Cupid and his crew are busy this month creating an atmosphere of romance. But does it pay to be a player in the game of love? Find out.
Food Scientist
Median salary: $57,534
From candy hearts to boxes of decadent chocolate, it's the food scientists who make this holiday so sweet. They use chemistry, microbiology, engineering, and other sciences to study the principles underlying the processing and deterioration of foods; analyze food content to determine levels of vitamins, fat, sugar, and protein; discover new food sources; and research ways to make processed foods safe, palatable, and healthful.
Jeweler
Median salary: $33,458
Valentine's Day brings flowers, candy, and lots of wedding proposals. Jewelers are busy making, repairing, and selling jewelry, such as pendants, necklaces, bracelets, and, of course, engagement rings.
Script Writer
Median salary: $43,294
Who makes the guy next door oh-so-charming in all those romantic comedies? Screenwriters do (unless they're on strike). They create original written works, such as plays or prose, for publication or performance.
Floral Designer
Median salary: $21,415
Whether it's one red rose or an entire bouquet, flowers are the centerpiece of Valentine's Day. Florists design, cut, and arrange live, dried, or artificial flowers and foliage.
Delivery Driver
Median salary: $31,513
Delivery drivers surprise loved ones at home or in offices with warm wishes and beautiful bouquets. They deliver packages within a specified area. They may use automatic routing or location software and load and unload the truck.
Bartender
Median salary: $27,644
Bartenders and their love potions could be responsible for a number of the make-ups and break-ups in modern romance. They mix and serve drinks to patrons, directly or through wait staff.
Restaurant Manager
Median Salary: $39,197
Valentine's Day is one of the busiest date nights, which means dinner and a movie for many. Restaurant managers are busy planning, directing, and coordinating activities of an organization or department that serves food and beverages.
Hotel Manager
Median salary: $40,391
For serious lovebirds, dinner and a movie might be followed by a romantic evening in a swank hotel. Hotel managers plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization or department that provides lodging and other accommodations.
Copywriter
Median salary: $51,083
Won't you be my valentine? Copywriters write advertising copy for use by publication or broadcast media to promote sale of goods and services. This time of year, they're responsible for the words of love on Valentine's Day cards.
Illustrator
Median salary: $41,900
Whether it's a playful cupid or a familiar cartoon character, store-bought valentines are chock full of images drawn by illustrators. They draw graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos. They may use a variety of mediums to achieve artistic or decorative effects.
Cardiologist
Median salary: $173,538
When all's said and done, perhaps there's no person more important than the one who takes care of our hearts. Cardiologists diagnose and treat illnesses related to the hearts.
Shanon Lyon is a freelance writer and editor with more than 8 years of experience in a variety of media and industries.Copyright 2008 PayScale, Inc.
