If you’re a fresh graduate (or someone who wants to switch careers), it might seem far off to get a high-paying job in your chosen industry. However, it might not be as far off as you think. This is because you can find many high-paying, entry-level jobs.
Today, I’m going to go over the 25 best paying jobs for entry level. With this, you can select your chosen industry and earn the median wage (or more) straight away. I’ll also give you some tips on how to find entry-level jobs.
The 25 Best High-Paying, Entry-Level Jobs
Here’s a summary of the 25 highest-paying entry-level jobs you can choose from (I also included the industry):
- Radiation Therapist (Medical & Health Jobs)
- Data Analyst (Computer & IT Jobs)
- Data Scientist (Computer and IT Jobs)
- Software Developer (Software Development Jobs)
- UX/UI Designer (Design & Creative Jobs)
- Cybersecurity Analyst (Computer & IT Jobs)
- Accountant (Accounting & Finance Jobs)
- Auditor (Accounting & Finance Jobs)
- Junior Financial Analyst (Accounting & Finance Jobs)
- IT Technician (Computer & IT Jobs)
- Junior Web Developer (Software Development Jobs)
- Research Assistant (Administrative Jobs)
- Administrative Assistant (Administrative Jobs)
- Junior Graphic Designer (Marketing Jobs)
- Sales Representative (Marketing Jobs)
- Freelance Writer (Marketing Jobs)
- Junior Recruiter (Human Resources Jobs)
- Human Resources Assistant (Human Resources Jobs)
- Entry-Level Police Officer (Administrative Jobs)
- Claims Adjuster (Administrative Jobs)
- Proofreader (Marketing Jobs)
- Medical Assistant (Medical & Health Jobs)
- Firefighter (Administrative Jobs)
- Direct Support Professional (Medical & Health Jobs)
- Lab Technician (Medical & Health Jobs)
Read More: 20 Best Paying Jobs in Clothing/Shoe/Accessory Stores
1. Radiation Therapist (Medical & Health Jobs)
Average entry-level salary (as of Nov 2023): $112,966/year
If you’re a fresh graduate in the medical field and looking for the best paying jobs for entry level, you can start earning big as a radiation therapist. This job will see you delivering medically prescribed radiation to patients with cancer. You will be in charge of explaining the procedure, operating the machine, calculating the dosage, etc.
Read More: 30 Highest Paying Jobs In The Next 10 Years
2. Data Analyst (Computer & IT Jobs)
Average entry-level salary (as of Nov 2023): $59,011/year
If you’re into computers and IT, a data analyst will be in your expertise. As an analyst, you’ll be responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data. Ashish Gulati, a data science consultant, says, “Yes, data analysts have a future in the US. As the digital world is growing, organizations get access to loads of data that must be interpreted and beneficially used by data analysts.”
Because data analysis is a crucial task, many recruiters are looking for candidates with a Bachelor’s degree in computer science, statistics, mathematics, and information technology, to name a few.
Read More: The 45 Best Paying Jobs That Are Fun
3. Data Scientist (Computer & IT Jobs)
Average entry-level salary (as of Nov 2023): $160,723/year
A data scientist has a broader scope than a data analyst. They not only analyze historical data but also build predictive models and algorithms. This is what’s needed to look into actionable insights and predict future trends.
4. Software Developer (Software Development Jobs)
Average entry-level salary (as of Nov 2023): $74,981/year
Here’s one of the highest paying entry-level jobs without a degree. If you can prove that you know how to design, develop, and test computer software, then you can land a job as a software developer. Of course, if you don’t have a degree, you’ll need to learn through self-learning, boot camps, or practical experience through projects, on-the-job training, or internships.
Read More: The 25 Best Paying Jobs in EDP Services. Plus, Is This a Good Career Path?
5. UX/UI Designer (Design & Creative Jobs)
Average entry-level salary (as of Nov 2023): $115,956/year
Fun fact: There are around 2.5 million online retailers in the United States. This means that the need for someone to create user-friendly websites and mobile apps is in high demand. This is why a UX/UI designer has great pay, even if you’re in an entry-level position.
6. Cybersecurity Analyst (Computer & IT Jobs)
Average entry-level salary (as of Nov 2023): $93,519/year
As a cybersecurity analyst, you’ll protect a company’s computer systems and networks from security breaches and cyber threats. HR managers look for candidates who have the right education and experience for this job.
7. Accountant (Accounting & Finance Jobs)
Average entry-level salary (as of Nov 2023): $58,587/year
As a junior staff accountant, you’ll be responsible for financial documents, including payrolls, reports, balance sheets, journal entries, financial records, and tax returns, among other things. For the more important aspects, you’ll most likely be supervised by a senior staff accountant. As this is a crucial job, you’ll need a Bachelor’s degree in finance or a related field.
8. Auditor (Accounting & Finance Jobs)
Average entry-level salary (as of Nov 2023): $76,832/year
Similar to the previous entry-level role, auditors deal with company finances. But this time, the main role is to ensure a company complies with the finance and tax laws in the area. A day in the life of an entry-level auditor might be to check the accuracy and reliability of financial records, review the financial risk levels with executives, and give tax-related advice. Again, this role will most likely require a four-year degree.
9. Junior Financial Analyst (Accounting & Finance Jobs)
Average entry-level salary (as of Nov 2023): $50,585/year
Still on the finance train, you can choose to be a junior financial analyst instead. If you’re more into strategic thinking and decision-making, then you’ll love this job description. As a junior financial analyst, you’ll help clients make financial decisions. Of course, as a “junior”, you’ll be supervised by senior analysts and advisors.
10. IT Technician (Computer & IT Jobs)
Average entry-level salary (as of Nov 2023): $37,322/year
The U.S. tech industry is expected to have a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5% in 2024. Job seekers looking to enter the tech world will have a stable career in the long run. As an IT technician, you will help manage computer hardware and software. You’ll be tasked with jobs like troubleshooting, running tests, installing components, doing performance repairs, dealing with storage units and hard drives, etc.
11. Junior Web Developer (Software Development Jobs)
Average entry-level salary (as of Nov 2023): $80,109/year
The difference between a software developer and a web developer is that the latter solely focuses on applications and websites. So, as a junior web developer, you’ll help create apps and websites. But since you’re still a junior, you’ll most likely spend your time brainstorming new ideas, testing software, creating updates, and writing code with an experienced developer.
12. Research Assistant (Administrative Jobs)
Average entry-level salary (as of Nov 2023): $44,867/year
The name is pretty self-explanatory. But what do you research? It will depend on the industry you work in. Most of the time, it will be on academic or professional work.
13. Administrative Assistant (Administrative Jobs)
Average entry-level salary (as of Nov 2023): $39,879/year
Here, you’ll help with any type of administrative work. This can mean planning meetings, taking notes, organizing trips, answering phone calls and emails, and other administrative tasks requested by a company executive.
14. Junior Graphic Designer (Marketing Jobs)
Average entry-level salary (as of Nov 2023): $55,650/year
Are you looking for fun entry-level jobs that pay well? Well, if you are creative, you should consider a junior graphic designer role. You’ll be able to use your creative mind. You might even be in charge of drawing rough drafts, practicing new artistic techniques, and creating your own projects.
If you’re really talented and ambitious, you can even start your own graphic design business. However, this won’t earn as much as when you get hired.
Read More: 30 [Amazing] Low-Stress Jobs That Pay Well Without a Degree!
15. Sales Representative (Marketing Jobs)
Average entry-level salary (as of Nov 2023): $59,968/year
Say you’re a very good salesman. You love getting people to buy (or do) what you suggest. If so, then you’ll be perfect for a sales representative role. You’ll go out and try to sell a company’s product to individuals, businesses, organizations, etc.
16. Freelance Writer (Marketing Jobs)
Average entry-level salary (as of Nov 2023): $60,985/year
Don’t want to be restricted to working for one company? Love researching and writing? Freelance writing is a top choice. It’s one of the best high-paying jobs with no experience and no degree. Plus, freelance usually means flexible hours and a chance to work from home.
You don’t even need to start your career in an entry-level position. If you know how to write AWESOME content, you can compete with the senior writers already.
Read More: 30 Best Remote Jobs With No Experience Required
17. Junior Recruiter (Human Resources Jobs)
Average entry-level salary (as of Nov 2023): $44,776/year
According to Statista, in September 2023, there were around 9.55 million job openings in the US. The more job openings there are, the higher the need for recruiters. As a junior recruiter, you’ll be in charge of writing job descriptions, visiting job fairs, advertising openings, reading applications, scheduling interviews, etc. You’re there to make the hiring process easier for the official recruiter.
18. Human Resources Assistant (Human Resources Jobs)
Average entry-level salary (as of Nov 2023): $43,274/year
Your responsibility within the company is to assist an HR team. You’ll mostly deal with administrative tasks, such as taking notes, scheduling appointments, sending emails, reviewing worker benefits and salaries, sitting in on meetings with the HR and team members, and much more.
19. Entry-Level Police Officer (Administrative Jobs)
Average entry-level salary (as of Nov 2023): $54,714/year
If you want to be a police officer, you first have to start as an entry-level police officer. You can already maintain public safety by enforcing the law – but you’ll be under supervision. What’s more, your tasks will be more on enforcing traffic safety and patrolling areas rather than chasing down criminals.
20. Claims Adjuster (Administrative Jobs)
Average entry-level salary (as of Nov 2023): $57,774/year
Claim adjusters review insurance claims and help the insurance company come up with an appropriate response. A day as a claim adjuster can look like going over to a property, looking into the damage, determining the severity, and then returning to give the details to the company.
21. Proofreader (Marketing Jobs)
Average entry-level salary (as of Nov 2023): $46,466/year
As a proofreader, you make sure that there are no spelling, grammar, or stylistic errors in a document. You’re also the one who fact-checks if the information is correct. If you find a mistake, you can send it back for corrections. Proofreaders are usually hired for the publication of books, newspapers, webpages, or any written source.
22. Medical Assistant (Medical & Health Jobs)
Average entry-level salary (as of Nov 2023): $39,096/year
This is another administrative task role. Only this time, you’ll be in the medical field. This means you’ll schedule hospital appointments, take phone calls, restock office supplies, collect personal and medical history information, clean patient rooms, sterilize medical tools, assist during patient exams, etc.
23. Firefighter (Administrative Jobs)
Average entry-level salary (as of Nov 2023): $50,323/year
If you want a bit of action, a firefighter provides a higher-paying entry-level job. Even if you’re still entry-level, you’ll already be responding to emergency calls. You’ll help keep the community safe by putting out fires and helping in traffic accidents. You’ll also take part in safety protocols and physical training.
24. Direct Support Professional (Medical & Health Jobs)
Average entry-level salary (as of Nov 2023): $32,225/year
Do you want to spend your time helping developmental or intellectually disabled individuals? If you want to care for these people, then a direct support professional is the job you’re looking for. You’ll help with daily tasks, such as eating, cleaning, dressing, personal hygiene, and all that. Helping others out is always a fulfilling career choice.
25. Lab Technician (Medical & Health Jobs)
Average entry-level salary (as of Nov 2023): $46,151/year
To become a lab technician, you’ll typically need a Bachelor’s degree in a related field. As you’ll be assisting with research and lab experiments, it’s vital that you have some previous experience and knowledge.
Besides ordinary tasks like submitting lab reports and organizing the lab, you’ll also take part in experiment set-ups, test runs, specimen labeling, and results recording.
How to Land High-Paying Jobs for Entry-Level
One great way to find high-paying, entry-level jobs is to utilize job search websites. You can filter your job search with just a few keywords. You can add “industry”, “entry-level”, “no degree”, “salary range”, and more.
Some great job search websites to consider are:
Another great advice to land a high-paying, entry-level job is to tailor your resume and cover letter. Jessica Hinkle, a human resource manager, puts it this way, “When I am hiring for entry-level positions, I look for basic intelligence, responsibility, strong work ethic, and willingness to adapt and learn new skills. These factors will indicate a successful employee.” Make sure to follow what Hinkle has to say when crafting your resume and cover letter.
Finally, if you want high-paying entry-level jobs, you must improve your skills and gain experience. If you have the skills to do the task, then you’ll likely be a candidate for the job. The same is true with work experience.
So while you’re still going after a college degree, you can already start working on your skills. You can also join internships, do volunteer work, or take online courses in the specific industry you want to get into.
Final Words
Now that you know the 25 best paying jobs for entry level, you can pick the one that best suits YOU. Don’t forget to search through job sites, tailor your resume and cover letter, improve your skills, and gain as much experience as possible. If you do all that, you’ll be sure to land your dream job.
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