10 Entry-Level Jobs That Pay Double the National Average Minimum Wage

The federal minimum wage in the United States has been stuck at $7.25 per hour for well over a decade. Working a full-time job at that rate earns you just over $15,000 a year, which is below the federal poverty line for a single person. Entry-level jobs often get a bad rap because people assume they'll be stuck living paycheck to paycheck.

However, some states mandate a higher minimum wage, and many forward-thinking companies seek to pay a livable wage, even for entry-level roles. All 10 of these jobs pay more than $14.50 per hour, double the federal minimum wage, each one redefining what "entry-level" means.

Editor's note: All hourly pay data was sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Median hourly pay: $18.46

Security guards work in nearly every industry, protecting people and property by controlling access to buildings and monitoring surveillance equipment. A high school diploma is usually the only requirement, and employers typically provide training for new guards.

In addition, security is a 24/7 need, so this role provides opportunities for flexible and non-traditional schedules.

Median hourly pay: $20.99

If you're interested in health care, phlebotomy is a great way to get a foot in the door. In this role, you draw blood for tests, transfusions, or donations.

To qualify, you may need a postsecondary certificate, which can be completed in less than a year, although some medical facilities only require a high school diploma and provide the necessary training.

Median hourly pay: $20.56

Thanks to the ecommerce boom, there's more demand for delivery drivers than ever before. All you need to qualify for the role is a valid driver's license and a clean driving record.

A typical day for a delivery truck driver involves picking up, transporting, and dropping off packages within a specified area. So, not only is this an entry-level role with good pay, but you're not stuck in an office all day.

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Median hourly pay: $20.59

Customer service representatives answer questions, process orders, handle complaints, and more. The work is usually done over the phone, although email and chat are increasingly common avenues for providing service.

The pay for customer service reps is pretty good, especially when you consider that no experience is typically necessary and it's often a remote (work-from-home) position.

Median hourly pay: $20.90

You typically need six to eight years of schooling to become a pharmacist, but the role of pharmacy technician is a great way to enter the industry.

Pharmacy techs perform tasks like counting pills, labeling bottles, and processing insurance claims. You don't need any experience, as most techs receive on-the-job training.

Median hourly pay: $20.95

As an assembler, you might put together electronic devices, build furniture, or help construct an engine. Prior experience is not necessary, as you only need a bit of mechanical aptitude to qualify for this role.

In fact, many assemblers started the job straight out of high school, making this an excellent introduction into the manufacturing sector.

Median hourly pay: $21.25

Medical assistants are the behind-the-scenes MVPs of doctors' offices and clinics. They handle both administrative and clinical tasks, such as scheduling appointments, taking vital signs, and assisting with exams.

While no experience is typically required to be a medical assistant, you may have to take a one-year certificate program to qualify.

Median hourly pay: $22.82

Administrative assistants are the backbone of any office. They answer phones, manage schedules, and generally make life easier for the colleagues they serve.

You don't need any specific experience to be an admin assistant, although you should be a people person and have strong organizational skills.

Median hourly pay: $23.38

Every workplace needs a good handyman. If you can perform basic plumbing, electrical, and carpentry repairs, you can find a good-paying job as a general maintenance worker.

This role is in steady demand across a wide variety of locations, including businesses, schools, apartment complexes, and more.

Median hourly pay: $23.66

If you are organized and good with numbers, there is likely an accounting team with a bookkeeping role for you. No degree or experience is required, as you can learn the ins and outs of working with financial records on the job.

Every industry needs bookkeepers, so there are usually many entry-level jobs available. Plus, this role is often a stepping stone to a higher-paying accounting career.

While most would agree that the federal minimum wage needs an update, a majority of states have taken the initiative themselves. According to data from the National Conference of State Legislatures, 34 U.S. states, territories, and districts have minimum wages higher than the federal rate of $7.25.

And as these 10 jobs prove, you can start your career making much more than the minimum wage, which can go a long way in helping to pay the bills. Even better, most of these roles offer an entry point into industries with long-term career prospects. Taking any of these entry-level roles can give you the experience you need to earn much higher pay.