17 High-Paying Careers You Can Start With Zero Experience

Finding the right job can be challenging, especially when many companies require years of experience for entry-level positions. However, there are still fields where you don't need extensive experience or even a college degree to get started!

17 Lucrative Career Paths That Begin With Entry-Level Positions

1. Bank Teller

Most bankers—even bank presidents—start as tellers. This position allows you to learn the banking business from the ground up with on-the-job training. If you perform well, there are excellent advancement opportunities.

2. Data Entry

Data is everywhere, but accurate data is everything. Becoming highly skilled at maintaining accuracy, spotting inconsistencies, and organizing information can make you invaluable across multiple industries. These skills transfer to finance, education, HR, security, and telecom. Mastering Excel, SQL, and database structure creates a lasting career, even with AI advancements.

3. AmeriCorps VISTA

A year of service with AmeriCorps VISTA provides valuable real-world experience and non-compete eligibility for federal hiring. While the pay is low during service, it can lead to well-paid remote federal jobs with excellent benefits and flexibility.

4. Insurance Industry

Entry-level insurance jobs offer tremendous growth opportunities, with companies often paying for licensing and industry education. The field is recession and pandemic-proof, with many professionals reaching six-figure incomes. Medicare sales, in particular, can build long-term residual income and wealth.

5. Amazon Delivery Driver

This position offers $5,250 for continuing education, which can be used to obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) for higher-paying driving careers.

6. Sales

Sales positions often have minimal hiring criteria and don't require experience or degrees. While not for everyone, successful salespeople enjoy unlimited income potential.

7. Print Newspaper Roles

Working as a writer, reporter, clerk, or copyeditor at a traditional newspaper provides automatic credibility that transfers well to communications, marketing, and PR careers.

8. Restaurant Hosting

Starting as a host can lead to serving, training, bartending, and eventually management positions. Restaurant managers often earn excellent salaries, with potential for six-figure corporate roles.

9. High-End Restaurant Reservationist

Working the phone and assigning tables at upscale restaurants can launch a successful hospitality career.

10. Operations Analyst

Starting as an operations analyst at a startup can lead to leadership positions in go-to-market strategy at major companies, including video game studios.

11. Legal Industry Support

Beginning at a third-party record collection agency for law firms can lead to positions as legal assistant, legal secretary, and paralegal—allowing you to support yourself solo without formal certification.

12. Law Clerk

This role teaches the basics needed for law school and provides essential legal knowledge.

13. Mail House Operations

Starting with manual labor at a small mail house can lead to production management roles with significant salary increases for those with strong work ethic.

14. Leasing Agent

Beginning as an assistant leasing agent in property management can lead to primary leasing positions with good pay, even without prior experience.

15. Bicycle Store Positions

Starting as a part-time cashier at a local bike shop can lead to sales associate, department manager, and general store manager positions through consistent performance.

16. Call Center Jobs

Entry-level call center positions at major insurance or banking companies provide access to training, networking, and licensing opportunities for financial product sales and advisory roles.

17. Human Resources

Starting as an HR assistant or coordinator requires only basic office skills. Working at larger companies provides mentorship opportunities, and pursuing certifications can significantly advance your career.

Many of these paths demonstrate that with strong work ethic, organization skills, and willingness to learn, you can build a successful career from an entry-level position.