At a time when most young people are running after government posts or IT careers, there exists a parallel job market that rarely finds mention in polite conversations. These are professions many would consider unusual, uncomfortable or even taboo, yet they offer salaries that can exceed Rs 2 lakh a month. Despite the money on offer, there are very few takers.
What makes these roles stand out is that they do not necessarily demand elite degrees or years spent in top institutions. Instead, they require niche skills, emotional resilience and the willingness to work in conditions most people actively avoid. From developed economies to India’s expanding metros, demand for such jobs is quietly rising, and those who enter these fields often face little competition.
1. Embalmer
One such profession is that of an embalmer, often described as a “make-up artist after death”. Embalming involves preserving bodies with chemicals before funerals to slow down decomposition. While the idea of working with the dead deters most people, the profession is well-established in the US and Europe and is now gaining ground in India’s larger cities. Skilled embalmers, due to the acute shortage of trained professionals, can earn between Rs 2 lakh to Rs 3 lakh a month. The work is emotionally and technically demanding, but the lack of competition keeps salaries high.
2. Pet Food Taster
Equally surprising is the role of a professional pet food taster. Though it sounds like a joke, major pet food companies employ human tasters to assess the quality, texture and consistency of animal food. The job ensures that products meet safety and nutritional standards. People with backgrounds in food science can command attractive packages, but many candidates drop out once they re
alise the job involves tasting pet food.
3. Commercial Diver
For those willing to take physical risks, commercial diving in the Gulf region offers even higher payouts. These divers work deep underwater repairing oil pipelines or operating in hazardous, sometimes toxic, environments. The threat to life is significant, which is why companies pay handsomely. A single month’s assignment can fetch anywhere between Rs 5 lakh and Rs 10 lakh, but the danger involved keeps most people away.
4. Waste Management Expert
Another high-paying yet socially stigmatised field is that of professional drainage and waste management experts. Unlike traditional manual sewer cleaning, this role involves operating advanced machinery and robotic systems to deal with toxic waste and poisonous gases. Developed countries, in particular, pay substantial salaries for such expertise. However, deep-rooted social perceptions continue to discourage people from considering it a respectable career option.
5. Line Stander
Then there is the concept of professional line standers, a job that has become common in cities like New York and London. During events such as iPhone launches or Black Friday sales, people are willing to pay Rs 3,000-Rs 5,000 per hour to someone who will stand in long queues on their behalf. This trend is slowly making its way into India as well, especially for premium events and VIP darshans, offering decent income in exchange for time and patience.