23 Fun Jobs That Pay Well
By Maddy Scheckel I had no idea 120,000 people die every year due to work-related stress.
That’s inconceivable.
This was my motivation to come up with a list of fun jobs that pay well. Because making a living doesn’t have to be stressful.
I made sure to include a wide variety because I understand that “fun” and “pay well” have different meanings for everyone.
And to make it even easier, I divided the jobs into two sections:
- Without a degree
- With a degree
They’re ranked in order from highest to lowest median salary.
So, if your job is negatively impacting your quality of life, I encourage you to read on!
Fun Jobs That Pay Well Without a Degree
Here’s my list of fun jobs that pay well and don’t require a degree!
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1 – Writer
Job Description: Writers are responsible for creating novels, blog posts, sales copy, poems, and other forms of content.
Median Salary: $69,510 per year
Education or Training Needed: No prior training or formal education is needed. Creative thinking, a willingness to adapt, and thorough research skills are helpful.
| Pros | Cons |
| Potential to earn well over the median if you publish a best-selling book. | You have to overcome endless rejection, from publishers and readers. |
| Improve your general knowledge by regularly researching new topics. | Writer’s block can be a real struggle (especially with strict deadlines). |
| Can work from anywhere (remotely). | There’s no job security. |
2 – Personal Shopper
Job description: You meet with clients, get a feel for their style, and select outfits or pieces to fulfill their needs.
Median salary: $59,806 per year
Education or Training Needed: A background in fashion, merchandising, or budgeting is preferable. No formal training or education is required.
| Pros | Cons |
| You can work from anywhere (remote options, too!) | Competitive market |
| Get paid to stay up-to-date on the latest fashion trends. | Finding clients can be difficult. |
| You can earn a living doing what you love- perfect for shoppers! | Income is not guaranteed. |
3 – Proofreader
Job Description: Proofreaders review and edit content to provide feedback for writers.
Median Salary: $43,940 per year
Education or Training Needed: No formal education is needed. It would be helpful to have excellent grammar skills and attention to detail.
| Pros | Cons |
| You can make a living by reading. | Consistent work can be difficult to find. |
| Your work has the potential to impact the lives of readers all over the world. | Can be tough to remain objective. |
| You help authors share their stories. | Artificial intelligence (AI) is replacing many tasks performed by proofreaders. |
4 – Photographer
Job Description: Photographers take quality pictures of people, products, and scenery. They also edit photos using different types of software.
Median Salary: $38,950 per year
Education or Training Needed: No formal education is required. Most photographers are self-taught or complete online courses to improve their skills.
| Pros | Cons |
| Opportunity to travel | Photography is a competitive industry. |
| You set your own hours. | You have to invest in expensive equipment. |
| Help others capture precious moments that will last a lifetime. | Copyright violation accusations can be stressful. |
5 – Stuntman
Job description: Stuntmen perform dangerous acts (stunts) for movies and television shows. This risky job might not be for everyone, but if you’re an adrenaline junkie, it’s a fun way of making money.
Median salary: $35,533 per year
Education or Training Needed: No prior experience or education is necessary. Having a background in sports like gymnastics, skydiving, rock climbing, scuba diving, or martial arts could give you an advantage.
| Pros | Cons |
| It’s a job filled with adrenaline! | You rarely get mainstream recognition for your stunts. |
| Chance to work with famous actors. | The hours can be long and unpredictable. |
| Opportunity to make it on the big screen! | The risk of injury is high. |
6 – Bartender
Job description: Bartenders get paid to mix and serve drinks for customers. They are also responsible for verifying minimum age requirements and processing payments.
Median salary: $26,350 per year
Education or Training Needed: Many bartenders are self-taught. It’s completely optional, but some choose to attend a bartending school to become certified. This certificate comes in handy when applying for jobs that require you to perform flair tricks.
| Pros | Cons |
| Work in a fun environment! | Most shifts are at night. |
| Tips can provide an income boost. | Typically will have to work on holidays and weekends. |
| Easy to find work. | Dealing with drunk customers can be frustrating. |
7 – Real Estate Agent
Job Description: Real estate agents help clients sell, buy, and rent homes. This often involves researching market trends, showing properties to potential clients, and coordinating and reviewing contracts.
Median Salary: $48,770 per year
Education or Training Needed: You’ll need to complete a pre-licensing course. Requirements will vary from state to state. From here, pass your real estate final exam, and you’ll receive your license.
| Pros | Cons |
| Be your own boss | Irregular income |
| High earnings potential | Typically have to work on weekends and evenings |
| Help people find their dream home! | Usually work with no supervision or guidance |
8 – Makeup Artist/Cosmetologist
Job Description: A makeup artist enhances a client’s appearance by using various beauty products, tools, and techniques.
Median Salary: $29,680 per year
Education or Training Needed: Requirements may vary by state. A degree isn’t necessary, but you’ll need to complete a state-approved program and obtain a license.
| Pros | Cons |
| Endless room for growth | Working on your feet |
| Chance to use your creativity | Irregular clientele |
| You make people feel good about themselves! | Random work schedule, often including evenings and weekends |
9 – Flight Attendant
Job Description: Flight attendants provide customer service to airline passengers. They ensure passengers are comfortable and safe throughout their flight.
Median Salary: $61,640 per year
Education or Training Needed: Typically will complete on-the-job training and will need to obtain certification through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
| Pros | Cons |
| Chance to travel the world | Spend a lot of time away from home |
| Receive flight benefits and discounted rates | May come in contact with difficult passengers |
| Constantly meet new people (For more social career ideas, check out this list of the best jobs for extroverts) | Jet lag |
10 – Voice Over Artist
Job Description: Voice-over artists record audio for radio, television, audiobooks, gameplay, and other forms of virtual entertainment.
Median Salary: $110,915 per year
Education or Training Needed: No formal education is required. Vocal and acting lessons may be helpful.
| Pros | Cons |
| No education required | Irregular income |
| Can work remotely | May need to invest in training courses and recording equipment |
| High earnings potential | Highly competitive field |
11 – Graphic Designer
Job Description: Graphic designers create visuals like logos, advertisements, website design, and product packaging for clients. Their visual creations can be used to inspire, educate, and motivate people.
Median Salary: $50,710 per year
Education or Training Needed: Many graphic designers do obtain a bachelor’s degree in graphic design or a related field. However, no formal education is required.
| Pros | Cons |
| Opportunity to impact brand marketing | Most of your work is behind a computer |
| Can work remotely | May have to deal with difficult clients |
| Put your creativity to work | Tough to regularly come up with new, original ideas |
12 – Travel Agent
Job Description: Travel agents are responsible for planning clients’ travel accommodations. They’ll book hotel rooms, plane tickets, and excursions while offering advice on local tourist attractions to ensure their clients’ optimal vacationing experience.
Median Salary: $43,810 per year
Education or Training Needed: No formal education is required. Strong communication and customer service skills are needed.
| Pros | Cons |
| May receive discounted rates on flights and hotels | May encounter hard-to-please clients |
| Can work remotely | Will likely have to manage clients in different timezones |
| Help people plan memorable trips they’ll never forget! | May experience “off-season droughts and peak-season pressures” |
13 – Fitness Trainer
Job Description: Fitness trainers help their clients achieve health goals by building and supporting targeted exercise routines and healthy lifestyles.
Median Salary: $40,700 per year
Education or Training Needed: No formal education is required. You will likely need a high school diploma or equivalent to qualify for a personal trainer certification or similar.
| Pros | Cons |
| Help people reach their health goals | Likely have to work early mornings, evenings, and weekends |
| Get paid to work out! | May be difficult to do as you age |
| Work with people (can be in-person or remote) | Irregular income |
Fun Jobs That Pay Well With a Degree
Want to earn a degree and have a fun career? Check out my list of fun jobs that pay well with a degree below!
1 – Physical Therapist
Job Description: Physical therapists help patients recover from injuries and trauma.
Median Salary: $95,620 per year
Education or Training Needed: You must earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree and pass a state licensure exam.
| Pros | Cons |
| Opportunity to earn six figures after a few years of experience. | Requires many years of schooling and tuition is expensive. |
| Helping people regain strength and mobility. | In large hospitals, your hours are longer. |
| Demand is high. | Must be licensed in every state you plan to practice in. |
2 – Race Engineer
Job description: Race engineers are an integral part of motorsports teams. They are responsible for monitoring car software and communicating track information to drivers.
Median salary: $86,092 per year.
Education or Training Needed: Race engineers require a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in mechanical engineering.
| Pros | Cons |
| Perfect for car enthusiasts! | High pressure environments. |
| Be a part of a team. | Typically work long hours and on weekends. |
| Opportunity to travel to different racetracks. | Not in high demand. |
3 – Film Producer
Job Description: Film producers oversee and make business decisions for television and movie productions.
Median Salary: $79,000 per year
Education or Training Needed: You need a bachelor’s degree in cinematography or a related field.
| Pros | Cons |
| Chance to make stories/scripts come to life on screen. | Work long hours (>40 hours per week) |
| Work on movie sets and potentially with famous actors. | Deadlines can be stressful. |
| In high demand. | You have to deal with difficult patients and co-workers. |
4 – Special Effects Artist
Job description: Special effects artists create animations and visual effects for entertainment and media.
Median salary: $78,790 per year.
Education or Training Needed: You need a bachelor’s degree in computer graphics, art, or a related field. Employers will typically request to see your portfolio as well.
| Pros | Cons |
| Chance to earn money for your creativity! | Criticism can be tough to handle. |
| The earning potential is high, with senior artists making six figures per year. | You work in high-pressure environments with strict deadlines. |
| You positively impact the lives of thousands of gamers, television, and movie lovers worldwide. | Little recognition for the work you produce. |
5 – Interior Designer
Job description: You enhance indoor spaces such as homes and office spaces with decorative items.
Median salary: $60,340 per year
Education or Training Needed: Interior designers require a Bachelor’s degree in design, arts, or any related field.
| Pros | Cons |
| You get paid to design beautiful houses. | Problematic clients are a real headache (style is subjective). |
| It enhances your creativity and sense of style. | Entry-level positions aren’t typically well paid. |
| The potential for growth is high because many interior designers start their own business after a few years. | Coordinating logistics such as delivery times, installation, and availability can be challenging. |
6 – Art Therapist
Job description: These professionals improve the mental well-being of patients through the power of art.
Median salary: $59,500 per year.
Education or Training Needed: Art therapists need a bachelor’s degree in psychology or fine arts. You’ll also need to pass a state licensure exam to practice.
| Pros | Cons |
| You help people overcome trauma and improve their mental health. | Most people don’t understand what art therapists do. |
| Option to work with people of all ages. | Compared to other types of therapists, art therapists aren’t as highly paid. |
| Become an expert in empathy and patience! | Can be mentally exhausting. |
7 – Brewmaster
Job description: Brewmasters produce beer using new and existing recipes.
Median salary: $44,995 per year
Education or Training Needed: You’ll need a bachelor’s degree in brewing, microbiology, food science, chemistry, or a related field. If you want to specialize, consider completing a Cicerone certification program.
| Pros | Cons |
| You make beer for a living! | Little opportunity for growth. |
| Job demand is high because it’s a speciality skill. | It involves physical work. |
| Considered a low-stress occupation. | Work environment could be better (typically in a lab or warehouse). |
8 – Interior Designer
Job Description: Interior designers design various spaces, such as offices and homes. They create aesthetically pleasing spaces while maintaining functionality.
Median Salary: $60,340 per year
Education or Training Needed: You typically need a bachelor’s degree in interior design or fine arts. However, it is possible to become an interior designer without formal education. You’ll need to showcase your expertise with an outstanding portfolio.
| Pros | Cons |
| Opportunity to showcase your creativity | Competitive, it can be difficult to establish oneself |
| Design beautiful spaces for a living | Usually requires long working hours |
| Shopping is often part of the job | Criticism from clients can be hard to handle |
9 – Park Ranger
Job Description: Park rangers are responsible for protecting and conserving state and national parks. They can range anywhere from law enforcement officers to historians. Park rangers also help educate and spread awareness to park visitors.
Median Salary: $75,349 per year
Education or Training Needed: Requirements can vary from park to park. Many park rangers have degrees in biology, ecology, forestry, anthropology, or a related field.
| Pros | Cons |
| Spend most of your day outdoors | Work in all weather conditions |
| Contribute to the preservation of wildlife | Not in high demand; Limited career opportunities |
| Work in beautiful places | May have to deal with rude visitors |
10 – Veterinarian
Job Description: Veterinarians provide routine care as well as treat injuries and illnesses of animals.
Median Salary: $100,370 per year
Education or Training Needed: To become a veterinarian, you’ll need to earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from an accredited university and pass a state licensure exam.
| Pros | Cons |
| Work with animals | Expensive educational costs |
| High earnings potential | Working with animals can put you at risk of injury |
| In-demand job | Dealing with suffering animals can lead to compassion fatigue |
Commonly Asked Questions About Fun Jobs That Pay Well
What is the #1 Happiest Job?
Although happiness is subjective, art therapists consistently rank high in terms of job satisfaction and happiness. This is because their work is focused on improving people’s lives through something they’re passionate about- art. Art therapists also make a median annual salary of $59,500!
What’s a Fun Career?
Becoming a brewmaster is a fun career. Brewmasters make beer by using existing recipes and experimenting with their own. They make a median annual salary of $44,995. Plus, it’s considered a high-demand and low-stress career!
What Jobs Are Happy and Pay Well?
Special effects artists and writers are happy jobs that pay well. Special effects artists create visual animations to bring ideas to life on a screen. They make a median annual salary of $78,790! Writers get to share their stories with the world and make a median annual salary of $69,510!
What Jobs Are Easy But Pay A Lot?
Easiness varies from person to person. One of the easiest jobs that doesn’t require a degree is a flight attendant. The median annual salary is $61,640! Remember, this is one of many easy jobs that pay well. If air travel isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other options!
Fun Jobs That Pay Well Without Experience
Bartending is a fun job that pays well, and you don’t need any experience! You can look for places that offer on-the-job training or attend a bartending school. The median annual salary is $26,350. This might not sound like much, but tips can easily double your income! Also, be sure to check out how you can get paid to talk to lonely people for extra cash.
Fun Jobs That Pay Well Without a Degree
A personal shopper is a fun job that pays well without a degree. Most personal shoppers are their own bosses. So, they control how much work they take on and only work when they want. The median annual salary is $59,806! Imagine getting paid to shop!
Fun Jobs That Pay 6 Figures
A physical therapist is a fun job that pays six figures. Generally, physical therapists will need to gain a few years of experience before they make over six figures, but it’s possible! Help people regain mobility, relieve pain, and get paid to do it!
What is the Easiest Most Paid Jobs?
Determining what the easiest job is will depend on what you enjoy doing. If you are very creative, then becoming a graphic designer may be for you! If you prefer to work remotely and enjoy technology, you may find software development enjoyable. For more ideas, check out this article on easy jobs that pay well.
Which Job is Less Stressful?
Deciding what job is less stressful all depends on what you enjoy doing. If you like exercising a lot, then you may want to consider becoming a personal fitness trainer. However, if you’re allergic to sweat and enjoy shopping, then maybe interior design is more your speed. For more help, check out this list of the best jobs without a degree.
If you’re interested in working as a product tester in exchange for the use of great products, you may want to learn about Nike product testing and Adidas product testing.
And if you’d like to drive for DoorDash, learn how you may be able to get off the DoorDash waitlist.
Fun Jobs That Pay Well for 20-Year-Olds?
Voice-over artists, makeup artists, and graphic designers are fun jobs that pay well for 20-year-olds. Formal education is not typically required, so getting started is easy. If you enjoy working with others, check out this list of the best jobs for extroverts.
Most Enjoyable Jobs?
Finding enjoyable jobs depends on what you like to do! For instance, if you love practicing fun accents, then you could become a voice-over artist. However, if you’re worried about robots taking over and losing your job, then you should read this list of jobs that won’t be automated.
*Job salary statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, ZipRecruiter, and Glassdoor. Numbers may vary based on location, experience, and skill level.
