1. Town Crier
Believe it or not, a few small American towns still officially have a town crier on the payroll, according to Iain McDonald of The People’s Friend. You know, the person who rings a bell and announces news in the town square—yes, that still happens in places like Provincetown, Massachusetts. It’s a ceremonial position now, used for parades, local festivals, and historic reenactments. But it is a job, often with a small stipend or city role.
While it may not involve breaking news updates, it keeps tradition alive in a theatrical and charming way. Town criers often dress in 18th-century garb and shout proclamations just like they did centuries ago. It adds flavor to small-town events and keeps history front and center. Plus, people genuinely love taking selfies with them.
2. Elevator Operator
Yes, in 2025, there are still real people who push buttons inside elevators for a living—mostly in fancy hotels or historical buildings, according to Perry Garfinkel from The New York Times. These roles have stuck around as a kind of old-school charm or luxury service. In places like New York City, especially in pre-war co-ops and high-end apartment buildings, it’s not unheard of. It’s part function, part nostalgia.
It’s also about trust—some buildings like having someone inside monitoring things for safety. And for older residents or guests unfamiliar with quirky vintage systems, it’s surprisingly helpful. So while the job seems straight out of the 1940s, it’s still ticking along in small corners of the country. The uniformed operators aren’t just pressing buttons—they’re part concierge, part security.
3. Bowling Pin Setter (Manual)
Although automatic pinsetters have dominated for decades, a few retro bowling alleys still hire people to manually reset the pins. Usually found in super-nostalgic spots or vintage bowling clubs, these jobs are mostly for the experience rather than efficiency. It’s grueling, awkward work—but if you want to step into 1950 for a night, this is the real deal. Some bars with bowling lanes even use this job as a quirky draw.
Manual pin setters sit behind the pins, resetting them between frames and tossing balls back. It’s mostly a novelty, but it’s real labor with actual risk—flying balls are no joke. Workers are often paid under-the-table or via tips, though a few small venues formally employ them. It’s not a career, but it is a real gig in 2025.
4. Switchboard Operator
It sounds like a job Lucy Ricardo would’ve done, but switchboard operators still exist—in niche places, according to Susan Sharon from NPR. Some hospitals, rural businesses, and older institutions prefer the human touch to digital phone trees. Especially in places where internet infrastructure is limited, or where customer service is key, these operators shine. Their role is less about plugging wires and more about directing calls manually with software now.
They still go by the old-school title, though the tools have evolved. But make no mistake—they’re a real human lifeline when automation doesn’t cut it. Hospitals often use them 24/7 to reach on-call doctors or to route emergency calls with speed and empathy. So while the setup isn’t as analog, the job’s spirit is alive and well.
5. Chimney Sweep
The soot-covered chimney sweep isn’t just a relic from Mary Poppins—there are certified professionals still doing this daily, according to Jay Stuller from Smithsonian Magazine. Chimneys haven’t vanished; they’re still in millions of homes, especially in colder regions. And yes, they still need regular cleaning to prevent fires and carbon monoxide buildup. The National Chimney Sweep Guild even has training programs and certifications.
Modern sweeps use cameras, brushes, and high-tech vacuums, but they often crawl into tight, dirty spaces just like in the old days. It’s messy, skilled work that hasn’t been automated. Homeowners, especially those with wood-burning fireplaces, rely on these professionals every winter. It’s old-fashioned, but it’s far from obsolete.
6. Professional Whistler
It’s rare, but yes—there are people making money by whistling professionally in 2025. Whether for commercials, movie soundtracks, or live performances, a few standout whistlers have carved out a niche. They’re like vocalists, but instead of singing lyrics, they create melodies purely with whistle tones. And their skill is surprisingly hard to replicate with AI.
Whistling artists like Chris Ullman have even performed at the White House. Their control, range, and creativity turn a simple sound into art. It’s not a huge industry, but those at the top earn royalties, touring gigs, and session work. It’s one of those “wait, that’s a job?” roles that turns heads every time.
7. Shoe Shiner
Shoe shiners still set up shop in airports, hotels, and some old-school barbershops—especially in cities like New York and Chicago. Business folks who love their leather shoes still value the personal touch of a real shoe shine. While sneakers dominate fashion, high-end dress shoes haven’t gone away entirely. In fact, there’s been a mini-resurgence in “classic” style among professionals.
These workers know their polish and technique like artists, sometimes charging upwards of $10 per shine. It’s a job rooted in pride and tradition, often passed down through generations. Many shiners also offer minor leather repairs, dyeing, or custom work. And while they may not clock in 9 to 5, they’re definitely earning honest pay.
8. Ice Cutter (Natural Ice)
Sounds made up, but there are still a handful of natural ice harvesters in America—especially in northern states like Maine. They cut massive blocks of lake ice in the winter to store in ice houses for traditional uses or historic demonstrations. Some sell the ice for use in old-fashioned coolers or craft cocktail bars that want “authentic” frozen chunks. Others just do it to keep a very cold, very niche tradition alive.
The job is seasonal and super physical, requiring saws, sleds, and a deep tolerance for cold. Most of these folks are volunteers or history buffs, but a few make a business out of it. There are even festivals where ice cutting is showcased as a local art. It’s part living museum, part backbreaking labor.
9. Snake Milker
If you’ve ever wondered how scientists get venom for antivenom, meet the snake milker. This job involves “milking” venomous snakes—literally coaxing them to bite into a container so the venom can be extracted. It’s then used in medical research, lifesaving drugs, and even pain management studies. It’s high-risk and ultra-specialized, but very real.
Most snake milkers work for universities, zoos, or pharmaceutical companies. They need serious training and usually handle dozens of species daily. It’s definitely not for the faint of heart, but it’s essential to public health. And with climate change bringing more snakes into populated areas, demand hasn’t dropped.
10. Train Station Announcer (Live)
Sure, most transit systems have gone digital, but there are still human announcers making live train calls in major cities. Think Amtrak or older subway systems like those in Boston or Philadelphia. These workers give updates, emergency messages, or last-minute gate changes when a robot voice won’t cut it. And riders tend to trust a human voice more when things go sideways.
Sometimes they even bring personality into their calls, earning cult followings among commuters. Riders tweet about them, mimic their cadence, or shout them out during delays. It’s a job where calm, clarity, and quick thinking matter—especially when something breaks. The role might seem outdated, but it’s often the difference between chaos and control.
11. Sword Swallower
No, this isn’t a hobby—some people still get paid to stick sharp metal down their throats for entertainment. Sword swallowers perform at sideshows, circuses, street festivals, and on TikTok/YouTube with monetized views. The art is ancient, but the job lives on through shock value and crowd appeal. It requires intense training, body control, and a stomach (literally) for danger.
These performers are often self-employed and travel from gig to gig, like modern-day vaudevillians. There’s even a Sword Swallowers Association International that promotes safety and training. It’s risky, it’s weird, and it keeps drawing audiences every year. Call it performance art with a razor’s edge.
12. Scare Actor
Seasonal, yes—but still a job, and a surprisingly competitive one. Scare actors are hired by haunted houses, theme parks, and immersive horror experiences to terrify guests in the most creative ways possible. Some even audition, rehearse, and get custom makeup or prosthetics to pull off the perfect fright. It’s acting, improv, and stunt work rolled into one.
Places like Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights employ hundreds every year, and independent haunts do the same nationwide. While it’s usually a fall gig, the horror industry is expanding into year-round attractions. Some scare actors even go pro, hopping from haunt to haunt across states. It’s a job that keeps the adrenaline—and the paycheck—flowing.
