There is theory, and then there is practice.
In theory, there are a whole slew of entry level jobs for all job seekers. These include jobs that require a college degree, as well as jobs that require no formal education. We’ve gone over the best sites on the internet, double checked their work.
Here’s what we found for 2025:
Best Entry Level Jobs with Good Pay (No Degree)
These jobs do not require a 4 year college degree. Some of them do require significant training and certifications.
| Job Title | Requirements | Average Pay |
| Insurance Claims Adjuster | High school diploma or equivalent; some postsecondary coursework may be helpful | $75,000 |
| Junior Recruiter | Bachelor’s degree preferred | $63,000 |
| Freelance Writer | No formal education requirements | $60,000 |
| Claims Adjuster | High school diploma or equivalent; some postsecondary coursework may be helpful | $59,000 |
| Real Estate Agent | No degree requirements. Some licensing may be required depending on your area. | $57,000 |
| Administrative Assistant | High school diploma or equivalent | $50,000 |
| Dental and Ophthalmic Lab Technician | Requires one-year postsecondary certificate course, or a two-year associate’s degree program | $45,000 |
| Tax Preparer | High school diploma or equivalent | $43,000 |
| Veterinary Assistant | High school diploma or equivalent | $36,000 |
| Firefighter (gray collar) | High school diploma or equivalent; firefighter certification | $47,000 |
| Security Guard (gray collar) | High school diploma or equivalent preferred | $37,000 |
| Escalator and Elevator Installer (blue collar) | High school diploma or equivalent; postsecondary coursework may be helpful. | $102,000 |
| Direct Support Professional (blue collar) | High school diploma or equivalent | $76,000 |
| Plumber (blue collar) | High school diploma or equivalent; certain specialties may require additional training | $62,000 |
| Entry-level Police Officer (gray collar) | High school diploma or equivalent required; some postsecondary coursework in criminal justice | $59,000 |
| Commercial Truck Driver (blue collar) | High school diploma or equivalent required; many employers prefer commercial driver certificates | $54,000 |
| Cement and Concrete Mason (blue collar) | High school diploma or equivalent preferred; relevant vocational school coursework may be helpful | $53,000 |
| Roofer (blue collar) | No formal education requirements; on-the-job training required | $50,000 |
| Flooring Installers (blue collar) | No formal education requirements; on-the-job training required | $49,000 |
| Tree Trimmer (blue collar) | High school diploma or equivalent required; postsecondary coursework may be helpful | $49,000 |
| Hazmat Removal Worker (blue collar) | High school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job training required | $47,000 |
| Construction Laborer (blue collar) | No formal education requirements; on-the-job training required | $44,000 |
| Pest Control Worker (blue collar) | High school diploma or equivalent; state licenses may be required | $43,000 |
| Entry Level Sales Representative | High school diploma or equivalent | $37,000 |
| Restaurant Server (blue collar) | No formal education requirements; on-the-job training required | $32,000 |
| Bartender (blue collar) | No degree required; bartender certificate may improve job prospects | $32,000 |
| Landscaper (Grounds Maintenance Worker) (blue collar) | High school diploma or equivalent required | $32,000 |
Best Entry Level Jobs with Good Pay (Requires Degree)
The following jobs typically require a 2 year or 4 year college degree. Some exceptions to the rule are possible in unregulated industries. (i.e. Cannot be a Radiation Therapist without a degree, but can possibly be a Proofreader without one.)
| Job Title | Requirements | Average Pay |
| Radiation Therapist | 🎓Associate’s degree in radiation therapy | $71,000 |
| Junior Web Developer | 🎓Bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field | $68,000 |
| Public Relations Associate | 🎓Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field | $67,000 |
| Health Information Technician | 🎓Postsecondary certificate (one-year program) or associate’s degree (two-year program) strongly preferred | $63,000 |
| Wind Turbine Technician (blue collar) | 🎓Wind energy technology certificate (one-year program) or associate’s degree (two-year program) | $62,000 |
| Proofreader | 🎓Bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, or related field | $59,000 |
| IT Technician | 🎓Associate’s degree in information technology or related field | $51,000 |
| Junior Staff Accountant | 🎓Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field | $50,000 |
| Auditor | 🎓Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field | $49,000 |
| Junior Graphic Designer | 🎓Bachelor’s degree in graphic design or related field | $48,000 |
| Medical Assistant | 🎓Medical assistant certificate or diploma | $47,000 |
| Research Assistant | 🎓Bachelor’s degree in relevant field | $47,000 |
| Human Resources Assistant | 🎓Bachelor’s degree in human resources or related field | $47,000 |
| Entry-level Lab Tech | 🎓Associate’s degree in medical laboratory technology or related field | $46,000 |
All in all, the options don’t look bad.
Of course, that’s in theory. And theory hardly ever matches practice…
In Practice: Not That Many Good Paying Entry Level Jobs
In fact, just looking through a Reddit post or two, or even a Quora answer – a real pattern emerges…
You see… While in theory, there are many well paying entry level jobs that early career professionals could get, it doesn’t mean these jobs are accessible. When it comes to entry level jobs, it’s no longer enough to just apply and show a little bit of initiative and enthusiasm to get the job.
Why? One word…
Competition
Job searches across the board are getting really competitive. Across the Western world, hundreds of people are lining up to get a crack at very basic positions. Whereas in the Eastern world, the competition has gotten so out of control that angry mobs are setting fires in protest of the unfairness of hiring practices.
(Sitenote: before you think that the Eastern world does not affect me, we’d encourage you to consider the rapid globalization of the workforce, and how remote jobs are enabling a new wave of outsourcing for white collar work.)
Simply put, competition for work that is not gig-work is much harsher than it used to be.
In fact, the reality is, in the Western world in general, and The United States in specific, positions outside of low opportunity jobs like those in retail, or jobs that aren’t back breaking labor jobs, like jobs in a farm or jobs in the far FAR “back-of-house” in a restaurant, get a TON of applicants.
And what’s the result? Employer expectations have risen.
Gone are the days when you join a company as an “entry level” person to learn the ropes. In fact, unless you already have significantly valuable in demand skills, forget about getting an entry level job where you learn anything on the job – on the employer’s dime.
You are expected to not just hit the ground running, but to be profitable on day one! Of course, part of this might be thought of as greed, but part of it is also a side effect of the extremely competitive business landscape. Just as much as job hunters are competing with one another, employers are also competing with one another, and many times, much more fiercely.
Our work has become more complex. Thus, the jobs have become more complex.
For instance, an Administrative Assistant job description might require minimal experience (like 1 year preferred). But nowadays, it will also require skills such as “Spectacular time management skills” or “Immaculate attention to detail” or even “Advanced computer skills including MS Word, Excel and Access”.
In the old days (back 20 or 30 years ago), you didn’t need to learn such skills. And whatever you needed to learn to get the job done, you’d learn it on the job or be provided specific training for it.
Nowadays, you need to demonstrate the skills you’ll need to use at the job, before they hire you.
How to Get a Good Paying Entry Level Job
In navigating our modern competitive job market, you can take several practical steps to enhance your readiness and marketability:
- Continuous Skill Development: Invest time in honing relevant skills through online courses, workshops, or self-study. Getting an entry level job requires demonstration of skill.
- Mentorship: Seek out mentors who can provide guidance and support in navigating career challenges and opportunities. Use our publications, courses and events.
- Networking: Build relationships within industries you are interested in by attending networking events, joining professional associations, or participating in online communities.
- Stepping Stone Jobs: Modern day entry level jobs that pay well often require a stepping stone position such as an internship, an apprenticeship, an assistant or coordinator role, as well as temp roles. Remember: many entry level jobs may be posted online due to legal reasons, but they may already have someone internal in mind (i.e. last intern).
- Gig Work: Freelance projects or gig work related to your field of interest will get you the skills you need to demonstrate. Almost every entry level job can be approached by doing some relevant gig work.
- Volunteer Work: Volunteer for projects or initiatives that align with your career goals. This can be a valuable way to gain experience, develop new skills, and expand your professional network.
- Adaptation and Awareness: Stay informed about industry trends, technological advancements, and emerging job roles. Our work landscape is changing so rapidly that by the time you finish an internship, the job you’re after could get automated away. Orient yourself toward a career that has longevity.
It can be frustrating, but there’s a way out.
Be proactive. Develop skills, build networks, and connect with mentors. By gaining relevant experience, you’ll be able to position yourself for success in today’s competitive job market.