Best Paying Entry-Level Jobs in California

Launch your career with entry-level opportunities

$64,870

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$78,952

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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

Real Wages (Purchasing Power)

Great starting positions for new graduates and career changers, with opportunities for growth and advancement.

Entry-Level Jobs in California


Construction Laborers SOC: 47-2061 No Degree	$64,870	$64,870	$31	88,240
Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs SOC: 43-4061 No Degree	$64,690	$64,690	$31	30,960
Chemical Technicians SOC: 19-4031	$64,570	$64,570	$31	6,800
Postal Service Mail Carriers SOC: 43-5052 No Degree	$64,560	$64,560	$31	32,320
Postal Service Clerks SOC: 43-5051 No Degree	$64,270	$64,270	$31	6,410
Parking Enforcement Workers SOC: 33-3041 No Degree	$64,190	$64,190	$31	1,710
Plasterers and Stucco Masons SOC: 47-2161 No Degree	$64,030	$64,030	$31	6,780
Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians SOC: 49-3092 No Degree	$64,010	$64,010	$31	1,070
Find Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians Jobs
Museum Technicians and Conservators SOC: 25-4013	$64,000	$64,000	$31	1,610
Tile and Stone Setters SOC: 47-2044 No Degree	$63,800	$63,800	$31	8,250
Community Health Workers SOC: 21-1094 No Degree	$63,740	$63,740	$31	9,500
Animal Control Workers SOC: 33-9011 No Degree	$63,690	$63,690	$31	1,210
Forest and Conservation Technicians SOC: 19-4071	$63,680	$63,680	$31	6,640
Tree Trimmers and Pruners SOC: 37-3013 No Degree	$63,610	$63,610	$31	9,610
Solar Photovoltaic Installers SOC: 47-2231 No Degree	$63,280	$63,280	$30	6,830
Highway Maintenance Workers SOC: 47-4051 No Degree	$63,070	$63,070	$30	8,150
Find Highway Maintenance Workers Jobs
Ophthalmic Medical Technicians SOC: 29-2057	$63,030	$63,030	$30	2,500
Fallers SOC: 45-4021 No Degree	$62,990	$62,990	$30	260
Substitute Teachers, Short Term SOC: 25-3031	$62,910	$62,910	$30	115,660
Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors SOC: 39-9031 No Degree	$62,890	$62,890	$30	43,600
First Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers SOC: 37-1011 No Degree	$62,810	$62,810	$30	18,060
Embalmers SOC: 39-4011	$62,550	$62,550	$30	520
Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic SOC: 51-4035 No Degree	$62,490	$62,490	$30	1,960
Painters, Construction and Maintenance SOC: 47-2141 No Degree	$62,460	$62,460	$30	38,430
Find Painters, Construction and Maintenance Jobs
Coaches and Scouts SOC: 27-2022	$62,020	$62,020	$30	31,150
Heavy and Tractor Trailer Truck Drivers SOC: 53-3032	$62,020	$62,020	$30	205,090
Mechanical Door Repairers SOC: 49-9011 No Degree	$61,940	$61,940	$30	2,680
Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall SOC: 47-2131 No Degree	$61,840	$61,840	$30	3,080
Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers SOC: 51-9071 No Degree	$61,830	$61,830	$30	2,300
Cargo and Freight Agents SOC: 43-5011 No Degree	$61,720	$61,720	$30	17,060
Self Enrichment Teachers SOC: 25-3021 No Degree	$61,550	$61,550	$30	60,260
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers SOC: 53-4022 No Degree	$61,530	$61,530	$30	1,340
Find Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers Jobs
Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators SOC: 43-5053 No Degree	$61,530	$61,530	$30	10,090
Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic SOC: 51-4022 No Degree	$61,470	$61,470	$30	750
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians SOC: 29-2056	$61,400	$61,400	$30	11,310
Machinists SOC: 51-4041 No Degree	$61,380	$61,380	$30	18,950
First Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers SOC: 45-1011 No Degree	$61,320	$61,320	$29	10,450
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers SOC: 51-4121 No Degree	$61,120	$61,120	$29	26,060
Opticians, Dispensing SOC: 29-2081 No Degree	$61,070	$61,070	$29	7,840
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks SOC: 43-3031	$60,830	$60,830	$29	151,870
Find Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks Jobs
Hazardous Materials Removal Workers SOC: 47-4041 No Degree	$60,750	$60,750	$29	7,340
Agricultural Inspectors SOC: 45-2011	$60,610	$60,610	$29	2,340
Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers SOC: 53-7072 No Degree	$60,560	$60,560	$29	1,220
Bus Drivers, School SOC: 53-3051 No Degree	$60,520	$60,520	$29	16,600
Metal Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders SOC: 51-4051 No Degree	$60,520	$60,520	$29	280
Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders SOC: 51-9011 No Degree	$60,460	$60,460	$29	5,670
First Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services SOC: 39-1014 No Degree	$60,110	$60,110	$29	13,620
Maintenance and Repair Workers, General SOC: 49-9071 No Degree	$60,050	$60,050	$29	143,060
Find Maintenance and Repair Workers, General Jobs
Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians SOC: 49-3041 No Degree	$59,990	$59,990	$29	4,730
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic SOC: 51-4034 No Degree	$59,980	$59,980	$29	2,600

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.