10 cool jobs and what they pay

You do what? WOW.

Ahh, nothing quite like the ability to impress people by simply telling them what you do for a living. Granted, one person’s dream job may seem run-of-the-mill to another. But for the average Joe and Jane, there are some jobs that stand out as cooler than the rest.

If you’re looking for a job that’s fun, rewarding, and a little off the beaten path, look no further. Using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Payscale.com, here are 10 cool jobs and what they pay.

Aerospace engineer

What you’d do: Known in common parlance as a rocket scientist, an aerospace engineer gets to design really cool stuff—really, really cool stuff like aircraft, spacecraft, and satellites. They also build prototypes and test them out. Basically, your job is one big science fair presentation on the most epic of scales. Added job bonus: getting to telling people you’re a rocket scientist.

What you’d need: A bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering or a related field is required. Check out this sample resume for an aerospace engineer.

What you’d make: $109,650 per year

Find aerospace engineer jobs on Monster.

Athletic trainer

What you’d do: Love sports but aren’t cut out to be an athlete? You can still get close to the action. Athletic trainers work with the players to create and accomplish their personal fitness goals, customize exercise routines, develop rehabilitation programs for injured players, and track their progress.

What you’d need: You’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree to practice, and each state has separate license/certification requirements. Learn how to become an athletic trainer.

What you'd make: $45,630 per year

Find athletic trainer jobs on Monster.

Brewmaster

What you’d do: Beer here! Brewmasters, or head brewers, work in breweries small and large, crafting new brews, managing production, and hiring other brewery staff to create delicious varities of ales and lagers for the thirsty public. If you like beer, it’s one of the coolest jobs out there.

What you’d need: There are a few schools that offer degrees in brewing, and plenty more certifications exist through beer-centric organizations, that might give you a leg up on the competition.

What you'd make: $41,480 per year

Find brewery jobs on Monster.

Broadcast sports reporter

What you’d do: From the sidelines of games to behind the desk of a network station, broadcast sports reporters share news and provide analysis about all sorts of sports: basketball, football, baseball, and everything in between. If you love sports and a good debate, becoming a broadcast sports reporter is a pretty cool job.

What you’d need: A bachelor’s degree in journalism, radio, or another relevant degree is typical.

What you'd make: $38,870 per year

Find sports reporter jobs on Monster.

Cowboy

What you’d do: Cowboys may not be the gun-slinging, into-the-sunset-riding bronco busters they once were, but today certainly has its fair share of farm managers and ranchers who work with cattle on a daily basis. Modern day “cowboys” manage ranches and farms, keeping inventory of livestock and equipment, managing operational budget, and more.

What you’d need: Farm managers and ranchers have at least a high school diploma and gain experience on the job.

What you’d make: $66,360 per year

Find ranching jobs and farm manager jobs on Monster.

Cruise director

What you’d do: How would you like to work on board a cruise ship year round? Cruise directors are in charge of entertainment and activities on some of the most luxurious seafaring vessels around the globe, with the ultimate goal of making sure guests have a great time.

What you’d need: Cruise directors typically have years of experience in hospitality, and either hold a hospitality or business management bachelor’s degree.

What you’d make: $61,698 per year

Find cruise-related jobs on Monster.

Firefighter

What you’d do: Firefighter is at the top of the list of jobs that dole out adrenaline rushes like no other. But you may not realize how much (heart-racing) training and preparation is involved with the job. Firefighters regularly practice the latest safety protocols for entering burning buildings, saving people, and controlling and fighting fires.

What you’d need: Usually, firefighters need to hold an emergency medical technician (EMT) certification, as well as pass a variety of written and physical exams. Check out this sample resume for a firefighter.

What you’d make: $48,030 per year

Find firefighter jobs on Monster.

Game designer

What you’d do: What's better than playing video games? How about being the person who actually gets to create them? Game designers rely on their limitless imaginations in addition to technical skills to turn fantasy into (virtual) reality. This includes developing software and mechanics, building and testing prototypes, and working with UX designers to make sure the final product lives up to its awesomeness.  

What you’d need: A bachelor's degree in computer graphics, art, or a related field.

What you’d make: $65,300 per year

Find game designer jobs on Monster.

Pilot

What you’d do: Sure, your schedule might not be the typical 9-to-5, but your office is a cockpit 35,000 feet above the ground. Pilots get to fly airplanes, helicopters, and other aviation vehicles, sometimes transporting people and goods, sometimes performing search and rescue missions, and sometimes to research the ever-changing topography of the planet.

What you’d need: Commercial pilots need a high school diploma a license from the Federal Aviation Administration; airline pilots typically have a bachelor’s degree and an Airline Transport Pilot license. 

What you’d make: $77,200 per year (commercial); $102,720 per year (airline)

Find pilot jobs on Monster.

Professional golfer

What you’d do: Through professional and charity tournaments, pro golfers compete against other pros. Since very few people actually make a living as a professional golfer, coaching or managing a golf resort are excellent alternatives for those aspiring to make a career in golf industry.

What you’d need: Pro golfers compete at the level they do because they’ve put in years of practice and honed their skills in golf camps and through personal training. If a coaching position is more your speed, start by coaching lower levels of golf, like high school or even recreationally.

What you’d make: $44,680 per year

Find golf jobs on Monster.

Looking for an exciting career? Start here

Nobody can stop you from dreaming big, but you deserve to do more than just dream. Have an ideal job that you think about day and night, but aren’t sure how to go about actually getting it? Step one: Join Monster today. As a member, you’ll get career advice, industry insights, and useful tips sent directly to your inbox so you can develop a concrete plan to make that dream job your reality paycheck.