Top 17 Jobs That Pay Well with No Experience

Image source: https://pixabay.com/vectors/lady-laptop-business-office-work-8530604

Landing a great-paying job is possible even if you don't have a Master's or even a Bachelor's degree. If you go to a job board like Indeed or Monster, you will find some well-paying opportunities that require only a high school diploma or equivalent. Some companies are willing to train motivated individuals, and some even offer opportunities for promotion after you earn on-the-job experience.

Topics	Details
1. Sales Representative	details...
2. Delivery Driver	details...
3. Bill Collector	details...
4. Bartender	details...
5. Administrative Assistant	details...
6. Real Estate Agent	details...
7. Oilfield Worker	details...
8. Cable TV Installer	details...
9. Truck Driver	details...
10. HR Assistant	details...
11. Taxi Driver	details...
12. Police Officer	details...
13. Library Technician	details...
14. Plumber	details...
15. Web Developer (Entry-Level)	details...
16. Garbage Collector	details...
17. Insurance Claims Adjuster	details...

How does this list work? Read our list of jobs that pay well with no formal education required. Click on the job title that sparked your interest to go straight to the job description, requirements, and pay rates.

Well-Paying Jobs You Can Land with a High School Diploma

1. Sales Representative

• Description: Recommend and sell products and services
• Pay: $31,200 - $81,200 a year (plus commission)
• Pros: Potential for high earnings and rewarding career
• Cons: You need strong people skills and the job often involves stress and late hours

This job is a great fit for high school graduates with advanced communication skills. Sales reps identify customer needs, present products and services, close sales, and build relationships with returning customers. No prior experience on the job market is needed, and companies offer offer on-the-job training. If you are ambitious and enjoy interacting with people, you can build a long-term lucrative career in sales.

2. Delivery Driver

• Description: Deliver packages or food to customers
• Pay: $30,000 - $45,000 per year
• Pros: Flexible hours and minimal starting requirements
• Cons: Physically demanding, long hours

Being a delivery driver is a great career start if you have no prior experience. It is easy to get started, and all you need is a clean driver's license. In addition to good pay, this job offers flexibility - with many companies, you can choose start time and shift. Delivery drivers can earn about $20 an hour, and you can take extra shifts to increase your income.

3. Bill Collector

• Description: Contact individuals to collect payments that are overdue
• Pay: $34,800 - $48,200 per year
• Pros: Simple tasks and you can earn bonuses
• Cons: High stress due to negative interactions

Bill collectors keep track of unpaid bills and contact clients to collect payments. The job will suit candidates who aren't afraid of the high-pressure environment, and have a high school diploma and great negotiation skills. To succeed, you will also need the ability to persuade others, handle stressful situations, and stay persistent. With training provided, this career is an accessible option for candidates with no experience.

4. Bartender

• Description: Serve drinks and socialize with customers at bars
• Pay: $23,800 - $48,700 per year, plus tips
• Pros: Social job with tips, flexible hours
• Cons: Late hours, job can be fast-paced

The bartender is an exciting job opportunity that doesn't require a college degree. If you are easy-going, enjoy socializing and are comfortable working late hours, this job might be right for you. The job entails cooking cocktails and other drinks (which you can learn on the spot) and customer service. This employment offers flexible hours and the potential to earn tips, which can increase your income.

5. Administrative Assistant

• Description: Provides administrative support to a team or individual
• Pay: $35,000 - $75,400 per year
• Pros: Stable work environment, benefits, and perks
• Cons: Can be repetitive and has limited advancement

If you seek stable employment with one company rather than contract work, consider the administrative assistant career. While the starting salary is not the highest on this list, the job includes training plus you can learn essential skills and move into a better paying position. Job requirements usually include basic office software proficiency, business etiquette, organizational abilities, and communication skills.

6. Real Estate Agent

• Description: Assist customers with buying, selling, and renting houses or apartments
• Pay: $60,000+ per year (commission-based)
• Pros: High earning potential, flexible schedule
• Cons: Income depends on the housing market and can be inconsistent

If you have strong communication and negotiation skills and want to earn good money, becoming a real estate agent can be a great choice. There is a potential for high earnings through commissions, and flexible working hours will help you maintain a good work-life balance. While income can fluctuate based on the housing market, the opportunity to achieve high earnings and have return clients can inspire you to build a long-term career.

7. Oilfield Worker

• Description: Assist with drilling and extraction in oilfields
• Pay: $50,000 - $70,000 per year
• Pros: High starting pay, little experience required
• Cons: Physically challenging work in remote locations

The oilfield worker position has minimal job requirements for entry-level positions. To get started, you only need a high school diploma, as the company provides the necessary training to employees on the spot. If you are physically active, prefer to work outdoors, and aren't afraid of challenging environments and tough conditions, you will enjoy this career. Plus, the starting pay is higher than other entry-level jobs offer, and benefits are included.

8. Cable TV Installer

• Description: Install and maintain cable television systems in homes and businesses
• Pay: $55,800 - $84,500 per year
• Pros: Job stability, you can learn everything through on-the-job training
• Cons: Job involves working in different environments and sometimes long hours

Cable TV installers set up and provide maintenance of cable lines. This job is easy to get started with, as cable companies offer the necessary training, and you can get hired without experience. It is suitable for technically minded individuals who can communicate well with new and returning clients, and with good customer service skills, you can make a decent living.

9. Truck Driver

• Description: Transport goods on the long distance
• Pay: $50,000 - $70,000 per year
• Pros: High demand, easy to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• Cons: Long hours on the road, away from home

According to labor statistics, employment of truck drivers is expected to grow by 6% by 2030, so this is a promising career option with no experience. The job offers decent pay and benefits, and companies provide all the necessary training. They are also willing to help with obtaining your CDL license. However, there are downsides. Truck drivers spend much time on the road away from home, which isn't bad if you are an independent person.

10. HR Assistant

• Description: Help with HR tasks such as recruitment, payroll, and training
• Pay: $41,000 - $62,000 per year
• Pros: White collar job, potential for career advancement
• Cons: Tasks can be repetitive and boring

HR assistants maintain employee records, manage payroll, and help HR managers with other duties involving employee relations. A college degree is nice to have, but many employers are ready to hire a candidate with a high school diploma. The job is great for organized individuals with strong time-management and communication skills, and will also suit college or university students. You can learn about the Human Resources functions and eventually build a fulfilling career in HR.

11. Taxi Driver

• Description: Drive passengers to their destinations
• Pay: $25,000 - $45,000 per year (depending on hours and location)
• Pros: Flexible schedule, low entry barrier
• Cons: No vehicle wear is compensated, uncertain income

A taxi driver job offers flexibility in working hours, so you can combine it with another job or study. Requirements to enter the profession are fairly simple. You have to be over 21 years old, have a clean driving license, and have several years of driving experience. If you are self-motivated and willing to work at night or on weekends, you can build a decent income. Yet, work can be dangerous and you cannot predict your income.

12. Police Officer

• Description: Enforce laws, respond to emergencies, and protect citizens in your area
• Pay: $50,000 - $70,000 per year
• Pros: Job security, good benefits, a chance to serve the community
• Cons: Physically and mentally difficult, dangerous situations

A police officer is a fulfilling career for those with a strong sense of duty and a desire to serve their community. To get started, you need a high school diploma, and after a background check, you will go to the police academy. Although the job is rewarding, it is also physically and mentally demanding, and involves exposure to dangerous situations. It is ideal for people who are committed to upholding the law and have emotional resilience.

13. Library Technician

• Description: Help organize materials and assist patrons in libraries
• Pay: $30,000 - $40,000 per year
• Pros: Quiet work environment, work with books, job is good for detail-oriented people
• Cons: Low pay, can be repetitive

The library technician job is perfect for introverts who appreciate a quiet, predictable work environment. The job involves organizing library materials and resources, and assisting patrons. Library technicians enjoy a peaceful work environment and have the ability to help others. It is perfect for detail-oriented people who can work independently. Yet, pay might be lower compared to other entry-level roles and there isn't much career progression.

Are you looking for a job that will not trigger your anxiety? Read our list of Top jobs for people with anxiety symptoms.

14. Plumber

• Description: Install and repair pipes in homes and businesses
• Pay: $36,700 - $59,800 per year
• Pros: Always high demand, good job security
• Cons: Physically demanding and requires an apprenticeship

Plumbers are in charge of the installation and maintenance of pipes in residential and commercial buildings. Good manual workers are always in high demand, and if you enjoy problem-solving and doing manual work, it can be a rewarding career path. Although starting pay is not high, during the apprenticeship, you can earn valuable skills in vending and systems design that will help you earn more than the average. However, the work can be physically demanding and repetitive.

15. Web Developer (Entry-Level)

• Description: Build and maintain websites for clients or companies
• Pay: $50,000 - $60,000 per year
• Pros: Growing industry, the potential for remote work

Web development is a promising career in a fast-growing field that you might want to explore. Web developers build and maintain websites, and monitor their performance. Although you can get started with a high school diploma only, you will need at least basic coding skills and theoretical knowledge. The job offers a competitive salary and great potential for growth, plus you can work flexible hours or remotely. If you are proactive, self-driven, and have analytical skills, this career is right for you.

What are the best skills for your resume? Read our list of Unique skills that will give your resume a boost.

16. Garbage Collector

• Description: Collect and dispose of waste from residential and commercial areas
• Pay: $35,000 - $50,000 per year
• Pros: Stable job, physical work keeps you fit
• Cons: Physically difficult, early morning shifts

Garbage collectors enjoy job stability, good benefits, and on-the-job exercise. You will get paid to collect and dispose of waste from residential and commercial areas. Yet, this job is physically demanding and requires early morning shifts. It is suitable for people who are comfortable with manual labor and enjoy working outdoors.

17. Insurance Claims Adjuster

• Description: Investigate insurance claims to determine the extent of coverage
• Pay: $41,900 - $63,600 per year
• Pros: Problem-solving, detailed work, potential for remote work
• Cons: Frequent stressful situations, requires a lot of paperwork

You will need a high school diploma only to start your career path as an insurance claims adjuster. These professionals investigate claims to assess the extent of coverage and determine payouts. The role requires strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail, along with the ability to handle stressful situations. Companies provide on-the-job training that will give you a potential to build a successful career.

Looking for a great-paying job?

To land a better-paying entry-level position, you need a resume that will help you beat the completion and show your competencies to employers. If your resume undersells you, we are here to help. The experts of ResumePerk can update your old resume or create a new one that matches your career goals. We will incorporate keywords, use a recruiter friendly format, and capitalize on your skills to help you get noticed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you make 100k a year with no experience?

Earning a six-figure salary with no experience is possible in some sales positions where high commissions are offered - for example, B2B, tech, and real estate sales. If you have in-demand skills (such as information security or software programming), you can also negotiate a good salary. However, in most industries, you will need years of experience and advanced skills to earn this salary.

What entry level positions pay the most?

Such fields as finance, technology, and healthcare offer the highest-paying entry-level positions. Entry-level software developers, data analysts, and bankers are often offered attractive salaries that exceed $70 a year. Certain positions involving engineering, sales and manual labor also offer high starting salaries, but it depends on the industry and your location.

What is the highest paid unskilled job?

Consider such roles as delivery drivers, construction laborers, flight attendants, and property manager positions. These jobs offer competitive wages and don't require formal education or advanced skills. However, be ready that the competition is also high.