Junior Agent. Salary: $25,000 

You walk into the office on your first day on the job. You greet the receptionist with a hearty "Good morning." She gives you the biggest Why are you speaking to me? look you've seen since middle school. Unfortunately, you'll find out that that's just the start of how this industry resembles the sixth grade.

Boutique Agent. Salary: $50,000 

You work for a small commercial agency and represent a handful of clients, but they don't book very often. And even when they do book, they might not even show up at the right location. Around your office that's called "pulling a Jaxson" after your favorite client.

Mid-level Rep. Salary: $100,000 

Your agency handles both commercial and theatrical, and you've been at this long enough that you have a pretty nice book of talent by now. One of them just booked a few national spots for Ruffles the chip company. You were so right to bring on that guy with the ridges on his chin.

Hollywood Mover and Shaker. Salary: $200,000 

You're the senior agent at a well-respected agency in the heart of Hollywood. Several of the actors you represent are name talent, and you receive thousands of headshots a day from wide-eyed hopefuls. The one on your desk has eyes that could be described as either gorgeous or crazy. You make the call, hoping that it's the former (and hoping they're ridiculously talented if it's the latter).

Agent to the Stars. Salary: $300,000 

You've reached the pinnacle—one of the best agents in the world. All your clients are people America loves. You don't even have to schmooze anymore. But a big award show is tonight and three of your clients are up for statues, so you're definitely going to put your schmooze shoes on for this one. "I'd like to thank my agent" is all you're hoping to hear.