When you are applying for work in the United States for the first time, the number of job titles can feel endless. A clear list helps you see what is available, what each role really involves and which options suit your skills and schedule.
This guide brings together 15 entry-level jobs from 15 different industries — retail, grocery, restaurants, hotels, warehousing, delivery, cleaning, healthcare administration, office work, manufacturing, construction, horticulture, security, education and local government.
Each industry has its own hiring style. Retailers and restaurants often interview quickly, manufacturers and warehouses run large orientations, and public employers such as schools and parks departments follow a formal posting and selection process.
For every role you will find typical duties, estimated pay, what employers usually ask for and practical application advice. These are general job types — no particular vacancy is being advertised — so always confirm live openings on official employer or government websites.
Quick Reference: The Complete Entry-Level List
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| What this list covers | 15 entry-level jobs, one from each major U.S. industry |
| Who it is for | New applicants, students, career changers and people re-entering work |
| Estimated pay | About $13–$24 per hour, depending on role, location and tips |
| Education | High-school diploma helpful; some school roles have extra requirements |
| Experience | Not required for most; employers provide training |
| Public-sector options | Schools, parks departments and federal jobs on USAJOBS.gov |
| Private-sector boards | LinkedIn Jobs and state job banks via USA.gov |
| Work eligibility | Verified through Form I-9 after hire |
Why New Applicants Should Look Across Industries
Focusing on only one type of job can slow your search. Looking across several industries increases the number of openings you can apply for and helps you discover roles you may not have considered, such as a nursery worker or medical records clerk.
It also lets you compare schedules and benefits. Public-sector roles may pay a little less at first but offer stable hours and benefits, while logistics and construction often pay more for physical work and early starts.
The Complete List: 15 Entry-Level Jobs by Industry
1. Department Store Sales Associate
Department stores in malls and shopping districts from New Jersey to Southern California hire sales associates for cosmetics, clothing, shoes and home goods. Openings rise sharply before the back-to-school and holiday seasons.
New applicants learn the register, store policies and product basics in their first week, and those who perform well can move into specialist or department lead roles.
- Typical duties: assisting shoppers, managing fitting areas, processing sales and returns, restocking displays
- Estimated pay: ~$14.25–$18.75 / hour
- Usually needed: friendly approach, weekend availability, basic math
2. Produce Clerk
Supermarkets keep produce departments fresh with clerks who stock fruit and vegetables, trim and rotate items and build attractive displays. Early-morning shifts are common.
The job teaches food-quality standards and can lead to department manager roles within a grocery chain.
- Typical duties: stocking and rotating produce, culling damaged items, building displays, helping customers
- Estimated pay: ~$14.60–$19.15 / hour
- Usually needed: attention to freshness, ability to lift crates, early availability
3. Restaurant Server Trainee
Family restaurants, diners and casual-dining chains in every state train new servers by having them shadow experienced staff. Base pay rules differ by state, but tips usually make up much of the income.
Servers learn menu knowledge, upselling and time management — skills that transfer well to hospitality and sales.
- Typical duties: taking orders, serving food, processing payments, maintaining tables
- Estimated pay: ~$12.80–$24.50 / hour including tips
- Usually needed: friendly personality, memory for orders, evening availability
4. Hotel Reservations Agent
Hotel groups and central reservation offices hire agents to book rooms by phone and email, answer rate questions and handle changes. Some positions are remote.
Agents use a reservation system that is taught during paid training. Clear communication and accuracy are essential.
- Typical duties: booking rooms, explaining rates and policies, updating reservations, upselling packages
- Estimated pay: ~$15.70–$20.20 / hour
- Usually needed: strong phone manner, typing skills, attention to detail
5. Fulfillment Center Associate
Large fulfillment centers near Dallas, Atlanta, Chicago and Phoenix hire associates in many roles — receiving, stowing, picking, packing and shipping — and rotate new hires through training stations.
Shifts can be four 10-hour days or overnight blocks, often with extra pay during peak periods.
- Typical duties: scanning and stowing items, picking orders, packing boxes, moving totes
- Estimated pay: ~$17.00–$22.25 / hour
- Usually needed: age 18+, ability to stand and walk for long shifts, lifting up to 49 lb
6. Package Delivery Driver
Delivery service partners and regional carriers hire drivers for vans that deliver packages to homes and businesses. Routes and navigation are handled by an app.
A standard driver’s license is usually enough for van routes, and training includes safe-driving and delivery procedures.
- Typical duties: loading van, driving assigned routes, delivering parcels, scanning confirmations
- Estimated pay: ~$17.75–$22.95 / hour
- Usually needed: valid driver’s license, clean record, age 21+ at many employers
7. Custodial Worker
Universities, airports, government buildings and corporate campuses employ custodial workers to keep restrooms, halls and offices clean and safe.
Day, swing and night shifts are available, and many public-sector custodial jobs include strong benefits.
- Typical duties: cleaning restrooms, mopping floors, emptying trash, restocking supplies
- Estimated pay: ~$15.05–$19.85 / hour
- Usually needed: reliability, safety awareness, ability to use cleaning equipment
8. Medical Records Clerk
Hospitals, clinics and billing offices hire records clerks to file, scan and retrieve patient documents and update electronic records.
The role is mostly administrative and does not involve patient care, though privacy training is required.
- Typical duties: scanning records, updating databases, filing documents, processing records requests
- Estimated pay: ~$16.15–$20.65 / hour
- Usually needed: accuracy, basic computer skills, confidentiality
9. Front Office Receptionist
Law offices, real-estate firms, salons, auto dealerships and corporate offices hire receptionists to greet visitors, answer phones and manage appointments.
It is an excellent introduction to office work and often leads to administrative or coordinator roles.
- Typical duties: greeting visitors, answering phones, scheduling appointments, handling mail
- Estimated pay: ~$15.35–$19.55 / hour
- Usually needed: professional manner, clear phone voice, basic computer skills
10. Packaging Machine Operator
Food, beverage and consumer-goods factories in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Georgia and Ohio hire operators to run and monitor packaging lines. Training covers machine controls and safety lockouts.
Operators who learn multiple machines can move into line lead or maintenance helper positions.
- Typical duties: monitoring packaging lines, loading materials, checking product quality, clearing jams
- Estimated pay: ~$16.55–$21.45 / hour
- Usually needed: attention to detail, safety focus, ability to stand for full shifts
11. General Construction Laborer
Homebuilders and commercial contractors across the Sun Belt and growing metro areas hire laborers to prepare sites, move materials and support skilled trades.
Laborers who show reliability are often encouraged to start an apprenticeship in carpentry, concrete or another trade.
- Typical duties: carrying materials, site cleanup, digging, assisting skilled trades
- Estimated pay: ~$17.10–$23.05 / hour
- Usually needed: physical fitness, safety gear, early-morning availability
12. Plant Nursery Worker
Garden nurseries and wholesale growers in Oregon, North Carolina, Florida and Texas hire workers to water, pot and move plants and prepare orders.
Spring is the busiest season, and many nurseries offer year-round roles to dependable staff.
- Typical duties: watering plants, potting and transplanting, loading orders, maintaining greenhouses
- Estimated pay: ~$14.80–$18.95 / hour
- Usually needed: comfort outdoors, stamina, attention to plant care
13. Event Security Staff
Concert venues, festivals, sports arenas and convention centers hire event security staff to check bags, manage crowd flow and support emergency response.
Some states require a short security guard license, which employers often help applicants obtain.
- Typical duties: screening guests, monitoring crowds, assisting with emergencies, reporting incidents
- Estimated pay: ~$15.85–$21.15 / hour
- Usually needed: state guard license where required, calm manner, evening availability
14. Teacher’s Aide
Public and private schools employ teacher’s aides, sometimes called paraprofessionals, to support teachers with small groups, supervision and classroom preparation.
Some districts ask for an associate degree, some college credits or a skills test; others accept a high-school diploma, so requirements should be checked locally.
- Typical duties: supporting small groups, supervising students, preparing materials, helping with special-education plans
- Estimated pay: ~$15.45–$20.35 / hour
- Usually needed: patience, background check, district education requirements
15. Park Maintenance Worker
City and county parks departments hire maintenance workers to mow fields, clean shelters, empty trash and keep trails and playgrounds safe.
Positions are posted on local government websites and many come with public-sector benefits and set schedules.
- Typical duties: mowing, cleaning restrooms and shelters, repairing benches, trail upkeep
- Estimated pay: ~$16.25–$21.75 / hour
- Usually needed: outdoor stamina, driver’s license often required, teamwork
Who Can Apply — Eligibility
| Requirement | What It Usually Means |
|---|---|
| Right to work | You must be authorized to work in the United States |
| Age | 16+ for some stores and restaurants; 18+ for most warehouse, construction and security roles; 21+ for many driving jobs |
| Education | High-school diploma or GED is common; teacher’s aide jobs may need more |
| Licenses | Driver’s license for delivery and park roles; state guard license for some security jobs |
| Background checks | Common for schools, healthcare, security and public employers |
| Physical demands | Warehouse, construction and park work involve heavy lifting |
| Documents | Original identity documents for Form I-9 |
⭐ APPLY FOR FREE — ALWAYS.
No genuine employer or government agency charges an application fee for entry-level work. Use employer careers pages, LinkedIn Jobs or USAJOBS.gov, and report any request for payment to the FTC.
Checklist of Documents for New Applicants
- A one-page résumé with contact details, education and any work or volunteering
- Identity and work-eligibility documents for Form I-9
- Your Social Security number, provided only after a confirmed job offer
- A driver’s license and driving record for delivery and park positions
- School transcripts or certificates for education roles
- Any state licenses, such as a security guard card
- Contact information for two references
Estimated Pay Across the Complete List
These are estimated 2026 starting ranges for new applicants in the U.S. Local wages, union contracts and tips all play a role. Check your state’s minimum on the Department of Labor website.
| Job | Estimated U.S. Pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Department Store Sales Associate | ~$14.25–$18.75 / hour | Seasonal hiring before holidays |
| Produce Clerk | ~$14.60–$19.15 / hour | Morning shifts typical |
| Restaurant Server Trainee | ~$12.80–$24.50 / hour including tips | Tips vary by state rules and location |
| Hotel Reservations Agent | ~$15.70–$20.20 / hour | Remote roles at some hotel groups |
| Fulfillment Center Associate | ~$17.00–$22.25 / hour | Peak-season incentives |
| Package Delivery Driver | ~$17.75–$22.95 / hour | Routes assigned daily |
| Custodial Worker | ~$15.05–$19.85 / hour | Public-sector benefits at some employers |
| Medical Records Clerk | ~$16.15–$20.65 / hour | Weekday schedules common |
| Front Office Receptionist | ~$15.35–$19.55 / hour | Office hours, weekends rare |
| Packaging Machine Operator | ~$16.55–$21.45 / hour | Shift differential for nights |
| General Construction Laborer | ~$17.10–$23.05 / hour | Path into apprenticeships |
| Plant Nursery Worker | ~$14.80–$18.95 / hour | Spring is peak season |
| Event Security Staff | ~$15.85–$21.15 / hour | State licensing rules vary |
| Teacher’s Aide | ~$15.45–$20.35 / hour | Follows school calendar |
| Park Maintenance Worker | ~$16.25–$21.75 / hour | City or county benefits |
Server pay varies most widely because tips depend on location and season. Construction, delivery and fulfillment roles tend to pay the highest base rates, while retail, nursery and office jobs often offer steadier, more predictable hours.
How New Applicants Can Apply Successfully
Where to Find Official U.S. Job Openings
- USAJOBS.gov — federal government entry-level positions
- USA.gov job search — state and local government job resources
- LinkedIn Jobs — private-sector listings across industries
- Apprenticeship.gov — earn-while-you-learn paths after an entry-level start
- City, county and school district websites for public-sector roles
Tips for First-Time Applicants
- Read each job posting fully before applying
- Use a professional email address and voicemail greeting
- Apply to public-sector jobs early, as deadlines are often strict
- Ask about training and promotion opportunities during interviews
- Follow up politely one week after applying
Worked Example
Aaliyah lives in Sacramento, California, and has just finished high school. She uses this list to apply for a produce clerk role at a supermarket, a front office receptionist job at a dental group and a park maintenance position with her county.
The supermarket hires her first, and a month later the county invites her to an interview after its formal posting closes. She keeps the grocery job while waiting. Both employers ask only for her documents for Form I-9, and she never pays any fee.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying to only one industry and waiting for replies
- Missing government application deadlines
- Uploading a résumé with outdated contact details
- Ignoring education requirements for school-based roles
- Trusting job offers that arrive without any interview
- Paying for job lists or guaranteed placements
Your Rights at Work & Staying Safe from Job Scams
As a new worker in the U.S., you have rights to fair pay, safe conditions and equal treatment. The Department of Labor explains wage and overtime laws, OSHA covers safety in warehouses, factories and construction sites, and the EEOC enforces anti-discrimination laws.
Fake job offers often target new applicants with promises of quick hiring and high pay. Never pay for training, equipment or background checks, and never share bank logins. Report suspicious messages to the FTC.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best entry-level job for a new applicant?
How many jobs should I apply for each week?
Do I need a résumé for entry-level jobs?
Can I apply for government jobs without experience?
Do teacher’s aides need a degree?
What pays the most on this list?
How long does hiring take?
Is applying online safe?
Conclusion
A complete list makes it easier to see the full range of entry-level opportunities in the United States. From department stores and fulfillment centers to schools and city parks, new applicants have far more options than they might expect. Choose a few industries, apply consistently through official channels, and use your first job to build the experience that opens the next door.
👉 Next step: Pick three jobs from this list and search for them today on LinkedIn Jobs, USAJOBS.gov or your state job bank via USA.gov.