An Empty Bag of Tricks. Salary: $15,000 or less 

Since you're just starting out, you perform a magic show at the kid's birthday party next door. Your first trick is going well until the deck of cards explodes in your face. All of the children laugh, but all you have is an empty wallet and flashbacks to middle school. You said it in the sixth grade and you'll say it again now: you'll make it to the top eventually.

Building a Fan Base. Salary: $33,000 

You've started booking gigs across town and people are starting to recognize you at the grocery store. You even have a fan club blog about you. Unfortunately, though, your fan club consists of one fourteen-year-old kid named Mason, and he has terrible spelling skills. Oh well, at least you're starting to become known as an entertaining majishin.

The "Reappearing Dinner" Trick. Salary: $49,000 

The cruise ship you work on is one of the most luxurious places you've ever seen, on land or at sea. The ship's buffet is incredible, and as the on-board magician, you eat for free. Unfortunately, you still haven't mastered the sea sickness trick...after every show you spend the evening watching your dinner reappear.

Seeing Your Name in Lights. Salary: $110,000 

Your Vegas show opens up with rave reviews—many outlets report that you're redefining the concept of a magic show right before their eyes. Of course, there's always the one critic who says your show is "nothing we haven't seen before." You could make him disappear, but off-stage that means something entirely different.

Bona Fide Wizard. Salary: $1,000,000+ 

You're a household name, beloved by audiences everywhere. Your television show, tour, and DVD sales earn you seven figures. They're even talking about giving you your own movie franchise and action figure. Gandalf's got nothing on you.