7 Unusual Jobs That Pay Surprisingly Well in 2025
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Khalid Al Mansoor
- . August 2, 2025
- . Update: August 2, 2025 11:05 pm
In 2025, not all high-paying jobs require a suit and tie—or even a desk. As the world of work evolves, some of the best-paying careers are also the most unconventional. Here are seven surprising jobs that offer both uniqueness and a solid paycheck:
1. AI Prompt Engineer
These professionals specialize in writing the perfect prompts for AI tools. With companies depending more on AI, skilled prompt engineers earn between $150k to $250k annually.
2. Professional Sleeper
Sleep study subjects, mattress testers, and even luxury hotel reviewers are paid to snooze—earning anywhere from $30k to $70k a year.
3. Ethical Hacker
Also known as “white hat hackers,” they are hired by companies to find security flaws before cybercriminals do. Paychecks often exceed $100k annually.
4. Virtual World Stylist
With the rise of the metaverse, fashion-forward creatives are now designing digital outfits and avatars—sometimes earning $50k–$120k for their work.
5. Professional Mourner
This centuries-old job is still alive, especially in parts of Asia and Africa. Modern mourners can earn up to $500 per funeral to attend and grieve respectfully.
6. Odor Tester
Used by companies testing deodorants, perfumes, and even pet products, these professionals rely on their noses—and get paid $40k–$70k a year.
7. Water Slide Tester
Yes, it’s a real job! Theme parks and resorts hire testers to rate slides for fun and safety. The job includes global travel and a salary up to $40k.
These roles prove that in today’s world, thinking outside the box could lead you to a career that’s both fun and financially rewarding.
