12 Jobs You Can Start With Minimal Experience (And Earn at Least $35 an Hour)

Many people think that to land a well-paying job, you must have years or decades of experience. For certain occupations, this is an unfortunate fact. But many jobs still exist that pay a salary high enough to lower your financial stress and require minimal experience.

Whether you're considering switching careers or are curious about breaking into a new industry, here are 12 jobs where experience isn't a barrier to entry — and they all pay at least $35 an hour.

Editor's note: All data is from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Median hourly wage: $36.07

While editors become better at their job the longer they do it, extensive experience isn't required to land a job as one. To review and revise documents, you typically need a good eye for errors, an understanding and love of language, and a degree in English or journalism (although this isn't always mandatory).

While some employers require writing and editing experience, it's easy to acquire by comparison to other occupations. Besides courses and accreditations, even a passion for reading can improve your editing skills.

Median hourly wage: $36.73

Becoming a food scientist doesn't require much hands-on experience. However, you need at least a bachelor's degree. Food scientists play a crucial role in improving the safety of the food we consume daily.

If you're tempted to join this industry, you'll be happy to know it is experiencing high growth. The BLS expects the demand for food scientists to grow faster than the average for other occupations.

Median hourly wage: $37.30

If you care deeply about the health and safety of your fellow workers, you'll be glad to know you don't need experience to become an occupational health and safety specialist.

These technicians look at and design various improvements to the way people act in the workplace. You can apply for this high-paying job with only a high school diploma, provided your employer is willing to train you.

Median hourly wage: $38.12

A fashion designer has a sense of style and a deep understanding of trends in the clothing and footwear industries. Likewise, they should have a knack for designing functional and aesthetically pleasing accessories.

If you're highly creative, this is the job for you. While some employers may require a bachelor's degree, others prefer to assess your portfolio — no prior experience needed.

Median hourly wage: $38.17

A logistician ensures that a company's supply chain is in good shape. They organize, analyze, and coordinate logistics. Since logisticians can work in various industries, their day-to-day tasks may vary accordingly.

As a logistician, you need a bachelor's degree and a proven understanding of various aspects of the supply chain. On-the-job training and further experience may only factor in when you don't have a degree.

Median hourly wage: $38.41

If you hold a degree in accounting, becoming an accountant is accessible and doesn't require previous work experience. Once you become familiar with your employer's financial records, you'll be responsible for analyzing and improving them.

As a junior accountant, you can become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), which may open doors to better-paying jobs in the field.

Median hourly wage: $38.49

Technical writers deal with various industry-specific documents. They write articles, instruction manuals, and guidelines to clarify and inform on specific technical information. As a technical writer, you're likely to be employed in IT or STEM.

If you're familiar with engineering or science and have a way with words, you can become a technical writer with just a couple of years of experience, although you will be expected to partake in additional on-the-job training.

Median hourly wage: $41.09

Have you always been a science maverick? If so, becoming a microbiologist might be your calling. These professionals study microorganisms, typically in a laboratory setting, and devise solutions to use beneficial bacteria or fungi or eliminate hazardous ones.

You'll need at least a bachelor's degree to become a microbiologist, although some employers may require a master's degree or higher.

Median hourly wage: $44.86

If designing homes and other structures is something you'd enjoy, becoming an architect is a logical next step.

While this job doesn't require previous work experience, an internship or residency is usually preferred. And once you pass your Architect Registration Examination, you're good to go.

Median hourly wage: $46.10

Civil engineers design various infrastructure projects and directly supervise the building process.

You can become a civil engineer once you get a bachelor's degree in the field. While most employers don't expect years of experience, they may still ask for your state-issued license if the job entails working directly with the public.

Median hourly wage: $47.39

As a project manager, you're expected to oversee projects and coordinate between conflicting scheduling, budgeting, and staffing priorities. If you're organized, efficient, and able to multitask, you're ready to tackle this complex job.

You only need a bachelor's degree to become a project manager. As you evolve in your role, you may be able to take on more complex projects and earn a higher salary.

Median hourly wage: $48.02

If you have a finance degree, you could thrive as a financial analyst. Analysts assess and guide their employers to invest money in profitable ways.

This job only requires a bachelor's degree. Once you familiarize yourself with the business and industry, previous experience isn't necessary.

Experience is important, but it's not a make-or-break for every job. With the right credentials and abilities, you can land a well-paying job, like a project manager, editor, or fashion designer, even with minimal experience.

Depending on your needs, you could also explore a part-time job. Not all the jobs on our list can be done part-time, but for some of these listed, it's possible so you can tap into a new source of income and improve your financial outlook.