Assassin

Assassination is the act of deliberately killing a prominent person, such as a head of state or head of government. An assassination may be prompted by political and military motives. It is an act that may be done for financial gain, to avenge a grievance, from a desire to acquire fame or notoriety, or because of a military, security, insurgent or secret police group's command to carry out the assassination. Acts of assassination have been performed since ancient times.

— Wikipedia

Career

Payment & Reimbursement

Each assassination attempt is rewarded depending on its own merit and if the attempt is successful.  It also depends on the reputation of the assassin in question, how hard the assassination is, and who is requesting the assassination to happen.

Other Benefits

There is a notoriety in certain social circles, mostly the illicit ones.  However, the best assassins are known in the highest circles of nobility for their ease of passage and quickness of service.

Perception

Purpose

An assassin is a killer for hire.  They don't tend to kill for pleasure and will usually have another "day" job, one that allows them to leave for an assassination at their leisure. 
Each assassin takes jobs for a variety of reasons, but most have a code of ethics all their own and live by that code.  Most won't take assassinations that kill innocence people or creatures. Most take into consideration if the assassinations will help or harm the general population of the area.  Most will charge a surcharge or give a discount depending on the situation, like if their code of ethic could or have been violated (surcharge) or the assassination could help in an overwhelming way (discount).

Social Status

Most assassins are looked down upon by the general public and those who hire them, but when they are needed no one is going to say a bad word about them.
Assassinations are always illegal, but are sometimes necessary, so the legalities can sometimes be overlooked.

Demographics

Less than 1% of the population are assassins. Mostly because bad assassins die or get caught, which means they are no longer assassins.

Alternative Names

Katala

Type

Illicit