Real estate sales agents

Average salary: $62,780, but much depends on commissions. Some agents do extremely well, others cannot survive in the field. The area, market conditions, and an agent's skill and determination are huge factors.

Demand: Limited. Competition is very tough and the work frustrating, particularly in today's down housing market.

Qualifications: Formal training and licensure; real estate, business, and legal courses helpful, required by some firms; personality, maturity, and ambition.