Highest Paying Entry-Level Jobs | Best Starting Salaries 2026

Highest Paying Entry-Level Jobs: Where to Start Your Career Strong

Landing a well-paying first job can set the trajectory for your entire career. In this detailed guide, we’ll explore the highest-paying entry-level positions, what it takes to land them, and actionable tips to help you succeed.

Top 20 Highest Paying Entry-Level Jobs

1. Software Engineer

Entry Salary: $75,000 - $120,000
Total Compensation (with equity/bonus): $90,000 - $160,000
Requirements: BS in Computer Science (CS), coding bootcamp, or a strong portfolio
Time to Entry: 4 years (degree) or 3-6 months (bootcamp)
Top Employers: Google, Meta, Amazon, Microsoft, startups

Actionable Tip: Build a portfolio on platforms like GitHub to showcase your coding skills. Include at least three significant projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and technical skills.

2. Investment Banking Analyst

Entry Salary: $85,000 - $100,000
Total Compensation (with bonus): $150,000 - $200,000
Requirements: BS/BA from a target school, finance internships
Time to Entry: 4 years (degree)
Top Employers: Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, JP Morgan

Actionable Tip: Secure internships at investment firms during your college years. Networking with alumni in the finance industry can lead to valuable opportunities.

3. Data Scientist

Entry Salary: $80,000 - $110,000
Total Compensation: $95,000 - $140,000
Requirements: MS in data science/statistics preferred, strong skills in Python/SQL
Time to Entry: 5-6 years (MS) or 4 years + bootcamp
Top Employers: Tech companies, consulting firms, banks

Actionable Tip: Participate in Kaggle competitions to enhance your skills and build a portfolio that demonstrates your data analysis capabilities.

4. Product Manager (APM)

Entry Salary: $85,000 - $120,000
Total Compensation: $100,000 - $160,000
Requirements: BS from a strong school, APM program acceptance
Time to Entry: 4 years (highly competitive)
Top Employers: Google, Meta, Microsoft, Amazon

Actionable Tip: Attend product management workshops and meetups to expand your network and knowledge about the field.

5. Petroleum Engineer

Entry Salary: $85,000 - $110,000
Total Compensation: $90,000 - $125,000
Requirements: BS in petroleum engineering
Time to Entry: 4 years
Top Employers: ExxonMobil, Chevron, BP, Shell

Actionable Tip: Consider joining professional organizations like the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) for networking and learning opportunities.

6. Management Consultant (Analyst)

Entry Salary: $75,000 - $95,000
Total Compensation: $90,000 - $120,000
Requirements: BS/BA from a top school, strong GPA
Time to Entry: 4 years
Top Employers: McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Big 4

Actionable Tip: Develop strong case study skills by practicing with resources like Case in Point, which can be critical for interviews.

7. Electrical Engineer

Entry Salary: $70,000 - $95,000
Total Compensation: $75,000 - $110,000
Requirements: BS in electrical engineering
Time to Entry: 4 years
Top Employers: Intel, Qualcomm, Apple, defense contractors

Actionable Tip: Get involved in engineering clubs or projects during college to gain practical experience.

8. UX Designer

Entry Salary: $65,000 - $90,000
Total Compensation: $70,000 - $105,000
Requirements: Portfolio, bootcamp or design degree
Time to Entry: 4 years (degree) or 6-12 months (bootcamp)
Top Employers: Tech companies, design agencies

Actionable Tip: Create a strong portfolio showcasing your design process, including wireframes and user testing results.

9. Actuarial Analyst

Entry Salary: $65,000 - $85,000
Total Compensation: $70,000 - $95,000
Requirements: BS in math/actuarial science, progress on actuarial exams
Time to Entry: 4 years + exams ongoing
Top Employers: Insurance companies, consulting firms

Actionable Tip: Join study groups for actuarial exams to stay motivated and gain insights from peers.

10. Registered Nurse (BSN)

Entry Salary: $60,000 - $85,000
Total Compensation: $65,000 - $100,000 (with overtime/differential)
Requirements: BSN degree, RN license
Time to Entry: 4 years
Top Employers: Hospitals, healthcare systems

Actionable Tip: Look for hospitals that offer tuition reimbursement for advanced degrees or certifications to enhance your career growth.

Entry-Level Jobs by Education Level

No Degree Required (Certifications/Bootcamp):

Web Developer: $50,000-$80,000
IT Support Specialist: $45,000-$65,000
Digital Marketing Specialist: $45,000-$60,000
Sales Development Rep: $45,000-$70,000 OTE
Real Estate Agent: $40,000-$80,000 (commission)

Associate Degree:

Dental Hygienist: $60,000-$85,000
Radiation Therapist: $65,000-$90,000
Paralegal: $45,000-$65,000
Web Developer: $50,000-$75,000
HVAC Technician: $45,000-$65,000

Bachelor's Degree:

Software Engineer: $75,000-$120,000
Financial Analyst: $60,000-$80,000
Mechanical Engineer: $65,000-$85,000
Marketing Manager: $55,000-$75,000
Accountant: $55,000-$70,000

Master's Degree:

Data Scientist: $90,000-$120,000
Physician Assistant: $100,000-$130,000
MBA (Consulting): $90,000-$150,000
Nurse Practitioner: $100,000-$125,000
AI/ML Engineer: $100,000-$140,000

Industries with the Best Entry-Level Pay

Technology:

Average Entry Salary: $85,000
Best Roles: Software Engineer, Data Scientist
Equity often adds 15-30%

Finance:

Average Entry Salary: $75,000 (bonuses can double this)
Best Roles: Investment Banking, Trading
Bonus-heavy compensation

Energy:

Average Entry Salary: $80,000
Best Roles: Petroleum Engineer, Energy Analyst
Benefits typically strong

Consulting:

Average Entry Salary: $80,000
Best Roles: Management Consultant, Strategy Analyst
Fast salary progression

Healthcare:

Average Entry Salary: $65,000
Best Roles: Nurse, Physician Assistant
Strong job security

Geographic Impact on Entry Salaries

San Francisco/Bay Area:

Tech Entry: $100,000-$140,000
Finance Entry: $80,000-$100,000
Cost of living adjustment needed

New York City:

Finance Entry: $85,000-$120,000
Tech Entry: $90,000-$125,000
Banking bonuses significant

Seattle:

Tech Entry: $95,000-$130,000
No state income tax benefit
Amazon/Microsoft anchor

Austin:

Tech Entry: $80,000-$110,000
Lower cost of living
Growing opportunity

National Average:

Tech Entry: $75,000-$95,000
Finance Entry: $60,000-$75,000
Varies by market size

Tips for Landing High-Paying Entry Jobs

1. Start Early
Internships matter enormously. Begin recruiting during your junior year. Build relevant experience by applying for internships that align with your career goals.

2. Network Strategically
Leverage alumni connections and maintain an active LinkedIn presence. Attend industry events and meetups to grow your professional network.

3. Develop In-Demand Skills
Focus on programming/technical skills, data analysis capabilities, and effective communication. Consider online courses on platforms like Coursera or Udemy to boost your skillset.

4. Target the Right Companies
Focus on big tech firms for the highest salaries in tech or bulge bracket banks for finance roles. Research companies known for competitive compensation.

5. Negotiate Effectively
Research market rates and consider total compensation beyond just base salary. Multiple offers can provide leverage during negotiation.

Common Entry-Level Salary Mistakes

1. Focusing Only on Base Salary
Ignoring equity and bonuses can be a costly mistake. Assess the full compensation package and consider benefits that add real value.

2. Not Negotiating
A staggering 60% of entry candidates don't negotiate their offers. On average, candidates who do negotiate can gain an additional $5,000 or more.

3. Prioritizing Prestige Over Growth
The trajectory of your career matters more than the prestige of your first job. Seek roles in high-growth companies to maximize learning and advancement opportunities.

4. Geographic Tunnel Vision
Remote job options can expand your possibilities significantly. Consider the cost of living in various locations before making a decision.

Conclusion

High-paying entry-level jobs exist across multiple industries, with technology, finance, and consulting offering the strongest starting compensation. Success requires strategic preparation, relevant skill development, and effective job searching. Remember that your first job is a starting point—focus on learning and growth to maximize long-term career earnings.

Additional Resources

Final Thoughts

As you embark on your job search, keep in mind that the landscape is competitive but filled with opportunities. Utilize the tips in this guide to position yourself effectively in the job market. Best of luck in landing your dream job!

Highest Paying Entry-Level Jobs: Best Starting Salaries for New Grads