Our top 11 most interesting jobs that you could be doing

Think back to Career Day when you were in school. What careers were featured? Probably jobs everyone has heard of, such as lawyer, doctor, or accountant, or more creative jobs like an interior designer, graphic artist, or computer programmer. But there are a whole host of interesting, unique jobs out there that most people probably don’t know exist (or never really thought about), and many of them pay surprisingly well. If you’re looking to move beyond your basic “butcher, baker, candlestick maker” jobs, consider casting a wider net when deciding on your career path. Who knows, you might just find an interesting job that pays well; something that brings you happiness along with a good paycheck.

In this article, we’ll take a look at 11 of the most interesting jobs you could be doing, including:

• Descriptions of cool, uncommon jobs

• Training needed to perform these jobs

• How much they pay

• Other rare jobs to consider

1. Genetic Counselor

2021 Median Salary: $80,150 per year

A genetic counselor provides information about genetic conditions and how they might affect your health. After collecting your health history (or that of your family), they will analyze this information to determine if you have a genetic condition and if further testing is needed. People often seek out genetic counselors when planning for a family, during pregnancy, looking for a child’s health diagnosis, or for general health management. Genetic counselors work primarily in hospitals, university medical centers, or diagnostic laboratories. Generally, you need a master’s degree in genetic counseling along with state-issued licenses and board certification.

2. Computer Systems Analyst

2021 Median Salary: $99,270 per year 

This position makes sure that a company is using the appropriate technology for its needs. They may construct software and hardware, as well as provide suggestions to help technology systems function more efficiently and productively. You will most likely need a bachelor's degree in computer science, although some firms hire people with liberal arts degrees along with relevant training.

3. Image Consultant

2021 Median salary: $50 - $500 per hour

Image consultants make fashion recommendations to improve a person’s overall appearance. This can include color analysis, wardrobe assessment, and hair and makeup styling, all designed to enhance a client’s personal, professional, and social image. Far more than just giving fashion advice, an image consultant works to bolster a client's personality as well as their career journey. While no specific degree or training is required, many image consultants have backgrounds in psychology, communication, fashion, marketing, or merchandising.

4. Tour Guide

2021 Median salary: $30,670 (may vary by state and specialty)

Tour guides work in the hospitality/travel business and show visitors interesting places and landmarks. They may work with groups or individuals and take them to tourist attractions, museums, geographic landmarks, or on outdoor excursions. While there is no “tour guide” degree, most guides have extensive cultural and historical knowledge of the area they work in, as well as excellent customer service, communication, and leadership skills. They may specialize in historical locales, adventure outings (such as hiking or climbing), or specific cities.

5. Zoologist

2021 Median salary: $70,300

Like animals? Zoologist might be the career for you. In this career, you’ll study animals, both in captivity and in the wild, and examine how they survive in their individual ecosystems. A zoologist’s main focus is usually undomesticated animals (no goldfish or hamsters here!), their behavior, and the influence people have on their environment and habitats. They might work in zoos, aquariums, conservation organizations, or wildlife parks. You’ll need a degree in zoology at the minimum, and most research or faculty positions will require a PhD.

6. Event Planner

2021 Median salary: $57,850

If you’re the life of the party (or you just like to be in the background), you might enjoy being an event planner. In this role, you’ll make sure that events are designed, organized, and executed according to plan. Event planners handle things like weddings, product launches, conventions, concerts, and galas. Specific duties include meeting with clients, scouting locations, obtaining vendor bids, negotiating contracts, and overseeing budgets. While there’s no specific degree required, event planners have to be organized and detail-oriented with excellent time-management skills, and be able to think on their feet. Even though there’s a lot to deal with, event planning is an exciting and really cool job for the right person.

7. Special Effects Artist and Animator

2021 Median salary: $78,790

Want to create imaginary creatures, huge explosions, or 3-D worlds that look incredibly real? Special effects artists develop images and visual effects for movies, television, and other forms of media. This includes making graphics and animation, generating designs and illustrations for product packaging, helping create multimedia campaigns, and producing computer animations or modeling programs. They also utilize story development, editing, cinematography, and directing to create storyboards to illustrate and map out important scenes and characters. They use computer software to create animation/special effects that look real but couldn't actually be filmed in real-life. Most special effects artists have degrees in visual effects, film production, and digital arts, although some companies provide on-the-job training.

8. Air Traffic Controller

2021 Median salary: $127,920

Air traffic controllers are responsible for the movement and direction of commercial and private airplanes and other general aviation aircraft. In essence, they direct aircraft safely through their flight paths. Utilizing radar, each air traffic controller manages one section of airspace, ensuring that each plane makes it to its destination safely. This position requires exceptional problem-solving, decision-making, and communication skills, and you must be able to multitask. Air traffic controllers must also be able to manage large amounts of stress and focus on the task at hand in a busy environment. While a four-year degree isn’t required, an associate’s or bachelor’s degree from an Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) is highly recommended in this competitive field.

9. Executive Chef

2021 Median salary: $50,160

An executive chef is the person in charge of a restaurant's kitchen, which includes designing the menu, deciding on meal prices, overseeing food and beverage budgeting, and creating specials. They may also be in charge of hiring kitchen staff and facilitating professional development and training. It’s a great opportunity to be in charge and express your culinary creativity. Most executive chefs work long hours, though, and the environment can be very fast paced. Many chefs either attend a culinary program or learn on the job via apprenticeship programs.

10. Voice Actor

2024 Average base salary: $49,032

Anytime you watch TV, play a video game, or listen to the radio, you're going to hear the work of a voice actor. Voice actors utilize their voices to bring a character to life or sell you a product and do not appear on screen. They also read and record written scripts for audiobooks, e-learning videos, documentaries, films, and corporate films. Although no formal training is required, most voice actors have training in voice techniques and acting. You must also be able to read clearly and project emotions. Some voice actors create interesting or imaginative character voices. To get started, you'll need to record a voice demo reel showcasing the type and range of voices that you do. Voice actors generally work on a freelance basis, and at some point, you'll need to invest in quality home recording equipment for auditions and jobs.

11. Urban Planner

2021 Median Salary: $78,500

An urban planner creates and executes plans for the development of cities and towns. Using their expertise in zoning laws, transportation, land use, and general infrastructure, they help steer the expansion and improvement of neighborhoods. Urban planners interact with the government, developers, and the general public to design plans that meet the needs of the city as well as the environment. They also perform research, analyze data, design blueprints, and consult with other experts to take on the challenges of urban infrastructure and development. An urban planner requires a master's degree from an urban or regional planning program accredited by an organization such as the Planning Accreditation Board (PAB). If you’re interested in shaping how cities look and function now and in the future, this might be the job for you.

Other rare jobs to consider

There are a few jobs out there that can be considered rare, unique, and perhaps downright weird. If you’re really set on a career that’s off the beaten path, consider the following cool, unusual, but real, jobs:

• Golf ball diver

• Hippotherapist (equine therapy)

• Professional sleeper

• Pet food tester

• Nail polish namer

• Bingo manager

• Body part model

Finding a dream job that is cool or exciting can make work more enjoyable and increase happiness. Some unusual jobs require a lot of specialized training, and some can be learned on-the-fly. But they all present alternatives to everyday, common jobs, and perhaps inspire you to begin a new, exciting career journey. You only live once!

Key takeaways

1. Consider more unusual jobs when choosing your career path.

2. Some rare or unique jobs require specialized training, but others just require interest and perseverance.

3. Take time to discover what you really want to do with your career and what makes you happy.