March 16, 2005

Financial adviser: Most financial services firms offer paid training for about one year, which ranges from $30,000 to $60,000. After that, it's commission-based and six figures is not far-fetched.
Federal agent: Compensation starts at $35,000 and can go up to $115,000 depending on experience and locality.
Restaurant manager: A general manager can expect to start at $45,000, and compensation can run into six figures.

In the next four jobs, it doesn't take a lot to get started and compensation depends on your willingness to promote yourself and your services.
Dog walkers, pet sitters, pet photography: Compensation ranges from $10 for a walk to several hundred for a formal portrait.
iPod loader: You can charge $1 to $2 per song loaded onto an iPod, plus the cost of music.
Personal trainers: Certification takes about a month and can cost up to $750. Trainers can charge $50 an hour or more.
Second home caretakers: Compensation starts at about $300 per month or you can live in and earn room and board on top of a small stipend.