27 Fun Jobs That Pay Surprisingly Well

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“Do what you love, and money will follow.”

You often hear this from successful people, but is it true?

If you asked me, I’d say yes – but only if you find a job, side hustle, or work-from-home business idea that you’re passionate about and that pays well.

I was able to quit my 9-5 job that I absolutely dreaded and now I’m making a living doing something that I truly enjoy, which is blogging. I consider it one of the most fun jobs that make a lot of money. Well, at least to me, $100K and beyond is a lot of money!

If you’re interested, you can learn how I went from slaving away at a desk job to earning a six-figure income by blogging online.

 

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27 Fun Jobs That Pay Well

Luckily, there are plenty of interesting jobs that pay well out there that fit the bill.

From online jobs like blogger and graphic designer to offline jobs like fitness instructor and pet sitter, here are 25 fun jobs that pay well and aren’t too stressful.

I listed 30+ of my favorite fun and high-paying jobs, but I’m sure there are a lot of exciting careers out there.

It mainly depends on what your interests are.

For example, if you love baking, you can create an online course about your personal baking techniques that would help a lot of aspiring bakers. But if you love studying rocks and exploring the world, you can become a geologist!

Suppose you like exercising; then you can be a fitness instructor and guide people through their health journey.

Hundreds of fun jobs exist, but what matters is you love what you’re doing. You can even inspire other people once they see how passionate you are about your chosen career.

 

What is the #1 Happiest job?

In Indeed’s 20 Happiest Jobs list, they considered the following factors: sense of meaning in work, salary, and work environment.

While happiness in the workplace varies from person to person, these factors play a big role when referring to employees’ level of contentment with their job.

For example, a satisfying job makes you feel valued. Otherwise, you might always want to leave the workplace due to unpleasant tasks and other negative feelings.

Based on Indeed’s list, the #1 happiest job is Early Childhood Education Teacher. Here are the top five happiest jobs:

• Early Childhood Education Teacher
• Sound Engineering Technician
• Event Planner
• Plumber
• General Manager

 

What is the #1 Unhappiest job?

U.S. News and World Report revealed that the following are the unhappiest jobs for most employees:

• Steelworker
• Security Guard
• Construction Worker
• Child and Family Social Worker
• Rehabilitation Counselor

These jobs entail long work hours and tight deadlines, reducing employees’ rest time. They’re also highly competitive, so employees in this industry experience immense stress.

But if your interests lie in these fields, you can consider them fulfilling jobs.

For example, if you enjoy helping families in need, you can enjoy being a child and family social worker. You may be a successful construction worker if you enjoy seeing your hard work become something concrete.

 

Fun Jobs That Pay Well

You can have a high-paying job even without a degree.

Discover these exciting careers that will allow you to express yourself and increase your savings or investments. I listed jobs from several industries, including the arts, science, technology, and hospitality.

I hope you can try at least one of them!

 

1. Blogger

Average salary: $39,186 per year

This is one of the first fun jobs I recommend on the list because it’s what I do every day – and I absolutely love it!

Aside from the potential high earnings, being a blogger is by far the best fun job I’ve ever had – I’d have to say it definitely makes it to my list of fun jobs to have.

Truth be told, I honestly had no idea what a “blogger” was when I was searching for business ideas or ways to earn $300 or even $500 a day. I never even thought it could be one of those fun jobs that make a lot of money! It feels like becoming a blogger was almost accidental for the most part.

Because I was dissatisfied with my previous 9-5 life, I wanted to look for something a little bit more exciting and different from my banking job. And ta-da, I stumbled upon the idea of blogging and how to start a profitable blog for fun.

As a blogger, you don’t necessarily have to be a great writer, nor are you required to know tech. I was a horrible writer and had no experience with tech or setting up my website online, but I still managed to earn my first $100 in several months, which quickly grew to my first $1,000 and eventually full-time income!

Today, I earn over six figures per year as a full-time blogger and I’m seriously telling you that if I can do it, then so can you!

You can also check out one of my past income reports on how I made over $20,000 blogging in one single month to learn where my income sources come from in this form of a high-paying job.

If you want to learn more about blogging and how to start a profitable blog, I encourage you to sign up for my FREE 7-day e-mail course here which will teach you how to start a blog for total beginners.

• Pros: Your blogging income could be unlimited. Like any other side hustle or business idea, your results are based on your effort and how consistent you are.
• Cons: It may take several months to make money blogging. Sometimes it may even take up to a year to see results, especially when you have to juggle a full-time job with a side hustle, but it’s definitely worth the wait and effort.

 

2. Writer

Average salary: $61,841 per year

Reading can transport us to different experiences, but writing lets us create our own worlds and ideas. That’s exactly why writing is an amazing job. No one wants to work at a job where we feel uninspired. But when you become a writer, you can experience life more fully. Inspiration and creativity will fill your every day.

But that’s not all there is. Writing is a quick way to make $1,000 when you need cash, especially because there are many career paths for you to choose as a writer. Freelance writing, journalism, blogging, and other writing gigs are some of the available directions you can go into to make money. 

One thing to take note of, though, is that going into writing means you have to continuously improve your skills. Writing is a saturated market, so you need to stand out. Taking online courses and joining writing communities can help you learn more about the profession. But honestly, and based on my experience, the best way to improve is to read and write every day. 

If you believe you have what it takes to be a great writer, then go ahead and look for writing opportunities. There are a lot, especially on platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook. Online job boards like Freelancer and Upwork are also good places to look into. 

• Pros: Most paid writing opportunities don’t require a college degree.
• Cons: You must compete with thousands of writers, so it’s important to continuously improve and keep up with trends.

 

3. App Developer

Average salary: $107,784 per year

Do you hate doing routine tasks at work? Disney Codeillusion likens app development to baking. Every new assignment has a daily twist for an exciting career.

Aside from having a flexible schedule and working remotely, app development provides job security, with a projected growth of 17-24%.

You need a computer science degree or major in a related field to be an app developer. Companies also require a strong understanding of programming languages. You must also show certifications, such as:

• Certified Scrum Master (CSM)
• Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD)
• Microsoft Certified Application Developer (MCAD)
• Certified Web Professional – Web Developer

If this sounds like something you enjoy, then we encourage you to look into it! You’ll have the potential to make anywhere between $300 to $400 a day.

• Pros: You can take on complex projects as you gain experience. It also entails a higher salary, reaching up to six figures.
• Cons: The industry attracts a lot of candidates, resulting in tight competition. Most developers also feel stuck while working on a complex task.

 

4. Social Media Manager

Average salary: $72,845 per year

Mitra, a social media manager for Buffer, gives an honest look at what a social media manager does. She says that although it looks like they’re just enjoying their time on TikTok, the job is pretty demanding and challenging. But even through it all, she considers it one of the best jobs ever.

It’s one of the jobs where you get to engage with people, and it’s even more rewarding when you see that they enjoy and interact with the content you create. 

A lot of work comes into being a social media manager, and it’s so varied that you can’t compare the workload of two social media managers. However, being a social media manager means that you focus on building connections with customers and staying up to date with the trends in social media. If you enjoy doing that, you have a bright future in this field because it’s a good start. 

Sure, the job is fun, but it’s not easy to get into. Many clients want you to already have proven experience in growing social media pages. So if you have no experience, you should gain it first. Online courses and training sessions are a good start, but the best course of action to take is to create and grow your own social media page. 

• Pros: You’ll get paid to spend time on social media platforms and interact with many people.
• Cons: The job requires a lot of work, such as designing, editing, and responding to queries, and sometimes the responsibilities become blurred.

 

5. Social Media Influencer

Average salary: $57,376 per year

Wouldn’t it be amazing if you could express yourself freely while making money? Becoming an influencer is liberating because it allows you to have creative freedom. Plus, you can choose your work hours.

You can also become a positive role model, especially to individuals who share your interests. You might also know that this job doesn’t require a specific age as long as you can use social networking platforms. You can start at age 13 or 70.

You can get started by finding your niche or area of interest. After that, select your social media channel to develop an appropriate strategy. Publish your content properly, then engage with your followers.

• Pros: It offers a flexible schedule and the opportunity to work with the brands you love.
• Cons: The fame of being an influencer also includes haters or critics who will watch your every move.

 

Related post: How I Use Pinterest To Make Make Six Figures Per Year

 

6. Voice actor

Average salary: $82,384 per year

Joshua David King told Forbes that voice acting pushes the limits of your own body. It allowed him to take varying roles, from a small child to an older man.

Voice acting also allows you to work remotely and set your own schedule. You can also work on various projects, such as:

• Films and TV
• Commercials
• Video games
• Audiobooks
• Corporate training

But first, you need to take acting classes or hire a coach. It will allow you to define your voice, which clients ask during the interview. Of course, you must practice daily and audition consistently.

• Pros: You can lend your voice to a creative project and inspire audiences.
• Cons: You may need an expensive set-up, including a condenser microphone, recording and editing software, and headphones.

 

7. Video Game Designer

Average salary: $96,468 per year

Are you after cool jobs that pay well? If you’re into gaming, then being a video game designer will be that cool job for you!

A video game designer does quite a lot of work, including conceptualizing games, designing the game mechanics, and testing the outputs. It’s really all about creating a game and making sure that not only you, but also other people will enjoy it and spend a lot of time playing it. 

Aside from the rewarding feeling upon completing a game, the best part of being a video game designer is that it’s one of the fun jobs that pay six figures. The gaming industry is continuously growing, so video game designers have many opportunities to increase their earning potential. 

Creativity and analytical skills have to go hand-in-hand in this kind of job, so having the right balance between the two makes you a great fit for this role. 

Although you can learn video game design through online courses and training, most companies require a degree related to computer science. That may be a setback for some, but experience is also valuable. If you can do it, design your own games while learning so you have something concrete to show when you’re applying for the job. 

• Pros: You will enjoy collaborative work and there is a lot of satisfaction upon seeing your creations come to life.
• Cons: It’s a competitive industry and once you get it, you may work long hours to hit a targeted release date.

 

8. Art Director

Average salary: $69,373 per year

Jami Primmer, an art director, says that her daily responsibilities are never typical. She always comes up with ideas while thinking of the overall feasibility of things for the production. All of this, while she continuously touches base with other people in the production team. If you have versatile creative skills, you can start a career in art direction.

Like the previous jobs, you must possess a bachelor’s degree in graphic design, fine arts, or related fields. You must also undergo art-related internships to build your portfolio and gain knowledge about the industry.

• Pros: You can inspire a team of creatives to accomplish projects which will be shown on different media channels.
• Cons: It entails long working hours, especially when the brand wants to introduce new products or services.

 

9. Architect

Average salary: $106,779 per year

Architecture is one of the fun jobs that pay 6 figures. It’s also rewarding and fulfilling because you can see your projects come to life as aesthetic and functional buildings. Plus, you can strengthen your critical thinking skills with every task.

You must earn a bachelor’s degree to become a licensed architect. Companies will also require you to participate in internship programs. Take note that these programs usually last for three years. During those years, you’ll gain valuable experience that will serve as one of your preparations for the Architect Registration Examination.

• Pros: You can travel the world and learn about the different architectural styles while earning six figures.
• Cons: You will undergo several years of training to become a licensed architect.

 

10. Ethical Hacker

Average salary: $105,031 per year

You only see hackers in movies or documentaries, but you can be one of them. As an ethical hacker, you can help the government and private companies to enhance their security. You’ll replicate a malicious hacker to expose an organization’s vulnerabilities.

To become an ethical hacker, you need certifications, such as Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP). You also need to gain experience as a security administrator or security specialist.

Pros: You can help safeguard the information of thousands of people who use a specific website or program.
Cons: You must be an expert in the field to convince companies or the government that you are worthy of the job.

 

11. Makeup Artist

Average salary: $72,188 per year

Makeup is an art that can boost people’s confidence. You can see the precious smile of your clients after your final touch. As a makeup artist, you can positively impact someone’s life, which they will remember through event photographs and videos. It also allows you to express creativity, especially when working on unique projects.

Unlike the previous jobs, being a makeup artist doesn’t require a degree. But you need to hone your craft and undergo professional training. It’s also important to build your portfolio to sell your services to film directors, celebrities, and other clients.

Take note that Nevada, Nebraska, and Louisiana allow makeup artists to register or obtain licenses.

• Pros: The beauty industry presents many opportunities for makeup artists.
• Cons: You may work during nights, weekends, and holidays, depending on your clients’ needs.

 

12. Dietician

Average salary: $69,100 per year

Jennifer Mcgurk, a registered dietician, said she loves her job because it lets her see people get excited about food. Through her career, she can support her clients’ body image healing and get to the root problem of eating disorders.

So are you interested in being a dietician?

You must earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree and then complete a dietetic internship. It’s also essential to pass the registration exam so you can obtain a state license.

• Pros: There are many career options for dieticians, such as clinical, private practice, food industry, and sports nutrition.
• Cons: You must keep up with changing regulations and adjust your methods accordingly.

 

13. Geologist

Average salary: $67,833 per year

Did you know you can work exciting jobs without compromising your salary?

Geologist Ed Mathez said that rocks are fascinating because they can help answer questions about the Earth’s history. For example, they can show how a planet changes over time.

How does one become a geologist?

You may need a master’s degree on top of a bachelor’s degree for companies to hire you as a researcher. You also need to undergo training sessions, which include fieldwork.

• Pros: You can travel to different parts of the world and work outside most of the time.
• Cons: You may need to work in far-flung areas and adapt to the lifestyle of such places.

 

14. Hydrologist

Average salary: $84,030 per year

Are you fascinated with the Earth’s oceans and different bodies of water?

You can try entering the field of hydrology. As you study water and its movement around the planet, you’ll discover its effects on the surrounding environment. The common specializations in this field are surface water and groundwater hydrology.

Before specializing, you must earn a bachelor’s degree in environmental science. You must also obtain a license and complete graduate studies to qualify for more advanced positions.

• Pros: You can discover interesting facts about the world while earning a high salary.
• Cons: Most employers require post-graduate studies and certifications.

 

15. Astronomer

Average salary: $128,160 per year

You may have only seen them in the news or science movies, but astronomy is a thriving field of research. More importantly, it’s a fulfilling job.

You can discover valuable information about stars, planets, comets, and galaxies. Your work can help people understand their existence—how they came to be and what might happen to the world.

You need to have a Ph.D. in astronomy because it’s a complex field that involves mathematics and physics. After obtaining your doctorate, you must look for fellowship opportunities to gain relevant experience.

• Pros: You can work on interesting projects that may contribute to groundbreaking research.
• Cons: You must obtain a doctorate degree, which can take several years.

 

16. Veterinarian

Average salary: $114,442 per year

Who doesn’t love pets? Studies have shown that interacting with animals can decrease a person’s stress levels and lower blood pressure. What is better than treating several animals every day? That’s why veterinarians feel a sense of fulfillment when they heal pets.

You must complete doctorate studies in veterinary medicine and pass the licensing examination to start working as a doctor for animals. Take note that most clinics require further training. You might need to complete a residency to gain more experience and confidence.

• Pros: The Bureau of Labor Statistics projected a 19% steady employment increase in the veterinary industry.
• Cons: You must complete a lengthy training period and deal with sickness every day.

 

17. Audiologist

Average salary: $97,737 per year

Marisa Martinez chose to be an audiologist because it was personal for her. She wanted to improve the quality of life for people with hearing and balance disorders, just like how it was done to her by her audiologist.

How can you become an audiologist?

You must obtain a bachelor’s degree before pursuing a doctor of audiology (AuD) degree. Most aspiring audiologists enroll in courses related to sound engineering or communication disorders. After that, you must apply for internships in clinics and research centers.

• Pros: You can treat various ear conditions to help people with hearing disorders.
• Cons: You must complete post-graduate studies to enter the audiology industry.

 

18. Food Technologist

Average salary: $55,188 per year

Do you want to study and improve food products? As a food technologist, you’ll help enhance food products, including their nutritional value and shelf-life.

Although you’ll spend most of your time in the laboratory, you have a big responsibility because you must ensure the safety and quality of the food people eat every day.

You need to have a bachelor’s degree related to food science. Next, you must obtain certifications from the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) or the National Registry of Food Safety Professionals (NRFSP).

• Pros: You can apply to various employers, including universities, private companies, and the government.
• Cons: You must undergo extended education to apply for more advanced positions.

 

19. Food Critic

Average salary: $69,085 per year

Are you a certified food lover? Did you know you can get paid by eating food? You can visit and write about different cuisines and restaurants as a food critic.

Being a food critic is definitely included in the list of unique jobs, and it’s high-paying, too. Although most publications and clients don’t require a bachelor’s degree, having a degree in creative writing and communications can increase your chances of getting hired.

You can also apply for internships to establish your portfolio, including in-depth food and restaurant reviews.

• Pros: You can savor food from the latest restaurants and broaden your knowledge about cuisines.
• Cons: When starting your career, you may need to spend hundreds of dollars to cover food bills and transportation costs.

 

20. Music Teacher

Average salary: $72,442 per year

Did you grow up dreaming of becoming a musician and, at the same time, sharing your musical knowledge with other music enthusiasts?

Teaching music will always be exciting because you have many opportunities. You can teach orchestra, choir, band, or a blend of these disciplines. Indeed, being a music teacher is one of the most fun careers you can choose.

Aside from a passion for music, you also need a bachelor’s degree that involves musical training and a teacher preparation program. You must also complete classroom training and obtain a license.

• Pros:  You can teach students from elementary school to music conservatory.
• Cons: You may work long hours, especially if the school offers special classes.

 

21. Librarian

Average salary: $51,901 per year

Martha J. Spear, a library media specialist, likens being a librarian to a moveable feast (a book by Ernest Hemingway). Through her job, she learns something new every day. She also enjoyed the excellent working conditions that a library has to offer—she’s surrounded by books in a warm place filled with learners.

But first, you need a master’s degree in library science (MLS) to land positions in academic, public, and special libraries.

• Pros: You have a peaceful environment and plenty of conferences to attend.
• Cons: Since most people choose e-books over physical books, job opportunities for librarians are decreasing.

 

22. Financial Advisors

Average salary: $74,904 per year

Are you naturally good with numbers and want to help other people reach their financial goals?

As a financial advisor, you’ll recommend investment strategies to improve your client’s financial situation. You’ll also conduct market research to identify new business opportunities that can help your clients.

Unlike the other jobs on this list, you don’t need a specific bachelor’s degree to become a financial advisor. But you must apply to a firm that will sponsor your licenses. After that, you must pass the licensure exams to get a permit issued by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).

Most importantly, you must have strong sales skills to offer your services.

• Pros: You can enjoy a flexible schedule and perform your duties only a few hours daily.
• Cons: Firms require a monthly sales quota, which may be challenging to reach if you’re still starting in the industry.

 

23. Course Creator

Average salary: $70,300 per year

Is there something that you’re dying to share with the whole world?

You can create courses about any topic as long as you’re passionate and knowledgeable about it. For example, you can share cooking techniques with kids, similar to what Katie Kimball did on Kids Cook Real Food eCourse.

How can you get started?

Aside from being an expert in your field, you also need to know your target audience or your students. After creating your courses, build an online community where your students can interact with one another.

• Pros: You can have a passive income because your course starts working for you once you publish them.
• Cons: You have thousands of competitors, so it’s important to conduct market research before creating online courses.

 

24. Travel Planner

Average salary: $57,076 per year

Do you like scanning flights during your free time? If you’re a fervent traveler, you can try monetizing your hobby.

Plus, you can be your own boss because you can work from home or at a resort. You can also feel a sense of fulfillment whenever you see the happy faces of your clients in travel photos.

But you must obtain certifications from travel organizations like The Travel Institute. You must also develop your planning and budgeting techniques to offer the best deals.

Pros: You can travel the world due to freebies which are only available for travel agents.

Cons: You must always be on call, especially when clients encounter issues while traveling.

 

25. Fitness Instructor

Average salary: $61,476 per year

Lisa Woods became a personal trainer because she wanted to help people. She experienced how her trainer cared for her well-being and wanted to do the same for people seeking to improve their health.

You don’t need a specific bachelor’s degree to become a fitness instructor. But you must have the American Council on Exercise (ACE) certification. Some gym owners also require specializations, such as strength training, cardio, yoga, and pilates.

• Pros: You can work whenever you want due to a flexible schedule.
• Cons: You may work outside regular office hours to accommodate clients’ requests.

 

26. Fashion Designers

Average salary: $65,809 per year

Jobs that are fun and pay well could involve you being a fashion designer.

You’re the go-to person for fashion tips for your friends and family, so isn’t the answer obvious?

As a fashion designer, you’ll create sketches that people will soon wear during parties, anniversaries, or even on normal days. You’ll develop new designs and oversee their production.

To be hired as a designer, you need a bachelor’s degree in art and design. You must also pursue internship opportunities and build a design portfolio.

• Pros: You can start a fashion revolution once your designs become mainstream.
• Cons: Building a reputation in the industry is challenging since you have equally talented competitors.

 

27. Toy Designer

Average salary: $77,929 per year

We all remember toys from our childhood that brought us so much joy. Did you also dream of making your own toy? I know I did.

Being a toy designer gives us an exciting opportunity to relive our childhood. More than that, it’s a fun job because we get to build something that will make kids and kidults. I can’t think of anything as rewarding as seeing children smile! 

As a toy designer, you have to come up with an idea and how that toy will look and function. Although it seems simple, a lot of hard work goes into the process. You have to brainstorm, conceptualize, and translate your ideas into prototypes. It might not seem so when you’re just seeing the toys as a buyer, but there is a lot to consider when designing them.

Doing this job means that you have to think like an adult, but you also have to think like a child. Okay, maybe thinking like a child isn’t as hard, right? After all, we’re all children at heart. But really, toy design is complex in that way, but it’s also what makes the job so much fun. 

• Pros: You can let your imagination run wild as if you’re a kid again and you will see children happy to have what you’ve made.
• Cons: You have to continuously innovate and keep up with the demands of the industry.

 

FAQs about fun and cool jobs that pay well

 

1. What are the most fun high-paying jobs?

This really depends on person to person because what one person finds fun may not be for another and vice versa.

That’s why one of Warren Buffet’s famous quotes, “Look for the job that you would take if you didn’t need a job,” is a popular saying and for good reason. This quote represents the essence of passion and personal preference in the professional world. While some might revel in the excitement of being a skydiving instructor, others might find satisfaction in designing bathroom layouts.

I’ve always had a desire to try out blogging, which led me to start my own. If you’re considering it, blogging can be a viable option. You can create content around any topic you’re passionate about and monetize it based on your interests.

Other intriguing and high-paying roles include video gamer, travel blogger, private island caretaker, and voice-over artist. I always recommend aiming for a balance between personal gratification and financial stability.

Find out what sparks your enthusiasm and matches your abilities, and you might just find a lucrative profession that feels less like work and more like play.

 

2. What jobs pay $1,000 a day?

Earning $1,000 a day is achievable in several specialized jobs that need specific skills or lots of experience. Some examples are surgeons, specialized lawyers, top IT consultants, financial experts, and even some freelance writers, designers, or photographers who are in high demand.

Salespeople making big commissions might also hit this mark. It’s not about one magical career path but finding something you excel at and putting in the hard work. Of course, factors like where you live, the industry you’re in, and your experience level can make a big difference in how much you can earn.

 

3. What job pays the most but works the least?

Finding a job that pays a lot and requires little work sounds like a dream scenario, doesn’t it? But in reality, it’s not that simple.

Some people might point to roles like passive investors, who have money working for them in the background, or highly specialized consultants who get paid well for their rare expertise.

But here’s the catch: These positions often require years of hard work, smart decisions, or specific training to get to that point. So, while it might seem like they’re working less for more pay, there’s usually a lot of effort that’s gone into getting there. It’s a bit like the tip of an iceberg – what you see isn’t always the whole picture!

And speaking of passive income, exploring ideas like real estate investments, dividends from stocks, or creating an intellectual property that continues to pay, could be ways to build income streams that require less ongoing effort.

 

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