20 Jobs That Paid Surprisingly Well in the Past
From ice cutters to rat catchers, these surprisingly well-paying jobs from the past reveal how ingenuity and necessity once shaped unique and often perilous careers that paid handsomely.
- Alyana Aguja
- 6 min read
Historically, many jobs that seemed unusual and strange today were incredibly well-paid due to necessity, talent, or the special needs of their time. From ice cutters trudging across frozen lakes to rat catchers repelling plague, these jobs were essential to daily existence and brought large paychecks to match the dangers. Investigating these overlooked roles provides a captivating glimpse into the creativity and determination that powered past economies — and the ways people earned their keep before contemporary technology remade the workplace.
1. Knocker-Upper (19th–early 20th century, UK)
Image from BBC
Prior to alarm clocks becoming widespread, individuals hired “knocker-uppers” to wake them using long sticks or pea shooters to tap on windows. These were necessary in industrial cities such as Manchester for workers who began early shifts in factories. Because of their consistency and popularity, knocker-uppers earned more than factory workers.
2. Ice Cutter (19th century, US and Europe)
Image from Gone Jobs - WordPress.com
Prior to refrigeration, ice was cut from frozen lakes and sold to households, businesses, and ships. Experienced ice cutters employed by large firms such as Frederic Tudor’s “ice empire” earned seasonal wages comparable to professionals. The work was dangerous but well-paid because of its physical nature and demand.
3. Switchboard Operator (Early–mid 20th century)
Image from Vox
Although many assumed it was a “women’s job,” competent switchboard operators in cities such as New York could command more than secretary and clerk salaries. Those employed in private companies or with seniority tended to have excellent bonuses and benefits. Operators were vital in business communication and were compensated accordingly.
4. Rat Catcher (Victorian England)
Image from Rural Historia
As cities expanded, infestations of rats became public health problems, particularly during plague outbreaks. Municipalities and private companies employed trained rat catchers and were frequently paid by the rat. A few, such as Jack Black (Queen Victoria’s personal rat catcher), made the work a profitable business.
5. Pinsetter (Early 20th century, US)
Image from The Awesomer
Prior to automatic pinsetters at bowling alleys, young men reset the pins by hand. Although considered low-skill labor, boys working in busy city alleys were able to make tips and wages comparable to those of adult day workers. The work was fast-paced, dangerous, and unexpectedly lucrative.
6. Leech Collector (19th century, UK)
Image from Ancient Origins
Medical procedures frequently included bloodletting, and leeches were highly sought after. Women and children sometimes received good money to wade into marshes and allow leeches to attach to their legs for harvesting. Even though it was dangerous, it was a lucrative specialty job because of medical need.
7. Town Crier (18th–19th century, Europe)
Image from The Seattle Times
Town criers were the official announcers of public news, proclamations, and advertisements. They were paid by city governments and at times given bonuses by merchants to advertise their products. The job was prestigious and well-paid due to its civic significance.
8. Lector (Early 20th century, Cuba and US)
Image from Catholic Philly
In cigar mills, lectors were employed to read literature, newspapers, and even political works aloud to employees. These learned orators were well compensated and held in high esteem by the workforce. The role was important to morale and education in work settings.
9. Gong Farmer (Tudor England)
Image from Newcastle Castle
These employees cleared out human feces from cesspools and privies — a vital but disgusting occupation. Due to the night shift work and awful conditions, gong farmers earned far more than the majority of workers. In some urban centers, the profession was dominated and became rather profitable.
10. Resurrectionist (18th–19th century, UK and US)
Image from Wikipedia
Also referred to as “body snatchers,” these people provided cadavers to medical schools. Illegal, but very profitable, the business was particularly lucrative around places such as Edinburgh University. Some, such as Burke and Hare, even went so far as to commit murder, though that’s where it became notorious instead of merely profitable.
11. Soda Jerker (Early–mid 20th century, US)
Image from Wikipedia
Soda fountains were cultural hotspots, and skilled soda jerkers who crafted custom drinks and sundaes became minor celebrities. In busy urban drugstores, they earned high wages and tips, rivaling some white-collar jobs. Their charisma and flair made them highly valued.
12. Telegraph Operator (Late 19th–early 20th century, global)
Image from Wikipedia
Prior to phones, telegraph operators were the linchpin of long-distance communication. Those employed by railway companies or financial institutions made fine wages and benefits. It took skill, training, and poise, making it a reputable, well-paid profession.
13. Ice Delivery Man (Early 20th century, US and Europe)
Image from Reddit
Handing out ice blocks door-to-door was hard work but well rewarded, particularly in the summer. They were paid bonuses for strength and speed, and many established long-term customer relationships. They were essential prior to mass refrigeration and tended to tip handsomely.
14. Powder Monkey (18th–19th century, naval)
Image from Wikipedia
Young boys serving on warships carried gunpowder from the hold to the cannons. Although very hazardous, they were given high hazard pay compared to their age and role. Their urgency and courage were frequently rewarded by battlefield promotions or bonuses.
15. Log Driver (19th–early 20th century, North America)
Image from Wikipedia
These loggers drove logs down rivers, guiding immense timber booms to sawmills. It was the most hazardous work in North America — but generously compensated because of the danger and skill involved. Log drivers were folk heroes in areas such as Maine and Quebec.
16. Chimney Sweep (18th–19th century, UK)
Image from Wikipedia
While the work was linked to child labor, adult master sweeps who owned equipment and ran crews made good wages. In cities such as London, they served domestic and industrial, commanding premium prices. Some branched out into complete cleaning enterprises.
17. Fuller (Medieval Europe)
Image from The Live Life - WordPress.com
Fullers cleaned and thickened woolen cloth using urine and other agents. As this was essential to textile production, fullers in high-demand regions were paid generously despite the dirty work. Their role was indispensable in medieval cloth towns.
18. Newspaper Hawker (Early 20th century, US)
Image from Wikipedia
Street-smart children who sold papers might be making more than their schoolteacher fathers — if they had a good route and charm. At big events (such as the Titanic disaster), they made fortunes selling special editions. The work promoted entrepreneurship and hustle.
19. Loblolly Boy (18th–19th century, British Navy)
Image from Curator 135
These ship surgeons’ assistants carried medical equipment, bandaged wounds, and even aided in amputations. They were not officers but received high pay for men in the ranks and had medical skills and experience. A few went on to become surgeons.
20. Canal Boatman or Bargee (18th–19th century, US and UK)
Image from Media Storehouse
Prior to railways, canals were great transport highways. Trained boatmen drove narrowboats through locks and transported goods over vast distances. They received very good pay and often resided with their families on board, forming close-knit, self-contained communities.