by Peggy Tee

Created on: July 10, 2010   Last Updated: July 11, 2010

Entry level jobs represent most workers’ first foray into the professional working world. Few workers have the privilege of jumping from unemployed to senior management or a similarly high ranking role immediately; for many, a steady ascension through the rungs of the career ladder is unavoidable. Generally, entry level jobs are defined as roles that require less than two years of experience. Entry level jobs can require candidates to hold a variety of education levels, from basic schooling up to a bachelor’s degree. The best fields for entry level jobs are those that are a balance between high paying and in high demand.

Finance

Actuarial and accounting roles will always be in demand, as number crunchers are essential to any business. Many graduates hoping for a position as an investment banker, among the highest paid entry level roles in any industry at an average of $85,850 according to the U.S. Department of Labor, will face tough competition as banks streamline headcount; however, although opportunities have lessened compared to previous years, entry level roles in the finance industry still exist despite the downturn.

Engineering

According to Payscale.com, a global online compensation data provider, those seeking an entry level role in engineering will be well compensated. The median beginning salary for this field is $53,400. Engineering careers cover a variety of different industries, such as electrical, environmental, and civic engineering. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has indicated that engineering prospects are strong for certain niches, such as biomedical engineering, which is a good field for entry level graduates to seek jobs.

Internet Technology

Entry level computer hardware engineers earn an average of $48,750 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Network systems and data communication analysts were not far behind, at an average of $40,100. The demand for IT professionals has remained steady through the recent recession, and there are still vacancies for bright and enthusiastic IT graduates. Applicants with associate degrees and job experience or certification are preferred by employers. This field is a fast paced, expanding industry that offers many challenges for an entry level candidate.

Healthcare

Professionals in the healthcare industry include doctors, nurses, and chemists, with a median starting annual salary of $39,100. Doctors require many years of training, internship and medical school, and are not appropriate entry level roles for fresh graduates. Nursing, on the other hand, is a lucrative field, and registered nurses have the potential of earning up to $68,100, depending on the specialisation and educational level.

Market research

Analysts and consultants are in high demand in a variety of different fields. Analysts perform research and help to strategize plans for businesses and organisations. Entry level roles within this field offer an average salary of $33,310 and require candidates to collect, review and analyse data, reporting on business trends and advising clients on business decisions. Candidates with an associates degree and job experience may qualify as management analysts, though employers usually prefer applicants who have a bachelors degree.

Retail

The retail industry is less stringent when hiring for entry level roles. Candidates without high school diplomas, along with college graduates, should find entry-level retail jobs relatively easy to place. However the downside to a lowered barrier to entry is a lower starting salary. Retail jobs average out at $27,400 a year, according to Payscale, far lower than the top paying graduate positions in other fields. 

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