Flavorists literally serve as the tastemakers of the world. They combine chemicals to create flavors resembling their natural counterparts but with added appeal: stronger taste and longer shelf life, without the poisons and allergens of some naturally occurring flavors. Although flavorists are grounded in chemistry, their work involves a certain amount of art. Even if a flavor isn't entirely new, every chemical recipe leaves a unique stamp, much like your mother's homemade pie.
Salary range: $58,000-$76,000/year
How to get this job: Flavorists, who usually have degrees in chemistry, go through a five-year traineeship at a flavor house, followed by an oral exam. Passing the exam earns them the title of junior flavorist; they gain seniority through two more years of supervised work and another exam.
