Best Paying Entry-Level Jobs in Iowa

Launch your career with entry-level opportunities

$64,710

Top Salary

Job Types

$59,020

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State

Coverage

Best Entry-Level Jobs Without a Degree in Iowa

Starting your career without a college degree doesn't mean limiting your earning potential. Iowa 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 Iowa


Producers and Directors SOC: 27-2012	$64,710	$64,710	$31	720
Millwrights SOC: 49-9044 No Degree	$64,500	$64,500	$31	690
Tapers SOC: 47-2082 No Degree	$64,010	$64,010	$31	100
Occupational Therapy Assistants SOC: 31-2011	$63,970	$63,970	$31	400
Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants SOC: 43-6011 No Degree	$63,930	$63,930	$31	4,150
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians SOC: 49-3011	$63,880	$63,880	$31	330
Special Education Teachers, Secondary School SOC: 25-2058	$63,800	$63,800	$31	1,570
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators SOC: 47-2073 No Degree	$63,770	$63,770	$31	5,530
Find Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Jobs
Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders SOC: 51-9193 No Degree	$63,740	$63,740	$31	290
Hearing Aid Specialists SOC: 29-2092 No Degree	$63,700	$63,700	$31	200
Lodging Managers SOC: 11-9081 No Degree	$63,600	$63,600	$31	410
Healthcare Social Workers SOC: 21-1022	$63,560	$63,560	$31	1,550
Traffic Technicians SOC: 53-6041 No Degree	$63,520	$63,520	$31	30
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses SOC: 29-2061	$63,420	$63,420	$30	5,510
First Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors SOC: 53-1047 No Degree	$63,370	$63,370	$30	6,480
Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers SOC: 49-9052 No Degree	$63,270	$63,270	$30	820
Find Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers Jobs
Electricians SOC: 47-2111 No Degree	$63,190	$63,190	$30	10,310
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers SOC: 49-9021	$63,120	$63,120	$30	3,840
Writers and Authors SOC: 27-3043	$62,780	$62,780	$30	290
Advertising Sales Agents SOC: 41-3011 No Degree	$62,460	$62,460	$30	900
Rail Car Repairers SOC: 49-3043 No Degree	$62,280	$62,280	$30	340
Massage Therapists SOC: 31-9011	$62,140	$62,140	$30	540
Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians SOC: 17-3025	$61,890	$61,890	$30	80
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/technical Education SOC: 25-2031	$61,860	$61,860	$30	12,310
Find Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/technical Education Jobs
Model Makers, Metal and Plastic SOC: 51-4061 No Degree	$61,710	$61,710	$30	40
Occupational Health and Safety Technicians SOC: 19-5012 No Degree	$61,680	$61,680	$30	290
Postal Service Mail Carriers SOC: 43-5052 No Degree	$61,480	$61,480	$30	3,730
Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians SOC: 49-3041 No Degree	$61,270	$61,270	$29	2,210
Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks SOC: 43-5061 No Degree	$61,080	$61,080	$29	3,540
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists SOC: 49-3031 No Degree	$60,900	$60,900	$29	4,140
Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs SOC: 43-4061 No Degree	$60,860	$60,860	$29	1,040
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators SOC: 51-8031 No Degree	$60,790	$60,790	$29	2,370
Find Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Jobs
Paramedics SOC: 29-2043	$60,770	$60,770	$29	1,170
Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators SOC: 43-5053 No Degree	$60,640	$60,640	$29	1,040
Computer User Support Specialists SOC: 15-1232	$60,620	$60,620	$29	6,140
Dredge Operators SOC: 53-7031 No Degree	$60,620	$60,620	$29	60
Surgical Technologists SOC: 29-2055	$60,450	$60,450	$29	950
Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders SOC: 51-9011 No Degree	$60,430	$60,430	$29	2,010
Physical Therapist Assistants SOC: 31-2021	$60,220	$60,220	$29	1,060
Exercise Physiologists SOC: 29-1128	$60,200	$60,200	$29	50
Find Exercise Physiologists Jobs
Clergy SOC: 21-2011	$60,200	$60,200	$29	370
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/technical Education SOC: 25-2022	$60,080	$60,080	$29	6,270
Heavy and Tractor Trailer Truck Drivers SOC: 53-3032	$60,070	$60,070	$29	35,040
Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers SOC: 51-2021 No Degree	$59,980	$59,980	$29	260
Tile and Stone Setters SOC: 47-2044 No Degree	$59,970	$59,970	$29	240
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School SOC: 25-2052	$59,940	$59,940	$29	2,560
Tax Preparers SOC: 13-2082 No Degree	$59,590	$59,590	$29	780
Medical Equipment Repairers SOC: 49-9062	$59,520	$59,520	$29	650
Find Medical Equipment Repairers Jobs
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers SOC: 51-9162	$59,310	$59,310	$29	640
Riggers SOC: 49-9096 No Degree	$59,260	$59,260	$28	200

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.