Best Paying Entry-Level Jobs in Illinois

Launch your career with entry-level opportunities

$64,440

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$69,737

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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

Real Wages (Purchasing Power)

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

Entry-Level Jobs in Illinois


Private Detectives and Investigators SOC: 33-9021 No Degree	$64,440	$64,440	$31	1,300
Agricultural Inspectors SOC: 45-2011	$64,360	$64,360	$31	470
First Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers SOC: 45-1011 No Degree	$64,340	$64,340	$31	510
Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders SOC: 51-9011 No Degree	$64,120	$64,120	$31	5,580
Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors SOC: 53-1041 No Degree	$64,120	$64,120	$31	530
First Line Supervisors of Security Workers SOC: 33-1091 No Degree	$63,770	$63,770	$31	2,370
Computer User Support Specialists SOC: 15-1232	$63,630	$63,630	$31	26,060
First Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers SOC: 39-1013 No Degree	$63,600	$63,600	$31	510
Find First Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers Jobs
Public Safety Telecommunicators SOC: 43-5031 No Degree	$63,570	$63,570	$31	4,350
Postal Service Mail Carriers SOC: 43-5052 No Degree	$63,500	$63,500	$31	14,730
Embalmers SOC: 39-4011	$63,240	$63,240	$30	60
Architectural and Civil Drafters SOC: 17-3011	$63,050	$63,050	$30	1,310
Credit Authorizers, Checkers, and Clerks SOC: 43-4041 No Degree	$62,940	$62,940	$30	140
Logging Equipment Operators SOC: 45-4022 No Degree	$62,930	$62,930	$30	40
Maintenance Workers, Machinery SOC: 49-9043 No Degree	$62,910	$62,910	$30	560
Mechanical Door Repairers SOC: 49-9011 No Degree	$62,870	$62,870	$30	1,770
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Chefs and Head Cooks SOC: 35-1011 No Degree	$62,810	$62,810	$30	8,290
Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs SOC: 43-4061 No Degree	$62,740	$62,740	$30	1,740
Clergy SOC: 21-2011	$62,490	$62,490	$30	2,200
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks SOC: 43-3051 No Degree	$62,460	$62,460	$30	5,580
Heavy and Tractor Trailer Truck Drivers SOC: 53-3032	$62,430	$62,430	$30	84,200
Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians SOC: 49-3041 No Degree	$62,300	$62,300	$30	1,770
Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars SOC: 29-9021	$62,280	$62,280	$30	900
Meter Readers, Utilities SOC: 43-5041 No Degree	$62,280	$62,280	$30	570
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Desktop Publishers SOC: 43-9031	$61,780	$61,780	$30	150
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment SOC: 49-2094	$61,690	$61,690	$30	1,150
Postal Service Clerks SOC: 43-5051 No Degree	$61,530	$61,530	$30	2,720
Hearing Aid Specialists SOC: 29-2092 No Degree	$61,420	$61,420	$30	360
Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers SOC: 49-2021	$61,100	$61,100	$29	780
Tool and Die Makers SOC: 51-4111	$61,060	$61,060	$29	5,220
Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders SOC: 51-4122 No Degree	$61,020	$61,020	$29	180
Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks SOC: 43-5061 No Degree	$61,010	$61,010	$29	11,900
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Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants SOC: 43-6012 No Degree	$60,790	$60,790	$29	8,030
Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers SOC: 49-2098 No Degree	$60,540	$60,540	$29	2,180
Massage Therapists SOC: 31-9011	$60,440	$60,440	$29	4,950
Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall SOC: 47-2131 No Degree	$60,200	$60,200	$29	780
Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare SOC: 11-9031	$60,160	$60,160	$29	3,090
Surveying and Mapping Technicians SOC: 17-3031 No Degree	$60,110	$60,110	$29	1,110
Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders SOC: 51-9051 No Degree	$59,960	$59,960	$29	230
Museum Technicians and Conservators SOC: 25-4013	$59,800	$59,800	$29	400
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First Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers SOC: 37-1012 No Degree	$59,580	$59,580	$29	3,460
Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators SOC: 43-5053 No Degree	$59,390	$59,390	$29	5,370
Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic SOC: 51-4035 No Degree	$59,380	$59,380	$29	570
Recreational Therapists SOC: 29-1125	$59,160	$59,160	$28	440
Machinists SOC: 51-4041 No Degree	$58,920	$58,920	$28	16,520
Home Appliance Repairers SOC: 49-9031 No Degree	$58,710	$58,710	$28	1,730
Interpreters and Translators SOC: 27-3091	$58,650	$58,650	$28	1,510
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers SOC: 21-1023	$58,130	$58,130	$28	3,460
Find Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Jobs
Cargo and Freight Agents SOC: 43-5011 No Degree	$58,120	$58,120	$28	6,110
Locksmiths and Safe Repairers SOC: 49-9094 No Degree	$57,810	$57,810	$28	430

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.