Entry Level Jobs: Pay by Field & How to Land One (2026)

August 20, 2026 3 Min Read

Entry level jobs searches usually mean one of four fields: retail, warehouse, admin, or general office work. Each pays differently and needs a different application approach. Here’s the real pay data for each, plus how to get hired fast.

If you’re also looking into this, our guide to Rocket Interview Questions: What to Expect & How to Prepare (2026) covers it in detail.

Quick Answer: Entry Level Jobs

Entry level jobs in the US pay $33,318 a year on average, or $16.02 an hour, per ZipRecruiter’s 2026 data. Most listings fall between $25,000 and $40,000 a year, though pay varies a lot by field — retail starts lower, warehouse and admin roles pay more. No degree is required for the vast majority of these roles.

1. Retail Jobs

Pay: $14.93 an hour on average, per PayScale, with the bottom 10% earning around $11.10 and the top 10% near $19.31.
What they do: Stock shelves, run the register, and then help customers find products on the sales floor.
You need: No experience required for most stores. Because retailers train on the job, a friendly manner matters more than a resume.
How to apply: Check major retailer career pages directly, then search “sales associate” plus your city on Indeed.

2. Warehouse Entry Level Jobs

Pay: $18.43 an hour on average, per PayScale, ranging from $15.19 to $22.50 depending on shift and location.
What they do: Pick, pack, and move inventory, often using a scanner, then load trucks or restock shelving.
You need: No degree needed. Still, the work is physical, so stamina and reliable attendance matter most.
How to apply: Search “warehouse associate” on Indeed or ZipRecruiter, and check large logistics employers’ own sites since they hire in high volume.

3. Administrative & Office Jobs

Pay: $18.72 an hour on average for entry-level roles, per Indeed, rising to $20.95 once you’re past the first year.
What they do: Answer phones, schedule appointments, then handle filing and basic office support tasks.
You need: No degree needed for most postings. Because these roles lean on organization, basic computer skills help a lot from day one.
How to apply: Search “entry level administrative assistant” on Indeed or Robert Half, and check staffing agencies too, since many firms hire this role through them.

4. Overall Entry Level Pay Snapshot

National average: $33,318 a year, or $16.02 an hour, across all entry-level fields.
Typical range: $25,000 to $40,000 a year for the middle half of listings.
Full spread: Roles range from $16,500 up to $55,000 a year, depending on field, location, and employer size.
Why the range is wide: So warehouse and admin roles usually beat retail on pay, while big-city listings tend to sit well above the national average.

Before You Apply for Entry Level Jobs

Match your field to your strengths. Retail rewards people skills, warehouse rewards stamina, and admin rewards organization — pick where you’ll actually stick around.
Apply directly on employer sites first. Large retailers and logistics firms often list openings there before they hit Indeed.
Keep your resume to one page. Entry-level hiring managers skim fast, so lead with any part-time work, school activities, or volunteering that shows reliability.
Expect on-the-job training. Almost none of these fields require prior experience, so don’t let a thin resume stop you from applying.

For related reading, see our guides to Remote Jobs Canada: Pay by Sector & Level (2026) and Data Entry Remote Jobs: Pay & How to Apply (2026).

FAQ: Entry Level Jobs

What is the average pay for entry level jobs?
$33,318 a year, or $16.02 an hour, according to ZipRecruiter’s 2026 data, though pay varies by field.

Which entry level jobs pay the most?
Warehouse and administrative roles typically pay more than retail, with warehouse averaging $18.43 an hour versus $14.93 for retail.

Do entry level jobs require a degree?
No. Retail, warehouse, and most administrative entry-level roles train new hires on the job rather than requiring a degree.

How do I find entry level jobs near me?
Search by role and city on Indeed or ZipRecruiter, and check large retailers’ and logistics firms’ own career pages directly.

Is prior experience needed for entry level jobs?
Not usually. Most employers care more about reliability and a willingness to learn than a long resume.