Entry-Level Salaries by Industry

Understanding Entry-Level Salaries

What Determines Entry-Level Pay?

Entry-level salaries vary based on several factors:

• Education level: High school diploma vs. bachelor's degree can mean $10k-$20k difference
• Industry: Tech and finance pay more than retail and hospitality
• Location: Major cities pay 20-40% more than rural areas (but have higher cost of living)
• Skills: Technical skills (coding, design, analysis) command higher entry wages
• Company size: Large corporations often pay more than small businesses for entry roles

Entry-Level Salaries by Education

High School Diploma

Typical starting range: $25,000 - $35,000/year ($12-17/hour)

• Retail and food service: $25k-$30k
• Administrative support: $30k-$35k
• Warehouse and logistics: $28k-$35k

Associate's Degree or Trade Certificate

Typical starting range: $35,000 - $45,000/year ($17-22/hour)

• Skilled trades (apprentice): $35k-$42k
• Healthcare support: $32k-$40k
• Technical support: $38k-$45k

Bachelor's Degree

Typical starting range: $40,000 - $65,000/year ($19-31/hour)

• Business/Marketing: $42k-$50k
• Education: $38k-$48k
• Engineering: $60k-$70k
• Computer Science: $60k-$80k
• Liberal Arts: $35k-$45k

Regional Salary Differences

The same entry-level role can pay vastly different amounts depending on location:

How to Maximize Your Entry-Level Salary

1. Research market rates: Use salary data to know what's reasonable (see our salary breakdowns)
2. Highlight relevant skills: Even entry-level roles value specific technical or soft skills
3. Consider total compensation: Benefits matter—use our benefits calculator
4. Negotiate: Yes, even for entry-level! Check our negotiation guide
5. Look at growth potential: A lower starting salary with fast progression may beat a higher dead-end job

Entry-Level Salary Red Flags

Watch out for these warning signs in entry-level offers:

• ❌ Below minimum wage when calculated hourly (for salaried positions)
• ❌ Unpaid "trial periods" longer than a few hours
• ❌ "Commission only" for roles that should have base pay
• ❌ Requiring extensive experience for "entry-level" roles (that's not entry-level!)
• ❌ Way below market rate without justification

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good entry-level salary?

A "good" entry-level salary depends on your field and education. For high school graduates, $30k-$35k is solid. For college graduates, aim for $45k-$55k in most fields, with tech/engineering higher at $60k-$70k. Use our calculators to see what different rates mean for your budget.

How much should I expect to make in my first job?

First job expectations vary widely by education and field. High school graduates typically earn $25k-$35k in retail, food service, or administrative roles. College graduates can expect $40k-$65k depending on major and industry, with STEM fields on the higher end.

Can I negotiate an entry-level salary?

Yes! While entry-level salaries have less negotiation room than senior roles, you can still negotiate. Focus on your specific skills, relevant internships, or competing offers. Even a 5-10% increase is worth thousands annually. Read our salary negotiation guide for strategies.

What's the difference between entry-level and junior positions?

Entry-level typically means 0-1 years of experience and may include training. Junior positions usually require 1-3 years of experience and less supervision. Salary-wise, junior roles often pay $5k-$10k more than true entry-level positions.