Skill career

A Skill career is a kind of career that was introduced in The Sims 3: Ambitions.

We’ve implemented something we call “Skill Careers” so that players who have Sims who are fishermen, inventors, writers, and more can now register as self-employed at City Hall. We’ve added the consignment store venue in town so that players who create things like paintings or find things like jewels can earn a profit and take advantage of their Sims’ entrepreneurial spirits.

Skill careers work the same way as ordinary careers except that Sims are registered as "self-employed" and promotions are linked entirely to money earned. Only skills that produce items - Painting, Sculpting, Fishing, Gardening, Inventing, Writing, Photography and Nectar Making - are able to be used in skill careers. There are other expansion packs that add skill careers: Band from The Sims 3: Late Night, Horseman(-woman) in The Sims 3: Pets and Alchemist in The Sims 3: Supernatural. These careers are also available for Teen Sims.

The first level of promotion requires sales of approximately §30. Money can be made through sales at the consignment store for most skill careers.

"When your sims have knowledge of several of our existing skills, including sculpting and inventing from Ambitions, they can register as being "self-employed."

Self-Employment: Start To Finish

Registering as Self-Employed

Sims (from Teen and beyond) with at least one skill level in certain skills can either use the phone or computer (or go directly to City Hall) to "Register as Self Employed". A message box will pop up, informing you that your Sim is going to the City Hall to do some paperwork. After that is done, your Sim has successfully registered as a self—employer.

Advancement

The way for your Sim to advance in their career is to earn Simoleons by making and selling objects that are related to their career. Obviously, a Sim cannot advance by making and selling objects he did not register as, such as a self-employed inventor making sculptures. In the case of Horsemen(-women), they earn money through equestrian competitions at the Equestrian Center.

Sometimes, depending on the career and career level, a Sim will receive a uniform for their job. This is not necessary for them to earn money, but it adds a feeling of realism to their employment.

Payment

The only way a self-employed Sim can make money is when they sell their creations - as they do not do any work for the community and they do not get weekly stipend. The exception is the writer, who will receive weekly royalties on Sundays at 12pm. Upon a promotion, the Sim will get a bonus, varying on what promotion it is.

Alchemist

Sims in this career earn promotions based on the amount of money earned through selling elixirs. A Sim must have at least level 1 in his Alchemy skill.

Level	Title	Description	Prize	Promotion
1	Phail Washer	As you are just starting out in your Alchemical career, you might not be ready to put anything into a bottle except warm, soapy water. However, through careful study of the Alchemy skill you'll be sure to get promoted to something more substantial soon.	None	+§120

Angler

Sims in this career earn promotions based on the amount of money earned through selling fish.

Note that only fish count towards an angler's promotion. Objects found by fishing can still be sold but the money earned from the sale will not affect the angler's earnings. The fish must be sold to the supermarket.

Level	Title	Description	Prize	Promotion
1	Rod and Reel Rookie	Your commercial fishing skills are lacking at this point. Entire schools of fish may laugh at your bait, but you'll be the one laughing when they are on the hook!	None	+§30
2	Empty Net Trawler	Large profits may still elude you, but days spent along the coastline aren't wasted. Continue throwing out the bait and you'll catch the big one before long.	None	+§105
3	Hook Baiter	Locals have begun to trust your bait expertise and savvy in and around the water. If only that respect can be channeled into a money-making fishing enterprise!	None	+§605
4	Freshwater Freshman	The freshwater is your domain, but there are big fish to catch in the ocean and exotic baits yet to be discovered. Continue casting away, and one day success will be yours.	None	+§1,605
5	Saltwater Initiate	The ocean has taken a hard look into your soul and accepted you. Respect the waters by catching only what is necessary, and the salty waves will respond in kind.	§500	+§4,105
6	Chub Chucker	Dangerous sharks, predatory fish, and aquatic robots are ready to be reeled in and sold at the market. Continue chasing the big fish and big profits will follow.	§1,000	+§11,605
7	Local Ahab	The local board of fishermen have conferred the honorable title of Local Ahab upon your for your fearless aquatic exploits. Don't let them down!	§1,500	+§?
8	Deadliest Catcher	There is nothing you cannot catch if you put your mind to it. Money from your catches is flowing in, but the big ones elude you. Just a few more casts to reach the top!	Honor Medal	+§?
9	Old Salty	A reverent hush falls over the water and its banks as you approach for your daily tolls. The ocean has given you a living but your aquatic quest is not yet at an end.	§2,500	+§116,605
10	Legendary Piscator	Fish desire to be caught by you so that their end will come at the hands of such a legend. Grocers look forward to your bountiful catches and locals love to eat your sustainably caught fish. You are a legend!	§5,000	+§196,598

Band

Sims in this career earn promotions based on the amount of money earned through playing Gigs and playing for tips.

Level	Title	Description	Prize	Promotion
1	Attic Act	At this stage of the game, there isn't much of a game. It's just you, your mates, and the twinkle of the melody that will one day be your band.	N/A	+§825
2	Garage Band	You've earned enough to gain the right to practice publicly and proudly. But that's no excuse to get cocky! Practice day and night to grow as a band, or it'll be tomatoes, not cheers, heaved at you.	N/A	+§1,800
3	Subway Trawler	The subterranean stages throughout town beckon to your fledgling band. Strum something ever so sweetly for the commuters of the city and your band will gain quick renown.	N/A	+§3,937
4	Dive Bar Opening Act	A few of the local dives are willing to let your band open for better acts. It's a great chance to be on stage, so play hard and capitalize on the opportunity!	N/A	+§7,987
5	Dive Bar Headliner	From opening act to headliner, the dives are now rocking along with the smooth sounds of your up and coming band. Keep the dive-goers happy and these won't be the last stages you headline.	§500	+§14,549
6	Touring Player	It's time to go on a (local) tour with the band! Dives, lounges, parks - all of these are stages for your band to perform. Pull off a sweet move and entertain the crowds!	N/A	+§24,224
7	Local Legend	The local music scene is abuzz with the fresh, original sounds coming from your band. Your stage presence is a breath of fresh air and your band knows it!	§1,500	+§37,349
8	Headlining Act	When venues book your band, they know they are booking you as the headlining act. No questions asked, because there aren't any questions. Only an answer - your band is the best.	N/A	+§60,749
9	Culture Defining Band	The children of your earliest fans now grow up listening to your band. Every song you create is a genre defining event and every performance is legendary.	§2,500	+§96,186
10	Legendary Musician	Few bands, if any, can compare their career to yours. From your humble, off-key origins to rocking at the greatest venues in town, your music is legendary and will be inspiring Sims for generations to come.	§5,000	+§148,687

Gardener

Sims in this career earn promotions based on the amount of money earned through growing plants.

Note that a gardener doesn't have to growthe produce, just sell it. Because of this, a gardener can easily earn income and promotions by harvesting from their neighbor's garden or community gardens.

Tip

The best way to make money from the gardening career is to harvest and sell money bags from money trees.

Level	Title	Description	Prize	Promotion
1	Cucumber Smasher	Fruits and vegetables tremble in your clumsy hands. Practicing with hands deep in the soil is the only way to lead to higher value produce.	None	+§30
2	Dirt Digger	The dirt is a canvas and you are the artist. As your agricultural venture begins to escalate you must not forget your humble origins in the dirt.	None	+§105
3	Clodhopper	Farming is dirty work that is not for the timid or soft-handed city folk. Continue to survive in the field and profits will follow suit.	None	+§605
4	Master Weeder	Weeds fear your vigilant hands. However, grocers and produce buyers still don't consider you the best in the business. Continue weeding and improve your crops.	None	+§1,605
5	Fertilizer Flinger	Fertilization requires the proper state of mind and sturdy nose plugs. Be sure to fertilize your crops most efficiently to maximize profits and minimize time in the hot sun.	§500	+§4,105
6	Bushwhacker	The modern Bushwhacker is an up and coming farmer with aspirations of reaching the top spot. Only hard work and a successful harvest will take you there.	None	+§11,605
7	Seed Sewer	Often referred to as a fabled and legendary figure from the fertile acreage of Riverview, Seed Sewers have high standards to live up to. Most of all, providing high quality produce to the community.	§1,500	+§26,605
8	Famed Farmer	You've become quite famous amongst regional farmers and grocers for your top quality produce, record-shattering harvests, and innovative farming techniques. Farming becomes much more difficult this close to the top!	None	+§56,605
9	Progeny of the Harvest	Many whisper that you are not just an amazing farmer, but literally a spirit of the earth that can converse with seeds and plants. That may be far fetched, but your imminent success is not!	§2,500	+§116,605
10	Agricultural Mastermind	None question your meteoric rise to the top of the fertile career of farming. Due to your fantastic operations and techniques you are the best farmer in the land.	§5,000	+§196,606

Horseman

This skill career is introduced in The Sims 3: Pets. In this career, Sims earn promotions based on the amount of money earned through winning Equestrian Center competitions and selling horses.

Level	Title	Description	Prize	Promotion
1	Trail Dust Taster	You may still be trying to figure out which end of a horse to talk to, but after a few competitions you'll be leaping over any hurdle in your path.	None	+§500
2	Apprentice Saddle Polisher	You've gotten a taste of the equestrian life, and you don't mind the flavor. Keep pushing yourself and your horse onto bigger challenges.	None	+§1,300
3	Barn Sanitation Technician	Horses are like big dogs...that you can ride...and that don't chase cats. Actually, horses aren't like dogs at all. And knowing that is half the battle.	None	+§2,900
4	Mane Quality Supervisor	Taking care of a horse requires skill, knowledge, and a poor sense of smell. Hang in there and keep training!	None	+§5,700
5	Warm-Up Jockey	Few Sims understand horses like you do. Either you've got the brain of a horse, or horses have the brain of you! Stick to your training and keep winning cash.	§500	+§10,500
6	Consistently Upright Rider	Staying in the saddle isn't hard, as long as you remember that it's attached to a big, fast, strong animal that's afraid of its own shadow. Keep training and competing to succeed!	None	+§18,500
7	Pony Partner	When horse and rider act as one, they can accomplish anything. When they don't act as aone, they're pretty hilarious to watch. Enter more advanced competitions to earn bigger rewards.	§1,500	+§30,500
8	Blazer of Trails	By now, you've got enough know-how to teach even an old horse a few new tricks. Why not branch out and do a little horse training and dealing to boost your income?	None	+§47,500
9	Horse Psychic	Even after this much experience with horses, they can still surprise you.Can you ever learn all there is to know about these amazing animals? And can you ever get these stains out of your clothes?	§2,500	+§71,500
10	Equestrian Master	Your rapport with horses is unrivaled, your riding technique is flawless, and your knowledge of horses knows no bounds. Your riding exploits will go down in history!	§5,000	+§103,500

Inventor

Sims in this career earn promotions based on the amount of money earned through inventions.

Level	Title	Description	Prize	Promotion
1	Electrocution Victim	Inventing is a difficult profession at first due to the abundant danger with every careless bang of your hammer. Be careful, avoid inventing in puddles, and eventually you'll crawl towards a promotion.	N/A	+§30
2	Nuts and Bolts Combiner	The essence of inventing is picking the right elements to combine to create something amazing. You're starting small, but experimentation will lead you to more exciting components!	None	+§105
3	Duct Tape Rigger	Duct tape is a must-have tool for every inventor. It's good to focus on the fundamentals and work your way upwards in the inventing industry.	None	+§405
4	Whatchamahickey Designer	You're not exactly sure what you're creating, but creating is exactly what you're doing. Money is beginning to flow inwards as your inventions flow outwards.	None	+§1,405
5	Experienced Innovator	Customers have begun to prize your keen sense of innovation and craftiness. Whether it's a new toy, widget, or amazing gadget, people know they can depend on you for quality.	§500	+§3,905
6	Hosebeast	Rarrrr! Your wily inventions have garnered you a place in scientific circles as well as newspaper headlines. What people don't understand they sometimes fear, but continue to invent and success will be yours.	None	+§5,000
7	Father of Local Ingenuity	Whenever the shout of "Eureka!" emerges from your profitable workshop nobody doubts the quality of the creation. Your stock is raising - don't let folks down!	§1,500	+§10,000
8	Feared Techie	Some have called you a mad scientist, but madness is child's play compared to the creations of your current inventing venture. Stick to your workbench and show them what you're capable of.	None	+§25,000
9	Robotics Dealer	Robotics are merely the top tier of what your enterprise offers. Customers consider you the only stop for gadgets and gizmos, making your inventing enterprise close to number one!	§2,500	+§45,000
10	Fourth Dimensional Architect	Your inventions are the best available and three dimensions were no longer enough to quench your creative thirst. Your inventing enterprise is the best around, which makes you a world class inventor.	§5,000	+§60,001

Nectar Maker

Level	Title	Description	Prize	Promotion
1	Grape Kicker	Stomping on the grapes is a noble, yet humble starting position for any aspiring nectar maker. Stomp swiftly and your stock will rise!	N/A	+§30
2	Tastebud Nullifier	Your initial offerings have been found wanting, with some of your nectar varieties even being deemed harmful. No matter! Practice makes perfect and taste buds regenerate...most of the time.	None	+§69
3	Nectar Taster	You work has impressed other nectar makers, and your palette is earning a reputation as a respected nectar taster. Continue to sample and craft to earn further promotions.	None	+§149
4	Bottle Label Designer	Good nectar doesn't sell itself! Without synergy between the label, nectar product, and brand stragety, you will not go far!	None	+§245
5	Nectar Maker's Assistant	Before you earn the title master, you must be an assistant. It's purely a human resources concept, so just go along with it.	§500	+§921
6	Ascendant Juicer	As you ascend the corporate nectar making latter your customers will know you are the one to come to for quality nectar. You've come a long way, but still have much to accomplish.	None	+§5,000
7	High Quality Nectar Pairer	Nectar is good by itself, but divine when paired with a delicious meal. This is an art best left to those with experience- which means you!	§1,500	+§?
8	Chief of the Nectary Grounds	Good fruits are a product of quality soil and grounds. With tender care and passionate stewardship you can maintain and watch over your nectary.	?	+28,500
9	Nectar Bottle Distibuter	Distribution is a key component of the nectar industry. It is up to you to make sure quality products reach grocers by the truck load.	2,500	+§?
10	Master Nectar Craftsman	You've reached the top of the nectar making career, and have earned a place on the legendary Nectar Rack of Fame and Flavor. Savor the taste of your victory!	§5,000	+§?

Painter

Sims in this skill career earn advancements by selling the paintings they produce on the Artsy Easel.

Note that paintings that are hung up on the wall don't count.

Level	Title	Description	Prize	Promotion
1	Paint Splasher	While most see the canvas as a blank slate full of possibilities, you tend to gob and splash with the subtlety of a child. Nevertheless, the only place to go from here is up!	N/A	+§50
2	Canvas Cretin	Fewer easels are filing complaints about your paintbrush antics, which means you're improving and others are beginning to notice!	None	+§75
3	Finger Painter	Before you can truly master the brush, you must begin with man's first artistic tool - the hand. While lovingly smearing your creations about, remember that improvement comes with practice.	None	+§250
4	Paintbrush Patsy	Local artists have notice your enthusiasm and talent and are beginning to value your presence on the artistic stage. Continue to paint with fervor and you shall soon join their ranks.	None	+§750
5	Avant Garde Poseur	It's one thing to be creating "the" next best thing and another entirely to think you are doing so. You may not be the genuine article, but your hard work is paying off.	§500	+§1,000
6	Art Gallery Rookie	Local art galleries have begun displaying your works, though with apprehension. Continue to refine your craft to alleviate their fears and become the best.	None	+§2,500
7	Illustrious Illustrator	Few now doubt your talent, but many are curious just how far you will go. You must ask if it is enough to be merely great, or if only legendary status will suffice?	§1,500	+§5,000
8	Prestigious Painter	It is rare an introduction is made about you that isn't followed by a long list from your famous body of works. Verbose introductions shouldn't be enough in your quest for greatness!	None	+§10,000
9	Acrylic Ace	Regardless of the medium, with canvas and paint magic literally leaps from your easel and into the hearts and minds of art lovers everywhere.	§2,500	+§25,000
10	Master of the Brush	There is nothing else for you to learn for you are now the de facto master of your artistic craft. Art Historians will write essays about your work and tell your story with reverence.	§5,000	+§

Photographer

Sims in this career earn promotions based on the amount of money earned through taking & selling photos.

Level	Title	Description	Prize	Promotion
1	Papa/Mama Paparazzi		N/A	+§20
2	Dark Room Destroyer		N/A	+§50
3	Awkwardly Close Zoomer		N/A	+§150
4	Social Network Profile Photographer		N/A	+§750
5	Disposable Debutante		§500	+§2,500
6	Aperture Scientist		N/A	+§5,000
7	Titan of Timelessness		§1,500	+§10,000
8	Lens Lover		N/A	+§25,000
9	Memory Catcher		§2,500	+§45,000
10	Snap Dragon		§5,000	+§60,000

Sculptor

Sims in this career earn promotions based on the amount of money earned through selling their sculptures.

Sculptors may sell their creations right off the stand or through buy mode to receive credit towards promotion. Any object made at the Pedestrian Sculpting Station will count towards promotion. Sculptures can also be moved into the family inventory and sold through the Consignment Store, where the sale price can vary. However, "Ice Sim" sculptures show as §0 in the "Consign Items" interface and are probably worth more sold straight from the station.

Housemates' sculptures do not count towards the sculptor's career experience (neither do the decorations in buy mode).

After selling §25,000 of sculptures (as a self-employed sculptor) the sim may receive a Successful Sculptor's Medal from City Hall (Epic Hero Medal).

Level	Title	Description	Prize	Promotion
1	Questionable Potter	Sculpting isn't for everyone, much less a career in sculpting. though many will doubt your business on your current merits, a passion for sculpting will get you over these initial clay covered humps.	N/A	+§50
2	Cromagnon Clay Creator	A cave man reference isn't meant to imply your forehead is oddly shaped or that you live in a cave, but merely that there is room for you to evolve. And evolve you shall!	None	+§150
3	Sculpting Gozer	The title of Gozer is an ancient term meant to denote apprenticeship and accomplishment as a young sculptor. Your business will soon flourish. So, chisel away, Gozer!	None	+§300
4	Block Buster	The sculptor is a negative creator, in that matter is crushed and destroyed to display a refined vision of beauty. Smash away with your chisel and increase your client base.	None	+§1,000
5	Obelisk Architect	Tall, pointy sculptures and works of art are your business. You've come a long way, but you're only halfway to the top of this obelisk like sculpting career metaphor!	§500	+§2,500
6	Ice Gal/Guy	Ice is a medium of true artists and quick acting entrepreneurs. Remember to deliver your products before the ice, and all your hard work, melts away.	None	+§5,000
7	Renaissance Sculptor	Some of the greatest works of sculpture were completed during the Renaissance, and so your promotion comes with a title aligning you with the legends. Do not disappoint!	§1,500	+§10,000
8	Chiseled Chiseler	Many fall in love with artists as soon as they are successful, which is one word to describe your career as a sculptor. You're close to the top, but it's not time to put away the chisel just yet.	None	+§25,000
9	Topiary Tantalizer	Landscapers long for you to indulge them with your amazing topiaries and other sculptures. Continue to create such brilliance and your career will take the final leap to the top.	§2,500	+§45,000
10	Master Sculptologist	You've been so successful as a sculptor that some believe you've transcended art and turned brilliance and creation into a precise science. Enjoy the fame, profits, and respect of your peers. You've earned it.	§5,000	N/A

Writer

Sims in this career earn promotions based on the amount of money earned through writing novels.

Chapter submission revenue counts towards the money earned and thus promotion.

Level	Title	Description	Prize	Promotion
1	Fan Fiction Drafter	Your literary yearnings are barely paying the bills, but every famed author must start at Chapter 1. Keep writing and the next chapter is just a page away!	N/A	+§75
2	Small-Time Scribe	Critics aren't praising your latest work quite yet, nor do they know you even exist! However, critical scrutiny of your written word will come with patience and perseverance.	None	+§475
3	Tabloid Typist	Murmurs are turning into inside-voice whispers as you continue to climb the table of contents. At this rate, it won't be long until recognition and accolades follow.	None	+§1,475
4	Paperback Pauper	Reputable establishments now carry your works on shelves without despair or smirks, earning your latest piece a spot in an avid reader's rotation.	None	+§3,975
5	Work-for-Hire Wordsmith	Wordy corporations and literarily challenged locals are coming to you to wordsmith what they need, when they need it. Keep it up!	§500	+§8,975
6	Pretentious Poet	Poetry is but a phase for talented writers, but an important one nonetheless. Keep your rhymes appropriate, your pentameter pretentious, and your haiku within 5/7/5 syllables and all will be well.	None	+§16,975
7	Ghostwriter	Top notch writers who are too lazy to draft their own stories now seek you to do it for them at a fraction of the cost. A strong reputation and good attitude will go far in the writing industry!	§1,500	+§28,975
8	Prize Winning Author	The critics are lining up to pin accolades and awards upon the covers of your eagerly anticipated books. Many aspire to such lofty heights, but few succeed.	None	+§47,975
9	Fiction Fantastico	School children around the world rush to bookstores at midnight the day of the release of your latest work to hold your masterly crafted pages. There are few instances of higher praise than that.	§2,500	+§77,975
10	Blockbuster Writer	Without a doubt you are the preeminent writer alive today. Few have succeeded so brilliantly with words, imagination, and ink as you.	§5,000	N/A

Career Rewards

• Author's Honor Trophy: Make §25K from Writing
• Artist's Painted Ribbon: Make §25K from Painting
• Gardening Hero's Trophy: Make §25K from Gardening
• Fabulous Angler Medal: Make §25K from Fishing
• Successful Sculptor's Medal: Make §25K from Sculpting
• Photographer's Key to The Town: Make §25K from Photography
• Nectar Maker's Symbol of Honor: Make §25K from Nectar Making