When you picture a well-paying career, you may imagine a trajectory where you start at the bottom of the ladder — perhaps even as an unpaid intern — and work your way up. And if you’re entering the workforce for the first time, it’s natural to worry about how to maximize your earning potential.
But stepping into a lucrative role isn’t reserved for people with decades worth of jobs on their resumes. There are several high-paying entry-level jobs that require no experience, and some don’t even ask for certificates or degrees.
If financial stability is your highest priority right now, start your career in an entry-level job that pays well. Once you’re in a comfortable place, you can pursue other avenues of work or education — or continue to rise up the ladder in your new field.
10 high-paying entry-level jobs
Everyone has different career priorities. In a survey conducted by a professional recruitment company, respondents ranked good work-life balance, professional development opportunities, and remuneration as critical reasons to stay at or leave an organization. If you fall into the category of those whose primary career concern is achieving financial wellness, then you’re likely hoping to find a high-paying job.
But you may be concerned that you'll face limited opportunities if you haven’t earned a college degree or had much prior work experience. That isn’t the case — you can strategically choose a well-paying entry-level role that gives you the freedom to build professional experience and skill up in your spare time.
These roles may not be perfectly aligned with your ideal career, but they’re an excellent place to start earning and build foundational skills. And after you’ve grown your bank account and boosted your resume, you can always begin to apply for jobs in your dream industry. Of course, you may wind up discovering that this unexpected career path is exactly what you need.
Here’s a list of 10 high-paying jobs without a degree or experience.
1. Real estate agent
Thanks to the commissions-based pay structure of this role, go-getters showing expensive properties can earn a healthy salary of over $100,000 annually. The average annual salary for a real estate agent is $65,850.
This role is perfect for anyone who enjoys forging interpersonal relationships, has excellent communication skills, and can hold firm in a negotiation. You’ll get even more out of the work if you’re interested in architecture and design and feel gratified helping others find a dream home.
Becoming a real-estate agent doesn’t require prior experience, but you must prepare for roughly 4–6 months. During this time, you’ll need to research your state’s requirements for licensure, study for the exam, and pass it. Once licensed, you can market your services locally or join an agency with a reputable name in the industry.
2. Software developer
While some software companies require a degree in computer science, others seek talented coders who are excellent problem solvers — regardless of their level of professional experience and schooling.
You can prepare yourself for one of the most in-demand and highest-paying entry-level jobs in the marketplace by attending a development boot camp program. These part-time courses generally last from 3–6 months, and upon completion, you’ll be proficient in popular programming languages.
Make yourself a standout candidate by building a portfolio and writing a convincing cover letter highlighting the essential soft skills for a development role. Demonstrate that you’re a solutions-focused team player, a motivated auto-didact, and excellent at time management. You could earn in the six-figure range when you score your first role, with the average annual salary being $132,930.
3. Entry-level laboratory technician
If you’re interested in science but aren’t sure how you’d like to specialize, consider a role as a laboratory technician. In this position, you’ll perform diagnostic testing, maintain lab equipment, and present your experimental findings. You’ll assist and learn from scientists and perhaps find career direction and mentorship in the process.
Great laboratory technicians pay close attention to detail, have excellent analytical skills, and learn quickly. You should also have a high-school diploma or equivalent, like a GED, and — depending on your state — licensure in the field.
In your first lab tech role, you can expect to earn around $42,818 annually, based on the average. And you can grow in the role to earn upwards of $60,000.
4. Firefighter
If you’re a natural helper, you likely gravitate toward service roles such as emergency response. Firefighting could be an excellent fit for your inherent skill set, and the work is rewarding. Not only will you save lives, but you’ll also form part of a tight-knit team and remain physically fit.
The base requirements for becoming a firefighter generally include passing a physical exam and providing a clean criminal record. However, you can make your resume more attractive by citing volunteer work and soft skills like empathy, active listening, and adaptability.
Employers will reward your service to the community with a healthy salary. As a firefighter, you’ll earn an average of $56,310 per year and enjoy benefits like a retirement fund, pension, and health, dental, and life insurance. Firefighting also offers optimistic job security. AI won’t take your role any time soon.
5. Executive assistant
Future business owners who want to gain an inside look at the workings of an organization might consider an entry-level role as an executive assistant. You’ll handle correspondence, office management duties, and schedules — generally supporting a high-ranking employee.
Administrative assistants must demonstrate emotional intelligence and excellent organizational skills. You should also be willing to hone corporate communication abilities, writing clear and polished emails to clients and conversing with executives. It also helps to be a forward-thinker. If you’re always two steps ahead of the person you support, you’ll streamline their schedule and intuit their needs, whether that’s printing a deck or making sure the coffee maker works before an important meeting.
This high-paying job with no experience affords assistants a lucrative average salary of $71,060 per year. Plus, you’ll receive valuable on-the-job lessons. You’ll touch every aspect of a company’s operations — even if superficially — meaning you’ll likely leave this role understanding the basics of human resources, accounting, and how to communicate with professionals on all rungs of the corporate ladder.
6. Graphic designer
If you have a creative side and artistic abilities, becoming a graphic designer is a strong bet for a high-paying, low-experience role. In the position, you’ll design images and branding elements to help companies and individuals share their values and promotional information.
One day you might create an eye-catching menu for a cafe, and another you could design social media posts for a clothing company. There’s plenty of diversity in the role, so you can choose to flex your creative muscles however you see fit.
As an aspiring graphic designer, you’ll need to provide a portfolio that highlights your artistic abilities. And you needn’t have professional experience to create this document. Make mock logos and brand kits and imbue your social media pages and application materials with a strong sense of aesthetics to prove your skills.
On average, graphic designers earn around $64,500 annually. As you grow a professional portfolio and demand for your services increases, you can boost your earnings.
7. Medical assistant
If you’d like to become a physician someday but the price tag or time commitment of medical school daunts you, save up and earn practical industry-related skills as a medical assistant. In this role, you’ll support doctors and perform basic medical tasks like escorting patients, taking their vital signs, and noting symptoms.
To begin work as a medical assistant, you must earn a diploma in the field. You will also need to pass the Certified Medical Assistant exam. Then, you can apply for an entry-level position. Be sure to highlight your compassion, attention to detail, and ability to work in a team on your resume.
This emotionally rewarding work also offers a financial perk. You’ll earn around $40,700 per year based on the national average, and the exposure and experience in the medical field are priceless.
8. Social media manager
Turn your proclivity for Instagram into a career by becoming a social media manager. You’ll create multi-channel strategies for brands and individuals that help them reach wider audiences with resonant content.
To excel in this role, you must have your finger on the pulse of current trends, a good sense of aesthetics and catchy marketing copy, and a penchant for analytics. You’ll use data to assess the success of your client’s campaigns and improve upon them.
Social media managers typically need a bachelor’s degree, but you can hold this role with no experience or formal schooling by building your own strong brand. Companies want real-world results, and if you can generate them on your social media accounts, it speaks volumes for your skills. Alternatively, you could seek an internship to learn the trade before applying for a manager role.
New social media managers earn roughly $57,000 annually, and there’s excellent potential for career growth. If you become a social media marketing manager, you could earn in the low six figures.
9. Claims adjuster
If you have an eye for detail and enjoy helping others, consider a position as a claims adjuster. In this role, you’ll assess property damage on behalf of an insurance company so it can determine how much to pay affected parties.
Aside from having a keen eye, claims adjusters should have strong verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills. Much of your job will consist of conversing with insurance holders, taking comprehensive notes, and reviewing reports.
You can become a claims adjuster with virtually no experience. Holding a high school diploma is a perk for recruiters, and if your state requires it, you may need to obtain your adjuster’s license. Once you begin work, you can expect to earn in the $70,000 range annually (the average).
10. Writer
Perhaps you’ve written a novel but need to save up while it sells and royalties start to pour in. While you wait, you can use your English degree skills by working from home in a full- or part-time role as a freelance writer.
In this high-paying entry-level job requiring no experience, you’ll create blog or marketing content or help clients draft professional texts. You may also find work as a ghostwriter, assisting another in penning their novel or memoir. While you may not need professional experience to score a freelance or contractor role, you should prepare a portfolio of writing samples. Create a mock text if you haven’t written the type of content the recruiter is looking for.
If you work for a company as a junior copywriter, you can earn an annual salary of around $56,000 in your first role. These companies provide solid job security as the organization finds clients and manages contracts with them. You just get to write.
If you freelance, you’ll have to market your services, and your earnings may be low until you build a client base. But you can take on exciting projects and build a firm under your name. And as your own boss, you’ll have greater control over your workflow and the types of projects you take on.
Start your career on the right foot
Financial wellness brings peace of mind. You have savings for an emergency, establish a healthier work-life balance, and can put money away for the future. Starting your career with a high-paying entry-level job helps to ensure you create a stable financial base to build upon.
And if money isn’t your top priority when starting your career path, that’s valid. Perhaps you prefer to share expenses with roommates and forgo dining out while you launch a small business or pursue a graduate degree in a field you’re passionate about. Everyone’s journey toward a fulfilling career is different. Follow your instincts and make decisions that support your happiness and mental health and that are financially feasible.
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