Today, the traditional 9-5 office grind is no longer the only path to financial success. More alternative career options have emerged that pay more than you might expect. Exotic jobs are often viewed as unconventional occupations driven by passion and innovation. Traditionally, these jobs didn’t receive much recognition because people believed more in white-collar jobs. But now, many people have realized that these jobs might be their path to success. This post explores typical exotic jobs that pay more than you think.
Welding
Have an interest in construction? You might want to take welding classes and earn more money than you think. A job in welding can be a rewarding career path. It involves using heat to combine metal pieces and turn them into sellable parts of products. Although welding requires minimal educational needs, it offers job security and good pay. According to Lightcast, a high-end welder earns a salary up to of $91,000 yearly. You didn’t expect that, right?
So now that you know welding is a lucrative job, how do you get into it and start earning big? You don’t need a degree, diploma, or even experience to become a welder. However, you need some training courses or certification courses to practice welding. Moreover, you can still learn and practice welding techniques at home as long as you have the proper tools and adhere to safety practices.
Welding is a high-demand field. And in today’s world, nothing is more critical than being essential and in demand. With proper welding skills, you can work in virtually any industry worldwide. What’s more, you have the opportunity to earn more depending on your skills and industry.
But before jumping into welding as a career, you must be aware of and prepared for the potential risks. For instance, welders are prone to burn injuries because they use intense heat to mold metals. While you may prevent burn injuries by wearing heavy protective gear, there will still be a slight chance of risk.
Plumbing
Do you know how much a plumber makes? It will surprise you that plumbers earn a median salary of $59,880. Moreover, their earnings aren’t fixed like your 9-5 job. You can earn more depending on your skills, experience, and industry. So while considered an exotic job, plumbing can be your path to career success. But what do plumbers do?
Plumbers specialize in the installation, repair, and maintenance of plumbing systems. This can be pipes, fixtures, or appliances that aid the distribution of water, gas, and waste disposal. You can specialize in residential, commercial, or industrial settings depending on your skills and career needs. Nevertheless, plumbing is a rewarding career that can earn you big.
So how do you become a plumber? First, you need to get your high school diploma or GED. Plumbers need a solid foundation in math, science, and computers. Next, you’ll need formal training. An apprenticeship program at a local trade school will give you the formal training required to become a plumber.
Once you’ve completed your formal training, you’ll need to gain professional experience. Ensure you make connections to increase your chances of getting plumbing jobs. Also, most states require plumbers to have a license. The licensing requirements may vary: therefore, you should check with your local licensing authority to acquire specific details.
Roofing Contracting
A roofing contractor or roofer is a tradesman specializing in roof construction. They install, repair or replace roofs. Roofing contracting is one of the exotic jobs that pay more than you think. According to Zippia, a roofing contractor earns an average annual pay of $93,265. This is equivalent to $44.84 per hour. However, you might earn more as a roofing contractor, depending on your skill level, location, and years of experience.
So how do you become a roofing contractor? You can become a roofing contractor with just a high school degree or GED. However, some roofing contractors have master’s and bachelor’s degrees. You’ll also need to get a roofer’s or contractor’s license. The training and licensing requirements vary by state.
The roofing industry is expected to record a 10% growth over the next decade. Therefore, there’s job security for those who choose this career path. So if you’re thinking of becoming a roofing contractor, just know you’ll always have jobs as long as people continue building houses, which they will. Sometimes, job opportunities increase with the seasons. For instance, summer and spring are busy seasons for roofing contractors.
Remove Trees
Have you seen someone trimming or cutting down trees? You wouldn’t believe they are working and earning huge amounts of cash, right? An arborist works a relatively exotic job and are trained professionals in all aspects of tree care. They help keep trees safe and healthy. They offer a range of services, including tree removal, tree inspection, and maintenance and pruning. If you love to work independently outdoors, you might want to consider a career as an arborist.
Tree removal is an incredibly satisfying, challenging, and demanding work. However, the pay is good. According to Chron, an arborist who works for the U.S. government earns an average salary of $63,000 per year. This is higher than what some earn in 9-5 office jobs.
A career as an arborist also exposes you to many learning opportunities. Think of the different types of trees available and the various tree diseases and pests. You must learn all this to execute your role safely and effectively.
To become an arborist, you’ll need a high school diploma or a General Equivalency Degree (GED) as formal education. However, you can still go for higher qualifications like a bachelor’s degree in forestry or an associate degree in environmental science. While this is exceptional, you’ll have more chances of landing high-paying jobs.
Additionally, you’ll need a state license to work as an arborist in the United States. The licensing requirements vary depending on your state. You’ll also need some certifications and experience in tree removal to become successful and start earning more money.
Install Solar Panels
With the rising energy prices, many people are switching to alternative energy sources, with solar leading the race. Therefore, a solar installation career is likely in great demand now and in the coming years. But how much can you make installing solar panels? According to ZipRecruiter, a solar installer in the U.S. earns an average hourly pay of $23.14.
However, the salary range for solar installers ranges between $64,651 and $96,691. You could earn more or less depending on your education, certifications, skills, or years of experience in the profession. But why would you take a career in the solar industry?
First, the solar industry is rapidly growing. Therefore, there will always be jobs for you. And more jobs means more money coming your way. But money is not the only reason to become a solar installer. In fact, there are multiple factors that should define your career path.
Your work as a solar installer greatly contributes to a safer environment. This includes minimizing pollution and beating back climate change.
Therefore, you’ll always feel proud knowing that you’re an ambassador for environmental sustainability. This will result in increased job satisfaction. To become a solar installer, you’ll need a high school diploma. Also, you can take courses at a community college or technical school to help you build your career as a solar installer.
Life Coaching
Becoming a life coach is among the most exotic jobs that pay better than most people think. In the U.S., a life coach earns between $48,380 and $64,159 per year. That’s quite a huge salary for an exotic job, right? So if you’re passionate about self-development or simply want to help others, consider a career as a life coach. But how do you become a life coach, and is it a good career?
A life coach helps people achieve their set goals. This helps them enhance various aspects of their lives, like finances, health, and emotional well-being. Your role entails helping individuals navigate challenges and attain specific goals. You can work as a self-employed life coach or work for a coaching or career development company.
To become a life coach, you must be a good listener, a planner, and a people person. You also need to understand the benefits of habits as you’ll be helping individuals cultivate meaningful habits to reach their desired goals. The good thing about working as a life coach is that you can work remotely and set your own schedule.
Sell Your Art
One of the best ways of earning as an artist is by selling your original artwork. This can be anything from stunning photos and designs to paintings and sculptures. If you are a skilled artist with a stunning art gallery, you can earn huge chunks selling your art online. According to Zippia, an artist in the U.S. earns an average salary of $68,690, equating to $33.02 hourly.
Your earnings as an artist will vary based on your skill, location, and type of art. There are many career paths for individuals who are creative and interested in fine arts. For instance, you can become a culinary artist, film artist, graphic artist, or musical artist.
Open a Room to Break Things
Do you want to help people manage their anger? You could open a rage room where people break things to release their anger. The aim of an anger room or rage room is to help people express anger without harming themselves or others. And people will actually pay you to break things in your rage room to help them release their anger.
Your rage room should have objects that individuals can break, smash and destroy while attempting to release their anger. Your clients will have about 15-30 minutes to break things in your rage room. The cost per session ranges from $25 to $245 depending on the type and amount of items destroyed.
You don’t need any formal education to open a rage room. All you need is a room and some items to be smashed, like TVs, plates, and mugs. Also, ensure that you have safety gear for your clients to prevent injuries.
Sewer Line Cleaner
Sewer line cleaning is also on the list of exotic jobs that pay well. On average, you can earn $53,625 yearly or $25.78 hourly working as a sewer line cleaner. Therefore, if you’re looking to earn big cash from exotic jobs, consider a career in drain cleaning. Of course, the earnings will vary based on your location and unique skills.
As a sewer line cleaner, your work will be clearing clogs from pipes and drains. You’ll use specialized equipment such as electric snakes, sewer line cameras for inspection, and high-velocity water jets. Therefore, you’ll need operation and control skills to manage these equipment and systems.
While it may not be a glamorous profession, sewer line cleaning offers job security because there will always be a need for the service. This job security can offer stability and peace of mind in your career. Moreover, the profession can act as a stepping stone to further career advancement. For instance, you may use the knowledge, skills, experience, and earnings to start your own local sewer line cleaning company.
Demolition Servicing
Closing our list of top exotic jobs that pay more is demolition servicing. A demolition contractor in the U.S. earns an annual salary of $49,790. However, the earnings vary based on your location, experience level, skills, and the structures you’re demolishing. But generally, there’s good money in the demolition business than you think. So what do you need to offer a demolition service?
Becoming a demolition contractor requires a combination of knowledge, skills, and experience. For instance, you’ll need a high school diploma or equivalent. While this may not be mandatory, it may give you an upper hand in getting jobs. Sometimes, this education will be needed when acquiring relevant licenses and certifications.
Additionally, staying current with all the local regulations and safety standards concerning demolitions is essential. Remember, these requirements and standards may change with time, so you should always be informed.
Are you ready to change your career path and start earning huge salaries? You might want to ditch your 9-5 office job and go for exotic jobs that pay higher. Exotic jobs such as plumbing, welding, and sewer line cleaning will always be in demand. Plus, they pay well. Tell us which exotic job you’ll likely take, given a chance.
