Even if you have the necessary training, education or certifications to work in a specific role or industry, you will likely be earning significantly less at the beginning of your career than after you have had the opportunity to gain a few years of experience. Entry-level salaries indicate the base pay for individuals just starting their careers with their first job in a specific field, industry or profession. In this article, we discuss why entry-level salaries are important, the national average for entry-level salaries in the United States, variables that affect this number and how you can negotiate your entry-level salary.
Introduction
What does “entry level” mean?
An entry-level job is typically the most junior position in an organization and requires less responsibility and experience than mid-level or management positions. Entry-level employees may also receive more training than those in senior roles. These positions are typically the starting point for professionals hoping to launch a career in a specific industry.
To help you understand your earning potential as you enter the workforce, visit Indeed’s Salary Calculator for a free, personalized pay range based on your job title, location and experience.
Related: The New Graduate’s Guide to Job Search
Entry-level jobs that pay well
While the best job for you depends on your skills, interests, goals, core values and education, you might consider these 15 good-paying, entry-level jobs as you begin your job search. For the most up-to-date salary information from Indeed, click on each salary link below.
1. Bookkeeper
National average salary: $40,816 per year
Primary duties: A bookkeeper collects, organizes and maintains financial “books” or accounts and records. Their primary goal is to manage the general ledger for a client, recording transactions and post debits and credits and making sure all information is accurate. Those in this role typically assist an accountant or other advanced financial professional. Bookkeepers may seek to become accountants or certified public accountants where they perform more challenging finance-related responsibilities.
2. Social media specialist
National average salary: $45,935 per year
Primary duties: A social media specialist helps plan, develop and deploy social media campaigns on behalf of a company. They may also monitor and analyze social media performance, respond to questions and concerns from followers and customers as well as ensure all social media posts adhere to the brand’s guidelines.
3. Manager trainee
National average salary: $46,051 per year
Primary duties: A management trainee follows a manager, supervisor or executive to learn about their daily duties and activities. Those in this role are training with this advanced professional to guide a team of employees effectively. They may assist with tasks like developing company policies and deciding on sales, marketing and operational tactics.
4. Public relations (PR) assistant
National average salary: $47,015 per year
Primary duties: A PR assistant is responsible for helping PR teams with conducting research, preparing materials and facilitating communication between account executives and clients. They may also assist in developing presentations and handling correspondence between clients and more senior-level employees.
5. Marketing associate
National average salary: $49,779 per year
Primary duties: A marketing associate is an entry-level marketing professional. Also called a marketing administrative assistant or an assistant account executive, a marketing associate supports the efforts of marketing managers or directors. They assist marketing teams or related departments with planning and completing projects.
6. Installer
National average salary: $50,269 per year
Primary duties: An installer is responsible for installing, repairing, upgrading and maintaining equipment for customers. Their primary duties include traveling to customers’ homes and installing electrical or computer equipment, making recommendations for where equipment should be placed and troubleshooting problems. Advancement opportunities include being a senior installer, manager or process developer.
7. Firefighter
National average salary: $51,723 per year
Primary duties: Firefighting is a strenuous, yet rewarding job that often only requires a high school diploma. Training in emergency services can make you a more appealing candidate as this profession’s duties often include providing basic medical attention to injured individuals. Firefighters must also be able to use heavy equipment and handle emergencies such as wildfires and hazardous materials spills. Entry-level firefighting jobs that don’t require experience provide on-the-job training for these tasks.
8. Human resources (HR) specialist
National average salary: $52,533 per year
Primary duties: An HR specialist works as part of a human resources team and is responsible for explaining policies and procedures to employees, issuing and processing new hire documents and updating employment records when employees are hired, transferred, promoted or terminated.
9. Customer service representative
National average salary: $52,881 per year
Primary duties: A customer service representative is responsible for being the liaison between a company and its customers. Their primary duties include resolving customer complaints via email, phone, mail or social media, placing or canceling orders and taking payment information and other pertinent information. Advancement opportunities include management or moving into sales, marketing or similar fields.
10. Paralegal
National average salary: $54,538 per year
Primary duties: A paralegal works for a law office and performs administrative and research tasks for attorneys. They’re responsible for case research, client interviews and assisting in preparing courtroom presentations. They may also draft and file legal documents, and help attorneys during hearings or trials.
11. Claims adjuster
National average salary: $58,059 per year
Primary duties: Insurance companies hire claims adjusters to evaluate property damage and personal injury. They often conduct interviews, review records and assess the damage. Claims adjusters help a company determine whether to reject or accept a claim and assist in the settlement process. You can earn an entry-level adjuster position with a high school diploma and advance under a senior claims adjuster’s supervision. Depending on the state, you might also need to take an insurance licensing course and pass the licensing exam.
12. Information technology (IT) technician
National average salary: $64,237 per year
Primary duties: An IT tech diagnose computer and network problems, monitors computer systems, installs and upgrades software and hardware and performs tests on computers and other equipment. They may also handle maintenance requests and technology demos for employees or clients. Technicians can advance to administrative and engineering positions with training and experience.
13. Sales representative
National average salary: $69,259 per year
Primary duties: A sales representative is responsible for selling products and services to prospects and existing customers through tactics such as cold calling, email and on-site appointments. They may perform product demos, answer questions and concerns and assist customers throughout the purchase process. Many entry-level positions require no more than a bachelor’s degree, while others request a minimum of a high school diploma. As you advance in a sales position, you might become eligible for additional commissions or bonuses for meeting sales goals.
14. Web developer
National average salary: $70,658 per year
Primary duties: A web developer designs and codes websites based on design wireframes, templates or client instruction. They apply web design principles to create user-friendly and visually appealing website experiences. Educational requirements range from a high school diploma to a bachelor’s degree. Freelance work and a portfolio can help you qualify you for a position such as a junior developer. As you gain knowledge and experience, you may be eligible for a more senior developer position.
15. Real estate agent
National average salary: $94,696 per year
Primary duties: Real estate agents market and sell houses in addition to helping clients navigate the process of buyer negotiations and home loans. Most real estate agents set their own schedules and work on commission. Valuable skills for success include negotiation, marketing, communication and ambition. To become an agent, you need at least a high school diploma and a passing score on your state’s real estate exam. When you are starting out, you must work under another broker to gain experience.
Conclusion
Entry level jobs typically start with small paychecks, but employees can get a pay raise once they prove that they are worth it. That is why staying in an entry level job is not always the smartest way to go, especially if there are other companies which offer better terms of employment.
