1. Snake Milker
If you thought “milking” only applied to cows, think again. Snake milkers extract venom from some of the world’s most dangerous snakes to help produce life-saving antivenom, CareerExplorer explains. Hospitals and research labs rely on this process to develop treatments for venomous bites, making it an essential but risky job. Without snake milkers, thousands of people would die every year from untreated snake bites, especially in rural areas where immediate medical help isn’t available.
The job isn’t for the faint of heart. Snake milkers must carefully handle species like cobras, rattlesnakes, and black mambas—some of the deadliest reptiles on the planet. The process involves securing the snake, getting it to bite a special collection surface, and extracting the venom without being bitten. Even with proper training and safety precautions, one small mistake can lead to a trip to the hospital—or worse. But for those passionate about reptiles and medical research, it’s an adrenaline-filled career with a truly meaningful purpose.
2. Pet Food Taster
Yes, people actually get paid to taste pet food. While cats and dogs are the ultimate judges, pet food companies hire professional tasters to evaluate flavor, texture, and quality before products hit the shelves, according to Fox Business. These tasters help refine recipes and ensure that food meets high standards—because if it’s good enough for a human, it should be good enough for a pet.
The job isn’t quite as horrifying as it sounds, especially for high-end pet food brands that use human-grade ingredients. Many tasters describe the food as bland rather than disgusting, but some lower-quality products can be downright unpleasant. Testers must analyze everything from moisture levels to aftertaste, often taking detailed notes on how each sample compares. While it might seem odd, their work plays a crucial role in improving the pet food industry, ensuring that furry friends get meals that are both nutritious and palatable.
3. Professional Line Stander
Yes, you can make money just by standing in line, according to Business Insider. Professional line standers get paid to hold a spot in a queue for someone who doesn’t have the time (or patience) to wait themselves. This service is especially popular in big cities like Washington, D.C., and New York, where people need to line up for government hearings, new iPhones, Broadway shows, or limited-edition sneaker releases. Some clients are busy executives, while others simply don’t want to endure long waits in bad weather.
The job may sound simple, but it requires dedication. Some line standers have to camp out overnight, often in the cold or rain. They need to be reliable and willing to follow strict timing rules, especially when standing in for high-profile events. There are even businesses, like Same Ole Line Dudes, that specialize in this service. Rates vary, but some line standers charge $25 to $50 per hour, and for major product launches, they can earn hundreds of dollars for a single job. It’s proof that in a world where convenience is king, even waiting in line can turn into a profitable career.
4. Golf Ball Diver
Ever wonder what happens to all the golf balls that end up in water hazards? Enter the golf ball diver, a professional scuba diver who retrieves thousands of lost golf balls from lakes and ponds on golf courses, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. These balls are then cleaned, refurbished, and resold—often for a fraction of the original price. With millions of golf balls lost every year, this is a surprisingly lucrative industry, and some divers make six figures annually.
But don’t be fooled—this isn’t just a relaxing underwater treasure hunt. Golf course ponds are often filled with thick mud, algae, and unseen hazards like sharp rocks or even aggressive wildlife. In Florida and other southern states, divers have encountered snapping turtles, snakes, and even alligators while working. The water is usually murky, meaning divers have to rely on their sense of touch to gather the balls. Despite the challenges, for those who love diving and don’t mind getting dirty, it’s a unique way to make a living.
5. Professional Mourner
While it might sound like something out of an old Victorian novel, professional mourning is still a real job, according to JobMonkey. Hired mourners—sometimes called “funeral actors”—are paid to attend funerals and grieve, often for people they never knew. This practice is more common in some cultures, but in the U.S., it’s typically used for high-profile services where a larger turnout is expected or where the family wants to create an emotional atmosphere.
A professional mourner’s job isn’t just to cry convincingly—it’s to blend in, interact with guests, and make the service feel genuine. They might share carefully rehearsed stories about the deceased or engage in subtle acts of remembrance. While it may seem insincere, these professionals actually provide comfort by ensuring that no one mourns alone. Some families hire them to create a dignified farewell for someone who may not have had many close relationships, turning what might have been an empty room into a heartfelt send-off.
6. Crime Scene Cleaner
After a violent crime or traumatic event, someone has to clean up the aftermath. Crime scene cleaners specialize in sanitizing areas where deaths, accidents, or biohazardous incidents have occurred. Their work is essential for public health, ensuring that no blood, bodily fluids, or other contaminants pose a risk to future occupants.
This job isn’t just about scrubbing floors—it requires specialized training, protective gear, and a strong stomach. Crime scene cleaners often witness the aftermath of homicides, suicides, and unattended deaths, which can be emotionally challenging. Many find purpose in their work, knowing that they help families and property owners move forward after tragedy. It’s a career that requires resilience, but it’s also one of the most essential (and overlooked) jobs in forensic cleaning.
7. Professional Cuddler
Physical touch is a basic human need, and professional cuddlers provide comfort and companionship through non-sexual cuddling sessions. Clients might book a session for stress relief, emotional support, or simply because they feel lonely. With modern life becoming more isolating, these services are growing in popularity.
Cuddlers must maintain strict boundaries to keep the experience professional. Sessions often take place in controlled environments, and some companies require training to ensure ethical and respectful interactions. Science backs up the benefits—human touch releases oxytocin, the “feel-good” hormone, which can reduce anxiety and improve overall well-being. It might sound odd, but for many people, professional cuddling provides a real and valuable form of therapy.
8. Live Mannequin
Instead of using traditional plastic mannequins, some high-end stores and fashion brands hire real people to stand still and model clothing in display windows. These live mannequins must remain perfectly motionless for long periods while shoppers pass by, often assuming they’re fake—until they blink or subtly change positions. This job blends performance art with marketing, creating an interactive and eye-catching shopping experience.
Being a live mannequin requires immense physical control and patience. Some shifts can last hours, with only brief breaks in between. The job is more demanding than it looks—standing in one position for too long can cause muscle cramps, dizziness, and even fainting. Some live mannequins are encouraged to hold dynamic poses, subtly change positions, or even interact with customers in creative ways. It’s not the most traditional modeling gig, but for actors, performance artists, or anyone with great body control, it can be an unusual way to make money.
9. Netflix Tagger
Getting paid to watch TV all day sounds like a dream job, and for Netflix taggers, it’s a reality. These professionals watch movies and shows, then categorize them with specific metadata to help Netflix’s recommendation algorithm work better. Their job ensures that when you finish a show, Netflix knows exactly what to suggest next.
But don’t assume it’s just a binge-watching free-for-all—taggers need a sharp eye for detail. They analyze everything from genre to mood, pacing, and even specific themes. Is a movie more “romantic comedy” or “quirky indie love story”? Is a show “family-friendly adventure” or “dark psychological thriller”? These nuances help Netflix serve up better recommendations. While full-time tagger positions are rare, those lucky enough to land the job get paid to watch TV with purpose, making entertainment more personalized for millions of viewers.
10. Odor Tester
Believe it or not, some people get paid to smell things for a living. Odor testers work in industries like food, hygiene, and environmental science to evaluate scents, ensuring that products smell the way they’re supposed to. Companies that make deodorants, perfumes, air fresheners, and even breath mints rely on these experts to fine-tune their formulas.
Some odor testers specialize in specific smells—like testing the effectiveness of deodorants by sniffing armpits. Yes, that’s a real job. Others evaluate new fragrances, analyze food aromas, or even test for bad smells in public spaces like airports or waste facilities. The job requires an exceptionally strong sense of smell and rigorous training to distinguish and describe scents with scientific accuracy. While it might seem strange, odor testers play a key role in industries that affect our daily lives—because no one wants to buy a product that smells awful.
11. Water Slide Tester
Theme parks and resorts need to ensure their water slides are both fun and safe, and that’s where water slide testers come in. These professionals ride slides over and over again to assess speed, water flow, and overall experience. They help designers fine-tune angles, adjust water pressure, and identify potential safety hazards before the slide opens to the public.
While it might sound like an all-day vacation, it’s not just about having fun. Testers have to take detailed notes, measure impact levels, and sometimes even endure minor injuries to make sure a slide is safe. Some rides might be too fast, cause awkward landings, or have unexpected bumps that need fixing. It’s an exciting career for thrill-seekers, but it also comes with risks—especially when testing slides that haven’t been perfected yet. Still, for those who love water parks, getting paid to slide all day is about as cool as it gets.
12. Furniture Tester
Before you buy a couch or mattress, someone has already tested how comfortable it is—and that person might be a professional furniture tester. These experts evaluate chairs, sofas, beds, and office furniture to ensure they meet comfort and durability standards before hitting the market. They sit, lie down, rock back and forth, and even bounce on cushions to simulate years of real-world use.
Furniture testers look at more than just softness—they analyze ergonomics, material quality, and structural integrity. Some companies use machines to simulate wear and tear, but human testers provide valuable insights about how furniture actually feels. The job requires patience (and a willingness to sit for long periods), but it’s an essential part of quality control. So the next time you sink into a super-comfy chair, remember: someone got paid to test it first.
