10 Jobs That Require Minimal Experience (But Pay Over $80K a Year)

Landing a job that pays $80,000 (or more) with only a few years of experience could feel like winning the lottery, considering the average entry-level position pays $43,000.

But with the right qualifications, skill set, and drive, it's possible to move beyond living paycheck to paycheck much sooner than you might think. Soft skills, such as communication and teamwork, combined with a willingness to engage in on-the-job training, could be the key to securing a top-paying entry-level position.

Take a look at this list, created using salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which highlights 10 jobs that require minimal experience and pay $80K or more.

Annual median wage: $83,980

As a teacher or lecturer at a college or university, you'll need a doctoral degree or, in some cases, a master's degree. However, you don't always need prior teaching experience to start working in postsecondary education.

Teachers in the sciences, for example, may land a job based on their postdoctoral research rather than work experience. Others may use expertise they've gained in related fields or by working as a teaching assistant.

Annual median wage: $91,290

With a bachelor's degree under your belt and an interest in problem-solving, you could land a well-paid operations research analyst role. You'll be expected to gather and use data to support business operations, often advising on cost-cutting or investment decisions.

The BLS states that this field is expanding much faster than average. Plus, you don't need prior experience to secure a role.

Annual median wage: $92,560

Electrical powerlines are one of those aspects of life you rarely need to think about, thanks to the efforts of effective installers and repairers. With a high school diploma and an enthusiasm for hands-on work at heights, you could become a skilled powerline installer.

The work can be hazardous, but there's on-the-job training and support as well as a healthy pay packet.

Smart Drivers, Smarter Savings

Compare car insurance rates in Virginia

See if you qualify for a lower rate in less than 2 minutes

Check Rates

By clicking the button above, I understand and agree that this site uses site visit recording technology (provided by Trusted Form, Jornaya, and Microsoft Clarity) Privacy Policy

Annual median wage: $94,260

Dental hygienists advise patients on all aspects of oral care and check for conditions like gum disease. To become a dental hygienist, you'll need a career-specific associate's degree. However, you can walk right into a role without any prior experience.

The job outlook for hygienists is good, with opportunities growing at a rate of 9%.

Annual median wage: $95,410

Another role that requires an advanced degree, speech-language pathologists help those with problems communicating. With the right qualifications, you could land a role with zero prior experience. You do need to pass exams to gain your license, although licensure requirements (including required clinical experience) vary by state.

Speech-language experts work in schools, hospitals, and a range of care facilities. Some may even start their own practices from home.

Annual median wage: $98,340

While you do need an advanced degree to secure roles in this field, prior work experience isn't necessary. Occupational therapists help people recover from a range of illnesses and injuries, often with the goal of helping them get back to work.

It's a rapidly expanding field with roles opening up in telehealth firms, schools, medical centers, and more.

Annual median wage: $101,140

If you have a bachelor's degree in engineering and love to get hands-on with projects, industrial engineering could be for you. From roles in the energy industry to manufacturing, there are plenty of opportunities for qualified engineers.

Best of all, you can break into this field without previous work experience.

Annual median wage: $102,140

A wide range of individuals require financial advice, including students, parents, and business owners. You can start your own financial advice service, but you can also find well-paid roles with companies across multiple industries.

And, like the other jobs on our list, previous experience isn't always a prerequisite to get hired, although you do typically need a bachelor's degree. A master's degree or professional certification could improve your employment opportunities.

Annual median wage: $125,770

Insurance is all about weighing risks and uncertainties. An actuary is a qualified professional who uses statistics, math, and economics to help insurance companies make financially sound choices.

If you have a bachelor's degree and are willing to take relevant exams, there are plenty of well-paid roles in this field, and they don't all require prior experience.

Annual median wage: $138,060

This is one job on the list that does require some experience, but less than five years in a relevant role is usually acceptable. So, if you've worked in sales and have some management experience, you could end up leading a team of other sales reps.

Sales managers may also have to liaise with customers, so excellent communication skills are a "must-have."

Landing a job that pays $80,000 is a smart way to get ahead financially, and there are more out there than you might have realized. For those looking for qualifications over experience, you can often gain professional certifications, particularly in digital skills, by completing online courses. Some employers will even give you the chance to earn certifications while you work.

Around 94% of companies state that skill-based hiring is effective, so experience isn't always what firms are looking for. Ensure you highlight any relevant qualifications on your resume to give yourself the best chance at landing a lucrative role.