30 Fun Jobs That Pay Well in 2025

Remember when you were a kid and you wanted to be an astronaut? Or an ice cream truck driver? Or a vet who drives an ice cream truck on weekends—on the moon? Your eight-year-old self likely didn’t pick those careers because they paid well. You picked them because they sounded like fun jobs.

You imagined spending your adulthood moonwalking, or eating ice cream, or playing with puppies. While each of those jobs requires a lot more than just those tasks, it’s not completely out of the question to want a job that generally excites you while also helping you pay the bills.

If that's still one of your dreams, it's not too late to chase it. We scoured the market for cool and fun high-paying jobs—take a look, and let your childhood fantasies come to life.

What do we mean by “fun” jobs? 

Rating a job’s “fun-ness” comes with a lot of variables because everyone defines fun differently. For example, an extrovert may find a role that requires lots of human interaction thrilling, while an introvert may consider that their worst nightmare.

So you may look at some fun jobs on this list and think, “This doesn’t seem fun at all.” That’s OK! Hopefully, you’ll see other jobs that do spark your interest.

To balance the scales the best we could, we looked at several criteria to make our list:

• Stress: A fun job, per our evaluation, should have minimal stressful interactions or responsibilities. We used O*NET OnLine’s ranking of stress tolerance to evaluate this, and most of our roles have a score of lower than 80 (out of 100) in terms of the importance of handling high-stress situations.

• Fulfillment: A fun job should make someone feel motivated and have a sense of belonging, as well as speak to their passions, skills, or values. With this list, we’ll outline ways these jobs could provide fun challenges and fulfillment for those with specific needs or interests.

• Uniqueness: A fun job tends not to be something everyone else is doing—rather, it’s unique in title, industry, and/or opportunities.

• Growth: There’s only so much fun in standing still (figuratively) and doing the same thing over and over again in a decades-long career. So these jobs also offer ample room for personal and professional growth.

Notice we didn’t look at things like education or training required. That’s because a lot of fun jobs do come with prerequisites and if it seems like a cool job in your eyes, you probably won’t be deterred by the extra steps that come with it.

In fact, those might seem like just as much fun. (If you’re looking for a role that requires little work on your part, either when applying or on the job, check out our list of easy jobs that pay well.)

What do we consider a “high-paying” job? 

A high-paying job is relative and based on factors like where a person lives or what kind of lifestyle they’re hoping to achieve.

For the sake of our list, we focused on jobs that pay above $65,470, the mean annual salary in the U.S., according to May 2023 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (the most recent available).

Other barometers you can use when considering whether a job pays “well” are the average annual wage in your state, city, or industry. The following jobs are ranked in order of average annual salary.

30 most fun jobs that pay well

Here are 30 jobs that are fun and pay well. At the end of the list, you'll find roles that don't require degrees or experience and part-time jobs. 

1. Dietician

Average salary: $68,680

There’s so much satisfaction that comes with being a dietician or nutritionist because you get to help clients grow healthier. Dieticians provide tips on how a person can change their diet to reach a certain goal or treat a pre-existing health problem, such as diabetes or high cholesterol. You need at least a degree in nutritional science or a related field, as well as natural communication skills to talk sympathetically and honestly to patients.

2. Zoologist

Average salary: $70,600

The adults who wanted to be vets when they were kids may find zoology to be a great alternative. Zoologists and wildlife biologists study animals of various locales and species—either in their natural habitats or in captivity—and promote their growth and safety. Like many other scientific fields, this may require a master’s or PhD.

3. Video game designer

Average salary: $70,768 

If you love solving puzzles or sketching out stories and characters, you may enjoy being a video game designer. The job has a fairly high stress tolerance ranking compared to some of the other roles on this list. However, it’s marked as a “Bright Outlook,” which according to O*NET indicates it’s “expected to grow rapidly in the next several years.” This means this role is likely to provide you with plenty of opportunities to move up and around.

4. Cartographer

Average salary: $76,210 

If geography was your favorite subject in school and you're drawn to creating maps, cartography could be a fun profession for you. Cartographers (also known as photogrammetrists) research and create spatial data for political, educational, design, or other purposes.

5. Environmental scientist

Average salary: $78,980

Did you spend elementary school dreaming about saving the whales or rescuing our planet? If you’re passionate about the environment, a career as an environmental scientist could be the path for you. These STEM professionals study environmental conditions and use their knowledge to improve conditions for the natural world and human beings. 

6. Animator

Average salary: $99,060

Much like video game designers, special-effects artists and animators get to flex their creative muscles regularly on some of the most popular projects out there. It can be in television, movies, or advertising. Some companies will hire animators remotely, so this is a good option for people looking for fun remote jobs that pay well.

7. Audiologist

Average salary: $87,740

To become an audiologist, you need to study for a doctorate and obtain a license to practice. But once you do, you’re in for a career that’s challenging and rewarding. Audiologists diagnose patients’ hearing-related problems and fit them with hearing aids. They might also help conduct research in the field.

8. Postsecondary teacher

Average salary: $84,380

Being a teacher to students older than high-school age may speak to you if you find yourself drawn to studying a subject at length. Or perhaps you enjoy mentoring people of all ages who want to change careers or just learn for learning’s sake. Postsecondary teachers also tend to rank lower in stress tolerance when compared to elementary and secondary teachers. A master’s or higher degree is often required to make it in this field.

9. Biostatistician

Average salary: $83,952

Biostatisticians crunch numbers to analyze and better understand the results of biological research or other natural processes. For example, if a popular new drug is working or what kind of impact a new medical device might have. It’s the perfect role for someone who wants to bridge their passions for math and science.

10. Geologist

Average salary: $92,580

Despite what you might’ve learned in high school science class, a geologist does a lot more than look at rocks all day long. They also examine and predict the earth’s movement, studying the effects it has—earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, and floods included. The amount of time spent in the field may resonate with aspiring explorers.

11. Hydrologist

Average salary: $88,770

Much like a geologist, a hydrologist spends a lot of time in the field. However, rather than studying the movement and makeup of rocks, they’re looking at the way water moves across the Earth. This knowledge can help them solve major issues in areas where water quality or water levels are low.

12. Food technologist

Average salary: $88,350

It’s all about flavor for food technologists. They research and analyze everything we eat and figure out ways to make it taste better and last longer in storage. They’re also responsible for ensuring that products pass the sanitation requirements set by the government and maintain their nutritional content. All these requirements might seem stressful to some but fun for foodies who excelled in chemistry class.

13. Geographer

Average salary: $90,880

Geographers use their knowledge of the Earth’s surface as they research different regions of the world. Their main duty is to forecast the impact that humans will have on certain areas. If you’re passionate about climate change or urban planning, or really enjoyed that GIS (Geographic Information Systems) class you took in college, this may be a job to consider. 

14. Geneticist

Average salary: $89,990

Geneticists study how certain traits or disorders come to be. If you’re constantly leaning on Ancestry to dissect your personality and health, this could be the path for you.

15. Robotics engineer

Average salary: $95,770

Robotics or mechanical engineers design and support the development of equipment, cars, and other crucial tech. In other words, they get to build really cool things that help people work and live better. If you’re fascinated by how things get made or fantasize about building solutions for everyday problems, a bachelor’s degree may be enough to break into this industry.

16. Personal financial advisor

Average salary: $99,580

As a personal financial advisor, you can make money while helping people manage theirs. Financial advisors, consultants, and planners regularly tap their knowledge in tax and investment strategies, insurance, real estate, and other areas and often interact with unique clientele. This role is perfect for those who love talking about money, creating budget spreadsheets for themselves and family members, and following investment trends on TikTok.

17. Biomedical engineer

Average salary: $100,730

With a four-year degree in the subject—or with an engineering degree in a related field, combined with on-the-job training—you can head into the field of biomedical engineering. Biomedical engineers help improve patient care by designing and maintaining medical equipment and systems. They’re often the people behind advanced healthcare tech, such as artificial limbs and machines that 3-D print organs.

18. Materials engineer

Average salary: $104,100

Materials engineers have a hand in the entire production process of a certain item, be it a pair of skis or a computer chip. They help create the necessary machinery, document the processes, and choose the proper materials to make a product that meets all its design and performance standards. 

Builders and creatives may find themselves drawn to this innovative, hands-on profession. A bachelor’s degree in engineering or materials science will be your ticket into the field, although you could get in with a related specialization.

19. Fraud examiner

Average salary: $84,300

Fraud examiners are detectives specifically for financial transactions, compiling reports and evidence to detect or prevent fraud. Think of the people who uncover cases like that of Jordan Belfort, the inspiration behind Leonardo DiCaprio's character in The Wolf of Wall Street. This role typically requires a bachelor’s degree in finance or accounting.

20. Art director

Average salary: $106,500

An art director’s job doesn’t take place in a museum but behind the scenes in creative industries. Some examples are advertising, publishing, and TV production. They’re responsible for finding ways to best represent a concept or idea visually. You might need a bachelor’s degree and you definitely need impeccable taste.

21. Cybersecurity engineer

Average salary: $120,360

Ethical hackers and security engineers—to name a few of the titles in this field—are much like your favorite detectives. Simply put, they dig around the internet for threats or scammers and build systems to prevent attacks. Cybersecurity engineers can work for any company or institution that handles sensitive information, such as banks, hospitals, and financial institutions. To enter this field, you'll typically need a degree in computer science or a related discipline.

22. Computer hardware engineer

Average salary: $138,080 

Computer hardware engineers help in the creation of computer-related equipment, such as processors and memory disks. They design, research, build, develop, or test these products. Their creations could end up in the hands of commercial users, scientists, military officials, or other industrial workers. 

If you’ve always loved taking things apart, figuring out how they work, and imagining ways to make them better, this is the path for you. You can get your start in this field after graduating with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited course.

23. Astronomer

Average salary: $128,940

An astronomer’s job is more than just stargazing—though that’s a nice perk for those who find themselves often looking to space. Their research and analysis can apply to the practical problems faced day-to-day down here on Earth. For example, we can thank astronomy for giving us GPS and wireless internet. Getting into this field isn't easy, though. You'll need a doctorate degree in physics or astronomy, according to the American Astronomical Society.

Fun jobs that pay well without experience or a degree

If you're looking for fun, good paying jobs in fields that don’t require a degree or prior experience (which, let’s be honest, leaves you with limited options), here are three careers to consider:

24. Voice actor

Average pay: $200/hr

Can you imagine bringing animated characters to life with your voice? That's exactly what a voice actor does. They also narrate audio books, and record voice overs for commercials, for example. While many voice actors have a background in theater or training from theater schools, it's possible to break into this field without a degree—but you'll need a lot of natural talent.

25. Professional esports player

Average pay: varies depending on competition prizes and contracts

Have you ever dreamed of playing video games all day, everyday? Today that's a possibility by becoming a professional game player. Also known as professional esports players, these professionals make their living by playing games. 

The earnings come from prizes at esports tournaments, contracts with esports teams, and partnerships with brands. In 2019, Johan “N0tail” Sundstein became the most successful esports player by winning an international tournament with a payout of more than $3 million. He still holds this title with $7.18 million in overall earnings, according to Statista. 

This is one of the few fun jobs that pay well without a degree. However, climbing the esports ladder still requires a lot of dedication and investment in equipment. It also requires patience and planning, as earnings are typically lower in the beginning of one's career.

26. Content creator

Average pay: varies depending on niche, number of followers, and negotiation

If you use social media, you probably know at least one content creator or influencer who earns money from brand sponsorships, affiliate links, and platform monetization. According to Business Insider, an influencer with 250,000 followers earned $700,000 in brand sponsorships within six months. However, it's not all sunshine and rainbows.

Like esports players, content creators have to work a lot to climb the influencer ladder. You'll need to find your voice and spend hours creating content until you build an audience—which can be fun if your content is based on a passion or hobby of yours. 

Only after gaining a significant following (usually between 5,000 to 10,000) does the money start rolling in. In addition to brand deals (which you'll need to negotiate smartly), you can also earn money through affiliate marketing and platform monetization.

Fun part-time jobs

If you want to have fun while working but still have a few hours of your day free to focus on other things—like studying, spending time with friends and family, or working a second job—here are some fun short-term jobs (that might pay well under certain conditions).

27. Software developer

Average salary: $130,160

As a software developer, your main responsibility is to create computer applications and programs. Not everyone might see this as a fun job, but if you like building things from scratch and finding creative ways to solve problems, developing could be a fun part-time gig for you.

Software developers often work full-time for a company or organization, but you can find part-time opportunities, especially as a freelancer, contractor, or consultant. With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), there are new opportunities out there—all you need is a bachelor's degree in computer science or similar field and great coding skills in multiple programming languages.

28. Private tutor

Average pay: varies depending on number of clients or platform used

What was your favorite school subject? Your passion for biology, mathematics, physics, or literature could become your fun part-time job. Though a lot of students may resort to Wikipedia or ChatGPT, there are still people out there who will pay for a tutor to help them finish a paper or get their grades up. 

You can do it by advertising your classes on your social media or by enrolling in a tutoring platform. Some examples are TutorMe, Tutor.com, Teachable, and Skooli. Pricing guidelines vary between platforms, as well as the guidelines to accept tutors—some may require a degree in a field related to the subject you want to teach.

Fun part-time jobs for seniors    

There are many jobs senior workers can do, but there are a couple that could be more fun for a person trying to supplement their income with a part-time gig. 

29. Tour guide

Average pay: varies depending on location and availability

If you live in or close to a touristic city in the country and you love walking around, you could have fun as a tour guide. This job consists in taking tourists to famous tourist attractions, while providing relevant historical or cultural information about it. 

According to the BLS, the average annual wage of a tour guide is $40,280, but you can make more working for yourself. In tour guide platforms, like Get Your Guide, for example, you can publish your guide activities and earn up to $5,800 a month, depending on your location and availability to work. 

30. Dog walker and pet sitter

Average pay: varies depending on number of clients and location

Pet sitters care for animals when their owners have to leave them alone for an extended period of time (e.g. vacation, honeymoon, work trip). Your responsibility is to keep the pets alive, fed, and safe until they come back. Sometimes you may be required to sleep at the owner's house, but often you will only need to visit a few times a day.

On the other hand, dog walkers usually take dogs for a stroll around the block or park when their owners are unavailable. Often, dog owners who work long hours hire walkers so their pets don't spend the whole day alone at home with no activity. 

Both can be fun part-time jobs for seniors who love pets. To find clients, try apps and platforms like Wag!, Rover, and PetBacker. Your earnings will mostly depend on your location and how many clients you can take.