So, you've got your bachelor's degree in hand and you're revved up to enter the workforce. The best way to start is by exploring occupations with high levels of openings and projected growth. But how can you determine what entry-level jobs are in demand?
Luckily, the federal government's Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) has done the heavy lifting for you. BLS data features projections through 2026 for these key factors:
- Wages
- Number of job openings
- Projected growth for occupations and industries
We've delved into the BLS data to find the best entry-level jobs for those seeking a lucrative career with a promising future and plenty of projected job growth.
Employers may prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree, but some of the jobs on our list (such as interpreters and software developers) don't specifically require a degree. In many industries, demonstrating your experience with a well-written cover letter and resume can be the key to landing that coveted interview in a growing industry. (You can create your cover letter and resume using our Cover Letter Templates and Resume Templates.)
Here is our list of 2019's most in-demand jobs:
These fast-growing in-demand positions pay more than $75,000.
1. Financial manager
A financial manager is vital to many successful businesses. These professionals provide analysis and insight into a company's financial health and develop long-term strategies. The financial manager oversees the activities that affect the company's bottom line, including:
- Accounting
- Investing
- Banking
- Insurance
- Securities
A financial manager is not an entry-level position, but it's a viable career goal. Start by pursuing entry-level jobs in administrative and assistant roles for a financial manager's office.
Entry-level jobs for this career path include:
- Financial analyst
- Associate financial manager
- Junior analyst
Projected job growth: 19%
Median pay: $127,990
2. Medical and health services manager
As aging baby boomers put more demand on the healthcare system, the industry will remain a fast-growing sector of the economy. Jobs in this industry are predicted to grow faster than usual. In addition to the need for administrators like medical and health services managers, these highly specialized roles are in demand:
- Nurse practitioners
- Anesthesiologists
- Surgeons
- Internists
- General practitioners
Medical and health services managers are healthcare executives who work in hospitals, doctors' offices and medical practices. They oversee compliance with regulations and laws in addition to managing the overall operation.
Get your start in this career by seeking out positions in the administrative office of a hospital, the best training ground for any job in the healthcare industry. Look for titles such as operations assistant and regulatory administration assistant. If you're serious about this career path, earning an advanced degree like a master's in public health is a good long-term goal. Many of these senior management positions require master's degrees, but you won't need one right away.
Projected job growth: 20%
Median pay: $99,750
3. Software developer, applications
Technology is always a sound bet in today's economy. Software developers make up the fastest-growing professionals in the tech world. Developers create new applications and improve existing ones.
One fast-growing segment within software development is in the area of Software as a Service (SaaS). Applications are developed to be cloud-based and run on various platforms. Since cloud-based software is easier to update than locally-based software, utilizing SaaS allows companies to reduce their IT staffing needs and increase their agility.
Software developers manage the entire program creation process, including:
- Analyzing user needs
- Prototyping
- Testing
- Implementation
Developers don't usually write the computer programs themselves, but experience in computer programming is essential to this position.
Entry-level jobs for this career path include:
- Computer systems analyst
- Database administrator
- Junior and associate software developer
Projected job growth (SaaS jobs): 31%
Median pay: $103,620
4. Information security analyst
Data is the modern currency, and data breaches are becoming more and more prevalent. In the first half of 2019, data breaches were up 54 percent over the same period from the previous year, exposing the sensitive information of billions of records.
Entry-level jobs for this career path include:
- Junior information security analyst or technician
- Entry-level cybersecurity analyst
- Threat analyst
Projected job growth: 28%
Median pay: $98,350
5. Operations research analyst
An operations research analyst helps navigate complex issues, identify and solve problems, and make better decisions. Working as an operations research analyst requires collaboration and the ability to delve into data and processes to provide solutions. This career path requires continuing education to keep up with ever-changing technology.
You can find entry-level jobs for operations research analysts in practically every industry, so choose the ones that interest you and consider a junior or associate-level position.
Projected job growth: 27%
Median pay: $83,390
6. Personal financial advisor
Financial advisors help clients meet their financial goals by guiding them on investments, insurance needs and taxes. Since the aging population is living longer, the demand for financial advisors is projected to grow.
Many large financial organizations like Morgan Stanley and Edward Jones recruit and train recent graduates to become financial advisors. You can also find entry-level financial advisor positions within the banking, insurance and consulting industries.
Projected job growth: 15%
Median pay: $88,930
Other high-paying entry-level jobs in high demand
These occupations are projected to have fast growth with salaries ranging from $55,000-$75,000.
7. Market research analyst and marketing specialist
Market research analysts play an important role in the marketing and advertising process. They study audiences and customers, mine data to find those customers and strategize the best ways to reach them. Companies in a variety of industries rely on research analysts and marketing specialists to identify market conditions, forecast sales, and measure the effectiveness of campaigns.
To find a market research position that's best for you, search for entry-level positions in industries that interest you, such as entertainment, sports or technology.
Projected job growth: 23%
Median pay: $63,120
8. Fundraising
Nonprofit organizations are looking for creative people to organize, promote and administer small and large fundraising campaigns. Younger candidates often have an edge in this competitive area. They bring fresh ideas to the table. They can manage a social media presence. They can even cause a campaign to go viral (like The Ice Bucket Challenge that has raised millions for ALS).
Look for entry-level jobs such as:
- Development assistant
- Development associate
- Fundraising team member
Projected job growth: 15%
Median pay: $56,950
9. Social and community service manager
Jobs in the nonprofit world will continue to grow, along with an aging population that requires more and more social services. A social and community service manager works to develop and implement various services within an organization, such as:
- Planning activities at a senior center
- Serving at-risk children through a government agency
- Assisting blind adults through a nonprofit organization
Entry-level jobs for this career path include:
- Community program coordinator
- Social service assistant or coordinator
- Community service aide
Projected job growth: 18%
Median pay: $65,320
Average paying entry-level jobs in high demand
You can find good entry-level jobs in these fast-growing occupations that have a median pay of $35,000 to $55,000.
10. Interpreter and translator
Are you fluent in a second or third language? Opportunities for interpreters and translators are multiplying, with a demonstrated need for professionals with language skills in:
- French
- German
- Portuguese
- Russian
- Spanish
- Arabic
- Chinese
- Japanese
- Hindi
- Korean
American Sign Language interpreters are also in high demand. Positions in the tech industry and government are increasingly expanding into the Asian market. Entry-level jobs require fluency in English and a second language.
Projected job growth: 18%
Median pay: $49,930
11. Social worker
Social workers assess those with mental, behavioral, emotional and environmental needs, and help them connect with community resources. Social workers typically work in mental health clinics, child welfare agencies, hospitals and private nonprofit groups.
With demand high, you can find entry-level social worker jobs in a variety of settings. Other roles to consider include service coordinator and case manager.
Projected job growth: 16%
Median pay: $49,470
12. Meeting, convention or event planner
Do you like to plan events and travel? Planners are required to set up the logistics for annual meetings, conventions and other large-scale events. They plan every detail of the event, from name badges and hotel rooms to airline tickets and cab rides.
Projected job growth: 11%
Median pay: $49,379
13. Substance abuse or behavioral disorder counselor
Many people who successfully recover from addictions ― or witness their damage firsthand ― end up finding careers that help others fight the disease. Addiction counselors work in facilities and directly with referrals from psychologists and social workers. Their goal is to help people rebuild their lives, cope with sobriety, and improve relationships. Requirements vary, but most positions require a bachelor's degree and a willingness to listen and help others. If you decide this is the career for you, consider pursuing an advanced degree such as a master's degree in counseling.
Look for entry-level jobs such as:
- Youth counselor
- Addiction counselor trainee
- Substance abuse counselor trainee
- Behavior assistant
Projected job growth: 23%
Median pay: $44,630
Now that you know what these high-paying entry-level jobs entail, it's time to get going with applying. Your first step is ensuring you have a compelling resume and cover letter that align with the specifics of each job ad that appeals to you. Use our Resume Builder and Cover Letter Builder to showcase your education and skills, and catch a hiring manager's eye.
