Novice Inspector GS-12. Salary: $60,000 or less 

Heading to your first assignment, travel seems to be a breeze. Portland was a quicker drive than people told you. Looking out from the station house to the ocean, you realize that you're looking at the Pacific, when it's supposed to be the Atlantic. Wrong Portland.

Journeyman Inspector GS-12. Salary: $65,000 

Arriving at the scene of the accident, you straighten your shirt and pull back your shoulders. As a representative of the government, you have to maintain an air of professionalism at all times. Coming around the bend, you see what's left of the poor moose that wandered onto the tracks at the wrong time. You immediately vomit. Trains you can handle; Bullwinkle remains, not so much.

Seasoned Inspector GS-13. Salary: $70,000 

As you finish your presentation on workers' rights and regulations, you ask if any of the railroad employees in front of you have any questions. One wise-cracker in the corner asks if you're still single. The fact that you are really isn't any of his business.

Experienced Inspector GS-14. Salary: $90,000 

Arriving at the junction for its annual inspection, you slowly get out of your car and take a look around. There's something different about this place, but you can't quite put your finger on it. Finally, you figure it out, and head over to the new Dunkin' Donuts for a bagel and regular coffee.

Mature, Grey-Haired Inspector GS-15. Salary: $120,000 

Stepping up to the locomotive, you notice on the report that there are issues in the bowels of the engine. After a solid stretch, you turn to the trainee learning the ropes and "ask" him nicely to take a look. Years deep into this career, you're totally going to take any chance you get to not bend over.