Top Odd Jobs That Pay Well

Here is a list of odd jobs you can do to make a good income:

Cruise ship captain

Average base pay: $14,522 per month

A cruise ship captain hires cruise staff, ensures that passengers are conveyed safely to their destinations, and maintains safety during the cruise. Aspiring cruise ship captains must obtain a bachelor’s and master’s degree in engineering or marine science.

Periodontist

Average base pay: $161,018 per year

A periodontist is responsible for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of tooth diseases. If you want to become a periodontist, you must complete dental school and enroll for a three-year residency program as a dentist. 

Podiatrist

Average base pay: $112,500 per year

A podiatrist specializes in treating people’s feet and ankles. Unlike other medical careers, you do not have to attend a general medical school to become a podiatrist. There are specialized podiatrist medical schools where you can undergo a four-year training on podiatry.

Voice actor

Average base pay: $100,188 per year

A voice actor narrates stories and creates character voices for animations, audiobooks, and educational content. To become a voice actor, take voice-acting classes and practice your skills regularly. Once you are confident about your voice-acting skills, audition for a voice-acting job.

Astronomer

Average base pay: $93,134 per year

An astronomer studies the solar system, stars, and galaxies to discover how they work and what makes them age. You can only start a career in astronomy after you’ve earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in physics.

After earning your master’s degree, follow these steps to land a job in astronomy:

• Obtain a doctorate in astronomy.
• Take up a post-doctorate research position in astronomy.
• Apply for astronomer jobs.

Soil scientist

Average base pay: $77,173 per year

A soil scientist collects and studies soil data to understand how they aid agricultural production and contribute to environmental health. A bachelor’s degree in soil science, geology, or environmental science will help you become a soil scientist.

Opera singer

Average base pay: $70,246 per year

An opera singer performs songs at an opera. All you need to become an opera singer is a high school diploma and be a talented singer. That said, it might be helpful if you get a music degree or take music courses.

Ethical hacker

Average base pay: $69,123 per year

An ethical hacker is responsible for testing the strength of a company’s security network by legally breaking into the system to unveil its weaknesses. You need a college degree in computer science or a related course to become an ethical hacker.

Clinical ethicist

Average base pay: $63,524 per year

A clinical ethicist helps doctors, patients, and families make informed decisions when they have conflicting opinions about a medical issue. To qualify as a clinical ethicist, you must obtain a master’s degree in medical ethics.

Casino manager

Average base pay: $61,272 per year 

A casino manager handles customer complaints, manages payouts, and ensures that the casino observes all federal and state gaming laws. You don’t need a degree to get a job as a casino manager. If you have prior managerial experience, you can easily land a career in this field.

Hearing aid specialist

Average base pay: $58,189 per year 

A hearing aid specialist conducts hearing tests and designs hearing aids. You must take a two-year hearing instrument specialist course to become a hearing aid specialist.

Braille proofreader

Average base pay: $57,855 per year

The role of a braille proofreader is to ensure that braille texts are error-free. To become a braille proofreader, you must pass a literary braille course. Also, you need to earn a braille transcription certificate from the Library of Congress.

Water tester

Average base pay: $55,030 per year

A water tester’s role is to determine water quality before it is circulated for public use. You need to obtain an associate degree in chemistry, microbiology, or biology to become a water tester.

Fire investigator

Average base pay: $54,521 per year

A fire investigator studies the aftermath of fire incidents to determine the cause of the fire. To qualify as a fire investigator, you need to acquire a degree in fire science.

Flavorist

Average base pay: $51,280 a year

A flavorist mixes natural and artificial flavors from food and fruits to create new flavors. You can become a flavorist with a degree in food science or chemistry, along with a seven-year apprenticeship with an experienced florist.

Private investigator

Average base pay: $48,716 per year

A private investigator finds information, organizes background checks, and surveillance activities on behalf of companies or other individuals. Getting a college degree in private investigations or criminal justice and taking a one-year internship will make you a private investigator. You must also take the state examination for private investigators to get your Private Investigator license.

Toy maker 

Average base pay: 48,174 per year

A toy maker designs and builds toys for children. You need a degree in design, fine arts, or consumer engineering to get a job as a toy maker.

Art therapist

Average base pay: $45,371 per year

An art therapist organizes art programs to help people overcome mental health problems by exploring their creative abilities. You can become an art therapist with a bachelor’s degree in art, therapy, or psychology.

Bereavement coordinator

Average base pay: $45,152 per year

Bereavement coordinators provide counseling and emotional support to the bereaved. A master’s degree in social work will help you get hired as a bereavement coordinator.

Private chef

Average base pay: $44,549 per year

A private chef creates menus and makes meals for private individuals. If you want to earn a lot as a private chef, get formal training from a culinary school. Also, obtaining a food handler’s license from your state’s health department will help you land a high-paying job.

Embalmer

Average base pay: $41,022 per year

An embalmer prepares dead bodies for funerals. You need a two-year associate degree in mortuary science to become a certified embalmer.

Automatic door technician

Average base pay: $37,437 per year

Automatic door technicians are responsible for the installation, maintenance, and repair of automatic doors. All you need to become an automatic door technician is a high school diploma and an apprenticeship under experienced door technicians.

Diesel mechanic

Average base pay: $37,308 per year

A diesel mechanic is responsible for inspecting and repairing diesel-powered machines and vehicles. Aspiring diesel mechanics must have a high school diploma and take a two-year diesel training program. Then, they need to pass an Automotive Service Excellence exam for automotive technicians. 

Billboard installer

Average base pay: $16 per hour

Billboard installers erect billboards in public places. To become a certified billboard installer, you must have a high school diploma and a driver’s license. A 10-hour course and an Occupational Safety and Health exam are also compulsory for billboard installers.

Wind turbine technician

Average base pay: $39,995 per year

The role of a wind turbine technician is to install, operate, repair, and maintain wind turbines. To become a wind tech, you must have an associate degree in wind technology. Also, you need to get a Wind Turbine Service Technician Certificate.

Wastewater treatment operator

Average base pay: $31,125 per year

A wastewater treatment operator purifies water, inspects and maintains water equipment, and observes safety standards while treating water. You can become a wastewater treatment operator if you have a degree in wastewater treatment technology.

Aircraft painter

Average base pay: $31,005 per year

An aircraft painter is responsible for painting the inner and outer parts of an airplane. All you need to get a job as an aircraft painter is specialized industrial painting training, a creative eye, and a high school diploma.

Secret shopper

Average base pay: $26,350 per year

A secret shopper buys products anonymously to evaluate a business’ standards of customer service. Anyone can become a secret shopper by joining mystery shopping websites.

Color consultant

Average base pay: $21,798 per year

A color consultant advises people on the right colors to use in different situations, ranging from interior decoration to fashion. All you need to become a color consultant is a creative mind and an eye for colors. That said, it would help if you get a bachelor’s degree in fine arts or design.

Costume attendant

Average base pay: $21, 010 per year

A costume attendant’s role is to help actors and dancers organize their costumes during plays and live performances. Most costume attendant jobs only require a high school diploma. However, some employers will only hire someone with an associate degree in fashion or theater arts.

Club lounge attendant

Average base pay: $21,010 per year

A club lounge attendant responds to the complaints of customers at the club. A high school diploma and previous customer service experience are all you need to get a club lounge attendant job. 

If you are looking for a lucrative career in a low-competition industry, there are several odd jobs that pay well and offer high employment security. Use this list of professions to create a successful career that will help achieve your professional goals.