Highest Paying Entry-Level Jobs and How to Land One

An entry-level job is one that a person can apply for with limited credentials or experience. While some entry-level jobs have education requirements, others are available for people who are still building skills in the field. Some foundational-level jobs offer a higher-than-average salary and provide employees with a pathway to upper-level positions. Explore 10 of the highest-paying entry-level jobs and tips to launch an exciting career. 

What is an entry-level job?

Entry-level jobs are typically initial positions that allow individuals to begin their careers in a specific company or industry. These roles often include on-the-job training to equip employees with essential skills. Many professionals in these roles are recent high school or college graduates, while others have recently switched careers. These jobs often offer lower pay than more senior-level positions. Still, when you know where to look, you can find opportunities that pay well while giving you the experience, skills, and connections to help you advance further in your career. 

How much does an entry-level job pay?

According to Glassdoor’s November 2024 data, the average entry-level base salary in the US is $49,770 annually [1]. However, choosing to enter an expanding industry with growing market needs may help ensure your starting salary is above average.

Highest-paying entry-level jobs

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the industries expected to grow fastest in employment through 2032 include health care, social assistance, and careers in computers or math [2]. For a place to start in a growing field, explore these high-paying entry-level jobs, all of which fall within these industries.

*All annual salary data and job outlook information is sourced from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) as of November 2024. 

1. Software developer 

Median annual US salary (BLS): $130,160

Job outlook (projected growth from 2022 to 2032): 17 percent

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in computer and information technology or a related field

As a software developer, you would use your mathematical skills and knowledge of computer science to create computer and network software such as web applications, mobile apps, games, and operating systems. You might also troubleshoot, debug, maintain, and improve existing systems. 

Common software developer interview questions: 

• What programming languages have you worked with?

• What design patterns are you most familiar with?

• What is Agile software development?

• How do you evaluate the success of a project?

• Do you work best individually or on a team?

• How do you test for and fix bugs?

• How do you explain technical issues to stakeholders?

• Describe a project you’ve worked on.

2. Data scientist

Median annual US salary (BLS): $108,020

Job outlook (projected growth from 2022 to 2032): 35 percent

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in mathematics, statistics, computer science, or a related field. Employers may prefer a master’s degree in some cases. 

As a data scientist, you will gather raw data and transform it into accessible information using machine learning. You will prepare reports that other stakeholders can understand and recommend to businesses based on their findings. You will take charge of identifying and carrying out the most appropriate approach for extracting information from data sets and creating and testing your algorithms. 

Common data scientist interview questions:

• Why is data cleaning important?

• What are some of the differences between a histogram and a box plot?

• Why do we use Python for cleaning in data science?

• Why do you want to work at this company as a data scientist?

• Explain univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analyses.

• What tools or devices help you succeed as a data scientist?

• What methods do you use to identify outliers within a data set?

• Can you describe some steps to ensure a regression model fits the data? 

3. Environmental engineer

Median annual US salary (BLS): $100,090

Job outlook (projected growth from 2022 to 2032): 7 percent

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering or a related field 

As an environmental engineer, you will assess and report on existing and potential environmental hazards. You’ll use your engineering, soil science, biology, and chemistry knowledge to protect public health. The job may require you to work to improve air and water quality, waste disposal methods, and water treatment. You may also research possible solutions to global problems like climate change, land resources, and pollution. 

Common environmental engineer interview questions:

• What are the most urgent environmental concerns?

• How do you stay informed about developments in the environmental engineering field?

• How would you handle conflict between team members?

• Do you prefer to work outdoors or in an office?

• What do you know about the Clean Water and Clean Air Acts?

• How do you organize your workload?

• What area of environmental engineering interests you?

• What are the most common contaminants that arise in our area

• How will you communicate with team members?

• How would you communicate engineering concepts to someone without an engineering background?

4. Financial analyst

Median annual US salary (BLS): $99,890

Job outlook (projected growth from 2022 to 2032): 9 percent

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in business

As a financial analyst, you will track the performance of investments, including stocks and bonds, and use your understanding of current market conditions to help businesses or individuals maintain their financial wellness through informed financial decisions. You may also prepare reports, study economic and business trends, and assess the management team.

Common financial analyst interview questions: 

• What is a cash flow statement? 

• What is NVP?

• What are the four main financial statements?

• Which model would you use to predict a project’s profitability?

• How do you create a sales report?

• Are you pursuing any certifications or licenses?

• How do you analyze a company’s stock?

• Are you comfortable presenting financial data?

• Before taking out a loan, what do you need to consider?

• What is EBITDA?

5. Web developer 

Median annual US salary (BLS): $92,750

Job outlook (projected growth from 2022 to 2032): 8 percent

Requirements: Requirements vary, but a bachelor’s degree in computer science or programming is often preferred. 

As a web developer, you will create and manage websites, working to meet your client’s website performance and capacity needs. You will need to be able to write code because you may also take charge of a website’s content and design aspects. You may specialize in back-end, front-end, or full-stack development. 

Common web developer interview questions:

• What are the responsibilities of a web developer?

• How would you optimize a site’s loading time?

• What are the differences between HTTP 2.0 and HTTP 1.1?

• What is W3C?

• Which programming languages have you worked with?

• How would you handle demanding client requirements?

• How would you explain an API to a stakeholder who doesn’t have a technical background?

• What is push technology?

• How do you handle constructive feedback?

• What is the difference between ID and class selectors? 

6. Market research analyst

Median annual US salary (BLS): $74,680

Job outlook (projected growth from 2022 to 2032): 8 percent

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in market research or a related field

As a market research analyst, you will examine sales trends, consumer data, market conditions, and other factors to determine a product or service's potential sales. Doing so helps businesses understand what customers want and how to price their goods. In this dynamic position, you may also use statistical software to interpret data, often predicting future trends.

Common market research analyst interview questions:

• What is the difference between quantitative data and qualitative data?

• Are you experienced in managing statistics?

• Are you comfortable making presentations?

• Do you have any professional certifications?

• How do you analyze consumer behavior?

• What software would you use to organize your research findings?

7. Human resource specialist

Median annual US salary (BLS): $67,650

Job outlook (projected growth from 2022 to 2032): 8 percent

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business, communications, or a related field

As a human resource specialist, you will identify a company’s hiring needs, recruit and interview applicants, hire and train new employees, and maintain employment records and paperwork in proper order. You will also work to maintain a positive workplace culture and improve employee satisfaction.

Common human resource specialist interview questions: 

• How would you resolve a conflict between an employee and management?

• What makes for a successful onboarding process? 

• How do you calculate turnover rates?

• How do you evaluate performance?

• Are you familiar with HR software? 

8. Laboratory technician 

Median annual US salary (BLS): $60,780

Job outlook (projected growth from 2022 to 2032): 5 percent

Requirements: Associate or bachelor's degree in medical laboratory technology 

As a laboratory technician, you will perform medical laboratory tests to prevent, diagnose, and treat diseases. In this role, you will typically test bodily fluids, use laboratory equipment to analyze samples, record test data, and discuss results with physicians or surgeons. You might specialize in a specific area, such as hematology, microbiology, or molecular biology. 

Common laboratory technician interview questions:

• What characteristics and skills make you a qualified lab technician?

• What type of lab work and equipment are you familiar with?

• What steps do you take to ensure your workspace doesn’t become contaminated?

• What lab duties have you been responsible for besides technical work?

• What would you do if you experienced issues diagnosing specimen abnormalities?

• If you realized you mislabeled test samples, what would you do first?

• Can you provide any writing examples related to your work as a lab technician?

9. Paralegal 

Median annual US salary (BLS): $60,970

Job outlook (projected growth from 2022 to 2032): 1 percent

Requirements: Associate’s degree or certificate in paralegal studies 

As a paralegal, you would support lawyers by managing files, drafting documents and correspondence, gathering evidence, and carrying out legal research in preparation for hearings and trials. Your responsibilities vary based on the size of the firm and the type of law you specialize in. 

Common paralegal interview questions:

• Why do you want to be a paralegal?

• How will you safeguard confidential information?

• Do you work well in high-pressure environments?

• How do you organize and prioritize your workload?

• How do you approach legal research?

• Do you plan to apply to law schools?

• How will you stay informed about changes in the legal profession?

• How would you deal with a demanding client?

• Why do you want to work for this firm in particular?

10. Real estate agent

Median annual US salary (BLS): $56,620

Job outlook (projected growth from 2022 to 2032): 2 percent

Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent and licensure 

As a real estate agent, you’ll help your clients buy, sell, and rent properties. You offer advice on pricing based on market conditions and the sale of comparable listings. You’ll also market properties by holding open houses, advertising listing services, and conducting tours for potential buyers. As a mediator between buyers and sellers, you will present offers and handle negotiations. 

Common real estate agent interview questions: 

• How will you decide what properties to show clients?

• How will you find new clients?

• How many hours a week are you able to work?

• How do you plan to market your properties?

• What are the top resources for buyers?

• Will you use social media for marketing purposes?

• How will you handle demanding clients?

• How do you stay organized?

• What’s the most challenging part about giving a home tour?

• What questions should you ask your clients?

How to land the right job for you

No matter what field you choose to enter, setting yourself apart from other job candidates is essential to boost your chances of receiving an offer. You can start by polishing your resume and practicing your interviewing skills. Connecting with others can also help ease the challenge of securing a job. Networking can help accelerate your success in finding employment. Look for associations related to the industries you’re interested in, attend professional conferences, and build your network through connections. 

Prepare for the highest-paying entry-level jobs and build your skills on Coursera

Securing a high-paying entry-level job can significantly boost your career trajectory by providing valuable experience, skills, and connections. Finding a suitable position requires reviewing the requirements, growth rate, and pay and matching them with your skills, background, and goals.

Developing the skills nearly every employer looks for is also a good idea. You can do this by taking an online course like Teamwork Skills: Communicating Effectively in Groups from the University of Colorado Boulder or try Improving Communication Skills from The Wharton School.