They Get Paid How Much? 17 Unusual Jobs You Wouldn’t Think Pay Over $100k

When we talk about “bizarre” or unusual jobs, we mean jobs you might not know about. Some of them might seem outright strange. It’s important to note that there’s nothing wrong with these jobs; they are just not the typical ones people think of when considering a career.

Today, we’ll introduce you to 17 unique jobs that not only exist but also surprisingly pay more than $100,000. These jobs are unusual, but they can be pretty lucrative!

Bingo Managers

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Bingo managers might begin their journey at a cozy retirement home’s bingo game, but many end up running bingo operations in casinos, which can be pretty rewarding.

Their role involves supervising the bingo department’s daily operations, including authorizing prizes and payments and ensuring everyone follows gaming rules. The average salary for a bingo manager can range from $50,000 to $108,000, making it a rewarding job in the gaming industry.

Hot Dog Vendor

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Being a hot dog vendor isn’t just about setting up shop anywhere. It’s all about location! In the right spot, selling hot dogs full-time can be quite profitable. Some vendors in prime NYC locations even pay over $300,000 in annual rent, which makes you wonder about their earnings.

According to the New York Post, one vendor made up to $400 a day during the busiest times while paying only $60 per year for a vendor’s license. So, the estimated salary range for a hot dog vendor can vary from $60,000 to well over $100,000!

Theatrical Makeup Artists

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Theatrical makeup artists have a rewarding job, making actors, singers, and dancers look their best for performances. With a projected 7% job growth, this career is on the rise, and it’s no surprise since theatrical makeup artists often express “very high” job satisfaction in surveys.

The median annual wage for this role is $134,750, making it both fulfilling and financially rewarding.

Ice Cream Taster

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Believe it or not, being an ice cream taster is a genuine job that pays real money. But here’s the twist: you might end up eating so much ice cream that it ruins your love for it! Still, many of us are up for the challenge.

An ice cream taster, a taste tester, or a food scientist ensures that each flavor is just right, with the perfect ingredients, textures, and flavors to delight customers. Some even get to create new ice cream flavors! The average salary for this sweet job ranges from $60,000 to $101,000.

Genetic Counselor

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Being a genetic counselor may not sound inspiring, but it’s all about helping people deal with their inherited conditions. These professionals evaluate the chances of inherited disorders, sharing this info with families and healthcare experts to guide their decisions.

They also support patients facing harsh test results and offer coping strategies for at-risk patients. Genetic counselors even assist couples with hereditary conditions who want to start a family. The average salary for this vital role is between $76,000 and $100,000.

Death Row Executioner

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Being a death row executioner is undeniably one of the most unusual high-paying jobs in the United States. It involves legally ending someone’s life, which may not sit well with everyone.

In some states, like Florida, private citizens are paid $150 per execution and can stay anonymous. Even professional executioners with extensive experience have carried out the death penalty over 70 times.

On average, a U.S. executioner earns around $54,791 a year, but factors can lead to higher earnings, with some making up to $128,500 annually.

Airplane Repossession Person

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The idea of a repo person taking your airplane might sound funny, but it’s a genuine job. The bank will take it back if you can’t pay for the plane you bought. This job is so serious that it even got its show on the Discovery Channel, showing it’s no joke.

As for the pay, airplane repo folks usually earn a commission ranging from 6% to 10% of the plane’s resale price, anywhere from $10,000 to $900,000 per plane. That’s some serious business in the sky!

Periodontist

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A periodontist is a dentist who prevents, diagnoses and treats gum diseases. They’re also skilled at placing and maintaining dental implants.

To become one, you must finish dental school and undergo three more years of specialized training. The average salary for a periodontist is about $229,475 per year.

Nuclear Power Reactor Operators

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Nuclear power reactor operators are crucial in keeping nuclear power plants safe and running smoothly. They operate the nuclear reactors, ensuring everything stays controlled and runs smoothly.

Their job involves adjusting control rods, keeping an eye on the reactors, and dealing with problems. While it’s a high-stakes job in a secure environment, it can pay well, with an average salary ranging from $98,000 to $127,000.

Commercial Divers

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Commercial divers live underwater, doing various tasks like checking for leaks in pipes, inspecting and cleaning valves, and examining structures like bridges, ships, docks, and sewers.

They even dive to recover sunken ships! This job might be for you if you’ve ever dreamt of finding treasure in an 18th-century shipwreck. The salary for commercial divers can range from $47,000 to $115,000, making it a unique and potentially lucrative career.

Lineman

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As one Redditor said, “I build and fix power lines and play with high voltage electricity.” This job belongs to linemen or lineworkers, specialized electricians dealing with high-voltage transmission lines. You’ve likely spotted them on the roadside fixing overhead lines or working on power poles.

Another lineman shared that you can earn $150,000 to $250,000 annually, especially if you’re open to working extra hours. It’s a well-paying career in the electric utility industry.

Certified Ethical Hacker

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You could potentially earn more as an unethical hacker, but that’s not a good path. Instead, there are great opportunities in the government, technology, and cybersecurity sectors for certified ethical hackers.

They have titles like security analysts or penetration testers, and their job is to hack into computers and systems to find and fix weaknesses before the bad guys can exploit them. Typically, ethical hackers make between $79,000 and $131,000.

Golf Ball Diver

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Being a golf ball diver might sound unusual, but it’s a money-making gig. Golf balls can be pricey, and lots end up in water hazards.

These divers collect, clean, and recycle them. It’s like finding treasure in ponds! On average, golf ball divers can earn around $200 a day and as much as $150,000 per year. So, this job can be pretty rewarding if you’re not afraid of water hazards.

Escalator Installer

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Escalator installers start by learning through an apprenticeship. Once they’ve got the hang of it, they can earn over double the national median wage by putting together, installing, and fixing escalators.

This job is rising with a projected 3% growth, showing plenty of upward potential. The median annual wage for escalator installers is $97,860, making it a promising career for those who like working with these moving stairs.

Oil Rig Worker

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Being an oil rig worker is a high-paying but tough job many avoid. These workers endure challenging conditions on offshore oil rigs in the open sea, with long 12-hour shifts involving physically demanding tasks like cleaning pipes and operating drill rigs.

These workers often spend months away from their loved ones, making work-life balance difficult. Despite the hardships, it’s one of the highest-paying jobs in the U.S., with an average salary of $82,486 and top earners making up to $155,000 a year.

Elevator Installer

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Despite its good pay, elevator installer is not one of those glamorous jobs people often dream about. They do the vital work of installing and fixing elevators. Their job is always in demand, especially with the constant construction of skyscrapers requiring elevator installation.

They’re also called when elevators need repairs or people get stuck inside. On average, elevator installers/repairers earn $78,041 per year, with top professionals making up to $95,199 annually, according to Salary.com.

Tow Truck Driver

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A Redditor gained recognition for their well-paying job as a tow truck driver. They work in metro Atlanta, clearing accident scenes on I-285 and I-75.

It’s demanding with long hours and on-call shifts, even at night. However, their earnings have reached $100,000 so far this year, and they’re aiming for $160,000 by year-end, showing that tow truck driving can be a lucrative career for those willing to put in the hours and effort.

Bottom Line

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We’ve explored several unique and high-paying jobs, from elevator installers and linemen to tow truck drivers and oil rig workers. These careers may not be the first to come to mind, but they offer substantial incomes for those willing to take on the challenges and responsibilities they entail.

Don’t Toss It Yet: 12 Overlooked Antiques In Your Home That Could Make You An Overnight Millionaire

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Antique items have long captured the fascination of collectors and enthusiasts, and beyond their sentimental value, they hold the potential to bring considerable wealth to their fortunate owners.
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Profitable Stock Traders are Using This Tool to “Hack” the Markets

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10 Industries That Will Make The Most Millionaires In The Next 5 Years

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If you are not paying attention to these 10 industries, you are about to miss out on the next boom of millionaires.
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8 Cryptos Set to Shoot to the Moon in 2023 – One Small Investment, One Giant Leap for Your Wallet

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These are 8 cryptocurrencies you need to know about before you miss out on the next boom.
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10 Stocks in Bill Gates Stock Portfolio Smart Investors are Buying

Bill Gates Stock Portfolio
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We share the top 10 stocks that Bill Gates owns that smart investors are buying right now.
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The 27 Unexpected Habits Of The Wealthy: Secrets To Maximize Your Money

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The wealthiest people on Earth share similarities in their habits. We break down the 27 habits you would not expect!
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This Options Discord Chat is The Real Deal

While the internet is scoured with trading chat rooms, many of which even charge upwards of thousands of dollars to join, this smaller options trading discord chatroom is the real deal and actually providing valuable trade setups, education, and community without the noise and spam of the larger more expensive rooms. With a incredibly low-cost monthly fee, Options Trading Club (click here to see their reviews) requires an application to join ensuring that every member is dedicated and serious about taking their trading to the next level. If you are looking for a change in your trading strategies, then click here to apply for a membership.


Join the #1 Exclusive Community for Stock Investors

This Options Discord Chat is The Real Deal

While the internet is scoured with trading chat rooms, many of which even charge upwards of thousands of dollars to join, this smaller options trading discord chatroom is the real deal and actually providing valuable trade setups, education, and community without the noise and spam of the larger more expensive rooms. With a incredibly low-cost monthly fee, Options Trading Club (click here to see their reviews) requires an application to join ensuring that every member is dedicated and serious about taking their trading to the next level. If you are looking for a change in your trading strategies, then click here to apply for a membership.


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