12 Breaking Bad Characters' Jobs Before the Show Started

Pre-Meth Career Paths Revealed

Breaking Bad captivated audiences with its gripping storyline and complex characters. The show's success hinged on the transformative journeys of its protagonists and antagonists, whose lives took dramatic turns as the series unfolded.

Before their involvement in the world of methamphetamine production and distribution, many Breaking Bad characters held ordinary jobs that shaped their backgrounds and motivations. These pre-series occupations provide valuable insights into the characters' skills, personalities, and the circumstances that led them to their roles in the show's central narrative.

1) Walter White: Chemistry Teacher

Walter White began his career as a high school chemistry teacher in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He possessed a deep knowledge of chemistry and a passion for the subject, but struggled to make ends meet on a teacher's salary.

Despite his expertise, Walter found himself overqualified and underpaid in his role. He taught at J.P. Wynne High School, where he tried to inspire students with his love for science.

Walter's background included co-founding Gray Matter Technologies, a company that later became hugely successful without him. This past achievement contrasted sharply with his current situation as an underpaid educator.

As a teacher, Walter faced the daily challenges of engaging disinterested students and stretching his modest income to support his family. His frustration with his financial situation and unfulfilled potential would ultimately lead him down a darker path.

2) Jesse Pinkman: Meth Cook

Jesse Pinkman's involvement in the meth trade predated his partnership with Walter White. As a former student of White's chemistry class, Jesse had already dabbled in small-scale meth production before the events of Breaking Bad.

Jesse's initial meth-cooking methods were crude and inefficient. He used the pseudoephedrine reduction method, a common technique among amateur producers. This approach yielded a less pure product compared to the sophisticated methods he would later learn.

Despite his limited chemistry knowledge, Jesse had established connections in Albuquerque's drug scene. He operated under the street name "Cap'n Cook" and worked with his friend and fellow small-time dealer, Emilio Koyama.

Jesse's early ventures into meth production were driven more by a desire for quick money than any particular skill or ambition. His inexperience and lack of proper equipment often led to inconsistent results and potential dangers.

These initial forays into meth cooking set the stage for Jesse's later partnership with Walter White. Their collaboration would dramatically improve both the quality and scale of Jesse's meth production operations.

3) Skyler White: Accountant

Skyler White's professional background as an accountant played a significant role in shaping her character on Breaking Bad. Prior to the events of the show, she worked as a skilled accountant, utilizing her expertise in financial management and bookkeeping.

Her accounting skills proved valuable throughout the series, particularly when she became involved in Walter's illicit activities. Skyler's proficiency with numbers and financial records allowed her to assist in laundering money and managing the family's complex financial situation.

Before becoming a stay-at-home mother, Skyler likely worked for various companies or potentially ran her own accounting practice. Her career choice demonstrated her analytical mindset and attention to detail, traits that would later influence her actions and decision-making on the show.

Skyler's accounting background also provided her with a practical understanding of business operations, which she applied when helping to manage the car wash used as a money laundering front. This professional experience contributed to her character's development and her ability to navigate the dangerous world her husband had entered.

4) Hank Schrader: DEA Agent

Hank Schrader's career as a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent began before the events of Breaking Bad. He worked his way up the ranks to become a respected member of the Albuquerque office.

Hank's job involved investigating and combating drug-related crimes, with a focus on methamphetamine distribution in New Mexico. He partnered with Steven Gomez, forming an effective team within the DEA.

His position allowed him to gather intelligence on drug cartels and local dealers. Hank's dedication to his work was evident in his pursuit of major cases and his commitment to making arrests.

As an agent, Hank developed a reputation for his tenacity and sharp investigative skills. He often used humor to cope with the stresses of the job, but took his responsibilities seriously.

Hank's role at the DEA shaped his character and relationships. It provided him with a sense of purpose and identity, which became central to his storyline throughout the series.

5) Saul Goodman: Lawyer

Saul Goodman's legal career began long before his involvement with Walter White. Born as Jimmy McGill, he initially practiced law under his birth name in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Jimmy struggled to establish himself as a respectable attorney. He took on small cases and worked as a public defender, often representing petty criminals and low-level offenders.

His law office was located in the back of a nail salon, reflecting his modest beginnings. Despite his unconventional methods, Jimmy showed a knack for creative problem-solving and persuasive arguments.

As time went on, Jimmy adopted the persona of Saul Goodman. This transformation allowed him to cater to a specific clientele and build a reputation as a criminal lawyer willing to bend the rules.

Saul's catchphrase "Better Call Saul" became well-known in Albuquerque's criminal underworld. He specialized in representing drug dealers, money launderers, and other individuals involved in illegal activities.

6) Gus Fring: Restaurant Owner

Gus Fring owned and operated Los Pollos Hermanos, a successful chain of fast-food chicken restaurants, before the events of Breaking Bad. His business acumen and attention to detail made the restaurant a popular local establishment in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Fring's role as a restaurant owner provided him with a respectable public image. He was known for his friendly demeanor and commitment to customer service, often personally interacting with patrons and employees alike.

The Los Pollos Hermanos brand expanded under Fring's leadership, growing from a single location to multiple restaurants across the Southwest. This success allowed him to build connections within the local business community and establish himself as a prominent figure in Albuquerque.

Fring's restaurant ownership served as an effective cover for his illicit activities. The legitimate business provided a plausible explanation for his wealth and frequent travels, while also offering opportunities to launder money from his drug operation.

His position as a successful entrepreneur enabled Fring to cultivate relationships with law enforcement and community leaders. He leveraged these connections to further protect his criminal enterprise and maintain his facade as a law-abiding citizen.

7) Mike Ehrmantraut: Parking Attendant

Before his involvement in the criminal underworld, Mike Ehrmantraut worked as a parking attendant in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This job served as a cover for his more illicit activities.

Mike's role as a parking attendant allowed him to maintain a low profile while still earning a legitimate income. He spent his days managing vehicles and collecting fees from patrons.

The parking lot job provided Mike with flexibility and opportunities to observe his surroundings. This position suited his observant nature and allowed him to gather information discreetly.

Despite the mundane nature of the work, Mike approached it with the same level of professionalism he applied to all his endeavors. His attention to detail and calm demeanor made him well-suited for the role.

Mike's time as a parking attendant was relatively short-lived. He eventually transitioned to more lucrative and dangerous occupations, utilizing his skills in private investigation and security.

8) Marie Schrader: Radiologic Technologist

Marie Schrader, née Lambert, worked as a radiologic technologist at Kleinman Radiology Center before the events of Breaking Bad. In this role, she operated medical imaging equipment to perform X-rays and other diagnostic scans.

Marie's career choice was suggested by actress Betsy Brandt during the production of the show's pilot episode. The creators incorporated this idea into Marie's character development.

As a radiologic technologist, Marie likely received specialized training in operating various imaging devices and following proper safety protocols. Her job involved interacting with patients and collaborating with other healthcare professionals.

Marie's occupation provided her with a steady income and a professional identity outside of her family relationships. It also gave her access to medical knowledge and resources, which occasionally factored into the show's storylines.

Her work in the medical field contrasted with her husband Hank's law enforcement career, adding depth to their relationship dynamic. Marie's job also served as a point of comparison to her sister Skyler's evolving situation throughout the series.

9) Jane Margolis: Tattoo Artis

Jane Margolis pursued a career as a tattoo artist before her involvement in the events of Breaking Bad. Born on April 4, 1982, in Phoenix, Arizona, she developed her artistic talents from a young age.

Jane's skillful hand and creative eye led her to the world of tattooing. She honed her craft and established herself as a respected tattoo artist in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Her profession allowed her to express her creativity while providing a steady income. Jane's artistic abilities were evident in her work, attracting a loyal clientele who appreciated her unique designs and attention to detail.

As a tattoo artist, Jane likely worked in a studio setting, creating custom designs for her clients and applying them with precision. Her job required a steady hand, artistic vision, and the ability to interact well with customers.

Jane's career choice reflected her independent nature and desire for self-expression. It provided her with a sense of purpose and allowed her to make a living through her passion for art.

10) Tuco Salamanca: Drug Dealer

Tuco Salamanca was deeply entrenched in the drug trade long before the events of Breaking Bad. As a member of the notorious Salamanca family, he grew up surrounded by criminal activities and cartel connections.

Tuco operated as a high-level distributor for the Mexican drug cartel in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He managed the cartel's operations north of the border, overseeing a network of street-level dealers and enforcers.

His violent and unpredictable nature made him feared within the drug community. Tuco's reputation for brutality helped him maintain control over his territory and intimidate rivals.

Before encountering Walter White and Jesse Pinkman, Tuco had already established himself as a formidable presence in the local drug scene. He ran his business from various locations, including a junkyard office.

Tuco's position in the drug hierarchy was solidified through his family connections, particularly his uncle Hector Salamanca. This allowed him to access high-quality product and maintain a steady flow of drugs into the Albuquerque market.

11) Lydia Rodarte-Quayle: Corporate Executive

Before her involvement in the drug trade, Lydia Rodarte-Quayle held a prominent position as an executive at Madrigal Electromotive. This German multinational conglomerate operated across various industries, providing Lydia with a respectable corporate career.

Lydia's role at Madrigal allowed her to develop extensive business connections and acquire valuable skills in logistics and supply chain management. Her position likely involved overseeing international operations and coordinating with different branches of the company.

As a high-ranking executive, Lydia was accustomed to a world of corporate meetings, financial reports, and strategic decision-making. Her professional life stood in stark contrast to the criminal underworld she would later become entangled with.

Lydia's corporate background shaped her approach to illegal activities. She applied her business acumen and organizational skills to streamline drug distribution operations, treating them as another logistical challenge to overcome.

Her executive experience also contributed to her paranoid and meticulous nature. Lydia's constant vigilance and attention to detail, while excessive, stemmed from years of navigating the competitive corporate landscape.

12) Gale Boetticher: Research Chemist

Gale Boetticher possessed a strong academic background in chemistry before his involvement with Gus Fring's operation. He held a Master's degree in organic chemistry, specializing in X-ray crystallography.

Gale's career path initially led him towards pursuing a doctorate in Colorado under a National Science Foundation grant. However, his passion for hands-on laboratory work ultimately steered him away from academia.

Prior to his association with the drug trade, Gale likely worked as a research chemist in legitimate scientific settings. His expertise and enthusiasm for chemistry made him well-suited for roles in pharmaceutical companies, materials science laboratories, or chemical engineering firms.

Gale's skills and knowledge were highly valuable in professional research environments. His ability to synthesize complex compounds and analyze chemical structures would have been assets in developing new drugs, materials, or industrial processes.

Despite his talents, Gale's idealistic nature and fascination with the "magic" of chemistry may have made him less suited for the constraints of corporate research. This disconnect potentially led him to seek alternative applications for his skills.

Character Professions and Skill Sets

The characters in Breaking Bad possessed diverse professional backgrounds and skill sets that shaped their roles in the series. These pre-existing talents and experiences influenced their actions and decisions throughout the show's storyline.

Impact on Character Development

Walter White's chemistry expertise formed the foundation of his meth-cooking prowess. His scientific knowledge allowed him to produce a superior product, propelling him to the top of the drug trade. Jesse Pinkman's street smarts and connections from his small-time dealing days proved invaluable in distribution.

Hank Schrader's law enforcement background as a DEA agent provided him with investigative skills and resources. This expertise made him a formidable opponent to Walt's criminal enterprise. Saul Goodman's legal acumen and underworld connections stemmed from his years as a small-time lawyer, enabling him to navigate the criminal world adeptly.

Correlation with Plotlines

Skyler White's bookkeeping skills became crucial in laundering Walt's drug money through the car wash business. Her accounting knowledge helped maintain the façade of legitimacy. Gus Fring's business acumen, honed through managing Los Pollos Hermanos, allowed him to run a sophisticated drug empire under the guise of a fast-food chain.

Mike Ehrmantraut's police and private investigator background made him an asset in security and problem-solving for criminal operations. His skills in gathering intelligence and eliminating threats were central to many plotlines. Lydia Rodarte-Quayle's corporate experience at Madrigal Electromotive provided access to international distribution networks, expanding the reach of the meth operation.

Socioeconomic Influences on Characters

The characters in Breaking Bad faced various economic pressures and social circumstances that shaped their lives before the events of the show. These factors played a crucial role in their motivations and decisions.

Job-Related Challenges

Walter White's position as a high school chemistry teacher highlighted the financial struggles of educators. His salary was insufficient to support his family comfortably, especially with a child on the way and unexpected medical expenses. This economic pressure became a key driver for his turn to crime.

Jesse Pinkman's unstable employment history reflected the challenges faced by young adults without higher education. His inability to secure steady work contributed to his involvement in the drug trade.

Skyler White's part-time bookkeeping job at Beneke Fabricators demonstrated the limited career options available to some stay-at-home parents re-entering the workforce.

Social Dynamics Prior to the Series

The White family's middle-class status contrasted sharply with the affluence of Walt's former colleagues at Gray Matter Technologies. This disparity fueled Walt's resentment and desire for financial success.

Hank Schrader's position as a DEA agent placed him in a respected social circle, but also created tension with his less successful brother-in-law Walt.

Marie Schrader's kleptomaniac tendencies hinted at underlying psychological issues and a desire to elevate her perceived social status through material possessions.

Gus Fring's carefully crafted public persona as a successful businessman masked his criminal activities, allowing him to navigate different social spheres with ease.