The job: Wedding-cake designer

The pay: The starting salary for an experienced designer is around $25,000 to $30,000. At Ron Ben-Israel Cakes in Manhattan a designer can make $32,000, after working as an assistant for several years. The cakes themselves are priced per serving: In Manhattan, for instance, a simple three-tier cake for 35 people is about $315, while a five-tier cake with faux embroidery serving 220 is $2,640.

The hours: Most designers -- who do everything from drafting sketches of the cake and creating miniature models to actual decorating -- work 40 hours a week in the winter. In the busy seasons -- fall and spring -- they may work 10-hour days to fill orders.

Benefits: Standard health-care, vision, 401(k) plans and vacation time.

Other incentives: Can include free dinner for employees working late hours and company retreats to amusement parks, restaurants and culinary exhibitions.

Career path: Many beginners attend culinary schools and intern at bakeries. An assistant can advance to designer within two to three years. After training as a designer for five to 10 years, many people open their own businesses.

Best part of the job: The decorating, and winning lifelong clients. "The process of selling, designing and baking a cake is long. So when I'm finished there's this blank canvas and I can finally start decorating," says Ron Ben-Israel, head chef and owner at Ron Ben-Israel Cakes, who has worked with Martha Stewart. "I've learned you have to be one with the cake and to treat the experience like painting a picture."

Worst part of the job: Turning down orders. "We have classy taste and some people want outrageous things," says Jace Crockett, owner of Le Gateau in Dallas. "For most people making a cake is personal," he says -- sometimes too personal. "We're not willing to make cheesy or obscene cakes."

Hiring: Apply at local bakeries and check with the career center at local culinary schools.