‘You get paid to do what?’
While every job is slightly different in its responsibilities, some jobs are just, well, a little unusual. However, just because these roles may be a little outside of the norm, that doesn’t necessarily mean you need to sacrifice your salary.
So, if you’re looking for a lucrative job that’s totally out there, here are 15 unusual jobs that pay well:
1. Pet Psychologist
What a Pet Psychologist does: A Pet Psychologist is trained to understand why our animals act in certain ways, and then show their owners techniques on how to manage their pet’s behaviour.
What you need to do the job: You’ll need a degree in a related subject like psychology, biology or animal behaviour. You’ll also need to be patient, as behaviour can take months to change and you’ll need empathy to understand what pet owners are experiencing.
What you can earn: Around £30,000 per year.
Perfect for: People who love animals.
Our advice: You’ll need to love all creatures great and small – and not just cats and dogs. You could be working with a variety of different animals like horses, guinea pigs or even snakes. Practical experience of handling animals is also important, so consider volunteering at an animal charity or refuge.
View all pet psychology courses
2. Tea Taster
What a Tea Taster does: A Tea Taster seeks out new types of teas, samples tea to check on quality, and advises on how different teas should be brewed so that they can achieve the best possible flavour.
What you need to do the job: Having sensitive taste buds is essential if you want to become a Tea Taster, as you’ll need to know the difference between different blends. An interest in botany or horticulture will also be beneficial.
What you can earn: Around £34,000 per year.
Perfect for: People who aren’t big on coffee.
Our advice: Aside from being a genuine tea-lover, you’ll need to really write an application that stands out from the crowd. While being a Tea Taster is an unusual job, some companies hiring for them see it as an absolute necessity, making it a popular but slightly competitive (see also: weird) career choice.
3. Golf Ball Diver
What a Golf Ball Diver does: A Golf Ball Diver dives into the ponds and lakes at golf courses to retrieve balls so they can be cleaned, and either resold or recycled.
What you need to do the job: You’ll need a diving licence from a certified diving school and appropriate insurance to work as a Golf Ball Diver.
What you can earn: Around £38,000 per year.
Perfect for: People who want to spend more time in the water than David Hasselhoff.
Our advice: Ponds and lakes aren’t typically warm, so you’ll need to have experience diving in cold water. Diving is physically demanding too, so you’ll need to keep fit to meet the demands of the job.
4. Ethical Hacker
What an Ethical Hacker does: Also known as a ‘white hat’ hacker, an Ethical Hacker is hired by organisations to hack into their computer systems, to test how secure (or not) they are.
What you need to do the job: You’ll need a thorough understanding of programming, scripting, networks and hardware to know how to break into them. Problem solving and critical thinking are therefore essential skills to have.
What you can earn: Around £50,000 per year.
Perfect for: People who don’t use ‘1,2,3,4’ as their password.
Our advice: Experience in doing something similar is important, but much of the knowledge can be built outside of work – whether it’s by learning new coding languages or learning to build complex networks in your spare time. As long as you stay away from hacking until you’ve actually been given permission…
How to become an ethical hacker
View all ethical hacking courses
5. Food Stylist
What a Food Stylist does: A Food Stylist makes dishes look so good that the photograph or video makes you want to buy it. Ever had a serious food craving after seeing an ad somewhere? This is the person to blame.
What you need to do the job: To become a Food Stylist, you’ll need to be creative so that you can arrange food in a certain way, so it photographs or videos well. You also need to be organised and work well under pressure.
What you can earn: Around £35,000 per year.
Perfect for: People who are picky about pickles.
Our advice: A portfolio of previous photo projects you’ve worked on will always impress employers – and will be an expectation for many. If you have little commercial experience, raid your fridge and see what images you can come up with yourself. There are also lots of courses available online to help you learn more about the sector.
6. Teddy Bear Doctor
What a Teddy Bear Doctor does: Kids (and adults) love their teddy bears, and if they become damaged, you can get them patched up and cleaned by a certified Teddy Bear Doctor to help make them look new again.
What you need to do the job: You’ll need good listening and communication skills as your customers may be very young. A steady hand for sewing is essential, and a knowledge of treating different materials is also important.
What you can earn: Around £38,000 per year.
Perfect for: People who pride themselves on their Beanie Baby collection.
Our advice: Employers are looking for professionals who have good customer service skills, so be sure to highlight these on your CV. If you don’t have these skills, a customer service course will help give you the theoretical knowledge you need.
7. Sommelier
What a Sommelier does: A Sommelier is an expert on wine, and they advise guests on the best wine to accompany their meal – as well as advising bars and vineyards about the types of wine they should buy.
What you need to do the job: Extensive training is required to become a Sommelier, sometimes taking years to become qualified. A vast knowledge of wines and how they are produced is also required.
What you can earn: Around £50,000 per year.
Perfect for: People who know the difference between Sauvignon and Merlot.
Our advice: As well as an in-depth knowledge of wine, you’ll also need world class serving skills (which are best gained in top-rated restaurants or hotels), as well as a good amount of business acumen. Start by finding out more by taking a wine tasting or introductory sommelier course.
8. Beekeeper
What a Beekeeper does: Beekeepers manage colonies of honeybees that are kept in hives to produce honey, wax and royal jelly.
What you need to do the job You’ll need in-depth knowledge of bees, their behaviour and how to care for them, so a qualification in Biology can be useful. However, it’s by no means a necessity, and patience and the ability to work well on your own are also important skills to have.
What you can earn: Around £38,000 per year.
Perfect for: People who get a buzz from nature.
Our advice: You’ll need to be able to put up with the constant buzzing sound and the occasional bee sting. However, the rewards far outweigh the risks, and there are lots of beekeeping societies that can help you take your hobby to the next level and turn it into a career. If you’re looking for clubs in your area, the British Beekeepers Association is a great place to start.
9. Mystery Shopper
What a Mystery Shopper does: Mystery Shoppers pretend to be normal customers and interact with a shop’s staff to assess the quality of customer service while remaining anonymous.
What you need to do the job: You’ll need strong observation skills and attention to detail. Good communication skills are essential too, as you’ll need to write detailed reports on your experiences.
What you can earn: Around £31,000 per year.
Perfect for: People who love a trip to the big Tesco.
Our advice: Be prepared to visit different types of businesses – from restaurants and hotels to retail stores and banks. You’ll also need to be discreet and professional at all times. Many Mystery Shoppers work freelance, so flexibility is key.
10. Voice-Over Artist
What a Voice-Over Artist does: Voice-Over Artists provide the voices for everything from adverts and audiobooks to video games and corporate videos.
What you need to do the job: You’ll need a clear, versatile voice and excellent pronunciation. Acting skills are beneficial, as you’ll need to convey different emotions and characters. You’ll also need recording equipment if you’re working from home.
What you can earn: Around £35,000 per year.
Perfect for: People with expressive voices who love storytelling.
Our advice: Build a demo reel showcasing your range of voices and styles. Consider taking acting or voice training courses to improve your skills. Networking is crucial in this sector, so attend sector events and join professional organisations.
11. Professional Sleeper
What a Professional Sleeper does: Professional Sleepers test mattresses, pillows and sleep products to help companies understand comfort levels and sleep quality.
What you need to do the job: You’ll need to be comfortable sleeping in different environments and providing detailed feedback. Good communication skills are essential for reporting your findings.
What you can earn: Around £30,000 per year
Perfect for: People who take their sleep seriously.
Our advice: Be prepared to document your sleep patterns thoroughly and provide honest, constructive feedback. You’ll need to trial products over extended periods and may need to adjust your sleep schedule.
12. Embalmer
What an Embalmer does: An Embalmer prepares and preserves the bodies of the deceased for cremation or burial, helping families say their final goodbyes.
What you need to do the job: You’ll need specialised training and qualifications in mortuary science. Strong attention to detail, respect for the deceased and their families, and the ability to work in emotionally challenging situations are essential.
What you can earn: Around £31,000 per year.
Perfect for: People who want to provide an important service during difficult times.
Our advice: This role requires emotional resilience and professionalism. Consider volunteering at a funeral home to understand the demands of the job before committing to training. You’ll also need to be comfortable working with protective equipment and meeting strict health and safety requirements.
13. Crime Scene Cleaner
What a Crime Scene Cleaner does: Crime Scene Cleaners sanitise and restore properties after traumatic events, ensuring spaces are safe and habitable again.
What you need to do the job: You’ll need a strong stomach and emotional resilience, and training in hazardous waste disposal and health and safety regulations is essential. Physical fitness is important too, as the work can be demanding.
What you can earn: Around £35,000 per year.
Perfect for: People who never get squeamish.
Our advice: This isn’t a job for everyone, but it’s a vital service. You’ll need specialist equipment and training in biohazard handling. Consider starting with a professional cleaning company that offers training before specialising in this area.
14. Fragrance Chemist
What a Fragrance Chemist does: Fragrance Chemists (or Perfumers) create new scents for perfumes, cosmetics, household products and more. They blend different ingredients to create unique fragrances that appeal to consumers.
What you need to do the job: You’ll need a degree in chemistry or a related field, along with a highly developed sense of smell. Creativity and patience are essential, as developing a new fragrance can take months or even years.
What you can earn: Around £40,000 per year.
Perfect for: People with a good sense of smell.
Our advice: This is a competitive field that requires both technical knowledge and artistic flair. Consider taking courses in perfumery and building your ‘scent vocabulary’ by studying existing fragrances. Networking within the sector can open doors to apprenticeship opportunities.
15. Furniture Tester
What a Furniture Tester does: Furniture Testers sit, lie, and generally put furniture through its paces to ensure it’s comfortable, durable and safe before it reaches consumers.
What you need to do the job: You’ll need an eye for detail and the ability to provide clear, constructive feedback. Physical awareness is important too, as you’ll need to assess comfort levels and identify potential design flaws.
What you can earn: Around £28,000 per year.
Perfect for: People who like a good sit down.
Our advice: This role requires more than just sitting around. You’ll need to follow testing protocols carefully and document your findings thoroughly. Some knowledge of ergonomics can be beneficial.
How to find unusual jobs near me
Finding unusual jobs in your local area might seem challenging, but with the right approach, you’ll discover opportunities you didn’t know existed.
- Start with Reed.co.uk’s search filters: Use our advanced search options to filter by location, salary and job type. Try searching for broad terms like ‘unique careers’ or ‘specialist roles’ alongside more specific job titles you’re interested in.
- Set up job alerts: Create personalised job alerts for unusual roles in your area. This way, you’ll be notified as soon as relevant positions become available – giving you a head start on the competition.
- Think outside the job title: Many unusual jobs are advertised under more generic titles. A ‘Quality Assurance Tester’ might actually be testing mattresses, or a ‘Product Developer’ could be creating new fragrances. Read job descriptions carefully to uncover hidden gems.
- Research niche industries: Identify industries known for unusual roles – like entertainment, food and beverage, specialist manufacturing, or environmental services – and search for companies in your area operating in these sectors.
- Network locally: Join local business groups, attend sector events, and connect with professionals in your area. Many unusual jobs are filled through word-of-mouth and personal recommendations.
- Consider remote and part-time options: Some unusual jobs, like Voice-Over Artist or Mystery Shopper, offer flexible working arrangements. Filter your search to include remote and part-time roles to expand your options.
- Develop relevant skills: If you’re serious about landing an unusual job, invest in developing the specific skills required. Use Reed Courses to find training opportunities that’ll make you stand out from other applicants.
Frequently asked questions
What qualifications do I need for unusual jobs?
Requirements vary widely depending on the role. Some unusual jobs (like Ethical Hacker or Sommelier) require specialist qualifications and years of training. Others (like Mystery Shopper or Furniture Tester) might only need good observation skills and attention to detail. Always check the job description carefully and consider taking relevant courses to boost your chances.
Are unusual jobs stable career options?
Many unusual jobs offer stable careers with good earning potential. Roles like Ethical Hacker, Fragrance Chemist and Embalmer are in consistent demand. However, some positions (like Professional Sleeper) may be more project-based or seasonal. Research the sector and speak to professionals already in the field to understand career progression opportunities.
Can I work remotely in an unusual job?
Yes. Some unusual jobs offer remote or flexible working options. Voice-Over Artists often work from home studios, and Ethical Hackers may work remotely. However, roles like Golf Ball Diver or Crime Scene Cleaner obviously require your physical presence. Filter your search on Reed.co.uk to find remote opportunities.
How do I stand out when applying for unusual jobs?
Focus on transferable skills and relevant experience. Even if you haven’t done the exact role before, highlight skills that apply – like attention to detail for Mystery Shopping, or creativity for Food Styling. Build a portfolio where possible, take relevant courses, and write a cover letter that explains why you’re passionate about this particular unusual career.
Are unusual jobs well paid?
Many unusual jobs pay competitive salaries. As you can see from our list, roles range from around £28,000 to £50,000 per year, with some specialists earning even more as they gain experience. The key is finding the right match between your skills, interests and earning expectations. Use Reed.co.uk’s salary checker to research pay rates for specific roles.
What are the most in-demand unusual jobs right now?
Ethical Hackers are increasingly sought after as cybersecurity becomes crucial for businesses. Sommeliers are in demand as the food and drink sector continues to grow. Embalmers and other funeral service professionals are needed as the population ages. Check out our top jobs of 2026 article to see what’s trending.
How can I train for an unusual career?
Many unusual careers have specific training pathways. Research professional bodies and sector associations for your chosen field – like the British Beekeepers Association for aspiring Beekeepers. Online courses can be a great starting point, and apprenticeships or volunteering can provide hands-on experience. Browse Reed Courses to find training options.
Ready to love Mondays? View all available jobs now.
