Nearly broke broker. Salary: $24,910 

You've graduated from college and applied for an entry-level job at a brokerage firm—and whaddayaknow, you got the job. So now what? You learn. Take lots of notes, study the senior brokers' actions, body language, and phrasing. Someday, it'll be you leading negotiations.

Novice negotiator. Salary: $34,820 

With experience comes wisdom, as well as a nice little bump up in pay. You're getting better at forecasting the market, but your negotiation skills could use a bit more tweaking. You're not leading just yet, but you're a very sought-after team member. You're certainly building a powerful (get it?) reputation.

Goin' for brokerage. Salary: $51,670 

You've started to take the lead on negotiations and you're gaining several clients across the state. You've been bumped up a couple of pay grades since getting hired a few years ago, and the future looks bright. Like, Hong-Kong's-energy-contract-level bright.

Established energy dealer. Salary: $76,340 

The money is decent and you're tight with your clients. Still, you keep wondering if this is something you should do for your boss, or if it's feasible to go independent. You'll put in one more season for the company, then see about striking out on your own.

Independent power source. Salary: $112,160 

Well, look at you. You're an independent energy broker and it's paying off quite nicely. A few more years like this and you won't have anything to forecast except the next item to come off your bucket list. A trip to Hawaii? Or a sports car with "I've still got it" written all over it? Hey, why not both? (Okay, don't do the car thing. That'd be weird.)