For recent graduates entering this workforce this summer, a tough job market awaits, as employers are hiring less than in previous years. Plus, this crop of talent is looking for more than just a paycheck: Finding a job that lays the foundation for a career and offers a high salary and opportunities for growth is important to young job seekers.
WalletHub recently ranked 108 entry-level positions based on factors including immediate opportunity, growth potential and job hazards to determine the best and worst entry level jobs in 2024, giving each job a total grade out of 100.
"An entry-level job won't necessarily be what you stick with long term, but it's certainly good to search for something you think can turn into a career," Cassandra Happe, WalletHub analyst, said in a release. "Pursuing an entry-level job in a field like engineering or nursing can ensure that you get your foot in the door with plenty of job openings, good compensation and a reasonable work week, among other benefits."
"Engineer" is at the top of the list, with more job openings than in any other career and a higher median salary at over $102,000. Other top jobs include environmental, health and safety engineer, as well as certified nursing assistant at a nursing home. An ESH engineer is viable long-term, with a relatively low probability of workers' expertise being replaced by computers. CNAs do not typically work more than 40 hours per week on average, and people seeking this type of job can usually get hired without any prior work experience.
The worst entry level job is welder, ranking high in job hazards and having a lack of growth opportunities. Other jobs at the bottom of the list include boilermaker and benefits administrator. Boilermaker also ranks high in job hazards, while benefits administrator ranks towards the bottom in growth potential.
"The number one thing to look for in early career roles is whether or not a job offers career and professional development opportunities," Mercy Eyadiel, associate vice president and chief corporate engagement officer of career development and corporate engagement at Wake Forest University's business school, said in a release. "Most employers will indicate in their job description that they are committed to growth and learning opportunities for their team members. If you see things like college tuition benefits, training and development or mentorship programs, this is a great sign that this organization is committed to your professional growth and success."
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