Entry-level job seekers face complex decisions when choosing their first career path in today’s competitive market. WalletHub analyzed 108 entry-level occupations across three key dimensions: immediate job opportunity, growth potential, and job hazards, using 12 relevant metrics.
Hardware Engineer
Hardware engineers design and develop computer components and systems while enjoying competitive compensation packages. They claim the top position with an impressive score of 68.54 points. This field ranks 5th for immediate opportunity, showing strong hiring prospects for new graduates.
The position ranks 24th for growth potential and 32nd for job hazards, creating a balanced career foundation.
Median salary: $155,020
Certified Nursing Assistant
Certified nursing assistants provide direct patient care in healthcare facilities. Healthcare dominates the entry-level landscape as CNAs in nursing homes score 67.72 points. This position ranks 6th for immediate opportunity, reflecting the healthcare industry’s consistent demand for qualified workers. The role ranks 34th for growth potential and 29th for job hazards.
Median salary: $39,530
Engineer
General engineering positions apply scientific principles to solve technical problems. They earn 67.13 total points and rank an exceptional 2nd for immediate opportunity. However, the field ranks 86th for growth potential, indicating limited advancement prospects compared to specialized engineering roles.
The position ranks 32nd for job hazards, offering reasonable workplace safety conditions for new professionals.
Median salary: Over $100,000
Software Engineer
Software engineers design power systems and electronic components. This role scores a total of 64.57 points. It ranks 10th for immediate opportunity and 22nd for growth potential, demonstrating solid prospects in both areas. Most notably, the job ranks 1st for job hazard, making it the safest entry-level career option available.
Median salary: $138,080
Safety Representative
Safety representatives ensure regulatory compliance and workplace protection across various industries. Workplace safety roles achieve 64.30 points and rank 1st for immediate job opportunity, indicating exceptional hiring demand. The position ranks 18th for growth potential but falls to 90th for job hazards.
Median salary: $58,440
Electrical Engineer
Electrical engineers design power systems and electronic components for various applications. Electrical engineering scores 61.92 points with a moderate immediate opportunity ranking at the 25th position. The field shows stronger growth potential at rank 28th and reasonable job hazards at rank 36.
Median salary: $111,910
Safety Technician
Safety technicians implement safety protocols and conduct workplace inspections across multiple industries. They earn 61.73 total points and rank 3rd for immediate job opportunities. The role demonstrates excellent growth potential at rank 17 but ranks 86th for job hazards.
Median salary: $58,440
Operations Research Analyst
Operations research analysts use mathematical methods to solve complex business problems. Analytical positions score 61.01 points with a moderate immediate opportunity ranking at 56th position. However, the field shows strong growth potential at rank 27 and excellent job safety at rank 10.
Median salary: $91,290
Electronics Engineer
Electrical engineers design consumer products and industrial electronic systems using cutting-edge technology. Electronics engineering achieves 60.72 points with a reasonable immediate job opportunity at rank 22. The field ranks 45th for growth potential and 36th for job hazards.
Median salary: $127,590
Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant
Certified occupational therapist assistants help patients develop daily living skills through rehabilitation programs. Healthcare support roles score 60.32 points with moderate immediate opportunity at rank 47. COTAs show solid growth potential at rank 35 and good job safety at rank 27.
Median salary: $37,370
Training Specialist
Training specialists develop employee education programs and facilitate organizational learning initiatives. Corporate training positions earn 60.27 points with immediate opportunity ranking at the 30th position. The role ranks 51st for growth potential and 16th for job hazards.
Median salary: $65,850
Environmental, Health, and Safety Engineer
Environmental, health, and safety professionals ensure environmental compliance and worker safety across industries. EHS engineers score 60.04 points and rank 4th for immediate job opportunity. The field shows excellent growth potential at rank 15 but moderate job hazards at rank 71.
Median salary: $109,660
Benefits Analyst
Benefits analysts design employee compensation and benefits packages. This human resources specialization achieves 59.80 points with a strong immediate opportunity at rank 9. However, the field ranks 90th for growth potential while maintaining excellent job safety at rank 16.
Median salary: $77,020
Web Designer
Web designers create user-friendly websites and digital interfaces for various clients. This creative technology positions score 58.83 points with limited immediate job opportunities at rank 60. The field shows moderate growth potential at rank 48 and excellent job safety at rank 11.
Median salary: $98,090
Market Research Analyst
Market research analysts study consumer behavior and market trends to guide business strategies. Research positions earn 58.55 points with a moderate immediate opportunity at rank 65. The field ranks 43rd for growth potential and 16th for job hazards.
Median salary: $76,950
