10 Jobs at Places That Smell Good

Close your eyes and think of your favorite smells and places that smell good. Chances are, your job is very far from your mind. If the typical workplace smells like anything discernible, it’s probably whatever was last to get nuked in the communal microwave, a coworker’s noxious cologne, or the copy machine overheating and malfunctioning—none of which are particularly welcome additions to your world.

But not everyone suffers this fate. Some people have jobs that treat them to heavenly scents day in and day out.

Monster found 10 jobs at places that smell good. Turns out, the sweet smell of success is pretty literal.

Baker

Why: Ask anyone to name their top five smells, and odds are good that fresh baked bread will make the list. But bakers whip up much more than just those golden, crusty loaves of joy. Cookies, cakes, pastries, donuts… You get the idea. This gig is heaven for your nose, as bakeries are arguably at the very top of places that smell good.
What you’d need: No formal education is needed to become a baker, but many start their careers through an apprenticeship program or culinary or technical school.
What you’d make: The median hourly salary for a baker is $12.75.

Find bakery jobs on Monster.

Barista

Why: One word: COFFEE—the elixir of the gods and the fuel that powers much of the American workforce. Baristas are engulfed in that rich, roasty aroma while they brew cup after cup of coffee concoctions for the grateful masses.
What you’d need: No formal education is necessary. On-the-job training is usually provided to new baristas on basic customer service, kitchen safety and safe food-handling procedures.
What you’d make: The median hourly salary for a barista is $11.50.

Find barista jobs on Monster.

Car Salesperson

Why: Almost as satisfying as a new set of wheels is the new-car smell that comes with it. It’s always a bummer when the smell eventually fades, but with a steady supply of new cars to move off the lot, car salespeople never have to deal with such olfactory disappointment.
What you’d need: There often aren’t any formal education requirements; training is usually provided on the job. Car salespeople need customer service skills and vehicle knowledge to perform well. Check out this sample resume for a salesperson.
What you’d make: The median salary for a sales representative is $50,430 per year.

Find car salesperson jobs on Monster.

Chef

Why: Whose appetite isn’t whet by the tantalizing smells emanating from a restaurant’s kitchen? Send your compliments to the chefs, who spend their hours frying, baking, sautéing and steaming the finest, freshest ingredients into delicious dishes.
What you’d need: Most chefs get their training through work experience, but some attend technical school, culinary school or college or participate in an apprenticeship. Check out this sample resume for a sous chef.
What you’d make: The median salary for a chef is $42,820 per year.

Find chef jobs on Monster.

Chocolatier

Why: Much like bakers and baristas, chocolatiers are surrounded by the smells of one of life’s greatest indulgences. And these days, the varieties of chocolate being created go way beyond dark and milk—everything from ginger to chili peppers are being tossed into the mix, which only adds to the confection’s already-heavenly aroma.
What you’d need: No formal education is necessary, but many chocolatiers start their careers through an apprenticeship program or culinary school.
What you’d make: The median hourly salary for a food production worker is $13.

Find chocolatier jobs on Monster.

Florist

Why: Flowers are more than a mere gesture of thoughtfulness; they also serve a practical purpose, making any room they’re in immediately smell better. Florists get to exercise their creativity while working with fragrant, exotic blooms, which will undoubtedly brighten someone’s day—and nose.
What you’d need: No formal education is required, but courses in floral design are available at community colleges or vocational schools. Most florists learn their skills through on-the-job training.
What you’d make: The median hourly salary for a floral designer is $14.40.

Find florist jobs on Monster.

Landscaper

Why: Most people spend their workdays looking forward to their lunch break, simply so they can go outside and take a deep breath. But for landscapers, the invigorating smell of cut grass, fresh air, plants and flowers are workplace standards.
What you’d need: No formal education is needed, but many states require landscapers who apply pesticides or fertilizers to be licensed. The more advanced role of landscape architect generally requires a college degree.
What you’d make: The median hourly salary for a landscaper is $14.

Find landscaper jobs on Monster.

Librarian

Why: There’s a whiff of nostalgia that an old book offers—we mean that literally. Libraries are one of those overlooked places that smell good, but they really shouldn't be. Librarians know better than anyone that holding a digital tablet to your nose just doesn’t have the same effect that the ink and paper of a well-worn book (preferably with a weathered leather cover) does.
What you’d need: A master’s degree in library science is often required. Librarians working at public schools often need a teaching certification.
What you’d make: The median salary for a librarian is $47,940 per year.

Find library jobs on Monster.

Massage Therapist

Why: The balms and oils that massage therapists liberally slather on their clients are often derived from fragrant herbs and flowers chosen for their healing traits—and that includes their aromatherapeutic properties. Citrus and mint are used to revitalize; lavender and chamomile are used to relax. Say “Ahhh.”
What you’d need: Many states require massage therapists to be certified, have liability insurance and know how to perform CPR. Postsecondary educational programs are common. Check out this sample resume for a massage therapist.
What you’d make: The median hourly salary for a massage therapist is $25.60.

Find massage therapist jobs on Monster.

Neonatal Nurse

Why: For some inexplicable reason, newborn babies smell like sugar cookies, and science has proven there’s a definite intoxicating quality of this smell. Like the new-car smell, newborn-baby smell is fleeting, but luckily, neonatal nurses won't ever run out of new babies to care for.
What you’d need: A nursing degree and a license are needed. Check out this sample resume for a licensed practical nurse.
What you’d make: The median salary for a pediatrics registered nurse is $70,830 per year.

Find neonatal nurse jobs on Monster.

Wake Up and Smell the Career Possibilities

That smell—vaguely mildewy, almost moldy—is your career going stale. Could your job use a serious freshening up? Make a free profile on Monster today. Whether or not you want a job at places that smell good, we can help connect you to the right kinds of opportunities to further your career. Take a deep breath and enjoy the sweet smell of success.