- According to an analysis of entry-level jobs on Indeed, inspector is the most popular job.
- The job search site analyzed job openings based on the number of postings, salary and growth rate of experience.
- The top-ranked jobs aren't just those that typically require a bachelor's degree or a four-year college degree.
If you're looking for your first job, you might consider roles such as licensed practical nurse, medical examiner or business analyst.
These three jobs were among the 15 most popular entry-level positions posted by job search site Indeed.
“Graduation season is fast approaching and with it, an imminent influx of Gen Z high school and college grads entering the job market,” Indeed's post read.
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for U.S. people ages 20-24 was 6.7% in April, higher than a year ago but not as high as in February and March of this year. Handshake's report on the Class of 2024 states that “nearly 70% of 2024 graduates are confident they will find a job or other opportunity after graduation that will allow them to use the skills they learned in college to build the career they want.”
Indeed's ranking of entry-level jobs includes jobs with an average salary of at least $45,000, 0-3 years of experience listed in the job description, and is also based on a growing share of job postings.
“The jobs on this list were identified based on year-over-year positive growth in job share (September 2022-March 2023 vs. September 2023-March 2024) and are ranked by highest salary,” the report said.
Indeed told Business Insider that the list includes mostly real estate and construction inspectors, but inspector ranks first on the list. Indeed's post noted that inspector jobs “don't require a four-year college degree, demonstrating that skills-focused experience can be just as valuable as education.” According to Indeed's post, cable technicians, at 11th, and installation technicians, at 10th, tend to only require a high school diploma. As evidenced by a recent Pew Research Center survey of U.S. adults, some people don't see the value in getting a four-year college degree.
Below are the top 15 most popular entry-level jobs from Indeed's list.
14. Junior Field Technician
Percentage change in employment share: 45.45%
Average annual salary: $55,000
10. Entry-level installation technician
Percentage change in employment share: 213.64%
Average annual salary: $60,000
9. Junior Insurance Agent
Percentage change in employment share: 41.03%
Average annual salary: $60,253
8. Entry-Level Sales Rep
Percentage change in employment share: 27.17%
Average annual salary: $62,361
7. Junior Civil Engineer
Percentage change in employment share: 26.09%
Average annual salary: $65,352
1. Junior Inspector
Percentage change in employment share: 50.00%
Average annual salary: $80,253