Intern. Salary: $41,000

You finally scored your first paying internship. Too bad you dropped your supervisor's laptop at the big planning commission meeting. All the king's horses couldn't have stuck that puppy back together again. Fortunately, your experience with charades came in handy when it was time to paint a picture of the koi pond for the clients.

The Training Wheels Come Off. Salary: $52,000

Well, you've got a real job now, with benefits. There was a small issue with your current project when you consulted the wrong geological survey, but how were you supposed to know that there were two towns named Wreckton? You're putting a good spin on it, though. "Sinkhole National Park" has a certain ring to it.

Seasoned Planner. Salary: $66,000

Guess who just got handed the reins to an actual project? Sure, redoing the fairground restroom block isn't your dream gig, but it's gonna blow the lid off of your resume. The office is excited about your commodious design. And best of all, people will be lining up to see your work. No way they'll can you now.

Director of City Planning. Salary: $83,000

You're totally dominating this open forum to gather community comments about the new freeway. Your slideshow graphics are a work of art, the scale model of the off ramp is eye-popping, and this crowd is eating out of your hand. You kindly remind them that it's unsanitary to do so and that they should probably get a plate.

Big City Director of Planning. Salary: $99,000

Congratulations on converting a former garbage dump just outside Seattle into a frog-friendly wetland/organic coffee shop mecca. You were nominated for the coveted "Golden Amphibian" award, and Modern Hipster magazine wrote a glowing article about you. As residents flock to the nearby housing to be a part of this new scene and businesses report record growth, mayors from cities all across the country are blowing up your phone. Time to hit up your boss for a raise? Or take your talents to, say, Miami?