Best Paying Entry-Level Jobs in California
Launch your career with entry-level opportunities
Best Entry-Level Jobs Without a Degree in California
Starting your career without a college degree doesn't mean limiting your earning potential. California offers numerous entry-level opportunities that provide competitive salaries, career growth potential, and on-the-job training. The occupations listed below are ideal for new graduates, career changers, and those entering the workforce for the first time.
Career Growth Potential
These roles often provide opportunities for advancement through experience, certifications, and specialized training. Many employers offer on-the-job training, apprenticeship programs, or tuition assistance for further education if you choose to pursue additional qualifications later.
How to Get Started
To get started, research the specific requirements for your target occupation, including any necessary licenses, certifications, or training programs. Many of these roles offer immediate employment opportunities with competitive starting salaries.
Entry-Level Job Opportunities
Great starting positions for new graduates and career changers, with opportunities for growth and advancement.
Entry-Level Jobs in California
SOC: 37-1012 No Degree | $64,980 | $64,980 | $31 | 14,090 |
SOC: 53-6011 No Degree | $64,950 | $64,950 | $31 | 70 |
SOC: 49-3051 No Degree | $64,840 | $64,840 | $31 | 1,260 |
SOC: 31-9093 No Degree | $64,820 | $64,820 | $31 | 8,630 |
SOC: 27-2023 No Degree | $64,770 | $64,770 | $31 | 2,830 |
SOC: 49-3023 | $64,770 | $64,770 | $31 | 62,110 |
SOC: 47-2161 No Degree | $64,640 | $64,640 | $31 | 8,370 |
SOC: 29-2053 | $64,350 | $64,350 | $31 | 8,830 |
| Find Psychiatric Technicians Jobs | ||||
SOC: 53-7081 No Degree | $64,290 | $64,290 | $31 | 13,240 |
SOC: 47-5011 No Degree | $64,170 | $64,170 | $31 | 250 |
SOC: 43-3051 No Degree | $64,010 | $64,010 | $31 | 23,180 |
SOC: 43-9081 | $63,720 | $63,720 | $31 | 340 |
SOC: 33-9011 No Degree | $63,690 | $63,690 | $31 | 1,280 |
SOC: 43-5051 No Degree | $63,420 | $63,420 | $30 | 6,890 |
SOC: 49-9061 No Degree | $63,320 | $63,320 | $30 | 350 |
SOC: 45-4022 No Degree | $63,200 | $63,200 | $30 | 940 |
| Find Logging Equipment Operators Jobs | ||||
SOC: 19-4071 | $63,140 | $63,140 | $30 | 6,440 |
SOC: 39-4011 | $63,070 | $63,070 | $30 | 360 |
SOC: 43-4061 No Degree | $62,880 | $62,880 | $30 | 29,950 |
SOC: 27-2022 | $62,850 | $62,850 | $30 | 31,850 |
SOC: 19-4061 | $62,740 | $62,740 | $30 | 5,610 |
SOC: 21-1094 No Degree | $62,650 | $62,650 | $30 | 9,200 |
SOC: 51-9012 No Degree | $62,590 | $62,590 | $30 | 11,030 |
SOC: 53-4013 No Degree | $62,490 | $62,490 | $30 | 280 |
| Find Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers Jobs | ||||
SOC: 45-1011 No Degree | $62,400 | $62,400 | $30 | 10,680 |
SOC: 39-9031 No Degree | $62,310 | $62,310 | $30 | 40,010 |
SOC: 53-7121 No Degree | $62,240 | $62,240 | $30 | 170 |
SOC: 51-4121 No Degree | $61,980 | $61,980 | $30 | 26,100 |
SOC: 19-4031 | $61,820 | $61,820 | $30 | 6,480 |
SOC: 47-4051 No Degree | $61,640 | $61,640 | $30 | 7,770 |
SOC: 47-4041 No Degree | $61,240 | $61,240 | $29 | 7,950 |
SOC: 47-2141 No Degree | $61,070 | $61,070 | $29 | 37,780 |
| Find Painters, Construction and Maintenance Jobs | ||||
SOC: 47-4031 No Degree | $61,060 | $61,060 | $29 | 4,110 |
SOC: 37-1011 No Degree | $60,980 | $60,980 | $29 | 16,130 |
SOC: 25-4013 | $60,950 | $60,950 | $29 | 1,790 |
SOC: 25-3031 | $60,930 | $60,930 | $29 | 103,210 |
SOC: 53-4022 No Degree | $60,770 | $60,770 | $29 | 1,200 |
SOC: 43-5052 No Degree | $60,700 | $60,700 | $29 | 33,150 |
SOC: 51-9071 No Degree | $60,700 | $60,700 | $29 | 2,700 |
SOC: 25-2051 | $60,640 | $60,640 | $29 | 3,440 |
| Find Special Education Teachers, Preschool Jobs | ||||
SOC: 47-2044 No Degree | $60,580 | $60,580 | $29 | 7,250 |
SOC: 45-2011 | $60,560 | $60,560 | $29 | 2,120 |
SOC: 53-3032 | $60,490 | $60,490 | $29 | 211,740 |
SOC: 31-9011 | $60,070 | $60,070 | $29 | 15,240 |
SOC: 51-4041 No Degree | $60,050 | $60,050 | $29 | 21,580 |
SOC: 25-3021 No Degree | $59,960 | $59,960 | $29 | 54,780 |
SOC: 43-5053 No Degree | $59,800 | $59,800 | $29 | 11,330 |
SOC: 43-3031 | $59,680 | $59,680 | $29 | 154,980 |
| Find Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks Jobs | ||||
SOC: 51-2011 No Degree | $59,640 | $59,640 | $29 | 1,720 |
SOC: 43-5011 No Degree | $59,500 | $59,500 | $29 | 14,940 |
About Entry-Level Careers
Entry-level positions provide excellent opportunities to start your career and build valuable experience. These roles typically offer growth potential and advancement paths through:
- Mentorship and professional development programs
- Skills training and certification opportunities
- Performance-based advancement
- Cross-departmental exposure and experience
- Leadership development pathways
The jobs shown above represent excellent starting positions with salary ranges typically between $35,000 and $65,000, based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data.