Esthetician training. Salary: negative $5,000 

You struggled with acne all through high school; while everyone else was hanging out after school, you were headed for yet another dermatology consultation. That's why you thought it would be a good idea to spend $5,000 on a training program. It's a regular pimples-to-riches story. Minus the riches part.

Wax specialist. Salary: $20,000 

Whoa, you're glad you took that advanced course in waxing. The only job you could land after graduating from beauty school was as a wax specialist. Hair removal's not exactly what you're passionate about...but who needs passion? You need groceries.

Esthetician. Salary: $28,000 

You've never been much of a gym rat. You mostly kept to the drugstore beauty aisles. But when a position as Massage Therapist/Esthetician at a nearby gym opened up, you jumped at the chance. You don't mind a sweaty client when the hours are good and pay is decent.

Esthetician for a major beauty company. Salary: $30,000 or more 

It was time to move on from the gym, and you just scored big with a job at ULTA. You're selling better products, and making better commission. That's about all anyone can ask for.

Cosmetology and esthetics instructor. Salary: $35,000 and up 

You thought about trying to become a spa manager. The pay is better managing—possibly even owning—a spa, but decided that your love for the art form was too much. And teaching brings more glory. Just imagine, another thirty people every year, ready to carry on your legacy. Plus the retirement benefits are stellar.