It is said that in life, as in business, we all have to start somewhere. In business you don't just leave high school or college and step onto the top wrung of the job ladder, rather, unless you are entrepreneur, you will have to start at the bottom in an entry-level job and work your way upwards.
In the past that meant making the tea/coffee or in some instances, working in the mailroom. Example being the multi-million dollar musical mogul Simon Cowell who at 16 was hired to work in the mail room at EMI Music Publishing. Look at him now!
Highest-paying entry-level jobs such as a software developer, investment associate, or data scientist offer several positive aspects for individuals entering the workforce - Firstly, they pay well and provide valuable hands-on experience and exposure to the professional environment, allowing newcomers to apply theoretical knowledge gained from education to real-world situations.
These positions found in a job search often serve as a stepping stone for career growth, enabling individuals to build a strong foundation of skills and establish a professional network.
Entry-level jobs that may or may not need a college degree also foster a sense of responsibility and work ethic, as employees learn to meet deadlines, collaborate with colleagues, and adapt to workplace expectations.
Moreover, these roles, that are a great way to start your career, frequently offer opportunities for mentorship and professional development, helping job seekers and future employees discover their strengths and interests while gaining insights into their chosen industry.
With that being said, let's jump into the highest paid entry-level jobs!
A Data Annotation Specialist is a professional who specializes in the task of annotating data for machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) applications so as to enhance the quality and reliability of datasets, contributing to the overall success of machine learning projects and helping companies make more internal and external informed decisions.
Data annotation that companies use involves labeling and categorizing raw data, such as images, videos, or text, to create datasets that can be used to train machine learning models. The role requires a keen attention to detail, domain-specific knowledge, and an understanding of the requirements of the machine learning models being trained.
Becoming a Data Annotation Specialist typically involves a combination of education, skills development, and practical experience, but generally you will require:
The average annual salary for a Data Annotation Specialist in the US is $60,929.
A Delivery Manager is a professional responsible for overseeing the successful delivery of projects and ensuring that they meet the specified objectives, timelines, and quality standards.
Their primary focus is to efficiently plan, execute, and finalize projects according to predetermined deadlines and within budget constraints, and the role is common in project management, particularly in the software development and IT industries so they can earn an average salary in six figures.
Becoming a Delivery Manager typically involves a combination of education, experience, and skills development, but generally you will require:
The average annual salary for a Delivery Manager in the US is $100,195 and is one of the top entry-level jobs that pay well.
A YouTube scriptwriter is a professional responsible for making scripts for videos for social media platforms that will be published on the YouTube platform, and they play a crucial role in shaping the narrative and ensuring that the content is engaging, informative, and well-structured.
These scripts serve as the foundation for the content presented in the videos, outlining the dialogue, narration, and key points to be covered. YouTube scriptwriters may work independently as freelancers or be part of a content creation team within a media company or YouTube channel.
Becoming a YouTube scriptwriter involves a combination of writing skills, industry knowledge, and an understanding of the YouTube platform, but generally you will require:
The average annual salary for a YouTube Scriptwriter in the US is $85,000 which is a very good entry-level salary in a job that doesn't require prior experience.
A Provider Engagement Coordinator is a professional who works within the healthcare industry, typically in a healthcare organization or managed care setting.
The primary focus of this role is to foster positive relationships and collaborations between the healthcare organization and its network of healthcare providers with an end goal of enhancing communication, streamlining processes, and improving the overall quality of healthcare services delivered to patients.
Becoming a Provider Engagement Coordinator typically involves a combination of education, relevant experience in healthcare or a related field, and strong interpersonal skills, but generally you'll typically need :
The average annual salary for a Provider Engagement Coordinator in the US is $50,537.
An Excel Sheet Specialist is a professional who specializes in using Microsoft Excel, a popular spreadsheet software, to manage and analyze data.
This role involves a deep understanding of Excel's features and functions, as well as the ability to organize, manipulate, and present data effectively.
Excel Sheet Specialists are often tasked with creating complex spreadsheets, developing data models, and generating reports that support decision-making within an organization.
Becoming an Excel Sheet Specialist involves developing a strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and acquiring the skills needed to efficiently manage and analyze data, but generally you will require:
The average annual salary for an Excel Sheet Specialist in the US is $51,694.
A Talent Development Coordinator is a professional who plays a key role in supporting the talent development and training initiatives within an organization so as to ensure the professional growth and success of employees.
Their primary focus is to facilitate the learning and development of employees, helping them acquire the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their roles and contribute to the organization's overall success.
Becoming a Talent Development Coordinator involves a combination of education, skills development, and practical experience, but generally you will require:
A bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Training and Development, or a related field.
Some positions may require a master's degree or professional certifications.
Enhancing your interpersonal skills, as Talent Development Coordinators often work closely with employees, trainers, and various stakeholders.
Familiarizing yourself with principles of adult learning and instructional design.
Enhancing your project management skills.
Talent Development Coordinators often manage multiple projects simultaneously, so having strong organizational and project management skills is beneficial.
Obtaining certifications related to talent development, such as the Association for Talent Development (ATD) certifications or other relevant certifications in training and development.
The average annual salary for an Talent Development Coordinator in the US is $60,000.
A High Ticket Salesperson is a professional who specializes in selling high-value and high-priced products or services.
The term "high ticket" typically refers to items or services with a substantial cost, often in the thousands or tens of thousands of dollars.
These sales professionals are skilled at engaging with potential clients, understanding their needs, and persuading them to invest in premium offerings.
Becoming a High Ticket Salesperson involves a combination of skills development, industry knowledge, and practical experience, but generally you will require:
The average annual salary for A High Ticket Salesperson in the US is $72,205. and is one of the highest paying entry-level jobs with no experience necessary.
A Digital Media Planner is a professional who works in the field of advertising and marketing to develop strategic plans for online and digital media campaigns.
Their primary responsibility is to create effective and targeted digital advertising strategies that reach the desired audience and achieve the campaign objectives.
As a whole, digital media planning involves selecting the most appropriate digital platforms, determining ad placement, and optimizing the use of various media channels to maximize the impact of a campaign.
Becoming a Digital Media Planner involves a combination of education, relevant skills development, and practical experience, but generally you will require:
The average annual salary for Digital Media Planner in the US is $71,333 and is a rewarding entry-level job.
A Web Content Editor is a professional responsible for managing and curating the content on a website and they play a crucial role in maintaining the quality, relevance, and consistency of content, contributing to a positive user experience and supporting the website's objectives.
This involves creating, editing, and organizing textual, visual, and multimedia content to ensure it aligns with the website's goals, target audience, and overall messaging strategy.
Becoming a Web Content Editor involves a combination of education, skills development, and practical experience, but generally you will require:
The average annual salary for Web Content Editor in the US is $56,161.
A Cybersecurity Analyst is a professional responsible for protecting an organization's computer systems, networks, and data from cyber threats and attacks.
They play a crucial role in safeguarding sensitive data, preventing unauthorized access, and mitigating potential risks posed by cybercriminals or malicious entities, and the role involves monitoring, analyzing, and responding to security incidents to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information.
Becoming a Cybersecurity Analyst involves a combination of education, skills development, and practical experience, but generally you will require:
The average annual salary for a Cybersecurity Analyst in the US is $105,266 making it one of the best in a range of high-paying entry-level jobs.
An E-commerce Listing Specialist is a professional responsible for creating, optimizing, and managing product listings on e-commerce platforms.
Their primary goal is to enhance the visibility and appeal of products to attract potential customers and drive sales and work closely with product information, images, and other relevant details to create engaging and informative product listings that meet the requirements of the specific e-commerce platform they are working on.
Becoming an E-commerce Listing Specialist involves a combination of education, skills development, and practical experience, but generally you will require:
The average annual salary for an E-commerce Listing Specialist in the US is $50,692.
A Community Engagement Manager is a professional responsible for developing and maintaining positive relationships between an organization and its community or target audience, and they work to build trust, enhance the organization's reputation, and ensure that the needs and interests of the community are considered in the organization's decision-making processes.
The role involves creating strategies to foster community involvement, interaction, and support.
Becoming a Community Engagement Manager involves a combination of education, skills development, practical experience, and a passion for building positive relationships between organizations and their communities, but generally you will require:
The average annual salary for a Community Engagement Manager in the US is $68,124.
An Advertising Specialist is a professional who specializes in creating and managing advertising campaigns to promote products, services, or brands.
They work closely with marketing teams, creative agencies, and other stakeholders to create compelling and effective campaigns that resonate with the target audience and achieve specific marketing objectives and the role involves a combination of strategic planning, creative development, and implementation of advertising initiatives across various media channels.
Becoming an Advertising Specialist involves a combination of education, skills development, practical experience, and networking, but generally you will typically need a bachelor's degree in marketing, advertising, communications, business, or a related field. Some positions may require or prefer a master's degree, especially for advanced roles. You may also be required to:
The average annual salary for an Advertising Specialist in the US is $64,605.
A Remote Event Planner is a professional responsible for planning and coordinating events, conferences, or meetings that take place in a virtual or remote environment.
They leverage digital tools, technology platforms, and creative solutions to organize and execute events that connect participants virtually and the role involves managing various aspects of event planning, from conceptualization to execution, but with a focus on delivering engaging and interactive experiences online.
Becoming a Remote Event Planner involves a combination of education, skills development, practical experience, and networking, but generally you will require:
The average annual salary for a Remote Event Planner in the US is $64,481.
A Paid Media Specialist is a professional responsible for planning, implementing, and managing paid advertising campaigns across various digital channels and they leverage their expertise in digital advertising to maximize the return on investment (ROI) for advertising spend.
The role involves working with platforms such as Google Ads, Facebook Ads, LinkedIn Ads, Twitter Ads, and others to create and optimize campaigns that reach specific target audiences and achieve marketing objectives.
Becoming a Paid Media Specialist involves a combination of education, skills development, practical experience, and staying updated on industry trends, but generally you will require:
The average annual salary for a Paid Media Specialist in the US is $70,000.
Considering entry-level jobs can be a strategic and rewarding choice for several compelling reasons.
These roles provide a crucial entry point into the professional world, offering valuable opportunities for skill development, hands-on experience, and networking. Embracing an entry-level position allows individuals to build a solid foundation in their chosen field, laying the groundwork for future career advancement.
As individuals navigate the early stages of their careers, the insights gained from entry-level roles can shape long-term career trajectories and contribute to a fulfilling and successful professional journey.
People often look down their noses at entry-level jobs, but we all have to start somewhere and the good news is that salaries for an entry-level position can be a lot higher than you think.
With a fair degree of experience under your belt and/or MBA or a BBA undergraduate degree from a US accredited university like Nexford. you can soon be on the road to climbing the corporate ladder and moving into higher-paying jobs with a healthy average salary.
This is almost like how long is a piece of string as pay scales can vary based on experience and degrees, but generally job sites like LinkedIn, Glassdoor and Indeed say that the highest paying entry-level job in demand for the future is that of a Cybersecurity Analyst.
Those that choose this vocation can expect to command an average annual salary of $105,266 per annum.
The most in-demand skills for high-paying careers often vary by industry, but there are several key skills that are highly valued across different sectors.
Developing a combination of technical, soft, and transferable skills can significantly enhance your employability and earning potential. Here are some of the most in-demand skills: Skills in data analysis, data visualization, and knowledge of tools like Python, R, or SQL are highly sought after.
Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Java, JavaScript, or C++ is valuable in various fields, including software development and IT. Understanding machine learning algorithms and AI technologies is increasingly in demand across industries.
With the rising importance of data security, cybersecurity skills are critical for protecting systems and information. Skills in optimizing websites for search engines and managing paid advertising campaigns are in high demand.
Being able to analyze marketing data and make data-driven decisions. Proficiency in creating and managing social media campaigns on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret financial data. Proficiency in laboratory techniques, data analysis, and research methodologies. Skills related to automation and robotics are in demand in engineering and manufacturing sectors.
Proficiency in IoT technologies is sought after especially in fields like smart manufacturing and connected devices.
While many high-paying jobs typically require a degree, there are some entry-level positions that offer competitive salaries without the need for a traditional college education. These include:
Improving your chances of landing a high-paying entry-level job involves a combination of developing relevant skills, gaining practical experience, and effectively showcasing your qualifications to potential employers, but there are several strategies to enhance your prospects. These include:
While a degree can certainly enhance your career prospects and open up opportunities, it is not always a strict requirement for securing the best-paying entry-level jobs. There are various factors that influence whether a degree is necessary, and industries and roles can differ in their expectations. Here are some considerations:
Some industries and roles have a strong preference for candidates with a degree. For example, professions in medicine, law, engineering, and finance often require specific degrees and professional certifications.
Certain technical and specialized roles may prioritize skills and certifications over formal education. In fields like information technology, digital marketing, and graphic design, employers may value practical skills and experience demonstrated through a portfolio or certifications.
The job market is evolving, and some industries are placing greater emphasis on skills and experience rather than traditional educational credentials. Tech companies, in particular, are known for hiring based on skills and practical experience rather than degrees.
Jobs that require specific technical skills, such as coding, data analysis, or digital marketing, may have a more flexible attitude toward educational qualifications. Certifications, coding bootcamps, and self-directed learning can be viable alternatives.
Networking and personal connections can play a significant role in landing high-paying entry-level jobs. Referrals from professionals in your network may help you overcome the absence of a degree.
If you can effectively demonstrate your skills, experience, and accomplishments through a strong portfolio, projects, or work experience, some employers may be willing to overlook the lack of a degree.
Discover how you can acquire the most in-demand skills with our free report, and open the doors to a more lucrative and successful career in entry-level jobs.
People often look down their noses at entry-level jobs, but we all have to start somewhere and the good news is that salaries for an entry-level position can be a lot higher than you think.
With a fair degree of experience under your belt and/or MBA or a BBA undergraduate degree from a US accredited university like Nexford. you can soon be on the road to climbing the corporate ladder and moving into higher-paying jobs with a healthy average salary.