Best Paying Entry-Level Jobs in New York

Launch your career with entry-level opportunities

$64,830

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$81,811

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Best Entry-Level Jobs Without a Degree in New York

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


Opticians, Dispensing SOC: 29-2081 No Degree	$64,830	$64,830	$31	3,520
Cargo and Freight Agents SOC: 43-5011 No Degree	$64,660	$64,660	$31	5,760
Transportation Security Screeners SOC: 33-9093 No Degree	$64,540	$64,540	$31	4,240
Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers SOC: 49-2097	$64,370	$64,370	$31	870
Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers SOC: 51-6052 No Degree	$64,200	$64,200	$31	1,160
Postal Service Mail Carriers SOC: 43-5052 No Degree	$64,100	$64,100	$31	20,580
Surgical Assistants SOC: 29-9093	$64,100	$64,100	$31	470
Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks SOC: 43-5061 No Degree	$64,090	$64,090	$31	35,160
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Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors SOC: 21-1018	$64,040	$64,040	$31	26,770
Meter Readers, Utilities SOC: 43-5041 No Degree	$64,020	$64,020	$31	930
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks SOC: 43-3051 No Degree	$63,650	$63,650	$31	8,400
Postal Service Clerks SOC: 43-5051 No Degree	$63,160	$63,160	$30	5,030
Tree Trimmers and Pruners SOC: 37-3013 No Degree	$63,130	$63,130	$30	3,750
Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic SOC: 51-4192 No Degree	$62,900	$62,900	$30	70
Chemical Technicians SOC: 19-4031	$62,830	$62,830	$30	2,200
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers SOC: 51-4121 No Degree	$62,810	$62,810	$30	8,310
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Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians SOC: 49-3051 No Degree	$62,720	$62,720	$30	1,470
Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles SOC: 49-2096 No Degree	$62,580	$62,580	$30	290
Locksmiths and Safe Repairers SOC: 49-9094 No Degree	$62,420	$62,420	$30	960
Home Appliance Repairers SOC: 49-9031 No Degree	$62,360	$62,360	$30	2,110
Construction Laborers SOC: 47-2061 No Degree	$62,180	$62,180	$30	52,090
Community Health Workers SOC: 21-1094 No Degree	$62,140	$62,140	$30	5,800
First Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers SOC: 37-1011 No Degree	$62,120	$62,120	$30	11,620
Paperhangers SOC: 47-2142 No Degree	$62,040	$62,040	$30	300
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Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance SOC: 43-5032 No Degree	$61,990	$61,990	$30	11,160
Public Safety Telecommunicators SOC: 43-5031 No Degree	$61,970	$61,970	$30	5,470
Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining SOC: 47-5022 No Degree	$61,950	$61,950	$30	1,490
Machinists SOC: 51-4041 No Degree	$61,910	$61,910	$30	9,400
First Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers SOC: 41-1011 No Degree	$61,870	$61,870	$30	50,830
Floor Sanders and Finishers SOC: 47-2043 No Degree	$61,700	$61,700	$30	240
Bartenders SOC: 35-3011 No Degree	$61,670	$61,670	$30	43,130
Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic SOC: 51-4035 No Degree	$61,510	$61,510	$30	550
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Travel Agents SOC: 41-3041 No Degree	$61,270	$61,270	$29	3,180
Court, Municipal, and License Clerks SOC: 43-4031 No Degree	$61,150	$61,150	$29	11,850
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians SOC: 29-2056	$61,080	$61,080	$29	5,350
Mechanical Door Repairers SOC: 49-9011 No Degree	$61,060	$61,060	$29	1,360
Biological Technicians SOC: 19-4021	$60,960	$60,960	$29	5,050
Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers SOC: 49-2098 No Degree	$60,780	$60,780	$29	6,620
Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors SOC: 39-9031 No Degree	$60,770	$60,770	$29	20,140
Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators SOC: 43-5053 No Degree	$60,690	$60,690	$29	8,290
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Miscellaneous Construction and Related Workers SOC: 47-4090 No Degree	$60,200	$60,200	$29	250
Psychiatric Technicians SOC: 29-2053	$60,080	$60,080	$29	2,040
Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters SOC: 51-7011 No Degree	$60,040	$60,040	$29	2,470
Forest and Conservation Technicians SOC: 19-4071	$59,980	$59,980	$29	190
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks SOC: 43-3031	$59,930	$59,930	$29	84,280
Surveying and Mapping Technicians SOC: 17-3031 No Degree	$59,670	$59,670	$29	2,540
First Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers SOC: 39-1022 No Degree	$59,560	$59,560	$29	8,580
Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians SOC: 19-4043	$59,330	$59,330	$29	280
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Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders SOC: 51-9021 No Degree	$59,290	$59,290	$29	950
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics SOC: 49-3023	$59,110	$59,110	$28	32,020

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.