Introduction
Most people believe earning money means a regular job, a side business, or investing for years before seeing results. But the internet and the modern gig economy have unlocked weird ways to make money that sound ridiculous—yet actually pay real cash. From strange online tasks to unusual offline side hustles, some people are turning everyday oddities into steady income streams. If you’re curious about unconventional ideas that break the rules of traditional earning, these weird ways to make money might completely change how you think about making extra income.
1. Professional Napper:
Get Paid to Sleep and Test Mattresses
Getting paid to sleep is one of the most surprising yet legitimate weird ways to make money. Companies rely on real user feedback to improve comfort, durability, and sleep quality, which is why they are willing to pay testers for their opinions.
Test mattresses, pillows, and sleep-related devices at home
Follow simple instructions and record your sleep experience
No prior experience or investment required
Earn $200–$500 per testing project
Long-term sleep studies can pay $1,000–$3,000 per month
Often keep the tested products for free
This makes it one of the easiest and most realistic weird ways to make money while doing something you already enjoy.
2. Pet Food Taster:
Get Paid to Taste Pet Food
Tasting pet food may sound odd, but it is a real job used by premium pet food brands to ensure quality, texture, and flavor standards. These companies rely on human taste testers to evaluate ingredients before products reach the market.
Sample pet food products and assess taste, smell, and texture
Provide feedback on quality, consistency, and overall appeal
Follow strict safety and hygiene guidelines
Entry-level tasting roles pay around $15–$25 per hour
Experienced testers can earn $40,000–$60,000 per year
Some roles include bonuses or product perks
It may be unusual, but this is one of the more surprising weird ways to make money, especially for adventurous food lovers and pet enthusiasts.
3. Fake Business Review Author:
Get Paid to Write Online Reviews
Writing reviews for businesses is a common online task, but some companies pay people to post positive reviews for their own products or negative reviews about competitors. While this practice exists, it sits in a gray—and often unethical—area of online marketing.
Write product or service reviews on websites, apps, or forums
Follow specific instructions on tone, keywords, or star ratings
Tasks are usually short and completed quickly
Basic review-writing gigs pay around $5–$20 per review
Bulk assignments can earn $200–$500 per month
Some high-volume contributors make $1,000+ monthly
Although controversial, this remains one of the more bizarre weird ways to make money online. It is important to understand platform rules and ethical risks before considering this option.
4. Professional Queue Stand-In:
Get Paid to Stand in Line
In some countries, like Japan, people actually get paid to wait in line for others. Known as “professional queuers,” these individuals ensure clients secure spots at events, product launches, or limited-stock releases. Your patience becomes their paycheck.
Stand in line for events, product releases, or restaurant openings
Follow client instructions and ensure timely presence
Requires patience, reliability, and sometimes physical endurance
Average pay is $10–$25 per hour
Premium or high-demand events can pay $50–$100+ per hour
Long-term clients can provide regular income opportunities
It’s one of the quirkiest and most unusual weird ways to make money, turning patience into profit.
5. Rent-a-Friend:
Get Paid to Be a Professional Friend
Some companies allow people to hire companions for social activities—like going to the movies, attending events, or simply having someone to talk to. While it may sound unusual, professional friendship is a legitimate way to earn money by offering companionship and social support.
Accompany clients to events, outings, or gatherings
Provide friendly conversation and social interaction
Flexible hours with no special qualifications required
Average pay ranges from $15–$30 per hour
Experienced or specialized companions can earn $50+ per hour
Some clients offer regular engagements for steady income
- Looking to make extra cash by simply being social? Check out RentAFriend and start earning today!
This is one of the more unconventional weird ways to make money, turning friendliness into a profitable skill.
6. Bed Bug Sniffer:
Get Paid as a Bed Bug Sniffer
Believe it or not, some businesses and homeowners pay for experts—or specially trained dogs—to detect bed bugs. People or dogs with an extraordinary sense of smell are hired to locate infestations quickly, helping prevent costly damage and health issues.
Inspect homes, hotels, or businesses for bed bug infestations
Use keen senses or trained detection dogs to locate bugs
Requires attention to detail and reliability
Average pay for humans: $15–$25 per hour
Trained bed bug detection dogs with handlers: $50–$100+ per inspection
Steady demand ensures repeat opportunities
This is one of the strangest yet practical weird ways to make money, turning a unique skill into a high-demand service.
7. Professional Apologizer:
Get Paid to Apologize on Someone’s Behalf
Some individuals and businesses hire professional apology service providers to handle sensitive situations where a sincere, well‑worded apology can help preserve relationships. Acting as a neutral third party, you help smooth things over without escalating conflict.
Craft and deliver polite, empathetic apologies via email, phone, or in person
Follow clear instructions while maintaining professionalism and discretion
Requires strong communication skills and emotional intelligence
Simple written apologies earn $20–$50 per request
Phone or in‑person apologies can pay $50–$150 per task
Ongoing corporate arrangements may generate $500–$1,000+ per month
It’s an unusual but real example of weird ways to make money, turning diplomacy and tact into a paid service.
8. Chicken Sexer:
Get Paid as a Professional Chicken Sexer
Professional chicken sexers work in the poultry industry to determine the gender of chicks—a delicate and highly specialized task. Since this requires precision and experience, skilled chicken sexers are in high demand.
Identify the gender of newly hatched chicks quickly and accurately
Work in hatcheries, poultry farms, or breeding facilities
Requires training, steady hands, and attention to detail
Entry-level chicken sexers can earn $25,000–$40,000 per year
Experienced professionals in large-scale operations earn $50,000–$70,000 annually
Skilled sexers are often highly sought after, ensuring job stability
This is one of the most unusual yet practical weird ways to make money, turning a niche skill into a steady income.
9. Personal Paparazzi:
Get Paid as a Personal Paparazzi
Some people love the glamor of celebrity life—but without the fame. Enter personal paparazzi: professionals hired to follow clients and capture candid moments, giving them a taste of stardom.
Photograph clients during daily activities, events, or outings
Deliver high-quality candid or posed photos
Requires photography skills, discretion, and creativity
Average pay: $20–$50 per hour
Full-day assignments can earn $200–$500
Long-term clients may provide regular gigs and bonuses
It’s one of the more unusual weird ways to make money, turning your photography skills and observational talents into a fun, profitable service.
10. Professional Cuddler:
Get Paid as a Professional Cuddler
Professional cuddling allows people to experience platonic physical touch in a safe, non-romantic setting. Clients hire trained cuddlers to provide comfort, reduce stress, and satisfy the human need for connection.
Offer platonic cuddling sessions in person, following clear boundaries
Provide emotional support, comfort, and relaxation
Requires professionalism, empathy, and good communication
Average pay: $40–$80 per hour
Experienced cuddlers with regular clients can earn $2,000–$5,000 per month
Some platforms offer flexible schedules and repeat bookings
This is one of the more intimate yet surprising weird ways to make money, turning empathy and human connection into a profitable skill.
11. Extreme Ironing Service:
Get Paid for Extreme Ironing
Extreme ironing combines ordinary chores with adventure. People hire extreme ironers to press clothes in unusual or thrilling locations—like mountain peaks, underwater, or rooftops—while documenting the experience for entertainment or promotional purposes.
Iron clothes in unusual, extreme, or scenic locations
Capture photos or videos of the experience for clients
Requires creativity, physical ability, and safety awareness
Average pay: $50–$150 per session
High-risk or elaborate locations can earn $200–$500+ per assignment
Experienced extreme ironers may get sponsorships or repeat clients
It’s one of the most unusual weird ways to make money, turning a mundane task into an adventurous and profitable stunt.
12. Virtual Fortune Teller:
Get Paid for Virtual Fortune-Telling
If you have a knack for intuition or enjoy mystical arts, virtual fortune-telling is a unique way to make money online. Clients pay for guidance, predictions, or simply an entertaining glimpse into their future.
Offer tarot readings, astrology sessions, or psychic consultations online
Provide insights, advice, or entertainment through chat, video, or email
Requires confidence, intuition, and good communication skills
Average pay: $20–$50 per session
Experienced or popular readers can earn $500–$2,000+ per month
Repeat clients and referrals can provide steady income
This is one of the more mystical yet legitimate weird ways to make money, turning intuition into a profitable
13. Snake Milker:
Get Paid as a Snake Milker
Snake milking is a highly specialized and dangerous job where venom is extracted from snakes for use in antivenom production and medical research. Skilled snake milkers are essential to saving lives and advancing science.
Safely handle venomous snakes and extract venom for research
Follow strict safety protocols and laboratory procedures
Requires specialized training, experience, and calm under pressure
Average pay: $30,000–$50,000 per year for trained professionals
Experienced snake milkers in research labs can earn $60,000+ annually
High demand in medical and research institutions ensures stable work
This is one of the most extreme yet vital weird ways to make money, turning courage and expertise into a life-saving profession.
14. Rent-a-Chicken business:
Get Paid by Renting Hens
Hen rental is a quirky but practical way to earn money. People rent hens for a short period to enjoy fresh eggs without the long-term commitment of raising chickens themselves.
Rent out hens to clients for backyard egg production
Provide guidance on feeding and care during the rental period
Requires basic knowledge of chicken care and maintenance
Average pay: $20–$50 per hen per week
Seasonal or multiple-hen rentals can earn $200–$500+ per month
Repeat clients and local farms may provide steady demand
It’s one of the more unusual weird ways to make money, letting you profit from fresh eggs without permanent poultry ownership.
15. Professional Whistler:
Get Paid for Professional Whistling
If you have a unique talent for whistling, you can turn it into a fun and unusual source of income. People and businesses hire whistlers for events, commercials, recordings, or entertainment.
Perform live at events, parties, or shows
Record whistling for advertisements, jingles, or online content
Requires skill, pitch control, and creativity
Average pay: $50–$150 per gig
Commercial or recording work can earn $200–$500 per project
Popular performers may build repeat clients or online audiences
It’s one of the more surprising weird ways to make money, turning a simple talent into a profitable performance skill.
16. Feng Shui Consultant for Pets:
Get Paid as a Pet Feng Shui Consultant
If you’re knowledgeable about feng shui, you can apply it to pets by helping owners create harmonious living spaces for their furry friends. This unique service appeals to pet lovers who want to enhance their pets’ comfort, mood, and overall well-being.
Advise clients on arranging furniture, décor, and pet areas for optimal energy flow
Provide personalized consultations for dogs, cats, and other pets
Requires understanding of feng shui principles and basic animal behavior
Average pay: $50–$100 per consultation
Repeat clients or premium packages can earn $200–$500 per month
Some consultants offer virtual sessions for wider reach
It’s one of the more creative weird ways to make money, blending holistic design with pet care.
17. Moss Graffiti Artist:
Get Paid as a Moss Graffiti Artist
Combine creativity with nature by creating living art! Moss graffiti artists use a mixture of moss, yogurt, and sugar to paint eco-friendly, vibrant designs on walls and public spaces. This sustainable art form attracts clients who want unique, natural décor.
Design and paint living murals or outdoor art using moss mixtures
Maintain the moss artwork to ensure it thrives over time
Requires artistic skill, patience, and knowledge of plant care
Average pay: $100–$300 per mural
Large or commissioned projects can earn $500–$1,000+
Event or brand collaborations may offer ongoing income
It’s one of the most creative and eco-friendly weird ways to make money, turning art and nature into a profitable venture.
18. Professional Mourner:
Get Paid as a Professional Mourner
In certain cultures, hiring mourners is a tradition to honor the deceased and create a solemn atmosphere. Professional mourners are paid to express grief, even if they didn’t know the person personally.
Attend funerals and display appropriate grieving behavior
Follow cultural or family-specific mourning rituals
Requires empathy, performance skills, and respect for traditions
Average pay: $50–$200 per funeral
High-demand or large events can pay $300–$500+
Experienced mourners may receive regular engagements
It’s one of the more unusual weird ways to make money, turning performance and empathy into a culturally significant service.
19. Bug Chef:
Get Paid as a Bug Chef
For adventurous cooks, becoming a bug chef is a unique way to turn culinary creativity into income. Prepare gourmet dishes using edible insects for clients who want unusual, protein-rich meals or special event experiences.
Create recipes and cook meals using crickets, mealworms, grasshoppers, and other edible insects
Cater to adventurous diners, restaurants, or private events
Requires cooking skills, food safety knowledge, and creativity
Average pay: $25–$50 per hour for events
Special catering projects can earn $200–$500 per event
Popular chefs may secure repeat clients or media opportunities
It’s one of the more unconventional weird ways to make money, turning an unusual ingredient into a profitable culinary adventure.
20. Become a Human Scarecrow :
Get Paid as a Human Scarecrow
Yes, it’s real! Some farmers hire people to act as “human scarecrows” to protect crops from birds. By standing in fields, flailing your arms, and making noise, you keep birds away and help safeguard harvests.
Stand in fields and actively deter birds from crops
Follow schedules, often during peak feeding times
Requires patience, stamina, and willingness to work outdoors
Average pay: $15–$25 per hour
Seasonal or high-demand farms can offer $200–$500 per week
Repeat seasonal work can provide steady income
It’s one of the quirkiest weird ways to make money, turning simple presence and effort into a farm-saving service.
21. Dung Beetle Trainer:
Get Paid to Train Dung Beetles
Believe it or not, some researchers pay for expertise in studying and training dung beetles. By teaching these insects to roll dung balls in specific ways, you can contribute to scientific studies on navigation, behavior, and ecology.
Observe and guide dung beetle behavior in controlled experiments
Train beetles to perform tasks for research purposes
Requires patience, attention to detail, and knowledge of insect behavior
Average pay: $20–$40 per hour
Long-term research projects can pay $500–$1,500 per month
Academic or ecological institutions may offer repeat work
It’s one of the strangest yet legitimate weird ways to make money, combining curiosity, science, and hands-on insect training.
22. Professional Line Stander:
Get Paid as a Professional Line Stand-In
Some people hire professionals to wait in line for them—whether for limited-edition products, concert tickets, or event passes. Your patience and time become someone else’s convenience, and you get paid for it.
Stand in line for clients at stores, events, or product launches
Follow instructions on timing and priority for purchases
Requires patience, reliability, and sometimes physical endurance
Average pay: $10–$25 per hour
High-demand events or exclusive releases can pay $50–$100+ per hour
Regular clients may provide ongoing opportunities
It’s one of the quirkiest weird ways to make money, turning patience into profit.
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23. Submerged Pumpkin Carver:
Get Paid for Underwater Pumpkin Carving
Combine creativity, adventure, and a love for Halloween by carving pumpkins underwater! This unusual hobby can be turned into a niche service or entertainment offering for events, videos, or social media content.
Carve intricate jack-o’-lanterns while scuba diving or in controlled underwater setups
Film or photograph your creations for clients, events, or online audiences
Requires scuba skills, pumpkin carving talent, and safety awareness
Average pay: $50–$150 per project or event
Sponsored videos or online content can earn $200–$500+
Unique skills can lead to recurring gigs or collaborations
It’s one of the more creative weird ways to make money, combining art, adventure, and entertainment in a truly memorable way.
24. Test of Mattress Face Feeler:
Get Paid to Test Mattresses with a Face Feeler Mask
If you love comfort and relaxation, you can get paid to test mattresses using a face feeler mask. Companies hire testers to evaluate how their mattresses support the body, ensuring potential buyers receive accurate feedback.
Lie down on mattresses with a face feeler mask to assess comfort, support, and pressure points
Provide detailed feedback on sleep quality and mattress feel
No special skills required, just honesty and patience
Average pay: $200–$500 per testing session
Long-term testing projects can earn $1,000–$3,000 per month
Testers may also get to keep the mattresses
It’s one of the most unusual weird ways to make money, turning relaxation into a paid gig.
25. Babysitting of ostrich chicks:
Get Paid for Babysitting Ostrich Chicks
If you enjoy animals, babysitting ostrich chicks is a unique way to earn money. Farms and breeders hire people to care for young ostriches, ensuring they grow healthy and strong.
Feed, monitor, and care for ostrich chicks daily
Ensure proper hygiene, nutrition, and safety of the chicks
Requires patience, attention to detail, and comfort around animals
Average pay: $15–$25 per hour
Full-time care for farms can earn $500–$1,200 per month
Repeat opportunities often arise during hatching seasons
It’s one of the more unusual weird ways to make money, combining animal care with hands-on experience in a niche farming role.
26. Professional Plant Whisperer:
Get Paid as a Professional Plant Whisperer
If you have a green thumb and a knack for understanding plants, you can turn it into a paid service. Professional plant whisperers help houseplant owners care for their plants’ emotional and environmental needs, ensuring they thrive.
Advise clients on watering, sunlight, soil, and plant placement
Observe plants and provide insights on their growth or “mood”
Requires plant knowledge, patience, and communication skills
Average pay: $30–$70 per consultation
Long-term clients or subscriptions can earn $200–$500+ per month
Virtual consultations allow reaching clients worldwide
It’s one of the more creative weird ways to make money, turning your plant intuition into a profitable service.
27. Fortune Cookie Writer:
Get Paid to Write Fortune Cookie Messages
If you love writing witty, inspiring, or humorous messages, creating fortunes for fortune cookies is a quirky way to make money. Your creativity can bring a smile—or a little wisdom—to someone’s meal.
Craft short, clever, or thought-provoking fortunes for fortune cookies
Submit them to restaurants, manufacturers, or online platforms
Requires creativity, concise writing skills, and a sense of humor
Average pay: $10–$30 per batch of fortunes
High-demand or custom projects can earn $50–$200+ per assignment
Popular writers may get recurring opportunities with companies
It’s one of the more unusual weird ways to make money, turning clever words into small but joyful rewards.
28. Exotic Animal Poop Scooper:
Get Paid to Scoop Exotic Animal Poop
It may not be glamorous, but cleaning up after exotic animals can be surprisingly profitable. Zoos, sanctuaries, and private exotic animal owners often hire people to maintain cleanliness and hygiene in animal enclosures.
Scoop and dispose of waste from exotic animals like llamas, reptiles, birds, or primates
Maintain clean enclosures and follow safety and sanitation protocols
Requires attention to detail, stamina, and comfort handling animals
Average pay: $15–$30 per hour
Full-time or high-demand assignments can earn $500–$1,200 per month
Repeat work is often available with zoos or sanctuaries
It’s one of the strangest yet practical weird ways to make money, turning a dirty task into a niche service.
29. Become a Professional Fireworks Tester:
Get Paid as a Professional Firework Tester
If you love fireworks and have an eye for detail, becoming a firework tester is a thrilling way to make money. Companies hire testers to ensure their fireworks are safe, reliable, and spectacular before public displays.
Test and evaluate fireworks for safety, performance, and visual effects
Follow strict safety protocols and document results
Requires attention to detail, caution, and sometimes certification
Average pay: $20–$50 per hour
Seasonal or large-scale testing projects can earn $500–$1,500 per month
Experienced testers may be hired regularly for events or product launches
It’s one of the more exciting weird ways to make money, combining safety, fun, and expertise in pyrotechnics.
30. Hair sales:
Get Paid by Selling Human Hair
Selling human hair is a unique and profitable way to earn money. Wig makers and companies are constantly seeking high-quality natural hair to create realistic, comfortable wigs for clients.
Collect and sell healthy, untreated human hair
Work with wig makers, salons, or hair supply companies
Requires maintaining hair quality and hygiene before sale
Average pay: $100–$500 per ponytail, depending on length and quality
Bulk sales to manufacturers can earn $1,000+ per month
Repeat donors or regular suppliers often secure steady income
It’s one of the more unusual weird ways to make money, turning a natural resource into a valuable commodity.
Bottom Line:
There are countless weird and wonderful ways to make money beyond a regular job, from offering quirky personal services to participating in unusual experiments or selling odd items. The key is to embrace your creativity, be open-minded, and take calculated risks. Many of these unusual ventures can turn into side hustles, hobbies, or entirely new experiences you never imagined. Success comes from trying something different, enjoying the process, and staying persistent. So pick one or two ideas that excite you, take action, and you might just find that your next paycheck comes from the most unexpected and fun source.
FAQs
Q. How much money can I realistically earn from these methods?
- Earnings vary depending on the type of opportunity and effort you put in. Some weird jobs may offer only small payouts (e.g., renting space on your forehead for advertising), while others—like rare-item flipping or participating in clinical trials—can offer more significant rewards.
Q. Can these weird ways become long-term income streams?
- Yes, some of these methods—like blogging about strange experiences, renting quirky items, or becoming an online consultant for odd topics—can grow into sustainable side hustles or even careers with consistent effort.
Q. What if a method doesn’t work out?
- Not every weird venture will succeed, but the key is to try different methods and see what fits your lifestyle and interests. Some ideas might be fun but not profitable, while others could surprise you with unexpected success. Keep an open mind and don’t be afraid to pivot to new opportunities.
Q. Are these opportunities safe?
- Most are safe, but some may require caution. For example, if you participate in medical research or unusual services, check reviews, read contracts carefully, and ensure that any risks are minimal.
Owner of Paisewaise
I’m a friendly finance expert who helps people manage money wisely. I explain budgeting, earning, and investing in a clear, easy-to-understand way.
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