From panda nannies to water slide testers, the world is full of weird jobs that sound like they came from a comedy sketch – yet people really get paid to do them. Some are rooted in centuries-old traditions, others are products of the internet age, and a few are surprisingly high-paying.
What’s considered “weird” is often cultural. In Japan, a train pusher is part of the daily commute. In Australia, crocodile wrangling is a serious profession. This global guide will take you continent by continent through 40+ of the strangest, most fascinating jobs of 2025 – with salaries, cultural backstories, and even tips on how to land one yourself.
Table of Contents
Asia
1. Professional Apologizer – Japan
Definition: A hired stand-in who apologizes on behalf of individuals or companies.
- Salary: $30,000-$50,000/year
- Why it exists: Japanese culture places high value on formal apologies.
- How to get it: Acting/PR skills; join an “apology agency.”
2. Train Pusher (Oshiya) – Japan
Definition: Station staff who push passengers into trains during rush hour.
- Salary: $25,000-$35,000/year
- Why it exists: Tokyo’s extreme commuter congestion.
- How to get it: Apply through Japan Rail or metro operators.
3. Panda Nanny – China
Definition: Caretaker for baby pandas, often in conservation parks.
- Salary: $32,000-$40,000/year + free meals/accommodation.
- Why it exists: Panda conservation + tourism.
- How to get it: Apply at research centers like Chengdu Panda Base.
4. Ear Cleaner – India
Definition: Traditional street-side ear hygiene service.
- Salary: $5-$10/hour.
- Why it exists: Affordable grooming service with cultural roots.
5. Professional Mourner – China
- Salary: $100-$300/event
- Why it exists: Cultural practice to show deep respect at funerals.
6. Feng Shui Consultant – Hong Kong
- Salary: $40,000-$100,000/year
- Why it exists: Ancient geomancy still influences real estate & business.
Europe
1. Tea Taster – UK
- Salary: $30,000-$60,000/year
- Why it exists: Tea blending is a cultural & commercial staple.
2. Olive Oil Sommelier – Italy
- Salary: $40,000-$70,000/year
- Why it exists: Olive oil quality is vital to export & cuisine.
3. Water Slide Tester – UK
Definition: Tests water slides for speed, safety, and fun factor.
- Salary: $30,000-$50,000/year + travel perks.
- Why it exists: Water parks rely on pre-opening safety and thrill testing.
4. Cheese Cave Caretaker – France
- Salary: $30,000-$50,000/year
- Why it exists: Climate-sensitive cheese maturation.
5. Ethical Hacker – Remote/Europe
- Salary: $60,000-$120,000/year
- Why it exists: Cybersecurity testing – high pay, odd to outsiders.
North America
1. Snake Milker – USA
- Salary: $30,000-$50,000/year
- Why it exists: Venom is needed for antivenom & research.
2. Iceberg Wrangler – Canada
- Salary: $40,000-$80,000/year
- Why it exists: Keeps shipping lanes and rigs safe.
3. Golf Ball Diver – USA
- Salary: $50,000-$100,000/year
- Why it exists: Resale of retrieved balls from hazards.
4. Professional Cuddler – USA
- Salary: $40-$80/hour
- Why it exists: Emotional therapy via platonic touch.
5. Fortune Cookie Writer – USA
- Salary: $40,000-$70,000/year
- Why it exists: Creative copywriting for millions of cookies annually.
South America
1. Alpaca Fiber Sorter – Peru
- Salary: $5,000-$15,000/year
- Why it exists: Core to Peru’s luxury textile exports.
2. Carnival Costume Inspector – Brazil
- Salary: $15,000-$30,000/year
- Why it exists: Ensures quality for world-famous parades.
3. Coffee Taster – Colombia
- Salary: $20,000-$40,000/year
- Why it exists: Grading beans for global trade.
4. Emerald Polisher – Colombia
- Salary: $15,000-$30,000/year
- Why it exists: Part of the emerald export industry.
5. Penguin Colony Caretaker – Argentina
- Salary: $15,000-$25,000/year
- Why it exists: Ecotourism & wildlife protection.
Africa
1. Lion Guardian – Kenya
- Salary: $6,000-$12,000/year
- Why it exists: Prevents conflict between lions & locals.
2. Ostrich Jockey – South Africa
- Salary: $5,000-$10,000/year
- Why it exists: Niche tourism sport.
3. Diamond Sorter – Botswana
- Salary: $20,000-$40,000/year
- Why it exists: Botswana is a major diamond exporter.
4. Scorpion Venom Collector – Morocco
- Salary: $5,000-$10,000/year
- Why it exists: Venom used in research & medicine.
Oceania
1. Crocodile Wrangler – Australia
- Salary: $40,000-$60,000/year
- Why it exists: Wildlife safety management.
2. Hobbiton Tour Guide – New Zealand
- Salary: $30,000-$45,000/year
- Why it exists: Film tourism.
3. Pearl Diver – Australia
- Salary: $50,000-$80,000/year
- Why it exists: Natural pearl industry.
4. Surfboard Tester – Australia
- Salary: $30,000-$50,000/year
- Why it exists: Board R&D in surf culture.
Salary Highlights & How to Land These Jobs
| Job | Continent | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| Golf Ball Diver | North America | $50k-$100k |
| Pearl Diver | Oceania | $50k-$80k |
| Olive Oil Sommelier | Europe | $40k-$70k |
| Ethical Hacker | Global | $60k-$120k |
| Water Slide Tester | Europe | $30k-$50k |
Steps to Land One:
- Research niche industries in your target country.
- Gain relevant certifications (e.g., diving, PR, culinary).
- Network – most unusual jobs hire by referral.
- Stay open-minded – “weird” jobs often lead to unique lifestyles.
Quick Facts: Weird Jobs by Continent (2025)
Asia
- Highest Paying: Panda Nanny – $40,000/year
- Most Unique: Train Pusher (Japan)
- Cultural Roots: Feng Shui Consultant (Hong Kong)
Europe
- Highest Paying: Ethical Hacker – $120,000/year
- Most Fun: Water Slide Tester (UK)
- Cultural Roots: Tea Taster (UK)
North America
- Highest Paying: Golf Ball Diver – $100,000/year
- Most Creative: Fortune Cookie Writer (USA)
- Risk Factor: Snake Milker (USA)
South America
- Highest Paying: Coffee Taster – $40,000/year
- Most Unique: Penguin Caretaker (Argentina)
- Cultural Roots: Alpaca Fiber Sorter (Peru)
Africa
- Highest Paying: Diamond Sorter – $40,000/year
- Most Unique: Ostrich Jockey (South Africa)
- Risk Factor: Scorpion Venom Collector (Morocco)
Oceania
- Highest Paying: Pearl Diver – $80,000/year
- Most Fun: Surfboard Tester (Australia)
- Tourism Star: Hobbiton Guide (New Zealand)
FAQ – Weird Jobs Around the World
Q: What is the weirdest job in the world?
There’s no single winner, but panda nanny, snake milker, and water slide tester are among the most unusual.
Q: Which weird jobs pay the most?
Ethical hacker, golf ball diver, and pearl diver can pay $80k-$120k/year.
Q: Can weird jobs be done remotely?
Yes – fortune cookie writing, ethical hacking, and virtual environment testing can be remote.