Top 10 Entry Level Jobs in the Next 18 Months

If you’re entering the job market or thinking about switching professions, it’s helpful to get an idea of the good jobs you might land with no experience. Not all entry level jobs are low paying drudgery. There are some entry level positions that come with super nice pay checks. Keep in mind that “entry level” means little to no related experience, not no education or training. These good-looking entry level jobs all require some kind of degree, certificate, or vocational training. But acquiring the necessary education doesn’t have to be expensive or time consuming. Education for these positions range from one-year certificate programs to bachelor’s degrees. Many of the jobs below came from a list of the top entry level jobs in 2017, produced by WallHub using 12 metrics including:

• Immediate opportunity
• Growth potential
• Median starting salary
• Flexibility
• Job hazards
• Work hours

The other careers were all rated to grow faster than the national average by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS is a great resource for career information such as salary, outlook, education, and job descriptions. Take a look at some of the top entry level jobs:

• Engineer, all of them. A variety of engineering careers topped WallHub’s 2017 Best Entry Level Jobs List. The median starting salary for many of these careers is in the $65,000 range, with the median annual salary around $100,000. The required entry level education for most of these engineering jobs is a bachelor’s degree. Six of the top ten were engineers, including:
  • Systems engineer
  • Electrical engineer
  • Software engineer
  • Electronics engineer
  • Chemical engineer

• Safety Representative Also called “Occupational Health and Safety Specialists,” Safety Representative was number #6 on WallHub’s list. The median pay in 2016 was $70,000 per year. Safety Specialists inspect workplaces to ensure safety regulations are followed. They help design programs to keep workers safe and prevent serious accidents.
• Training Specialist Training Specialist came in at #7 on the WallHub list. The average annual salary for a Training Specialist is around $50,000. Training Specialists create effective training programs in a variety of topic areas, often for larger employers. They also evaluate the effectiveness of the programs and employees’ needs for additional training.
• Certified Nursing Assistant Nursing assistant ranked number 12 on the Best Entry Level Jobs List. Certified Nursing Assistant is growing faster than the national average. The median pay in 2016 was $26,590 a year. Nursing assistants are often required to successfully complete a state-approved education program and pass a state competency exam. Nursing programs can be found at community colleges, vocational schools, and online.
• Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant had the number 1 fastest projected job growth by 2024 on the list. The BLS expects Occupational Therapist Assistant jobs to grow by 40% in the coming years, faster than the national average. The median pay in 2016 was $50,070 a year. Usually, a 2-year Occupational Therapy associate’s degree program is required. Most states require licensing.
• Web Applications Developer Number 10 on the entry level jobs list is Web Applications Developer. According to the BLS, Web Developer careers will grow much faster than the national average. The median pay in 2016 was $66,130. Web Developers have knowledge in graphic design and programming and typically have an associate’s degree.
• Wind Energy Professionals Wind Energy Professionals such as Wind Turbine Technicians are in high demand with the increasing popularity of renewable energy sources. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics outlook, this career is growing much faster than average, growing 108% by 2024. The median pay in 2016 was $52,260 a year. Typical entry-level education requirements include some college or certificate, but no degree. Technical schools may offer 2-year wind turbine tech programs.
• Health Information Technicians Medical Records and Health Information Technician is another career that’s growing faster than average. The median pay in 2016 was $38,040. Health Information Technicians manage and organize medical data for hospitals and clinics. A postsecondary education is often required, and employers prefer applicants with a certificate.
• Physical Therapy Aides The Physical Therapy profession is growing much faster than average with the opportunity to earn $85,000 a year. While a Physical Therapist will need a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, you may get an entry-level Physical Therapy Aide job with an online Physical Therapy Aide training program.
• Dental Assistants The median pay for Dental Assistants is $36,940 a year. The profession is growing much faster than average and typically requires a certificate from an accredited program, which usually takes a year to complete.

The careers on this list cover a range of industries and education levels. You can get started in some of these jobs by completing a convenient, self-paced training program online.