Wait staff and bartenders

Average salary: $25,390, plus tips (wait staff); $25,650 plus tips (bartenders)

Demand: Generally good. People move around in these jobs, providing new opportunities; bars, hotels, and lower-priced to midlevel restaurants always need good wait staff and bartenders; market is tight in high-end establishments with good tips.

Qualifications: High school diploma, friendly personality, neat appearance; high-end establishments demand skills, experience. Bartenders must be 21 years of age and know local laws; training on the job or at bartending schools