Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared on FlexJobs.com.
Landing an entry-level job doesn’t have to mean settling for low pay. Many industries offer high-paying positions, even if you don’t have a degree or experience.
These roles provide a chance to change careers or start fresh while still earning competitive compensation.
Entry-level jobs are more than just a stepping stone. They’re designed to help you build essential skills and gain the experience needed to grow in your field. Through real-world tasks and hands-on training, these positions create a strong foundation for long-term career success.
Whether you’re a recent graduate looking for a high starting salary or are in the market for high-paying entry-level remote jobs, you’ve come to the right place. This article will help you find entry-level jobs that pay well, introduce you to companies that are hiring, and offer practical tips for securing the job.
Many industries offer high-paying, entry-level jobs, including remote jobs. Each industry has its unique requirements and salary ranges, so it’s essential to research and align your skills and education with the right opportunity.
We’ve compiled salary data from Payscale and job growth projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to give you a clear view of your options.
1. Accounting and Finance
The accounting and finance field offers a wide range of entry-level positions, including roles in accounting, banking, and bookkeeping. These jobs often involve managing financial records, analyzing budgets, and ensuring the accuracy of transactions.
Some of the highest-paying specialties in this field include financial analysts and tax preparers, which provide significant opportunities for growth.
Entry-level accountants typically earn around $53,000 annually, while bookkeepers report median salaries of approximately $48,000. The accounting sector is expected to increase by 6% over the next decade.
2. Administrative Roles
Jobs with administrative roles, such as executive assistants and office administrators, are essential to keeping businesses organized and efficient. These positions often include managing schedules, handling communications, and supporting upper-level leadership with a variety of tasks.
Specialties such as medical secretaries and legal assistants are among the highest-paying in the administrative field.
Entry-level salaries for administrative assistants average around $45,000 annually, while executive assistants earn a higher starting salary at approximately $64,000.
Administrative roles overall are projected to show little change in the next decade. However, 5% growth is expected for administrative jobs in the medical field.
3. Computer and IT
The computer and IT industry is one of the most lucrative sectors for entry-level professionals. Roles such as database administrators, cybersecurity specialists, and technical support experts are among the highest-paying specialties in this field.
IT professionals are responsible for maintaining and securing data systems, troubleshooting technical issues, and ensuring seamless operation of technology across various sectors.
Entry-level IT jobs, such as database administrators, can expect a median salary of about $61,500. According to the BLS, growth in this field “is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations” in the next decade.
4. Customer Service
Customer service roles, such as call center and customer service representatives, focus on helping customers resolve issues with a high level of support. This field spans a wide range of industries, from retail to health care, with specialized roles like travel consultants and financial service representatives among the highest-paying.
Entry-level customer service representatives earn an average salary of almost $39,800 annually. Certain specialized fields, such as financial services or medical customer support, may offer higher salaries.
Growth varies for different roles. For example, demand for customer support specialists is projected to increase by 6% in the next 10 years.
5. Engineering
Engineering is a broad and lucrative field, particularly in areas such as computer, electrical, and aerospace engineering. These roles involve designing, developing, and testing systems or infrastructure, with specialties like software engineering and chemical engineering offering some of the highest starting salaries.
Entry-level chemical engineers earn around $72,400 per year, while entry-level software engineers typically earn about $82,000 annually. The demand for engineering roles is expected to grow by 11% over the next decade, particularly in fields like mechanical and civil engineering.
6. Marketing
Marketing offers diverse entry-level roles, from digital marketing specialists to copywriters and social media managers. The field is dynamic and fast-paced, requiring creativity and adaptability to keep up with changing trends.
Specialties like SEO strategists and email marketing managers are among the highest-paying positions for newcomers to the field.
Entry-level marketing salaries vary, but copywriters can expect to earn around $48,000, while social media managers start at approximately $57,700. Marketing roles are projected to grow by 8% over the next decade as the demand for digital content and data-driven strategies continues to rise.
7. Medical and Health Care
Health care offers numerous entry-level positions that don’t always require a four-year degree. From medical assistants to dental hygienists, the health care field provides opportunities to work directly with patients or behind the scenes.
Registered nurses and surgical technologists are among the highest-paying specialties for entry-level health care professionals.
Registered nurses typically earn a starting salary of about $65,000 annually, while medical billing specialists earn around $36,500.
The health care sector is expected to grow much faster than other industries over the next decade. The BLS reports an estimated 1.9 million health care job openings each year.
8. Project Management
Project management roles are crucial across construction, technology, and marketing industries. Entry-level project coordinators assist with planning, organizing, and executing projects, working closely with senior managers to ensure everything stays on track.
Specialized areas like IT project management and construction project coordination offer some of the highest entry-level salaries.
Project coordinators typically start with a salary of around $56,000, and entry-level project managers earn about $61,000 annually. The demand for project management professionals is expected to grow by 7% in the next decade.
9. Entry-Level Sales Jobs
Sales positions provide excellent earning potential for entry-level professionals, particularly in industries like technology and real estate. Sales professionals manage client relationships, meet quotas, and drive revenue for their organizations.
Specialties such as tech sales and pharmaceutical sales are known for offering the highest-paying entry-level opportunities.
Entry-level sales representatives earn an average of $45,000 annually, but those in the tech sector can earn about $58,000 per year. With the possibility of bonuses and commissions, this figure can increase substantially. Sales roles are expected to grow by 1% over the next decade.
10. Entry-Level Software Development Jobs
Software development is one of the fastest-growing fields, with entry-level positions like data analysts and software developers in high demand. These roles involve creating and maintaining software applications, analyzing data, and solving complex programming problems.
Data scientists and back-end developers are among the highest-paying specialties in this field.
Entry-level software developers earn around $69,000 annually. The software development field is expected to grow by 17% over the next decade, making it one of the fastest-growing industries.
10 Companies Hiring for Entry-Level Jobs
Are you wondering, “How can I find high-paying entry-level jobs near me?” You have plenty of options!
Start your search with these companies that hire for entry-level jobs that pay well.
1. AffiniPay
AffiniPay is a self-described leader in online payments for professional services industries. Described as the only digital payment solution tailored to professionals, the company’s technology is used by lawyers, accountants, interior designers, associations, and beyond.
2. Creative Financial Staffing – CFS
Creative Financial Staffing (CFS) specializes in connecting organizations with finance, accounting, and IT professionals. CFS offers solutions for direct-hire placement, project support and interim management, and temporary job placement.
3. Duke Energy
Duke Energy is one of the largest electric power holding companies in the United States, serving customers in the Midwest and Southeast. The company specializes in solar power, commercial power, renewable energy, wind power, smart grid power, and energy from coal, oil, and nuclear sources.
4. Little Otter
Little Otter is a mental health company that specializes in pediatric care. The company provides an integrated care team and personalized care for every child and their family members, including quarterly mental health checkups and proprietary assessments.
5. Robert Half International
Robert Half has been helping businesses find skilled professionals for over 75 years. The company offers various services, such as temporary and direct-hire placements, consulting and project work, and on-call staffing solutions.
6. Speakeasy Marketing
Speakeasy Marketing provides lawyer-focused marketing services to help solo law practitioners and small law firms across the U.S. increase their revenue. The company works with attorneys in areas like bankruptcy, criminal defense, divorce, DUI, and personal injury, as well as with doctors, dentists, and other professionals.
7. TELUS
TELUS is a Canadian-based company that provides broadband and communication systems to customers throughout the northeastern Americas. The company offers a range of communications products and services, from entertainment and video to wireless and voice solutions, and is also Canada’s largest IT health care provider.
8. UnitedHealth Group
Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, UnitedHealth Group provides benefits services and health care coverage to nearly 139 million clients and consumers worldwide.
9. Veeva
Veeva is a leading provider of cloud-based software and services for the life sciences industry. Dedicated to product excellence, innovative practices, and customer success, the company serves the pharma and biotech, consumer health, and animal health industries.
10. Welocalize
Welocalize is a global localization and translation company that helps brands capture business worldwide by reaching, engaging, and growing their international audiences through multilingual content and data transformation.
How to Find Entry-Level Jobs That Pay Well
Now that your creative juices are flowing and you’re exploring the wide range of industries offering rewarding entry-level positions, it’s time to consider strategies to help you secure a high-paying, entry-level role.
1. Be Strategic
When you launch a job search, it’s crucial to strategically choose your path before jumping into action. Research the various industries and companies offering high-paying, entry-level jobs, but dive deeper than the dollar amount.
Consider how they align with your skills, education, and interests. The more passionate you are about a company or its purpose, the more easily you’ll convey that excitement. Narrow down your list to target companies you’ll get excited to work for and focus your energy there.
Hiring managers are increasingly focused on hiring for culture fit. Many technical skills can be taught during on-the-job training. Wow them with your dedication to their brand.
2. Build and Utilize Your Network
Building a strong professional network is often the key to landing a high-paying, entry-level job. Set goals to attend networking events, join professional organizations, and connect with professionals in your target industry. Use social media platforms like LinkedIn to find new connections and engage with meaning and intention.
Use networking best practices. Avoid focusing solely on what you can gain; instead, work to create win-win situations where you give and receive support.
One of the best ways to network effectively is to become a connector of sorts. Introduce people in your network to one another, even if you’re gaining nothing from the interaction.
By building and utilizing your network effectively, you’ll increase your chances of getting a high-paying, entry-level job and creating valuable connections that can benefit your career in the long run.
Networking is a skill that needs to be learned and nurtured. If you find yourself struggling, enlist the support of a mentor to help you master the skill.
3. Think Outside Your Degree
While having a degree in a specific field can be helpful, it’s essential to think beyond your degree when searching for high-paying, entry-level jobs. Consider opportunities outside your field that align with your skills and interests.
By thinking of your degree as a foundation, rather than a fence, you open yourself up to a world of opportunities beyond your specific field of study. This approach not only increases your chances of landing a high-paying, entry-level job but also broadens your perspective and helps you discover new passions and interests.
4. Communicate Your Worth
When applying for high-paying, entry-level jobs, it’s crucial to find ways to communicate your worth to potential employers. Emphasize your talents and experiences and demonstrate how they translate to your chosen field. Be confident in your abilities and trust yourself to excel in the position you’re applying for.
FlexJobs Career Expert Keith Spencer reminds job seekers that you shouldn’t skip an opening simply because you don’t meet all the posted requirements. Instead, Spencer recommends, “Use a 60% baseline in terms of comparing your qualifications to a position to determine whether or not to apply.”
During interviews, don’t roll through your entire career history. Stay ultra-targeted, showcase your achievements, and highlight how your skills can benefit the company.
By demonstrating your qualifications, you’ll increase your chances of securing a high-paying, entry-level job and set the stage for a successful career.
5. Set a Foundation for Growth
Consider less traditional avenues into a new field. For example, you might explore internship opportunities or volunteer opportunities that can help you establish experience and grow your network.
Rather than limit yourself to LinkedIn and social media, explore a wide range of networking channels. While those are fantastic ways to meet industry professionals, seek out webinars, conferences, job fairs, and trade shows as well.
Read books, listen to podcasts, and read articles on your target industry. Devote time to gaining the certifications and licenses that will help you stand out from the competition.
Common Questions About High-Paying Entry-Level Jobs
When it comes to finding a high-paying entry-level job, there are plenty of questions people ask to better understand their options.
Whether you’re new to the workforce, switching careers, or simply aiming to maximize your earning potential, knowing what to expect can make a big difference.
1. What is considered a high-paying entry-level job?
It’s important to note that “high pay” can be subjective, but high-paying entry-level jobs generally offer a salary close to or higher than the median wage for all occupations in the U.S. without requiring prior experience.
Education requirements can vary, with some positions only needing a high school diploma, while others may require certifications or a bachelor’s degree.
Some of these roles may not need a four-year degree; instead, they focus on on-the-job training and faster growth potential.
2. What is the highest-paying job with no experience?
The highest-paying jobs with no experience required are often found in fields like sales, technology, or skilled trades.
In sales, for instance, entry-level positions can quickly lead to high commissions and bonuses, offering significant earning potential without prior experience.
Similarly, jobs like medical coding or software testing often provide extensive on-the-job training, allowing employees to gain skills while earning a good salary.
3. What is the easiest but highest-paid job?
Some easy jobs that pay well are offered in areas like customer service, administrative work, or tech support. These roles typically require minimal experience and often feature flexible work arrangements.
Administrative roles, for example, often pay well and don’t require a specialized skill set beyond organizational abilities. Likewise, tech support positions may offer competitive wages without needing advanced technical knowledge, relying instead on strong communication skills and basic problem-solving abilities.
