33 Jobs That Require Little or No Experience in 2025
Discover high-paying entry-level jobs requiring minimal or no experience for career growth.
The job market continues to evolve, and contrary to popular belief, you don’t need years of experience or advanced degrees to secure well-paying employment. Whether you’re a recent graduate, career-changer, or someone looking to enter the workforce, numerous opportunities exist for individuals willing to learn and grow. We surveyed hundreds of jobs that don’t require much experience to build this comprehensive list of the best-paid entry-level positions available to US workers in 2025.
Service Industry Positions
The service industry remains one of the most accessible sectors for entry-level workers. These positions often provide flexible scheduling and immediate earning potential through combination of base pay and customer tips.
Delivery Driver
Degree or Certificate Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
Training Requirements: A few days of on-the-job training
Average Pay: $16–$18 per hour
Delivery driving offers an excellent entry point into the workforce with minimal barriers to entry. With tips and base pay combined, earnings can exceed $20 per hour during peak periods. The job requires reliable transportation and basic navigation skills, making it ideal for those seeking immediate income without experience requirements.
Restaurant Server (Waiters and Waitresses)
Degree or Certificate Requirements: No formal education requirements
Training Requirements: A few days to a few weeks of on-the-job training; state-mandated “responsible serving” coursework as needed
Average Pay: $31,940 per year
Serving positions provide opportunities to develop customer service skills while earning competitive wages. With tips factored in, experienced servers can significantly increase their annual income. The job offers flexible scheduling and the chance to build relationships with regular customers and coworkers.
Bartender
Degree or Certificate Requirements: No degree required; bartender certificate may improve job prospects
Training Requirements: A few weeks of on-the-job training; state-mandated “responsible serving” coursework as needed
Average Pay: $31,510 per year (before tips)
Bartending offers lucrative earning potential, particularly in high-end establishments. With tips, full-time bartenders can bring in $60,000 or more annually. The position requires customer interaction skills and the ability to work in fast-paced environments, but employers typically provide comprehensive training for candidates without prior experience.
Gig Economy and Flexible Opportunities
Modern gig economy platforms have created numerous opportunities for individuals seeking flexible work arrangements with minimal startup requirements.
Driving for Uber
Degree or Certificate Requirements: No formal education requirements
Training Requirements: Little to no training, except what you learn as you go
Average Pay: $20 per hour
Ridesharing platforms offer entrepreneurial opportunities for vehicle owners. If you possess a reliable, fairly new car with four doors and a clean background, you can establish your first business. However, remember that all expenses—gas, car maintenance, insurance, parking, and tolls—are your responsibility. You earn a flat fee from the platform plus 100% of customer tips, providing transparency in earnings.
Taking Online Surveys
Degree or Certificate Requirements: No formal education requirements
Training Requirements: Little to no training
Average Pay: $5–$25 per hour
Online survey participation offers flexibility for those seeking supplementary income. No special skills are required beyond the willingness to share opinions with market research companies. Good grammar and fast reading skills can enhance earning potential, as compensation often correlates with survey completion speed and quality of responses.
Sales and Customer-Facing Roles
Sales positions remain among the most accessible career paths, requiring primarily interpersonal skills and willingness to learn product knowledge.
Sales Representative
Degree or Certificate Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
Training Requirements: Variable-length on-the-job training
Average Pay: $36,760 per year
Sales represents a diverse field with varied training requirements but consistently low barriers to entry. If you possess a high school diploma or GED, personable demeanor, and willingness to learn about employer products, landing an entry-level sales position remains achievable. Commission structures often reward performance, providing unlimited earning potential for driven individuals.
Skilled Trades and Technical Positions
Skilled trades offer some of the most financially rewarding entry-level opportunities, particularly for those willing to invest in apprenticeships or short-term training programs.
Roofer
Degree or Certificate Requirements: No formal education requirements
Training Requirements: A few weeks to a few months of on-the-job training
Average Pay: $50,030 per year
Roofing stands out as particularly accessible among skilled trades. Contractors typically aren’t selective about educational backgrounds and often don’t require high school diplomas. Success requires a willingness to learn on the job, tolerance for heights, and ability to work in varied weather conditions. The trade offers solid income with potential for significant growth as experience accumulates.
Elevator and Escalator Installers/Repair Personnel
Degree or Certificate Requirements: No formal postsecondary education needed
Training Requirements: Four-year apprenticeship with 100+ hours of classroom instruction and 2,000+ hours of on-the-job training
Average Pay: $102,420 median starting salary
While requiring commitment to a four-year apprenticeship, elevator and escalator installation offers exceptional starting compensation. The substantial upfront training investment yields remarkable financial returns, making it ideal for individuals seeking long-term career security and advancement opportunities in specialized infrastructure work.
Technology and Remote Opportunities
Technology careers increasingly welcome self-taught professionals and those without traditional degrees, particularly in development and support roles.
Web Developer
Degree or Certificate Requirements: No formal credentials required for self-employed developers; employers typically prefer associates degrees; specialized positions may require bachelor’s degrees
Training Requirements: Variable on-the-job training; programming language and specialty certifications help advancement
Median Salary (2021): $78,300
Growth Outlook (2021–2031): 45,400 new positions (23% job growth)
Web development remains one of the few remaining fields where self-taught individuals can achieve success by building portfolios and prospecting clients. Approximately one in six web developers work independently with no formal education requirements. Discerning clients prefer credentialed developers and often pay premiums for certifications and degrees, but entry barriers remain remarkably low compared to traditional professions.
Computer Support Specialist (Network Support Specialist)
Degree or Certificate Requirements: Entry-level roles may require some post-secondary coursework; associate degrees may be required for advancement
Training Requirements: Vendor-specific or vendor-neutral certifications; variable on-the-job training
Median Salary (2021): $57,910
Growth Outlook (2021–2031): 56,400 new positions (6% job growth)
Computer support positions welcome candidates with basic technical knowledge and relevant certifications. Employers provide specialized training for specific systems and software, making these roles accessible to motivated learners without extensive prior experience in information technology.
Creative and Service-Based Careers
Creative fields increasingly recognize talent and portfolios over formal credentials, opening doors for self-taught professionals.
Commercial Makeup Artist
Degree or Certificate Requirements: Post-secondary certification from vocational schools or community colleges preferred; self-employed artists may need no formal credentials
Training Requirements: Practical training through certificate programs; on-the-job training under experienced artists
Median Salary (2019): $75,730
Growth Outlook (2021–2031): 300 new positions (7% growth)
Makeup artistry welcomes self-taught professionals, particularly in freelance and entertainment sectors. While formal training programs enhance credibility and earning potential, beginning makeup artists can build experience and clientele without formal credentials, gradually transitioning to higher-paying positions as portfolios develop.
Property Management and Facility Operations
Property management offers accessible entry points for those with basic business acumen and customer service skills.
Property Manager
Degree or Certificate Requirements: High school diploma required for non-specialized positions; bachelor’s degrees may be required for commercial property management roles involving contract negotiation
Training Requirements: Real estate brokers’ licenses in some states; variable on-the-job training and prior junior role experience
Median Salary (2021): $59,230
Growth Outlook (2021–2031): 11,100 new positions (3% growth)
Property management careers welcome individuals with strong organizational skills and customer service backgrounds. While advancing to commercial property management may require bachelor’s degrees, residential property management remains accessible with high school diplomas and on-the-job training in tenant relations and facility maintenance.
How to Land a Job with No Experience
Securing employment without experience requires strategic positioning and deliberate effort to overcome barriers to entry. Even candidates without professional backgrounds can successfully navigate the job market with appropriate strategies and preparation.
Understanding Required Skills
Before applying, thoroughly research position requirements. Identify essential versus preferred qualifications, recognizing that employers often list ideal but not absolute requirements. Understanding the distinction allows you to apply strategically to positions where you meet core competencies even if lacking some preferred qualifications.
Identifying Transferable Skills
Every life experience—volunteer work, academic projects, personal initiatives—develops transferable skills. Customer service experience from volunteer work translates to sales positions. Project management from academic group work applies to various professional contexts. Document these transferable capabilities explicitly to demonstrate readiness despite lacking direct industry experience.
Creating a Compelling Portfolio
For creative, technical, and service-based positions, portfolios demonstrate capability better than traditional resumes. Web developers benefit from showcasing personal projects. Makeup artists display transformation photographs. Even service industry candidates can document customer satisfaction through LinkedIn recommendations or reference letters. Tangible evidence of competence overcomes experience gaps.
Earning Relevant Certifications
Strategic certification acquisition demonstrates commitment and competence. Obtaining bartender certifications, ServSafe food handler licenses, or IT CompTIA certifications signals serious career intent. These credentials, often requiring minimal time and expense, significantly enhance hiring prospects by addressing skill verification concerns employers experience with inexperienced candidates.
Networking and Personal Connections
Personal referrals remain among the most effective hiring mechanisms. Inform friends, family, mentors, and community members about your job search. Attend industry events, join professional associations, and participate in online communities relevant to your target field. Personal connections often bypass formal experience requirements when they generate hiring manager recommendations.
Internship and Entry-Level Positions
Internships and assistant roles serve as gateway positions. While they may offer modest compensation, they provide essential experience, industry connections, and resume credentials accelerating advancement to higher-paying positions. Treat entry-level roles as investments in future earning potential rather than permanent career destinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the fastest job to get hired for with no experience?
A: Delivery driving, ridesharing, and online survey participation offer the fastest hiring timelines, often requiring only background checks and minimal training. Restaurant server and retail positions also hire quickly for entry-level candidates.
Q: Can I make a living wage in entry-level jobs?
A: Yes, many entry-level positions—particularly skilled trades, bartending with tips, and technical support roles—provide living wages. Earnings potential increases significantly with experience, certifications, and advancement to supervisory roles.
Q: How long before entry-level jobs lead to better opportunities?
A: Advancement timelines vary by field. Skilled trades often see substantial increases within 3–5 years. Service industry positions can lead to management roles within 2–3 years. Technology careers may accelerate advancement through certifications and skill development.
Q: Are online surveys worth the time investment?
A: Online surveys work best for supplementary income rather than primary employment. Earning potential ($5–$25 per hour) varies considerably. They suit individuals seeking flexible, low-commitment work requiring minimal setup or investment.
Q: What certifications provide the best return on investment for entry-level workers?
A: Industry-specific certifications like bartender licenses, ServSafe food handler, and IT CompTIA certifications offer strong returns. Specialized trade certifications in plumbing, electrical work, and HVAC often yield the highest earning potential improvements.
Q: How do I explain lack of experience in job interviews?
A: Frame inexperience as enthusiasm for learning and growth potential. Emphasize transferable skills, relevant coursework, certifications, and personal projects. Focus on what you bring rather than what you lack, demonstrating self-awareness about your development needs.
References
- 33 Jobs That Require Little or No Experience in 2025 — Money Crashers. 2024. https://www.moneycrashers.com/jobs-require-no-experience/
- 24 High-Paying Jobs Without a College Degree — Money Crashers. 2024. https://www.moneycrashers.com/six-figure-income-jobs-without-having-a-degree/
- Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook — U.S. Department of Labor. 2024. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/
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