When it comes to searching for a job, we often find ourselves considering the usual options that follow a conventional career path.
However, there's a whole world of unique and interesting jobs out there that can offer excitement, personal fulfillment, and even financial rewards. If you're looking to spice up your job search, we've compiled a list of 10 unconventional jobs in Canada that might pique your interest. All salary figures mentioned are based on data from Indeed.
1. Colour Specialist
National average salary: $40,181 per year
Primary duties: Are you someone with an eye for aesthetics? As a colour specialist, or colourist, your role would involve recommending the best colours for various purposes, including homes, company buildings, hairstyles, and brand logos. You'll apply colour psychology, stay updated on decorating trends, and implement colour theory. Being a creative professional, you'll need excellent research skills to discover the best colour combinations and interpersonal qualities to effectively communicate with clients.
2. Bereavement Coordinator
National average salary: $95,017 per year
Primary duties: If you have a compassionate nature and a desire to help others during difficult times, becoming a bereavement coordinator might be a rewarding career choice. In this role, you'll assist families with terminally ill or recently deceased loved ones. You'll develop and implement care plans, conduct psychological and social assessments of family members, and provide care coordination interventions. Bereavement coordinators rely on their emotional intelligence to support family members as they process their emotions and navigate challenging situations.
3. Acupuncturist
National average salary: $37.31 per hour
Primary duties: With a focus on traditional medicine theories, acupuncturists use thin needles inserted at specific points on a patient's skin to treat various health issues, such as chronic pain, headache, and nausea. Alongside needling techniques, they may also apply gentle hand movements, electric stimulation, heat, pressure, friction, or suction. Attention to detail and empathy are essential qualities for acupuncturists, as they work closely with patients to address their specific needs.
4. Podiatrist
National average salary: $89,848 per year
Primary duties: If you have a passion for foot health, becoming a podiatrist might be the perfect fit for you. Podiatrists specialize in treating conditions related to the feet, ankles, and lower legs. They diagnose, prevent, and correct deformities, and in some cases, perform surgeries. To become a podiatrist, one typically completes a four-year doctoral degree program, earning a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (D.P.M.), followed by a medical residency or the acquisition of a license to practice podiatric medicine.
5. Dog Food Taster
National average salary: $34,139 per year
Primary duties: Believe it or not, there are individuals who make a living by tasting dog food. As a dog food taster, your responsibility would be to evaluate the nutritional value, flavour, texture, and smell of different dog food products. You'll need a superior sense of taste, extensive knowledge of foods and ingredients, and strong communication skills to provide objective feedback and contribute to improving the quality of dog food.
6. Professional Sleeper
National average salary: $45,542 per year
Primary duties: If you've ever dreamt of getting paid for sleeping, this might be the job for you. Professional sleepers work in scientific research, analyzing sleep patterns and testing mattresses, pillows, and quilts. They provide detailed reports on their experiences, including aspects like comfort, room lighting, and noise disruptions. Professional sleepers may also participate in medical trials that require monitoring devices and occasionally use sleep aids. Observational and organizational skills are crucial in this line of work.
7. Ayurvedic Physician
National average salary: $32.00 per hour
Primary duties: Ayurvedic physicians employ traditional theories and techniques to promote physical, mental, and emotional balance in their patients. By examining a patient's body and asking questions about medical and personal histories, they develop personalized treatment plans. Ayurvedic physicians often recommend herbal formulas, diet changes, and lifestyle adjustments. Their extensive knowledge of Ayurvedic principles and keen observational skills play a vital role in their practice.
8. Snake Milker
National average salary: $19.21 per hour
Primary duties: Snake milkers play a critical role in supporting research and development by extracting venom from snakes. This venom is used to produce antivenoms. The process involves inducing snakes to bite a thin membrane or using electrodes to stimulate venom glands. Snake milkers may also process venom into powders for transportation to research laboratories. Attention to detail and excellent hand-eye coordination are essential for this unique profession.
9. Horticultural Therapist
National average salary: $30.43 per hour
Primary duties: If you have a passion for gardening and a desire to help others, a career as a horticultural therapist might be a perfect match. In this role, you'll engage patients in gardening and plant-based activities to improve their well-being. Horticultural therapists apply principles from plant and human sciences, designing accessible gardens and utilizing sensory-oriented plants. Collaboration with landscape designers and the application of emotional intelligence skills are crucial in this rewarding profession.
10. Online Reviewer
National average salary: $50,659 per year
Primary duties: Are you an opinionated individual with excellent communication skills? Becoming an online reviewer allows you to evaluate various products or services and share your experiences and ratings on digital platforms. Companies often pay online reviewers to provide feedback, giving you the opportunity to specialize in a particular niche, such as cosmetics, restaurants, or video games.
When embarking on a job search, don't be afraid to think outside the box. Exploring unique and interesting jobs can lead you to discover a career path that aligns with your passions and interests. So, whether you're intrigued by the idea of becoming a professional sleeper or you find joy in helping others as a bereavement coordinator, the possibilities are endless.
Remember, this list is just the tip of the iceberg. There are countless unique jobs waiting to be explored. So, go out there, embrace the unconventional, and find a job that adds excitement and fulfillment to your professional journey.
Salary figures reflect data listed on Indeed Salaries and quoted websites at the time of writing. Salaries may vary depending on a hiring organization and a candidate's experience, academic background, and location.
