15 Top Odd Jobs That Pay Well 2024

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Side hustles are a pretty common thing these days. In fact, approximately 37 percent of Americans have a side job or second career. Money is tight for many with inflation out of control and potential layoffs in many industries. People are even quiet quitting their jobs because they aren't getting paid enough, have no work-life balance, or aren't passionate about their position.

Are you look for a way to earn some extra cash on the side while doing something fun? Especially with everything going on in the world today? Life is expensive and you need extra options to earn more money. Luckily there are solutions if you think outside the box with your work.

It doesn't matter if you are saving for a big purchase or just would like a little more disposable income each month. Either way, there are lots of ways you can go about building up your bank account through odd jobs and unorthodox side gigs.

Read on to learn about 15 odd jobs that will help you boost your income and shake up your day-to-day work routine in 2024. 

15 Best Strange Side Hustles That Pay A Lot Of Money In 2024


1. Bed Warmer

Yes, this is a real odd job. And yes, this strange job is exactly what it sounds like.

As a professional bed warmer, it's your job to go to people's homes and warm up their bed for them before they get in it.  

Some people actually earn up to $200,000 a year doing this. It sounds a little more interesting now, doesn't it?


2. Selling at Craft Fairs

Maybe bed warming's not your thing. That is okay. There are plenty of other ways you can make extra money in 2024.

For example, if you are into crafting and DIY projects, you could earn a lot of cash selling your wares at craft fairs or through online stores like Etsy.

It's easy to start selling through these platforms and connect with people who are looking to buy what you have to offer.


3. Body for Hire

This is an odd job, for sure. It's a position people need to be filled, though.

As a body for hire, you'll go where people need you and get paid to be there.

For example, someone might hire a body for hire if they're short a bridesmaid at their wedding.

You would show up, dress like the other bridesmaids, and the guests (most of them, at least) wouldn't know that you didn't actually know the married couple.


4. Personal Chef

If you love to cook and want to share your talents with the world, you might want to consider working as a personal chef.

Even if you never went to culinary school, you can still provide this valuable service to people who are too busy or don't know how to cook their own food.


5. Golf Ball Retriever

If you don't mind chasing after rogue golf balls like a golden retriever, working as a golf ball retriever is a great way to earn extra money. Some golf ball retrievers even earn six figures with this odd job!


6. Dating Profile Ghostwriter

Online dating and dating apps are huge these days, and pretty much everyone who's single is using at least one.

Some people have better luck on these platforms than others, and a lot of it has to do with the way their profile is written.

If you can help people talk themselves up in their dating profiles, you can easily earn some additional income. 


7. Dog Walker or Pet Sitter

Through apps like Rover, you can easily get in touch with people who are looking for someone to walk to watch over their dog when they're not home.

If you love dogs and prefer spending time with them over spending time with people, this is a great side hustle for you.


8. Virtual Assistant

As a virtual assistant, it's your job to work with people remotely to help them manage their businesses and stay organized. In this position, you'll handle a variety of administrative tasks like responding to emails, making appointments, and answering phones. “As a virtual assistant, you are often able to set your own hours and work your own pace,” said Ben Tejes co-founder of the Chapter 7 Means Test Calculator.


9. Sell Photos

If you have decent photography skills, you can earn money by selling your photos to stock photo websites. You'll earn a small commission every time someone uses your image. This unusual side gig can be a fun way to bring in a little extra cash, and if you're good enough it can make you some serious income.


10. Babysitting

Babysitting might very well be the original side hustle. It's a classic option when you need additional income, but it's a totally viable full-time work option as well. If you're good with kids, try signing up for a site like Care.com to get in touch with parents in need of childcare. You could also look into related professions like becoming a nanny or au pair. 


11. Uber or Lyft Driver

Uber and Lyft are also good side hustle options for those that like to drive and know the local neighborhoods. Do you have the drive to earn extra income helping people get to where they need to go?

This is a great way to earn money and enjoy a flexible schedule while also getting to socialize and help people get where they need to be on time.


12. Food Delivery Person

If you don't mind driving but would rather not open your car to drunken strangers, delivery food through apps like PostMates and GrubHub is a good alternative.

This allows you a lot of flexibility, just like other side hustles, but you don't have to deal with as much human interaction.


13. Rent on Airbnb

Lots of people earn extra money by opening up their apartment or house to people looking for an Airbnb. If you have somewhere to stay for a few nights when people need your space, this job can bring in additional cash with barely any effort on your part.


14. Cannabis Tourism

As more states legalize cannabis, many people are jumping into the cannabis tourism business. Marijuana dispensaries and pot farms are popping up worldwide.

You could work in cannabis tourism by hosting tours or even renting out your apartment through Airbnb and advertising it as being "420-friendly."

You can also read more here about other interesting cannabis jobs and cannabidiol careers in the modern job market.


15. Mystery Shopping

Finally, you might want to consider working as a mystery shopper.

Mystery shoppers go shopping on the down-low (you're probably already interested, right?) and report back to higher-ups to document their experience.

Businesses then use this information to improve their customer service practices and the way they operate their stores.

You can be a mystery shopper at brick-and-mortar stores or online with this high paying odd job.


Get More Ideas for Odd Jobs Today

As you can see, there are tons of odd jobs out there that you can turn into a side hustle and use to bring in extra cash. These high paying unusual jobs can make a major impact on your personal finances.

If you really need cash fast before you can get a job, or, before you need to borrow money to make buy clothes for interviews, a loan might be right for you. Make sure you use a fair loan service that doesn't charge any fees and won’t do a hard credit search on your credit file.

Earn More From Your Odd Jobs And Extra Income

Do you want to learn about other side hustles and unusual gigs that can help you boost your income? Or, would you like to learn about ways to stretch the money you earn from your side hustles?

Either way, we've got articles that can help with your fiscal fitness, career options, and side jobs. Increase your income incrementally by visiting the Career and HR sections of our Frugal Finance Blog. Get your side hustle on or explore those odd jobs that might pay profitably!

Also check out the Couponing section of our Frugal Finance website today to learn about ways you can save money and make your dollars go a little farther.

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