What's Hot: As of 2008, “Personal Financial Advisors” topped the pay scale in the Business and Financial Operations group at $92,970 annually. In light of the subsequent economic woes, it will be interesting to follow this group’s earnings going forward.

What's Not: “Tax Preparers” and “Loan Counselors” do selfless work as reflected by their average annual income of $35,350 and $41,970, respectively. As a matter of fact, both tax-related occupations in this Business and Financial Operations group are among the least paid.

Sources: In addition to specific citations noted, supplementary source materials include the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.