Cool jobs may not grow on trees, but they do make life more interesting. After
all, who wants a world in which only ho-hum occupations exist? If most of us
have to work for a living, then we at least deserve a chance at doing something
that doesn't make us all yawn when we talk about it.
The coolest jobs give us hope. They
stoke our imagination and inspire us to keep striving for a world that rewards
curiosity, playfulness, risk-taking, and willful service to others. They
represent bold steps forward in our collective evolution. Plus, awesome jobs
aren't just fascinating or impressive; they are also proof that humans don't
necessarily have to work in dullsville. With today's cool careers as our
examples, we can create more occupations that make us feel alive and energized
instead of numb and bored.
What makes a job cool? Well, for
starters, a cool job provides a fun topic of conversation. Almost everyone
enjoys discussing fascinating, adventurous, out-of-the-ordinary, or impactful
careers. But, frequently, an awesome job is also one in which the person who
has it feels like he or she is living the dream and doing something that
doesn't feel much like work at all.
That said, everybody has a unique
perspective on the world as well as a unique set of interests. So one person's
"cool" job is often another person's "I don't really care about
that" job. It's all a matter of taste, experience, and personality. Even
so, most people can probably agree that the following jobs are pretty awesome.
The extensive list of cool jobs below
is in no particular order. But it is broken into eight different categories
based on general interests and personality types. As you explore them, you'll
notice that some of the jobs could easily fall under more than one category.
They include jobs for:
- Big kids
- Helpers and world savers
- Travel lovers and adventure seekers
- Proud geeks
- Creative freaks
- Sports enthusiasts
- Food and drink connoisseurs
- Animal lovers
Awesome Careers for Big Kids
Some of us never want to grow up. We
might be adults, but we still value the joyful feelings created by engaging in
fun and games that are supposedly only reserved for children. Thankfully, many
adults are able to make a living by being the big kids that they truly are at
heart.
1. Video game designer
It's easy to feel childlike wonder when
you get to dream up new worlds, characters, storylines, and other game
elements. Plus, bringing those things to life involves collaborating with a
variety of fun-loving professionals such as writers, programmers, and other
people trained in art and design.
Average salary—$58,2532
2. Lego master model builder
Lego bricks are some of the coolest,
most popular toys of all time. They are just plain fun. And, for a few lucky
teens and adults, Lego bricks represent the building blocks of their entire
careers. They get paid to design, build, install, and maintain awesome Lego
models and conduct workshops at the toy maker's various theme parks and events.
Reports vary, but pay can sometimes go
well above $12 per hour. However, Lego model builders usually begin their
careers as apprentices and reportedly earn pay closer to around $10 per hour in
the beginning.
3. Disney face character
What could be more childlike than
pretending to be a Disney prince, princess, fairy, or evil villain all day at
one of the company's popular theme parks? It's a job that is all about making
kids (including big kids like you) smile, laugh, and feel pure joy and wonder.
Most face characters begin their careers in furry costumes before moving on to
their other roles.
According to one report, pay starts at
about $8.20 per hour and rises to a maximum of about $13.59 per hour.7
4. Amusement park ride tester
From kiddie rides to roller coasters
and other thrill rides, every attraction at every amusement park needs to
undergo regular testing in order to ensure safe and fun experiences for guests.
Positions for this type of job are limited since the responsibility of actually
riding each attraction often falls to a park's operations manager. But if rides
are your favorite thing, then no other job could be more awesome.
Average salary (for operations managers
at amusement parks and arcades)—$89,9001
5. Professional mermaid
Here's another job that is almost too
cool to believe. Some people get paid to wear mermaid costumes and perform
under water as part of shows or attractions at hotels, resorts, theme parks,
fairs, and various events. They are also sometimes hired for film or photography
shoots. Most professional mermaids are strong swimmers, physically fit, and
have backgrounds in freediving, which means that they can hold their breath for
two to five minutes at a time.
Pay varies significantly, but some
mermaid performers reportedly earn between $100 and $300 per event.
6. Toy designer
Some industrial designers specialize in
dreaming up new and innovative toys. They can often let their imaginations run
wild while developing toy ideas that kids might find cool. From dinosaurs to
aquatic robots, the playful possibilities are endless.
Average salary (for all industrial
designers)—$70,5401
7. Skateboarding instructor
A lot of cities and recreational
organizations host periodic skateboard camps where kids and teens can learn the
basics of this fun activity. As a result, instructors are often hired to help
teach and mentor kids in the art of safely riding skateboards and performing
simple tricks. It's even possible to get certified through an organization such
as the Skateboard Instructors Association.
Pay varies, but some jobs have been
advertised for as much as $15 per hour or more.
8. Prop master
Theater, television, and movie
productions always require people to acquire or create believable props. It's
frequently a fun and creative job that feels more like playtime than work.
Average salary—$42,3545
9. Stunt coordinator
Imagine having the awesome job of
designing impressive action sequences for movies, TV shows, or live
performances. Stunt coordinators help cast the people who perform dangerous
stunts and choreograph each sequence based on the goals of directors and what
has been scripted.
Average salary—$39,5365
10. Summer camp counselor
People who help kids have a great time
at organized camps frequently have some of the coolest summer jobs. They often
get to lead fun outdoor activities and make full use of their penchant for
imaginative play.
Average pay—$9.00 per hour
11. Professional storyteller
Oral storytelling has a long tradition
that goes back several centuries. And it is still alive and well today. In
fact, some people have built successful careers out of telling popular and
obscure folk tales or ghost stories at public or private events. They've
developed a captivating style of performance that fires up the imagination in
both kids and adults.
Most professional storytellers are
self-employed, so pay rates vary. But some of them have reported charging $250
per hour or more for their performances.
Cool Careers for Helpers and World
Savers
It's good to care and to want to help
out. In fact, it is truly awesome. That's why professionals who assist other
people or perform work that benefits society or the environment frequently have
really cool jobs. They often earn money by making the world a better place,
even if it is only through one personal interaction or project at a time.
12. Music therapist
All kinds of people experience benefits
from creating or listening to music. In fact, music has been shown to improve
mental, emotional, and physical problems. That's why music therapists are
increasingly employed to help addicts recover, seniors regain lost memories,
and victims of cancer, stroke, or disabilities heal or achieve overall better
well-being. Aside from musical expertise, most people in this field also have
some counseling training.
Average salary—$39,6082
13. Professional cuddler or platonic
friend
Loneliness is an extremely common
problem. Many people, for a variety of reasons, simply do not have companions
in their non-digital lives. And even people who do have day-to-day
companionship may not like eating or doing other things alone in new cities
when they travel by themselves. Professional cuddlers and platonic friends help
put a dent in those problems by providing temporary companionship without any
judgment. That often involves holding their clients close or joining them for
meals, walks, or shopping adventures.
Pay rates vary a lot, but some people
in this field have reported earning between $60 and $80 per hour when
self-employed.
14. Park ranger for the National Park
Service
America has many national parks that
need to be preserved for the enjoyment of current and future generations. A lot
of them are natural areas with amazing wildlife, but other parks are home to
important historic and cultural landmarks. Park rangers get to help conserve,
protect, and manage those national treasures while also sometimes educating the
public or assisting in search and rescue operations.
Average salary—$58,7208
15. Fire fighter
Plenty of kids still dream of having
this occupation. As a result, battling fires and saving lives will probably
always be considered a cool job, even though most fire fighters don't jump out
of airplanes.
Average salary—$51,9301
16. Neurosurgeon
No list of cool jobs is complete
without doctors. Their work might require a huge amount of schooling and a high
tolerance for stress, but they heal people and save lives. When it comes to the
coolest type of doctor, things are certainly up for debate. But neurosurgeons
have to be prime candidates for that honor since they perform operations on
people's brains and spines.
Average salary—$393,3402
17. Diagnostic medical sonographer
Here's something else that's really
awesome: using sound waves to generate images of people's internal organs.
That's what medical sonographers get to do. They use highly advanced ultrasound
technology to produce images that help doctors treat and diagnose their
patients.
Average salary—$73,2001
18. Wind turbine technician
Beyond the fact that they look really
cool, giant wind turbines are important contributors in the fight against
climate change. They generate clean electricity without emitting any greenhouse
gases. And they can be really exciting to work on. Wind turbine technicians
often get to climb several stories in order inspect or repair leading-edge
equipment.
Average salary—$56,6801
19. Director of culture (or chief
culture officer)
Many progressive companies now hire
experts in human resource management to lead efforts for the development of
inspiring workplaces. The job titles of such professionals vary, but they
frequently get to organize fun team-building experiences, create energizing
workspaces, plan enriching training opportunities, and develop systems for the ongoing
personal and professional growth of employees.
Average salary for all chief
executives—$196,0501
Average salary for all human resource
managers—$123,5101
20. Professional lip reader
Many deaf people are great at reading
lips. So some of them offer speech reading services that involve making
transcripts of what is being said by people in videos or live situations in
which little or no discernible audio is present. For example, professional lip
readers sometimes get hired by law enforcement agencies to translate
surveillance videos or to help medical patients or disabled persons communicate
when they are unable to write down or verbalize their thoughts.
Professional lip readers tend to work
on a freelance basis and set their own rates, so pay varies significantly.
21. Professional matchmaker
Online dating sites now provide most
matchmaking services, but many relationship-seekers still prefer to get
assistance from more traditional in-person matchmakers. That's especially true
of wealthy and well-educated people who have very particular standards. A
professional matchmaker can often help clients see beyond their surface
preferences and find potential partners that more closely match their deepest
needs and desires.
Pay varies for matchmakers who operate
their own companies, but the average salary of employed matchmakers is
$37,747.5
22. Home stager
Selling your home is always a stressful
process that's full of uncertainty. But home stagers help ensure that
residences look as appealing as possible to the kinds of buyers you're trying
to target. Their expertise in areas like interior design, marketing, and real
estate can translate into homes that sell more quickly and for a lot more
money.
Most home stagers operate their own
consulting companies, so their pay rates vary. Earnings can range from about
$5,000 a year for new, part-time home stagers to six-figure salaries for those
with full-time operations and well-established reputations.
23. Sustainability coordinator
Can you picture a job that actually
lets you make a meaningful difference in the efforts to create a more socially
and environmentally sustainable economy? Sustainability coordinators have
awesome jobs because they get to help organizations reduce or eliminate the
harms that they cause to people or the environment. With the right
environmental and sustainability training, they are often able to plan,
organize, and monitor a variety of initiatives that have positive impacts.
Average salary—$46,000
24. Personal shopper
It's no secret that a lot of Americans
love to shop. Many people would spend every day shopping if they had the money.
But did you know that some shoppers earn money by doing what they love most?
They offer services to people who dislike shopping or who don't have time for
it. And they frequently have a lot of expertise when it comes to current
fashion styles, technology trends, and lifestyle preferences.
Median pay—$14.92 per hour
25. Event coordinator
A lot of professionals in this field
would say that it feels awesome to help couples, families, groups, and
organizations stage memorable events. The job involves organizing many
different aspects, including food and beverages, entertainment, and, sometimes,
odd or unusual requests. Some event planners and coordinators even get to meet
or work for celebrities.
Average salary—$52,630
Awesome Jobs for Travel Lovers and
Adventure Seekers
The urge to explore is at the
very heart of what it means to be human. We are all curious creatures. But, of
course, some people have a greater need for travel or adventure in their lives
than others. Some people even seek out danger. Thankfully, a lot of cool jobs
exist for those who enjoy exploring, traveling, or experiencing daily thrills.
26. Scuba diving instructor
Tourists continue to keep the demand
for scuba diving lessons high. As a result, this job often comes with a lot of
cool perks. For example, some diving instructors are hired by resorts in exotic
destinations that offer free lodging (and, in some cases, free food and free
travel) as part of their temporary employment contracts. Plus, many diving
instructors only work part-time, yet they often earn enough to explore and
enjoy the benefits of each new destination. So it can definitely pay to earn
all of the required certifications.
Pay varies quite a bit, but many diving
instructors earn substantial tips, especially those who work for high-end
resorts in popular destinations.
27. Flight nurse
The healthcare sector is full of
awesome jobs that pay well. But few of them offer as much excitement as this
one. Flight nurses get to be part of rescue operations and medical evacuations
while flying aboard airplanes or helicopters. They provide emergency care to
patients who are in critical condition and need to be airlifted to the
hospital. Becoming a flight nurse first requires that you go to school for
registered nursing and gain experience in trauma care.
Median salary—$61,938
28. Travel writer
It usually takes a lot of persistence
and many years of effort to become a truly successful travel writer, but those
who achieve that goal end up with really cool jobs. They get assignments from
magazines, advances from book publishers, or invitations by tourism agencies and
travel companies around the world to experience and write about awesome
attractions and destinations.
Pay is wide-ranging. Those who are just
starting out typically must have another job to self-fund their initial travel
adventures, whereas the few who make it big can sometimes receive six-figure
contracts or advances.
29. Paranormal investigator
Yeah, this job is really out there.
Some people actually spend day after day investigating strange happenings such
as UFO sightings or alleged encounters with ghosts or mysterious creatures.
Many of them have a background in engineering technology, computer science,
history, or the social sciences. Some of them have also received private
detective training. They frequently use standard investigative methods along
with special equipment that can detect and record energy fluctuations as well
as visual or auditory anomalies.
Very few paranormal investigators make
money from their efforts unless they have received book or television
contracts. Most investigators work for non-profit organizations on a volunteer
basis.
30. ESOL teacher
A lot of people who teach English for
speakers of other languages (ESOL) do so in foreign countries that they want to
explore. They get to immerse themselves in other cultures and traditions while
helping other people learn one of the world's most widely spoken languages. In
some cases, their employers even pay for their accommodations while living
abroad.
Pay varies from country to country, but
the average salary is $44,358.2
31. Smokejumper
Only the most elite firefighters get to
experience this awesome job. Imagine parachuting out of airplanes and landing
in remote areas of the forest in order to attack raging wildfires. For the
first two days of each new attack, smokejumpers have to be self-sufficient. But
many of them get opportunities to fight wildfires all over the country. Sometimes,
they are even deployed to other nations.
Typical pay—$16.00 per hour plus hazard
pay, which is about $4.00 per hour extra when battling uncontrolled wildfires3
32. Undercover agent or spy
The reality might not be as awesome as
what you see in James Bond movies, but this job still has to rank as one of the
coolest ever. Covert intelligence-gathering operations always have an exciting
element of danger. And it takes a lot of courage and creativity to mask your
identity and gain the trust of those you are spying on.
Salary range for agents in the Central
Intelligence Agency's clandestine service operations—$54,423 to $82,840,
depending on experience and qualifications4
33. Roadie
A great music concert can energize the
soul. But it takes a lot more than rock stars or other music performers to put
on a memorable live show. Roadies get to go on tour with the stars, but they
work behind the scenes and handle all non-performance aspects of a show's
production—from constructing and tearing down stages to ensuring that all
musical instruments, lighting, amplifiers, video screens, and special effects
are set up and working properly. Many roadies (particularly guitar, bass, and
drum technicians) have been discovered for their own musical talents while on tour
and have gone on to become stars themselves.
Pay varies depending on the specific
position. For example, stage managers earn yearly median pay of $38,753, and
sound engineers and lighting technicians earn median pay of $39,199 and
$41,926, respectively.2
34. Whitewater rafting guide
It probably feels pretty awesome to
ride wild river rapids multiple times a day. It's an intense experience that is
complemented by the important responsibility of keeping other riders safe while
ensuring that they have a great time. This job is seasonal since it can usually
only be done in the summer. But almost anyone with strong arms and good core
strength can train to become a rafting guide and get paid for having a ton of
fun.
Average pay—$13.63 per hour
35. Private island caretaker
Cool JobsYes, this job really exists.
It usually involves looking after the island retreats of wealthy people in
between their holidays. It requires having good skills in general maintenance,
being in good shape, and having a temperament for solitary island living. In a
lot of cases, a background in boat maintenance is also very useful.
Salaries vary a lot, but some jobs have
reportedly paid more than $100,000.
36. Astronaut
Very few people can meet the high
standards that are required for working in outer space, but that doesn't stop
this from maybe being the single coolest job ever. After all, astronauts get
sent into orbit high above the earth. And they do important work that directly
leads to major medical and technological breakthroughs for all of us here on
the ground. Plus, some of them have been to the moon. And, within the next few
decades, some of them will likely become the first humans to set foot on Mars.
Civilian astronaut salaries range from
$66,026 to $144,566.6
Military astronauts are paid based on
their active-duty rank.
37. Ski instructor or ski patrol
officer
Getting paid to hit the slopes: it's a
perennially cool job that offers the chance to have fun every day. Whether it
involves teaching other people how to ski or enforcing the rules of the
mountain so that all skiers and snowboarders stay safe, this type of occupation
often leads to great memories and conversations. That's why, as far as seasonal
jobs go, these remain a popular option.
Average pay of ski instructors—$13.00
per hour
Average pay of ski patrol
officers—$11.33 per hour
38. Commercial diver
Working under water is a pretty
impressive way to make a living. Many commercial divers get to travel for each
new job, and a lot of them specialize in performing certain kinds of tasks. For
example, some divers conduct underwater experiments or set up explosives,
whereas others help build, inspect, or repair underwater structures. Plus, some
commercial divers with photography training earn money by taking professional
photos of marine life or natural or man-made structures.
Average salary—$55,2701
39. Botanist
Being a plant scientist can involve a
lot more adventure than you might think. In fact, some botanists get to explore
remote corners of the world that have never been seen by civilized humans. They
help discover new plant species almost every day while trekking through
tropical rain-forests and other exotic landscapes. And some of their discoveries
lead to the creation of important new medicines.
Average salary—$49,8912
40. Cave explorer
Estimates vary, but some experts
believe that humans have explored fewer than half of the world's caves. So
plenty of new frontiers still exist right here on Earth. And that means a lot
of unusual species have yet to be discovered. Many caves are even under water.
Most cave explorers are volunteers, but
paid research crews do exist. With a science degree, it's possible to find cave
research jobs sponsored by universities or other scientific institutions.
41. Aircraft test pilot
Danger and excitement are the hallmarks
of this occupation. So it's pretty hard to argue that test pilots aren't cool.
They fly new-model airplanes or helicopters as well as aircraft that may have
been out of service for a long time. As a result, they never really know how
safe the aircraft are that they're climbing into or whether that aircraft will
perform well. But without their courageous work, nobody would ever know—until
it was too late. Test pilots have usually attained many years of professional
flying experience after their initial flight training.
Average salary—$117,0482
42. Fake corporate executive
It sounds like a joke, but some Chinese
companies have actually been known to hire Caucasian men to pose as Western
business leaders. Real business experience helps, but you mostly just need to
look the part and maybe attend a few dinners, tour a factory, go to one or more
ceremonies, and get your picture taken with local Chinese leaders and
businessmen. It's all intended to make your temporary employer look like a
credible, globally connected company.
Some reports have indicated that it's
possible to earn about $1,000 for a week as a fake corporate executive.
43. Vacation tester
This job is awesome, but it's also
rare. Some luxury travel companies hire professional reviewers with hospitality
backgrounds to experience and rate different high-end travel packages in order
to ensure that they will meet the standards of wealthy clients. As a result,
vacation testers get to enjoy five-star restaurants, luxury hotels, and tours
of museums, landmarks, and natural regions—all for free.
Pay varies and is usually kept quiet
within the industry. But some travel companies and tourism agencies have
sponsored contests in which the winners received over $100,000 to do this kind
of job for a year.
Cool Jobs for Proud Geeks
There's no shame in being smart and
hyper-focused on something that requires a lot of knowledge and intelligence.
In fact, the word geek is being used more and more as a genuine badge of honor.
These occupations represent just a few of many possible career paths that are
cool because of their scientific, technological, or visionary contributions to
the world.
44. Volcanologist
Science is full of really awesome jobs,
so it's hard to single out just a few. But who isn't fascinated by the danger
and awesome power of volcanoes? Their eruptions are breath-taking to watch,
whether they are oozing lava or sending huge plumes of ash into the
stratosphere. Volcanologists get to study how explosive geological formations
are created. And many of them even get to study volcanoes up close (i.e., while
standing inside or at the edge of their craters or vents) in order to get
better at predicting the timing or extent of their next eruptions.
Average salary (for all
geoscientists)—$105,8301
45. Quantum physicist
Jobs don't get any more mind-blowing
than this one. Physicists who study quantum mechanics are delving into some of
the deepest mysteries of the universe and our existence. They get to develop
and test theories about the nature and behavior of energy and matter at the
smallest levels of physical reality. They continue to make astonishing
discoveries about atoms, sub-atomic particles, and extra dimensions of space
and time that dramatically alter our understanding of what we're all made of
and what is truly possible.
Average salary (for all
physicists)—$123,0801
46. Oceanographer
The ocean is complex and awe-inspiring.
And it is super-important to nearly all life on this planet. Oceanographers
study the intricate dynamics of the ocean's waves, currents, ecology,
chemistry, and geological systems. As part of their fact-finding activities,
they often go out onto the open sea aboard cool research vessels. Plus, for
many oceanographers, their work is increasingly focused on tracking and
predicting the harmful effects of climate change, such as ocean acidification.
Average salary—$62,4632
47. Biomedical engineer
Creating artificial human organs has to
be one of the coolest jobs ever. Some biomedical professionals actually get to
take on that challenge. Others are involved in designing or evaluating new
healthcare technologies such as artificial limbs, micro-implants,
pharmaceutical drugs, or therapeutic and diagnostic medical devices.
Average salary—$92,9701
48. Robotics engineer
Are humans in danger of being enslaved
or wiped out by artificially intelligent robots? The jury is still out on that
question. In the meantime, robotics engineers are moving forward with
developing some of the most impressive machines ever created. The growing
sophistication of robotic technology means that machines are taking over some
of humanity's most dangerous and least desirable tasks. With some training in
electronics or mechanical engineering, you can start playing a role in that
progress.
Average salary—$81,0002
49. Deep-sea marine biologist
The ocean's deepest waters are home to
creatures that are both amazing and terrifying. From alien-like species that
glow in brilliant colors to monster-like fish that seem to be all teeth, the
deep sea continues to reveal new and awesome wonders that are worth studying
and bringing to the world's attention.
Average salary (for all marine
biologists)—$51,2892
50. Forensic science technician
Science helps make civilization better
in so many different ways that it can be easy to overlook the serious contribution
that it makes to criminal justice. Forensic science professionals play a huge
role in determining whether people who've been accused of crimes are guilty or
innocent. The evidence that they identify, collect, and analyze frequently
makes all the difference. So forensic science positions aren't just cool jobs
to have; they also have a significant impact on who gets sent to prison.
Average salary—$61,2201
51. SETI astronomer
The Search for Extraterrestrial
Intelligence (SETI) is a scientific undertaking that seeks to find evidence of
other intelligent and technologically advanced life forms in the universe. How
awesome is that? Imagine having the chance to be the person who finally detects
an alien civilization by using gigantic radio telescopes or other impressive
equipment. Many astronomers in this field have cool jobs that pay well and
ignite the imagination day after day.
Average salary (for all
astronomers)—$109,5601
52. Ethical hacker
Computer and information security seems
to become a bigger issue every year. After all, criminal hackers and other bad
guys continue to develop new ways to find and exploit electronic
vulnerabilities in the information systems that companies, governments,
utilities, and individuals rely on. But information security analysts
(sometimes called white hat hackers) get to use their own computer hacking
skills for the positive benefit of society. They help prevent malicious attacks
by finding vulnerabilities (and suggesting ways to fix them) before the bad
guys do.
Average salary—$99,6901
53. Museum technician
Museums hold a lot of humanity's most
interesting and cherished artifacts and natural wonders. And people actually
get paid to work with those collections and create amazing exhibits from them.
Artwork, fossils, skeletal remains, historical items, and exotic botanicals are
only a few of the many types of objects that museums store, research, and
display.
Average salary—$44,9701
54. Futurist
Making accurate predictions is really
hard. But it's also really cool when it's actually accomplished. Futurists are
able to study current and emerging trends and make educated guesses about what
might happen next. As a result, many organizations seek the advice of reputable
futurists to help them manage risk and forecast social, technological, and
business opportunities.
Yearly pay varies widely, but some of
the most successful futurists have made six-figure salaries.
Awesome Careers for Creative Freaks
Cool JobsWe're using the term freak
affectionately. The amazing talent and enthusiasm that a lot of creative people
share with the world is something to behold. Artists, designers, performers,
and other imaginative individuals enrich our existence and help ensure that
humanity keeps reaching for new ideas and more enlightened ways of thinking and
experiencing life on this planet. That's why they often have some of the
coolest jobs around.
55. Film director
Most people love to watch good movies
or television shows. A great film can do more than entertain us. It can make us
see and understand a different perspective, make us feel various emotions, or
inspire us to reflect on our actions, our place in the world, or our
opportunities for making things better. Film directors get to interpret
stories, shape how they come across on screen, and make many of the most
important creative decisions for each new project.
Average salary (in the motion picture
industry)—$107,4501
56. On-call musician or singer
Music has been called a universal
language. So it's no wonder that the demand for both live and recorded music
continues to remain strong. And meeting that demand requires professional
singers and musicians. Here's the coolest part: You don't need to be in a band
or orchestra in order to make a living from your musical skills. Plenty of
talented people in the industry get to play or record music on an as-needed
basis for a huge variety of different musical artists, including those who are
famous and those who may become famous.
Average pay—$35.86 per hour1
57. Cirque du Soleil acrobat
Being a performer for one of the
world's largest theatrical producers is often more than just exciting. Because
of what they do, acrobats for Cirque du Soleil definitely have jobs with a huge
wow factor. But they also frequently enjoy a family-like bond with their fellow
performers. And many of them get to travel extensively and perform their
amazing feats of physical and artistic prowess in different cities.
Acrobats have reported salaries ranging
from about $50,000 to more than $250,000, depending on their experience and
whether they have sold the rights to any acts that they've helped create.
58. Costume designer
Yes, you actually can make a career out
of helping other people play dress up. Some professional costume designers work
for film or theatrical productions and create imaginative or historically
accurate wardrobe items for actors and performers. And other designers get to
develop fun, wild, and scary costumes for Halloween companies.
Average salary—$40,0002
59. Special effects makeup artist
Like some costume designers, many
makeup artists get to help transform the look of actors and performers for
movies and TV shows. Their talent for applying makeup and using prosthetics
ensures that performers look like the creatures or characters that they are
striving to portray.
Average salary (in the motion picture
industry)—$75,1601
60. Voice-over artist
You've probably heard the work of
voice-over artists in movie trailers, documentary films, radio ads, airports,
and large shopping malls. Many voice-over artists have backgrounds in acting or
broadcasting. But whatever their training, they often have really cool jobs
since they simply use their distinctive voices to enhance film projects or to
communicate messages to the public (and to make those messages sound
interesting).
Average pay—$45 per hour2
61. Hollywood actor
Fame and fortune are what a lot of
aspiring actors hope to achieve. But you don't necessarily have to become an
A-list celebrity in order to experience the coolest aspects of Hollywood. A lot
of people with acting training get to play great parts in movies and TV shows
while refining their talents and enjoying the artistic process. In a lot of
cases, they even get to travel to awesome locations and interact with big-time
celebrities and other fascinating and creative people.
Average pay (in the motion picture
industry)—$50.88 per hour1
62. Forensic artist
Science isn't the only useful forensic
tool in criminal investigations. Art is also frequently used to help law
enforcement locate suspected criminals or figure out what happened. Some
artists specialize in drawing facial composites based on the descriptions of
eyewitnesses. Others sketch detailed crime scenes or create sculptures or 3D
computer renderings and animations.
Pay varies significantly, especially
since forensic art is often just one aspect of a broader full-time career in
law enforcement or criminal justice.
63. Computer animator
This job will probably remain a very
cool option for many years to come. After all, movies, video games, and other
forms of digital entertainment are showing no signs of losing their popularity.
On the contrary, the demand for animated media continues to surge around the
world. Animators get to help create some pretty awesome 3D characters, objects,
environments, and special effects.
Average salary—$76,5601
64. Illustrator
Two-dimensional artwork is still widely
used for all kinds of commercial purposes. And, in some ways, illustration is
as cool as it gets. Illustrators often have the ability to render ideas and
concepts more freely and imaginatively than photographers can. Plus, the market
for professional illustration is as varied as ever. Electronic media has joined
greeting cards, books, magazines, product packaging, calendars, and other forms
of print media as places where illustrated visual art can be found in
abundance.
Average salary—$44,5882
65. Music producer
As long as the world still has bands
and other music artists who want to record songs, producers will be called upon
to help make that happen. Music producers tend to have awesome jobs because
they get to have direct input into the overall tone and artistic expression of
the recordings that they work on. In fact, beyond supervising the technical
aspects of recording and mixing, producers often make suggestions about
everything from song lyrics and melodies to song arrangements and instrument
choices.
Average salary—$50,0002
Cool Jobs for Sports Enthusiasts
Obviously, being a
professional athlete or coach might be pretty awesome. But reaching that level
of success is relatively rare. However, a sports enthusiast can sometimes make
money from his or her passion in other ways, especially with some college-level
training in sports and recreation.
66. Sports announcer or color
commentator
Radio and television broadcasting
offers one of the coolest avenues for earning money and still being involved in
sports. Imagine getting to announce games play by play, provide commentary
about the action, or interview individual coaches and players before, during,
or after games. Most jobs are at the college and minor-league levels. Yet, with
experience, connections, and a little luck, some sports broadcasters are able
to land jobs that let them cover professional leagues (for higher-than-average
salaries).
Average salary—$35,1592
67. Referee, umpire, or other sports
official
Sure, sports fans often like to tease
the people who are in charge of ensuring that games or matches are played
safely and fairly. But, aside from being a player or coach, enforcing the rules
is probably the best way to be part of the action. And if you become
accomplished enough to work in the pros, you'll have the chance to interact
with celebrities and earn significantly more pay than what is typical at the
high school or college level.
Average pay—$10.31 per hour
68. Safety car driver
Car races are extremely dangerous
events under even the best conditions. But accidents or bad weather can
temporarily make a racetrack too treacherous for full-speed competition. That's
when the safety car driver hits the track. He or she leads the pack of racecars
around the track at safe speeds until obstructions are cleared or conditions
improve. Plus, many safety car drivers get the added benefit of getting to
drive high-performance vehicles.
Pay varies a lot depending on whether
you work at amateur car races or at the professional level (such as at Formula
1, NASCAR, or IndyCar races).
69. Baseball bullpen catcher
Some former baseball players (from the
high school, college, and pro levels) get the opportunity to help pitchers warm
up before or during games. It's a job that requires great catching and throwing
skills. But those abilities can often be developed through plenty of practice,
such as by catching high-speed balls from pitching machines. The job usually
comes with a lot of free travel and food. And, at the pro level, it involves
hanging out with baseball stars.
Salaries vary a lot, and baseball teams
prefer to not to make them public. But some reports have indicated that yearly
pay can range from about $20,000 to $60,000.
70. Tennis ball boy or girl
When it comes to cool jobs for teens,
this one is pretty distinctive. Most major tennis tournaments hire young people
to run and fetch balls at the end of each point or unreturned serve during
matches. The ball boys or girls then give those balls back to whichever tennis
player needs them when it is their time to serve. It's a job that can provide
the chance to meet tennis stars. And some tournaments (such as the U.S. Open)
even hire adults for the job. You just need the ability to run fast and throw
accurately.
Pay varies, but most people begin at
minimum wage or get paid a set amount per match (which can range from about $25
to $150).
The Coolest Jobs for Food and Drink
Connoisseurs
Cool JobsMost humans enjoy indulging in
tasty food and beverages. But some people have extra enthusiasm for those
experiences and get to turn their culinary interests into very cool careers.
With enough motivation and some professional culinary training, the
possibilities are extensive.
71. Food or beverage tester
Full-time jobs in this field can be
difficult to come by, but that doesn't mean they aren't awesome. From chocolate
and ice cream to beer and other alcoholic beverages, the range of culinary
delights that companies need to test is large and diverse. Testers get paid to
use their senses and rate various products on aspects like smell, visual
appeal, flavor, texture, mouthfeel, and aftertaste.
Average salary—$58,0002
72. Sommelier
Wine expertise is a valuable commodity.
People who dine in fine restaurants—or who need to select impressive wines for
special occasions—will often pay good money for the recommendations of a
professional sommelier. After all, becoming such an expert usually requires
that you've spent plenty of time sipping and tasting lots of wines and learning
about grape varieties, vineyards, wine-growing regions, food pairings, and many
similar topics.
Average salary—$46,0002
73. Personal chef to the stars
Many celebrities hire private chefs to
prepare meals for them based on specific preferences. Beyond the opportunity to
meet and interact with various celebrities, the job can sometimes come with
additional perks such as free travel opportunities or health benefits. Personal
chefs often get their start by signing up with private chef agencies and slowly
developing a good reputation through word of mouth.
The median yearly pay of personal chefs
is about $40,665.2 But some celebrities pay their personal chefs six-figure
salaries, especially if they work full-time and exclusively for them.
74. Food stylist
It is often said that people eat with
their eyes first. Food that looks attractive is frequently believed to be
tastier or more nutritious than food that is visually unappealing, even though
the reality is sometimes just the opposite. So professional food stylists are
essential to the art of promoting food and beverages in visual mediums such as
cookbooks, magazine ads, television, and film. They use creative techniques
(and sometimes inedible substances) to make food look as appealing as possible
when filmed or photographed.
Most food stylists work as freelancers
and set their own rates, so pay varies according to their reputations and the
markets that they cater to.
75. Brewmaster
Anyone who loves beer would probably
consider this career really awesome. After all, it basically involves being in
charge of making beer. Aside from creating recipes, training workers, ordering
supplies, and ensuring that all of the brewery's equipment is functioning
properly, a brewmaster usually gets to enjoy frequent tastes of the finished
product (you know, for quality-control purposes).
Average salary—$48,4662
Cool Jobs for Animal Lovers
Cool JobsAnimals—of every
variety—deserve respect and humane treatment. Plus, they are often a lot easier
to love than humans. That's why many people are attracted to careers that
involve positive interactions with animals.
76. Non-farm animal caretaker
The world is filled with both wild and
domestic animals that are homeless, have been abused, or need to be
rehabilitated. So a lot of people with training in animal care perform very
important work every day, even when it involves tasks as simple as providing
food, water, and a clean place to sleep or play.
Average salary—$25,1701
77. Wildlife tour guide
Some people get paid to escort tourists
through wilderness areas in order to observe and photograph wild animals in
their natural habitats. Few things are cooler than seeing animals as they are
truly meant to be.
Average salary (for all tour guides and
escorts)—$28,1001
78. Dog trainer
Dogs truly are our best friends. Most
of them love people unconditionally. Plus, they are a whole lot of fun to be
around. Dog trainers get to interact with a large variety of canines while
teaching them obedience, tricks, or how to help people who have disabilities.
Average salary (for all animal
trainers)—$34,7601
79. Animal massage therapist
Humans aren't the only creatures that
can benefit from massage therapy. Dogs, horses, and many other animals also
respond well to massage treatments. This cool occupation requires special
knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of various animal species, which can
often be learned through a veterinary technology program. But it's also possible
to earn special certification through an organization such as the National
Board of Certification for Animal Acupressure & Massage.
Pay varies a lot since animal massage
therapists are often self-employed and set their own rates.
Read the other poss of this series.
Collage Student E01: Cool Jobs for 8 Different Types of Passions & PersonalitiesCollage Student E02: What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up?
Collage Student E03: What to Do After College: 29 Ideas to Inspire You
Collage Student E04: How Do I Figure Out What Career I Want?
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