15 Fun Jobs That Pay Well in 2025: A Job Seeker's Guide

Looking for careers that are both fun and pay well isn't exactly a reach, but it's a problem that plenty of job seekers have struggled with. And although it's not highly suggested to make it your first option when finding a job, it can help you when the time comes that you want to change your career path.

But fun is only half the equation; it should, ideally, come with a hefty compensation to make it sound more appealing, too. So, it's only natural that you'll be looking for fun jobs that pay well.

Thus, listed below are some fun jobs that pay surprisingly well that you can look out for in 2025. These are a collection of unique jobs for people who want to take "loving their job" to the next level while still ensuring financial independence, as well as some descriptors on what makes a job "fun" in the first place.

What makes a job "fun"?

A "fun" job can be defined as one that correlates directly with your values as an individual. Although fun is subjective, it can be argued that these jobs aren't as boring as sitting in a cubicle in an entry level position for some and can even be fulfilling for the soul.

Those who enjoy their dream jobs are also statistically less likely to leave and are generally happier individuals overall, making lucrative jobs that you might enjoy that much more rewarding to find and apply to.

15 fun jobs that pay well to look out for

Listed below are many jobs that pay well that you should look out for, with data provided by Salary.com's SalaryIQ. Below is a table of fun jobs to look out for and their respective salaries.

The list below provides a more detailed description of the job titles above.

1. Sommeliers
   A sommelier's main job is to evaluate a restaurant's wine selection and help make pairings that perfectly match their wine list. They can also help guests navigate their restaurant's wine list and pick up which wine suits them best. Per Salary.com's data, a sommelier in the U.S. makes an average of $58,244 per year.
2. Video game designers
   If you're a fan of video games and you have some coding knowledge, technical expertise, and love solving puzzles, going for a video game designer role is a lucrative job that you can look out for. Salary.com reports that the average video game designer earns $109,950 per year.
3. Food critics
   Always wanted to earn money while eating at high-end restaurants? Then the role of a food critic is one of the unique jobs that you can pursue. Salary.com's data suggests that a food critic may earn $75,034 per year.
4. Ethical hackers
   Despite the scary name, ethical hackers are white-collar hackers with professional associations that help companies identify problems within their firewalls and improve their company's network security systems. Ethical hackers earn $105,593 per year, per Salary.com's data.
5. Graphic designers
   Making fun, colorful infographics that can help the business be seen more in virtual worlds is a graphic designer's main job description. Salary.com's data suggests that a graphic designer earns $59,726 yearly.
6. Wedding planners
   If you've always wanted to organize and help couples on their happiest day yet and help them manage budgets while being in-tune with the latest wedding fashion trends, going for the role of a wedding event planner is a good idea. It's one of the most lucrative jobs that most people look for too, as Salary.com suggests that the average wedding planner earns $39,862.
7. Cruise director
   A cruise director's main responsibility includes overseeing activities that both the passengers and crew can enjoy onboard the ship. We suggest looking for this role if you're the life of the party and always make fun events, as cruise directors need to be positive and upbeat. This fun job also pays well, as Salary.com suggests that they can earn $67,651 per year.
8. Personal trainers
   For those interested in physical fitness, going for a personal trainer might be your next role. It's also one of the most fun jobs that pay well too since Salary.com's data suggests that personal trainers earn $67,238.
9. Fraud analysts
   For those who want a more exciting twist to the regular data analysis, being a fraud investigation analyst is also a good option. Their main responsibilities include working with insurance agencies and the government to review fraudulent claims, identify criminal conduct, and uncover hidden patterns. These analysts have a national average salary of $68,100, according to Salary.com.
10. Purchasing managers
    Yet another exciting career option for those looking for a 9-5 structure, purchasing managers' responsibility includes helping retailers determine which products should be included in their lineup and decide which products would sell more. It's also a lucrative job that pays well too, as data suggests that purchasing managers get paid $125,331 per year.
11. Travel agents
    Travel agents are mainly responsible for conducting research and organizing and booking travel excursions for their clients and help them bag lower prices for them as well with the help of their customer service skills. Most travel agents can expect to earn $56,438 per year according to Salary.com's data.
12. Astronomers
    One unique job for those interested in math and in space, an astronomer's responsibility includes studying celestial phenomena and developing solutions to solve problems in both physics and math. Salary.com's data suggests that astronomers can earn $127,516 per year.
13. Food stylists
    An interesting, fun job that pays well that most people overlook is food stylists, as Salary.com's data states that they earn an average of $71,039 yearly. They mainly do creative work, likely styling food to make them look more appealing in photos, ads, or on film.
14. Magicians
    Perhaps the most unique job on the list that can help you reunite with your eight-year-old self, magicians are entertainers that perform magic to entertain their audiences. Though it might not seem like they earn much, magicians earn an average annual salary of $214,367 according to Salary.com, making them one of the most fun jobs that's financially rewarding as well.
15. Toy designers
    Last but not least, the role of a toy designer is also a fun job that pays well, especially considering that the average toy designer can earn $76,482 per year. As their name suggests, toy designers help design toys that both kids and kids at heart can use.

What are the requirements for these lucrative jobs?

Although there are no common requirements for these lucrative jobs mentioned above, it's still highly suggested to get at least a high school diploma. Having one reassures companies that you at least have some form of education on top of relevant skills, which might be needed for some of these rewarding jobs.

However, for some specific roles like toy designers, ethical hackers, and video game designers, having a college degree in their respective field, technical skills, and a strong portfolio are a must.

Fun jobs that pay well: FAQs

Listed below are some frequently asked questions about fun jobs that pay well.

What is the highest paying fun job?

The highest paying fun jobs listed above are magicians, which can earn an average salary of $214,367 per year. This makes the job of a magician a rather lucrative, high paying job - yet one that's an unexpected one as well.

What do these "fun" jobs have in common?

These "fun" jobs have one thing in common - they're unique jobs that most people do not even think of becoming one in the first place. They're well-paying lucrative jobs, but they're also unique jobs that most people oversee, making them cool jobs that lead to a fun career - the high average salary is just a bonus. For some of these jobs, you're also your own boss - making these jobs that much more exciting.