If you’re looking for your first role or want to change careers, you should check out the best entry-level jobs. We’ve put together a list of options worthy of your consideration, including entry-level remote jobs. Read on to find your professional calling.
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If you want to land an entry-level job, start your search on ZipRecruiter. ZipRecruiter is always free for job seekers and you can apply for jobs with one click!
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What Is An Entry-Level Job?
An entry-level job is a role that doesn't require formal education or specialized work experience. Generally, you’ll learn how to perform the function with on-the-job training and mentorship from more experienced professionals.
An entry-level job is good for people who are looking to:
- Get work experience
- Take on a junior-level or assistant role
- Develop their skill set
This can include:
- Recent graduates
- Workers looking to reenter the workforce
- Non-degree holders
- Career starters, or
- Career changers
14 Of The Best Entry-Level Jobs
1. Web Developer
Median National Salary: $78,000+
Education Required: High school diploma may be accepted
Number of Jobs: 197,000+
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 23% (much faster than average)
Job Duties: A web developer is responsible for designing and building websites and web applications using programming languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. They must be knowledgeable about web development frameworks and tools, and use problem-solving skills to create functional and user-friendly websites that meet clients' needs and specifications.
If you want to work as a web developer, learn more by reading our web developer job description. You can also take a step by updating your resume with our guide on writing a web developer resume.
2. Police Officer
Median National Salary: $66,000+
Education Required: High school diploma may be accepted
Number of Jobs: 808,000+
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 3% (slower than average)
Job Duties: A police officer is responsible for maintaining public safety and enforcing the law in a given jurisdiction. They must be knowledgeable about criminal justice procedures and use critical thinking and problem-solving skills to respond to emergencies, investigate crimes, and apprehend suspects while ensuring the safety of themselves and others.
3. Flight Attendant
Median National Salary: $61,000+
Education Required: High school diploma
Number of Jobs: 106,000+
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 21% (much faster than average)
Job Duties: A flight attendant is responsible for ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers during airline flights. They must be knowledgeable about emergency procedures, provide customer service, and assist passengers with tasks such as boarding, stowing luggage, and serving food and beverages.
For more information, check out our guide on how to become a flight attendant. You can also read our guide on how to create a flight attendant resume.
4. Computer Support Specialist
Median National Salary: $57,000+
Education Required: High school diploma may be accepted
Number of Jobs: 875,000+
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 6% (average)
Job Duties: A computer support specialist is responsible for providing technical assistance and support to customers or organizations experiencing computer hardware or software issues. They must be knowledgeable about computer systems and applications, and use problem-solving and communication skills to diagnose and resolve technical problems, install and configure software and hardware, and provide training and support to users.
5. Construction Equipment Operator
Median National Salary: $48,000+
Education Required: High school diploma
Number of Jobs: 466,000+
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 5% (average)
Job Duties: A construction equipment officer is responsible for managing and maintaining construction equipment such as bulldozers, cranes, and excavators. They must be knowledgeable about equipment operation and maintenance, and use problem-solving and communication skills to ensure that equipment is functioning safely and efficiently, and to coordinate repairs and maintenance.
6. Real Estate Sales Agent
Median National Salary: $48,000+
Education Required: High school diploma + state license
Number of Jobs: 562,000+
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 5% (average)
Job Duties: A real estate sales agent is responsible for helping clients buy, sell, and rent properties such as homes, apartments, and commercial buildings. They must be knowledgeable about the local real estate market, and use marketing and negotiation skills to attract clients and close deals, while ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards.
If you're curious about working as a real estate agent, learn more about what to expect by reading our real estate agent job description.
7. Medical Records Specialist
Median National Salary: $46,000+
Education Required: High school diploma may be accepted
Number of Jobs: 186,000+
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 7% (average)
Job Duties: A medical records specialist is responsible for managing and maintaining medical records and health information in a healthcare facility. They must be knowledgeable about medical terminology and coding, and use problem-solving and communication skills to ensure that records are accurate, complete, and secure, and to respond to requests for medical information from patients, healthcare providers, and insurance companies.
8. Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerk
Median National Salary: $45,000+
Education Required: Some college coursework
Number of Jobs: 1.7+ million
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: -5% (decline)
Job Duties: A bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerk is responsible for recording financial transactions, maintaining financial records, and preparing financial reports for an organization. They must be knowledgeable about accounting principles and software, and use tools such as spreadsheets and databases to track and report financial information accurately, while ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards.
9. Photographer
Median National Salary: $38,000+
Education Required: High school diploma
Number of Jobs: 125,000+
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 9% (faster than average)
Job Duties: AA photographer is responsible for capturing and editing visual images for a variety of purposes such as advertising, journalism, or personal use. They must be knowledgeable about photography equipment and techniques, and use artistic and technical skills to create high-quality images that meet clients' needs and specifications.
10. Medical Assistant
Median National Salary: $37,000+
Education Required: High school diploma may be accepted
Number of Jobs: 743,000+
Job Growth 2021 – 2031: 16% (much faster than average)
Job Duties: A medical assistant is responsible for performing administrative and clinical tasks in a healthcare facility, such as scheduling appointments, taking vital signs, and assisting healthcare providers with examinations and procedures. They must be knowledgeable about medical terminology and procedures, and use communication and organizational skills to ensure that patients receive efficient and high-quality care.
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11. Receptionist
Median National Salary: $29,000+
Education Required: High school diploma
Number of Jobs: 1+ million
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 0% (little to no change)
Job Duties: A receptionist is responsible for greeting visitors, answering phone calls, and performing administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments and filing documents. They must be knowledgeable about the organization and its services, and use communication and customer service skills to ensure that visitors and clients have a positive experience.
For more information, read our receptionist job description.
12. Veterinary Assistant
Median National Salary: $29,000+
Education Required: High school diploma
Number of Jobs: 103,500
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 19% (much faster than average)
Job Duties: A veterinary assistant is responsible for assisting veterinarians and veterinary technicians with animal care in a veterinary clinic or hospital. They must be knowledgeable about animal behavior and handling, and use communication and organizational skills to ensure that animals receive proper care, medications, and treatments, and to assist with procedures such as surgery and radiography.
13. Retail Sales Worker
Median National Salary: $29,000+
Education Required: No formal education is required
Number of Jobs: 4+ million
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 0% (little or no change)
Job Duties: A retail sales worker is responsible for assisting customers with purchasing products in a retail setting such as a store or online platform. They must be knowledgeable about the products and services offered, and use communication and customer service skills to ensure that customers have a positive experience, while promoting and upselling products.
If you want to become a retail sales worker, take a look at our retail associate job description and learn how to write a retail resume. You can also explore our round-up of the best retail jobs.
14. Restaurant Server
Median National Salary: $26,000+ (plus tips)
Education Required: No formal education is required
Number of Jobs: 1.9+ million
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 10% (faster than average)
Job Duties: A restaurant server is responsible for taking orders, serving food and beverages, and providing customer service in a restaurant or food service establishment. They must be knowledgeable about the menu and restaurant policies, and use communication and interpersonal skills to ensure that customers have a positive dining experience, while upselling and promoting menu items.
7 Best Entry Level Remote Jobs
Remote entry-level jobs offer a lot of perks that job applicants are looking for. Flexibility, no commute to work, and often, a more relaxed work environment are the draw for these jobs.
Many entry-level jobs are a good fit for remote roles. Here are 7 you should consider, if you’re looking for an entry-level position that lets you work from home.
1. Data Entry
Median National Salary: $37,000+
Education Required: High school diploma
Number of Jobs: 1.3+ million
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 0% (little or no change)
Job Duties: A data entry clerk is responsible for inputting and updating data into computer systems and databases, such as customer information, financial records, or inventory data. They must be knowledgeable about data entry software and procedures, and use accuracy and attention to detail to ensure that data is entered correctly and efficiently.
Does working as a data entry clerk interest you? Learn more in our data entry clerk job description. You can also get started by updating your data entry resume.
2. Virtual Assistant
Median National Salary: $39,000+
Education Required: High school diploma
Number of Jobs: 3.4+ million
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: -8% (little or no change)
Job Duties: A virtual assistant provides administrative support to clients remotely, such as managing schedules, responding to emails, and conducting research. They must have strong communication and organizational skills, and be proficient in using various computer programs and tools to complete tasks efficiently.
If this career sounds interesting to you, learn how to become a virtual assistant. You can also update your resume by following our guide to writing a virtual assistant resume.
3. Graphic Design
Median National Salary: $50,000+
Education Required: High school diploma
Number of Jobs: 265,000+
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 3% (slower than average)
Job Duties: Graphic designers use computers to create captivating images that inspire viewers to buy a company’s products or services. As a graphic designer, your designs could be used in brochures, product packaging, the company’s website, and more.
For more information, check out our graphic designer job description. If you want to become a graphic designer, learn how to create a graphic designer resume.
4. Customer Service Representative
Median National Salary: $36,000+
Education Required: High school diploma
Number of Jobs: 2+ million
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: -4% (decline)
Job Duties: A customer service representative is responsible for providing assistance and support to customers who have questions or issues with a product or service. They must be knowledgeable about the company's products and policies, and use communication and problem-solving skills to ensure that customers have a positive experience and their issues are resolved in a timely and satisfactory manner.
Do you want to work in a customer service role? Learn more about the duties and responsibilities by viewing our customer service representative job description.
5. Virtual Travel Agent
Median National Salary: $43,000+
Education Required: High school diploma
Number of Jobs: 46,000+
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 20% (much faster than average)
Job Duties: A virtual travel agent is responsible for providing travel planning and booking services to clients remotely, such as researching and booking flights, hotels, and activities. They must be knowledgeable about travel destinations and regulations, and use communication and organizational skills to ensure that clients have a positive travel experience and their needs are met.
6. Online Transcriptionist
Median National Salary: $30,000+
Education Required: High school diploma
Number of Jobs: 59,000+
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: -7% (decline)
Job Duties: An online transcriptionist is responsible for transcribing audio or video recordings into written documents, such as medical reports, legal documents, or business meetings. They must be knowledgeable about transcription software and procedures, and use accuracy and attention to detail to ensure that the transcribed document is accurate and complete.
Check out our guide to transcription jobs for beginners.
7. Content Writer
Median National Salary: $69,000+
Education Required: High school diploma
Number of Jobs: 142,000+
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 4% (average)
Job Duties: A content writer is responsible for creating written content for a variety of mediums such as websites, blogs, social media, or marketing materials. They must be skilled in researching, organizing, and editing written material to effectively communicate a message or story to an audience while ensuring that the content is engaging and meets the needs of the target audience.
For more ideas, check out our guide to the best writing jobs. If you want to learn more about the duties of a writer, check out our content writer job description. You can also learn how to write a writer resume.
Types Of Entry-Level Jobs
There are different types of entry-level jobs. While they are all pretty similar, there are some differences which should be noted. It can be the difference between getting a true entry-level job with no experience needed and an experience-required entry-level job.
Entry-Level Job
Even positions listed as “entry-level jobs” may not truly be entry-level, like this example. Generally, many entry-level jobs do require some college or a bachelor’s degree. This can be misleading and frustrating for jobseekers, which is why we’re identifying these roles here.
In your search for entry-level jobs, expect a degree and/or internship experience to be required, unless otherwise stated.
These are typically in job fields like healthcare, law, and finance.
Professional-Experience Needed Entry-Level Job
An entry-level job with professional experience needed are jobs looking for applicants with around 2 years of professional experience, preferably in the industry for the job they are applying.
These jobs are offered by employers looking to shorten the employee training window. They want workers they can hire and hit the ground running with minimal new hire onboarding required.
Degree Not Needed Entry-Level Job
Entry-level jobs that state a degree is not needed is probably what most applicants are seeking when searching for entry-level job roles.
This means a college degree is not required and you can find jobs like this in industries like hospitality, customer service, administrative, and sales.
Tips For Landing Your First Entry-Level Job
If you’re looking for advice for landing your first entry-level job, here are some best practices and strategies that can help.
- Identify your target industry: Get clear on the type of industry you want to work in. This goes a long way in the job search process. Be specific and ensure the industry you pick aligns with your interests and goals.
- Identify your target job role: Choose the ideal entry-level job role you’re looking for and be specific here, too.
- Update/create your cover letter and resume: Look over your cover letter and resume, identifying any opportunities for improvement. Make it professional and polished, ensure it’s compelling and highlights your skills, experience, and achievements. For more help, check out the best resume writing services.
- Practice mock interviews: Practice interviewing to help prepare for common interview questions.
- Look for internships and volunteer opportunities: Internships and volunteer opportunities are an excellent opportunity to improve your skills and gain experience.
Best Places To Find Entry-Level Jobs
When it's time to find your next opportunity, check out the best job posting sites to start your search:
ZipRecruiter
ZipRecruiter is a popular employment marketplace that can help you find an entry-level job in almost any field. You can easily search through posted positions by location, title, salary, and other parameters. You can also set up job alerts to receive emails whenever new matching opportunities get listed on the website.
For more information, check out our ZipRecruiter review.
Discover Your Dream Job Find jobs near you and apply with 1 click! New jobs posted daily.
CollegeGrad
CollegeGrad is a specialized job board for new college graduates and those seeking entry-level roles. You can search for positions by title, location, and other criteria. You can also search for internship opportunities.
LinkedIn is a job board, professional social media platform, and digital networking space all rolled into one website. You can create a searchable profile to get discovered by recruiters and hiring managers, browse job advertisements, and connect with other professionals. You can also communicate with other LinkedIn users directly on the website.
For more information, check out our LinkedIn review.
The Bottom Line
If you’re new to the workforce or planning to change professional gears, you should now have a good grasp of the best entry-level jobs. But, before you submit your first application, you should have one of our picks for the best resume writing service review your resume. Then, you’ll be ready to start your job search on ZipRecruiter.
