist | $50,000 |
| Funeral Director | $59,840 |
| Rodeo Clown | $51,000 |
| Sign Language Interpreter | $52,090 |
| Livestock Breeder | $39,000 |
| Jewelry Designer | $48,000 |
| Mystery Shopper | $32,000 |
| Video Game Tester | $30,000 |
| Tree Climber | $37,000 |
| Aquarist | $39,000 |
| TV Host | $56,000 |
| Theme Park Character | $32,000 |
| Voice Actor | $50,000 |
| Art Model | $39,000 |
| Escape Room Designer | $35,000 |
| Caricature Artist | $41,000 |
As you can see from the table above, miscellaneous jobs can vary greatly in terms of pay, with some jobs like Bed Warmer or Flavorist offering six-figure salaries while others like Nail Technician or Toll Booth Operator offering salaries closer to the median wage. However, it’s important to note that these salaries are just averages, and many factors can influence what you can earn in a specific job, including location, experience, education, and demand.
Some of the highest-paying miscellaneous jobs require advanced degrees or specialized certifications, like Podiatrist or Clinical Ethicist. Others, like Windtech or Algae Scientist, require specific technical skills and expertise.
Is miscellaneous a good career path?
For some individuals, a career in a miscellaneous field may be the perfect fit. These jobs often offer a unique and exciting work environment, the opportunity to learn new skills and knowledge, and potentially lucrative salaries. However, it’s important to carefully consider the pros and cons before pursuing a career in a miscellaneous field.
One major advantage of a miscellaneous career path is the potential for high pay. As shown in the table above, many miscellaneous jobs offer salaries well above the median income in the United States. For example, a flavorist can earn an average salary of $125,423 per year, while an escalator installer can earn $84,990 annually.
In addition to high salaries, miscellaneous careers may also offer opportunities for personal and professional growth. Many of these jobs require specialized training or certifications, which can provide a unique and valuable skill set. For example, a clinical ethicist must have a master’s degree or doctorate in medical ethics, along with at least five years of work experience.
Another advantage of a miscellaneous career is the opportunity to work in a unique and exciting environment. For example, an underwater demolition driver or wind tech may spend much of their time outdoors or in unusual locations, while a childbirth educator or bereavement coordinator may work closely with individuals during some of the most significant moments in their lives.
However, there are also potential downsides to pursuing a miscellaneous career path. These jobs may require specialized training or education, which can be costly and time-consuming. Additionally, some of these careers may have limited job opportunities or inconsistent demand, which can make it difficult to find steady employment.
It’s also important to consider the potential risks associated with certain miscellaneous jobs. For example, a faller or lumberjack may face physical dangers and work in challenging outdoor conditions, while an airplane painter may be exposed to toxic chemicals.
Ultimately, the decision to pursue a career in a miscellaneous field is a personal one that depends on individual preferences and goals. It’s important to carefully consider the potential pros and cons before committing to a particular career path.
In summary, miscellaneous jobs can offer high salaries, unique work environments, and opportunities for personal and professional growth. However, they may also require specialized training, have limited job opportunities, or involve potential risks. Whether or not pursuing a miscellaneous career path is a good choice ultimately depends on individual preferences and goals.