20 “Odd” Jobs That Pay Surprisingly Well (2026)
If odd jobs that pay is on your radar, this short guide cuts through the noise. Here is what is worth knowing, and how to put it to work today.
Key Takeaways
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Odd jobs typically refer to casual or isolated jobs that may be seasonal, manual, or domestic-related. Luckily for you, less competition means you can increase your earning potential and find odd jobs in a variety of places.
Written by Jen Smith Last Updated: March 22, 2024 Reviewed by Zina KumokSome of the links on DollarSprout point to products or services from partners we trust. If you choose to make a purchase through one, we may earn a commission, which supports the ongoing maintenance and improvement of our site at no additional cost to you. Learn more.
You’ve probably read a lot about side gigs you can do online, apps that help you make money, and even weird ways to make money. But what about the good old fashioned odd job?
Odd jobs typically refer to casual or isolated jobs that may be seasonal, manual, or domestic-related. Luckily for you, less competition means you can increase your earning potential and find odd jobs in a variety of places.
Salaried and Hourly Odd Jobs that Pay Well
Whether you’re looking for consistent work or a gig every now and again, you can find odd jobs online and near you that will help you increase your income.
1. Rent yourself out as a tasker
If you’ve ever been told you have a “randomly useful” skill set, you might be sitting on an simple way to make money. Through platforms like Airtasker, people will pay you to complete all sorts of odd jobs , some you’d never expect. Need proof? People have hired Taskers to dress up as a mascot for a birthday party, retrieve a lost phone from a sewer grate, and even stand in as a fake wedding guest.
Of course, there are also more practical (but still well-paying) gigs like furniture assembly, tech troubleshooting, and personal errands. I made extra money in college repairing computers and tutoring math , two gigs that would have fit perfectly on Airtasker today. The best part? You set your own rates and choose the jobs you take, so you can earn on your own schedule.
Related: How This “Tasker” Makes $4K a Month Hanging Flyers for Businesses
2. Professional hacker
If you can hack into digital networks, then you may be able to get paid to help companies test the strength of their software’s security system.
White hat hackers legally break into a company’s network to find weaknesses and prevent real hackers from breaking in later. You don’t need a degree, but with one you can make up to $122,000 per year.[1]
3. Stuntperson
A stuntperson or stunt double performs stunts in TV, film, or theater. A stunt double is hired to do stunts for one actor while a stuntperson can do the stunts of numerous extras on one project.
Stunt performers represented by SAG-AFTRA make a minimum of $1,005 per day, and should be proficient in sports like gymnastics, martial arts, and sword fighting.[2]
4. Voice over artist
Voice actors don’t just voice characters in cartoons. You can make money using your voice to narrate audiobooks, radio ads, voicemail greetings, business presentations, and more.
Voice actors can make around $200 for 5 minutes of finished audio.[3]
5. Competition DJ
While numerous events need a DJ, some require familiarity with the outdoors more than skills behind the turntables.
When Christine Wang, creator of The Ski Girl, saw a Craigslist ad for an expert skier with professional audio experience, she quickly replied, even though her audio experience wasn’t technically professional, and ended up getting a job as a traveling ski competition DJ.
The job meant driving to a different ski resort each week, setting up a PA system, and DJing music for the competition. She was paid $125 a day plus got free lift tickets and hotel rooms in each resort town.
“It was only a seasonal position so I had to move on after a single season,” Wang said. “But I got in over 100 ski days that year! And got paid for most of it.”
Related: Court to Chords: How One Lawyer Made $10,000 Selling Stock Music
6. Professional cuddler
One of the oddest odd jobs near me is as a professional cuddler on Cuddle Comfort. Cuddlers post their profile on the site, get a message when someone wants to cuddle, and are paid in cash or via PayPal before a session begins.
While the site offers free cuddlers, professional cuddlers earn over $60 per hour and are promoted as safer and more reliable.
7. Online dating coach
Online dating coaches can do everything from crafting better online dating profiles for their clients to taking better pictures and choosing who they reach out to.
Coaches can earn anywhere from $40 to $200 per hour, depending on their experience and depth of service.[4]
8. Sperm or egg donor
If you qualify, donating sperm or eggs can be a excellent way to make extra money. Men can make $35 to $50 per specimen.[5]
The process for egg extraction is longer, involves more risks, and takes more time, but women can make around $8,000.[6] Both have an application process with health and education requirements.
9. Linguistics reader
Linguists study language and its structure. You can help budding linguists, and make some money, by being a reader at a college’s linguistics lab.
That’s what Petra Odak did, with no formal training in linguistics.
“I came in a few times, and at $20 for 20 minutes of speaking into a microphone, it was the easiest money I ever made,” Odak said. “Especially since I went in about 20 times.”
You don’t need to be student, but you do need to be comfortable reading out loud.
Related: 11 Ways to Get Paid to Read Books In Your Spare Time
10. Embalmer
Freelance or part-time embalmers are called to embalm bodies as they come in. An embalmer is responsible for preserving a body and preparing it for its viewing and burial.
This job isn’t for everyone, and does require a two-year degree, but those who can do it will find a recession-proof odd job where they’ll earn over $20 an hour.[7]
11. Forest fire inspector
If you live near a wooded area, you could make extra money as a forest fire inspector and prevention specialist.
Inspectors assess outdoor fire hazards in public and residential areas, look for fire code violations, and can even investigate arson. Some in-class and on-the-job training is required, and inspectors earn around $27 per hour.
Related: One Expert’s Advice on Why Weird Side Hustles Work (and How to Find One)
12. Aquarist
Aquariums are popular in lu
Final Thoughts
Before you check out, double-check odd jobs that pay against current offers and any coupons you can stack. Small habits like this add up to real savings over a year.
Originally published at dollarsprout.com.
Jen Smith
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