Entry-Level Opportunities

Best Paying Entry-Level Jobs in District of Columbia

Launch your career with entry-level opportunities

$64,979

Top Salary

Job Types

$107,118

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Best Entry-Level Jobs Without a Degree in District of Columbia

Starting your career without a college degree doesn't mean limiting your earning potential. District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia


Art and Design Workers SOC: 27-1000	$64,979	$70,300	$31	936,450
Carpenters SOC: 47-2031 No Degree	$64,915	$65,630	$31	727,830
Carpenters SOC: 47-2030	$64,915	$65,630	$31	727,830
Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors SOC: 53-1041 No Degree	$64,914	$65,010	$31	19,310
Maintenance Workers, Machinery SOC: 49-9043 No Degree	$64,910	$64,610	$31	107,550
First Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers SOC: 39-1013 No Degree	$64,830	$64,830	$31	26,010
Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare SOC: 11-9031	$64,800	$64,800	$31	73,660
Hoist and Winch Operators SOC: 53-7041 No Degree	$64,731	$67,710	$31	3,970
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Hoist and Winch Operators SOC: 53-7040	$64,731	$67,710	$31	3,970
Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians SOC: 19-4000	$64,720	$64,290	$31	438,870
Drywall Installers, Ceiling Tile Installers, and Tapers SOC: 47-2080	$64,654	$64,820	$31	96,790
Other Construction and Related Workers SOC: 47-4000	$64,567	$64,440	$31	503,610
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors SOC: 21-1018	$64,440	$64,440	$31	491,930
Derrick, Rotary Drill, and Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas SOC: 47-5010	$64,263	$63,950	$31	69,650
Firefighting and Prevention Workers SOC: 33-2000	$64,241	$64,220	$31	363,440
Model Makers and Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic SOC: 51-4060	$64,225	$65,710	$31	7,670
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Riggers SOC: 49-9096 No Degree	$64,041	$66,810	$31	30,030
Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic SOC: 51-4192 No Degree	$64,023	$66,520	$31	10,540
Child, Family, and School Social Workers SOC: 21-1021	$64,000	$64,000	$31	392,550
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists SOC: 49-3031 No Degree	$63,936	$64,320	$31	413,790
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists SOC: 49-3030	$63,936	$64,320	$31	413,790
Librarians, Curators, and Archivists SOC: 25-4000	$63,899	$63,900	$31	235,800
Audio and Video Technicians SOC: 27-4011	$63,838	$64,630	$31	83,910
Massage Therapists SOC: 31-9011	$63,775	$63,830	$31	99,350
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Massage Therapists SOC: 31-9010	$63,775	$63,830	$31	99,350
Medical Equipment Repairers SOC: 49-9062	$63,715	$65,930	$31	80,910
Firefighters SOC: 33-2011	$63,645	$63,630	$31	346,740
Firefighters SOC: 33-2010	$63,645	$63,630	$31	346,740
Correctional Officers and Jailers SOC: 33-3012 No Degree	$63,630	$63,630	$31	380,500
Religious Workers SOC: 21-2000	$63,609	$63,600	$31	95,290
Bailiffs, Correctional Officers, and Jailers SOC: 33-3010	$63,540	$63,540	$31	397,800
Costume Attendants SOC: 39-3092 No Degree	$63,440	$63,440	$31	6,510
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Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers SOC: 47-2081 No Degree	$63,439	$63,600	$31	83,870
Transportation Security Screeners SOC: 33-9093 No Degree	$63,433	$64,310	$31	53,420
Counselors, Social Workers, and Other Community and Social Service Specialists SOC: 21-1000	$63,404	$63,400	$30	2,576,970
Miscellaneous First Line Supervisors, Protective Service Workers SOC: 33-1090	$63,394	$62,830	$30	108,180
Paramedics SOC: 29-2043	$63,372	$63,360	$30	100,660
Precision Instrument and Equipment Repairers SOC: 49-9060	$63,342	$65,370	$30	105,630
Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas SOC: 47-5013 No Degree	$62,953	$62,470	$30	46,110
First Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers SOC: 45-1010	$62,884	$62,730	$30	33,960
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First Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers SOC: 45-1011 No Degree	$62,884	$62,730	$30	33,960
Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers SOC: 45-1000	$62,884	$62,730	$30	33,960
Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas SOC: 47-5023 No Degree	$62,808	$62,830	$30	19,510
Construction Trades Workers SOC: 47-2000	$62,785	$62,880	$30	5,070,280
Airfield Operations Specialists SOC: 53-2022 No Degree	$62,582	$63,610	$30	25,060
Postal Service Mail Carriers SOC: 43-5052 No Degree	$62,540	$62,540	$30	657,640
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators SOC: 51-8031 No Degree	$62,521	$62,540	$30	134,680
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators SOC: 51-8030	$62,521	$62,540	$30	134,680
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Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians SOC: 19-4043	$62,448	$61,870	$30	7,180
Biological Technicians SOC: 19-4021	$62,342	$61,380	$30	76,940

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.