Best Paying Entry-Level Jobs in Washington

Launch your career with entry-level opportunities

$64,970

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Job Types

$82,019

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Best Entry-Level Jobs Without a Degree in Washington

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


Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers SOC: 51-9123 No Degree	$64,970	$64,970	$31	90
Mechanical Door Repairers SOC: 49-9011 No Degree	$64,850	$64,850	$31	550
Chemical Technicians SOC: 19-4031	$64,580	$64,580	$31	730
First Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers SOC: 41-1011 No Degree	$64,570	$64,570	$31	27,640
Library Technicians SOC: 25-4031	$64,550	$64,550	$31	1,850
Broadcast Technicians SOC: 27-4012	$64,490	$64,490	$31	270
Statistical Assistants SOC: 43-9111	$64,080	$64,080	$31	200
Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators SOC: 51-2051 No Degree	$64,070	$64,070	$31	1,100
Find Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators Jobs
Rail Car Repairers SOC: 49-3043 No Degree	$63,880	$63,880	$31	180
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists SOC: 39-5012	$63,800	$63,800	$31	6,930
Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers SOC: 49-2092 No Degree	$63,760	$63,760	$31	30
Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians SOC: 49-3041 No Degree	$63,580	$63,580	$31	1,120
Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants SOC: 43-6012 No Degree	$63,570	$63,570	$31	3,950
Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors SOC: 53-1041 No Degree	$63,530	$63,530	$31	150
Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance SOC: 43-5032 No Degree	$63,190	$63,190	$30	4,920
First Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers SOC: 39-1022 No Degree	$63,190	$63,190	$30	1,440
Find First Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers Jobs
Cargo and Freight Agents SOC: 43-5011 No Degree	$63,090	$63,090	$30	2,410
Bus Drivers, School SOC: 53-3051 No Degree	$62,940	$62,940	$30	9,660
Postal Service Mail Carriers SOC: 43-5052 No Degree	$62,830	$62,830	$30	6,550
Agricultural Inspectors SOC: 45-2011	$62,740	$62,740	$30	450
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics SOC: 49-3023	$62,460	$62,460	$30	12,930
Rehabilitation Counselors SOC: 21-1015	$62,270	$62,270	$30	5,440
Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles SOC: 47-2042 No Degree	$62,260	$62,260	$30	370
Postal Service Clerks SOC: 43-5051 No Degree	$62,130	$62,130	$30	1,460
Find Postal Service Clerks Jobs
First Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers SOC: 35-1012 No Degree	$61,990	$61,990	$30	20,700
Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks SOC: 43-9041 No Degree	$61,830	$61,830	$30	3,730
Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors SOC: 39-9031 No Degree	$61,800	$61,800	$30	9,270
Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers SOC: 39-4031	$61,710	$61,710	$30	400
Pourers and Casters, Metal SOC: 51-4052 No Degree	$61,470	$61,470	$30	80
Maintenance and Repair Workers, General SOC: 49-9071 No Degree	$61,430	$61,430	$30	32,450
Upholsterers SOC: 51-6093 No Degree	$61,410	$61,410	$30	200
Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic SOC: 51-4062 No Degree	$61,410	$61,410	$30	30
Find Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic Jobs
Construction Laborers SOC: 47-2061 No Degree	$61,320	$61,320	$29	25,060
Pharmacy Technicians SOC: 29-2052 No Degree	$61,140	$61,140	$29	8,150
Costume Attendants SOC: 39-3092 No Degree	$61,130	$61,130	$29	120
Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators SOC: 43-5053 No Degree	$61,010	$61,010	$29	1,770
Painters, Construction and Maintenance SOC: 47-2141 No Degree	$60,910	$60,910	$29	9,510
Embalmers SOC: 39-4011	$60,880	$60,880	$29	40
Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers SOC: 49-3022 No Degree	$60,840	$60,840	$29	770
Biological Technicians SOC: 19-4021	$60,770	$60,770	$29	3,210
Find Biological Technicians Jobs
Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers SOC: 51-2028 No Degree	$60,700	$60,700	$29	6,160
Travel Agents SOC: 41-3041 No Degree	$60,690	$60,690	$29	1,710
Waiters and Waitresses SOC: 35-3031 No Degree	$60,590	$60,590	$29	45,400
Museum Technicians and Conservators SOC: 25-4013	$60,540	$60,540	$29	280
Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders SOC: 51-4122 No Degree	$60,410	$60,410	$29	50
Directors, Religious Activities and Education SOC: 21-2021	$60,150	$60,150	$29	390
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks SOC: 43-3031	$60,090	$60,090	$29	32,930
Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians SOC: 49-3092 No Degree	$60,020	$60,020	$29	500
Find Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians Jobs
Bartenders SOC: 35-3011 No Degree	$60,010	$60,010	$29	16,800
Forest and Conservation Technicians SOC: 19-4071	$59,950	$59,950	$29	1,160

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.