The 25 Best Entry-Level Jobs

The best entry-level jobs go to those with a marketable skill. Some companies want people with technical skills, especially in math and computers. But many are looking for people with social skills in communications, leadership, and team-building.

Entry-level jobs typically require two years of school or less. In our list of the 25 best entry-level jobs, we looked for

• personally rewarding jobs that also
• provide a good salary,
• have good projected employment growth,
• provide career advancement opportunities, and
• require only a certificate,
• or else an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.

The jobs are listed in alphabetical order. We urge that you scroll through the entire list to see if there’s a job here that fits you.

ASSISTANT ACTUARIAL ANALYST

What they do: In the field of insurance, assistant actuarial analysts use mathematics and statistics to estimate the possibility and cost of claims associated to death, injury, illness, or property damage in order for an insurance company to cover its expenses and stay profitable. They also help decide the premium. Some assistant actuarial analysts work for private or public employers to manage risk for pension plans and programs such as Social Security.

Education requirements: A degree is not required; however, many companies prefer to hire people with an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree, and who have good computer skills.

Median salary: $54,000 (PayScale.com, 2010)

BIOMEDICAL ENGINEER

What they do: Biomedical engineers have improved and saved lives throughout the world through their innovations. They develop devices and procedures to solve health- and medical-related problems. They help develop and improve a wide array of medical instruments and device,s including kidney machines, heart valves, and lasers used in eye surgery. The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a whopping 72-percent employment growth from 2008 to 2018, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.

Education requirements: Most biomedical engineer entry-level jobs require a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering or a related subject.

Median Salary: $81,540 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2010)