Best Entry-Level Jobs That Pay Over 50K With Salaries

You may not realize how profitable entry-level positions can be. But there are many entry-level positions in which you can earn a salary over $50k per year with only a high school diploma or GED and limited job-related training. In this article, you will learn what an entry-level job is, which entry-level jobs have salaries greater than $50k a year and what the requirements and duties of those positions are.

What is an entry-level job?

An entry-level job is a position that can be obtained by an individual without much professional training or prior working experience in the field. These roles may require some level of on-the-job training such as an apprenticeship, license or technical program certificate. You may hear people refer to a job as an entry-level profession even though the position requires an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. This is because there are entry-level positions available for all degree levels.

Best entry-level jobs without a college degree

You can consider these high paying entry-level careers:

Realtor

National Average Salary: $90,430 per year

Primary Duties: Realtors help homeowners buy or sell their home or manage their rental properties. Realtors help the homeowner through the entire process of buying and selling including listing properties for sellers, advising and negotiating prices, finding and showing properties to buyers, ensuring buyers and sellers complete all necessary documents, and acting as an advisor during the closing process. To become a realtor, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of your state which usually includes completing a real estate licensure course and passing the real estate licensing exam.

Plumber

National Average Salary: $25.38 per hour

Primary Duties: A plumber installs and repairs pipes in homes and businesses that carry water and gas into the building and carry waste away from the building. Plumbers also install plumbing fixtures such as sinks, toilets, bathtubs, dishwashers and washing machines. To become a plumber, you will need a high school diploma or GED, and you must complete technical courses and an apprenticeship and also pass a test to become licensed in the trade. 

Electrician

National Average Salary: $25.78 per hour

Primary Duties: An electrician installs and repairs electrical systems and wiring in homes and businesses. Electricians also install and maintain electrical equipment. Some electricians specialize in either construction or maintenance, although many electricians do both. To become an electrician, you will need a high school diploma or GED, and you must complete an apprenticeship under the supervision of an experienced electrician. Electrician apprenticeships include both on-the-job training and classroom instruction. Most states require electricians to pass a licensing exam once they complete an apprenticeship or technical trade program.

Boilermaker

National Average Salary: $31.72 per hour

Primary Duties: Boilermakers assemble, install and repair large vessels or containers such as boilers or vats that hold liquids and gases such as oil and beer. Boilermakers also test completed boilers and perform routine maintenance on them. The job of a boilermaker is physically demanding and many positions require you to travel to job sites and work away from home for extended periods of time. To become a boilermaker, you will need a high school diploma or GED, and you must either complete a technical trade program or an apprenticeship program.

Police officer

National Average Salary: $51,207 per year

Primary Duties: Police officers enforce the law by looking for suspicious activity and arresting suspected criminals within their assigned patrol area. Police officers also enforce traffic laws, respond to emergencies, and respond to and investigate citizen complaints in their area. To become a police officer, you will need a high school diploma or GED, to meet other minimum requirements such as physical fitness and background checks, and to pass the law enforcement entrance exam.

CDL truck driver

National Average Salary: $1,107 per week

Primary Duties: Truck drivers drive commercial-sized trucks to transport goods and materials from one location to another. Truck drivers can work any hour of the day or night, although many prefer to travel at night to avoid heavy traffic. To become a truck driver, you will need to get your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) through your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and complete a program through a local truck driving school.

Sales representative

National Average Salary:$59,831 per year

Primary Duties: A sales representative highlights the benefits and features of a manufacturer’s or wholesaler’s products to businesses, organizations and government agencies. Sales representatives generate leads, negotiate contracts with prospective clients, help determine pricing schedules, give sales presentations to prospective clients, meet or exceed sales goals, and prepare weekly and monthly reports. To become a sales representative, you will need a high school diploma or GED.

Insurance claims adjuster

National Average Salary: $58,997 per year

Primary Duties: Insurance claims adjusters review personal injury and property claims to determine how much compensation the insurance company should pay for the loss. Insurance claims adjusters inspect the damage done to property such as homes, businesses and automobiles. They also interview the claimant and witnesses and do additional research, such as reviewing police reports to determine how much coverage the insurance company should be responsible for. To become an insurance claims adjuster, you will need a high school diploma or GED, and you must complete an insurance licensing course and exam to become licensed. Insurance claims adjusters also have to meet continuing education requirements to maintain their licensure.