Best Paying Entry-Level Jobs in Illinois
Launch your career with entry-level opportunities
Best Entry-Level Jobs Without a Degree in Illinois
Starting your career without a college degree doesn't mean limiting your earning potential. Illinois 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 Illinois
SOC: 53-4022 No Degree | $64,790 | $64,790 | $31 | 1,410 |
SOC: 37-3013 No Degree | $64,790 | $64,790 | $31 | 1,090 |
SOC: 43-5061 No Degree | $64,600 | $64,600 | $31 | 9,500 |
SOC: 49-9062 | $64,520 | $64,520 | $31 | 3,280 |
SOC: 47-5022 No Degree | $64,490 | $64,490 | $31 | 1,020 |
SOC: 49-9043 No Degree | $64,490 | $64,490 | $31 | 460 |
SOC: 49-2098 No Degree | $64,210 | $64,210 | $31 | 2,190 |
SOC: 27-1024 | $64,070 | $64,070 | $31 | 7,900 |
| Find Graphic Designers Jobs | ||||
SOC: 25-2051 | $63,870 | $63,870 | $31 | 1,030 |
SOC: 31-2011 | $63,550 | $63,550 | $31 | 2,230 |
SOC: 27-4015 | $63,510 | $63,510 | $31 | 230 |
SOC: 25-3011 | $63,470 | $63,470 | $31 | 1,600 |
SOC: 43-4041 No Degree | $63,410 | $63,410 | $30 | 110 |
SOC: 35-1011 No Degree | $63,360 | $63,360 | $30 | 5,540 |
SOC: 49-3041 No Degree | $63,300 | $63,300 | $30 | 2,010 |
SOC: 51-4052 No Degree | $63,290 | $63,290 | $30 | 340 |
| Find Pourers and Casters, Metal Jobs | ||||
SOC: 31-9011 | $62,980 | $62,980 | $30 | 4,600 |
SOC: 47-4041 No Degree | $62,770 | $62,770 | $30 | 1,810 |
SOC: 27-2041 | $62,740 | $62,740 | $30 | 540 |
SOC: 53-7081 No Degree | $62,680 | $62,680 | $30 | 4,940 |
SOC: 53-7121 No Degree | $62,620 | $62,620 | $30 | 360 |
SOC: 43-4011 No Degree | $62,560 | $62,560 | $30 | 1,600 |
SOC: 33-1091 No Degree | $62,520 | $62,520 | $30 | 2,600 |
SOC: 29-9021 | $62,450 | $62,450 | $30 | 680 |
| Find Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars Jobs | ||||
SOC: 43-5031 No Degree | $62,160 | $62,160 | $30 | 3,730 |
SOC: 51-4111 | $62,100 | $62,100 | $30 | 4,590 |
SOC: 51-4035 No Degree | $62,080 | $62,080 | $30 | 570 |
SOC: 13-1121 | $62,010 | $62,010 | $30 | 4,470 |
SOC: 53-1041 No Degree | $61,950 | $61,950 | $30 | 650 |
SOC: 49-2097 | $61,920 | $61,920 | $30 | 790 |
SOC: 19-3091 | $61,680 | $61,680 | $30 | 170 |
SOC: 21-1023 | $61,600 | $61,600 | $30 | 1,730 |
| Find Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Jobs | ||||
SOC: 27-2022 | $61,430 | $61,430 | $30 | 11,320 |
SOC: 47-4051 No Degree | $61,410 | $61,410 | $30 | 11,050 |
SOC: 17-3011 | $61,260 | $61,260 | $29 | 1,760 |
SOC: 53-3032 | $61,230 | $61,230 | $29 | 76,650 |
SOC: 17-3031 No Degree | $61,010 | $61,010 | $29 | 1,130 |
SOC: 37-1012 No Degree | $60,870 | $60,870 | $29 | 4,100 |
SOC: 49-9031 No Degree | $60,770 | $60,770 | $29 | 1,410 |
SOC: 43-6012 No Degree | $60,730 | $60,730 | $29 | 8,860 |
| Find Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants Jobs | ||||
SOC: 43-5051 No Degree | $60,730 | $60,730 | $29 | 2,920 |
SOC: 43-3051 No Degree | $60,620 | $60,620 | $29 | 6,060 |
SOC: 51-9123 No Degree | $60,540 | $60,540 | $29 | 50 |
SOC: 47-2044 No Degree | $60,530 | $60,530 | $29 | 910 |
SOC: 47-2131 No Degree | $60,190 | $60,190 | $29 | 1,060 |
SOC: 15-1232 | $60,110 | $60,110 | $29 | 25,370 |
SOC: 43-5052 No Degree | $59,980 | $59,980 | $29 | 15,240 |
SOC: 43-4061 No Degree | $59,950 | $59,950 | $29 | 1,790 |
| Find Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs Jobs | ||||
SOC: 45-2011 | $59,840 | $59,840 | $29 | 370 |
SOC: 43-9111 | $59,640 | $59,640 | $29 | 70 |
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.