7 Unusual Yet Well-Paying Jobs

My generation grew up with a limited view of lucrative career paths.

Most parents wanted us to be doctors, lawyers, engineers, pilots, etc. Back then, saying you wanted to be, for instance, a cartoonist or soccer player could earn you a few knocks on the head.

It’s a much different world today where we have parents signing up kids for ballet or soccer classes before they can even stand upright. But, there are even more unusual jobs around the world that are, shockingly, raking in the big bucks. Here, I put together a couple of these jobs and their reported average annual take-home in US dollars.

1. Art Therapist

Working in art therapy entails combining therapeutic benefits with the expressive potential of art. Art is a tool therapists employ to facilitate recovery in their patients. Art therapists are trained to assist patients to reduce their stress in order to boost their confidence and well-being. When patients have difficulty finding the right words to express themselves vocally, this might be a helpful option. In addition to art training, a career as an art therapist requires education in psychology or counseling. You may use your art therapy skills in a variety of contexts, from schools and clinics to community organizations and private practice, and even in the workplace.

Salary: $58,139 annually on average

2. Sommelier

A career as a sommelier may appeal to you if your interest in wine goes beyond just enjoying it. A sommelier, often known as a wine steward, is responsible for overseeing an establishment's wine program from start to finish, including selection, storage, and marketing of the wine collection. You may also collaborate with the culinary team to create wine and food combinations.

Professional sommeliers often find employment in high-end establishments like hotels, restaurants, and wine shops that specialize in high-priced vintages. They should be able to show an in-depth understanding of grapes, winemaking, winegrowing areas, and wine styles.

Some establishments prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree and at least a few years of experience in addition to a background in cooking and a concentration on fermented grape drink (wine).

Salary range: $46,000-$75,000

3. Voice-over Artist

Voice-over artists are professional actors who narrate scripted dialogue for radio, television, cinema, and the stage. A voice-over artist often works in a studio and records their work ahead of time. Having a unique voice is a great first step in the voice-over industry, but it's also helpful to record yourself reading so you can hear your progress and hone your craft. Diaphragmatic breathing and voice exercises are also crucial. To hone their skills, some people who work in voice-overs enrol in acting or vocal training.

Salary: $66, 990 annually on average

4. Ice-Cream Taster

Ice-cream tasters, also called taste testers or food scientists, ensure each flavor meets standards by analyzing its ingredients, texture, and flavor. Tasters may be responsible for helping develop new ice cream flavors, depending on the firm. Yes, it's a legitimate job with actual compensation, but is it worth the risk of having your fondness for ice cream ruined by eating too much of it? The answer is yes; we do.

Companies often seek applicants with a background in dairy or food science, as well as a refined sense of taste and immunity to brain freeze.

Salary range: $60,000-$101,000

5. Toy Designer

A toy designer's job is to create playthings that kids will enjoy while still being free from known dangers. Toy designers, who are often called product designers or toymakers, need to be very imaginative and inventive. They should be able to efficiently employ materials to make toys that are safe for kids to play with. Toymakers also need expertise in creating products with long lifespans and low maintenance requirements. Being mechanically savvy and enjoying the latest devices are also highly desirable traits. A creative degree, such as a design degree, is required for a career in toy design. Engineering and CAD knowledge is also necessary.

Salary: $78,913 annually

6. Bingo Manager

Professional bingo managers may have gotten their start at your grandma's senior home, but nowadays the industry is booming in casinos. A bingo manager is responsible for authorizing jackpots and payments, supervising staff, and ensuring the establishment complies with all applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations regarding gambling.

While the specific experience needed to gain a job as a bingo manager may vary from company to company, you can expect to need between three and five years of related work history. No, your grandma's recommendation won't get you very far.

Salary range: $50,000-$108,000

7. Color Expert or Designer

This is a job where you use color psychology, trends, statistics, and theory to suggest the best colors for homes, company buildings, brand logos, and more. In this job, you would be developing layouts and producing designs, usually for a brand, a house, an office, or a whole building. You do not need a college degree for this job, but it does require training. It is also helpful to be creative and innovative when pursuing this career.

Salary: $61,554 annually