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Highest-Paying Jobs With No Experience (2026)

Loading and Moving Machine Operator, Underground Mining tops this list at $74,500 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025), with -22.3% projected employment change over 2024–2034. Below are 30 careers that meet the criteria, each with its real median wage, outlook and entry requirement.

Occupations BLS records as needing no prior work experience in a related occupation, no education beyond a high school diploma, and no more than short-term on-the-job training, ranked by national median wage.

Careers on this list
30

From 923 in the bank

Median pay on the list
$49,855

BLS OEWS, May 2025

Projected to grow
13 of 30

BLS EP, 2024–2034

Openings a year
605,100

Combined, BLS EP

How we built this list

  • Included when BLS Employment Projections records all three of: no work experience in a related occupation needed for entry, a high school diploma or less as the typical education, and no more than short-term on-the-job training.
  • That last rule is what separates this list from the highest-paying jobs without a degree: occupations reached through an apprenticeship or months of on-the-job training pay more, but they are not jobs you can start in cold.
  • Ranked by national median annual wage from BLS OEWS. The median is for everyone in the occupation, not for someone in their first year.
  • BLS publishes one wage per occupation code, and several O*NET job titles can share a code. Only one title per code is listed, so the same wage does not appear over and over.
  • Occupations with no BLS wage or projection data are excluded rather than estimated.
  • The list is regenerated from source data on every bank refresh. It is not hand-picked and no editorial ranking is applied.

The top 30 highest-paying jobs with no experience

23% of these careers already have a full profile page; the rest publish with the next tranche and show the same bank data here in the meantime.

  1. 1. Loading and Moving Machine Operator, Underground Mining

    Construction and Extraction

    Median pay
    $74,500
    Growth
    -22.3%
    Openings/yr
    500
    Education
    No formal credential

    Operate underground loading or moving machine to load or move coal, ore, or rock using shuttle or mine car or conveyors.

    Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.

  2. 2. Transportation Security Screener

    Protective Service

    Median pay
    $66,770
    Growth
    -6.0%
    Openings/yr
    4,700
    Education
    High school

    Conduct screening of passengers, baggage, or cargo to ensure compliance with Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulations.

    Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.

  3. 3. Postal Service Clerk

    Office and Administrative Support

    Median pay
    $62,130
    Growth
    -3.5%
    Openings/yr
    6,100
    Education
    No formal credential

    Perform any combination of tasks in a United States Postal Service (USPS) post office, such as receive letters and parcels; sell postage and revenue stamps, postal cards, and stamped envelopes; fill out and sell money…

    Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.

  4. 4. Postal Service Mail Carrier

    Office and Administrative Support

    Median pay
    $60,550
    Growth
    -3.5%
    Openings/yr
    20,600
    Education
    No formal credential

    Sort and deliver mail for the United States Postal Service (USPS).

    Postal Service Mail Carrier salary & outlook →

  5. 5. Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loader

    Transportation and Material Moving

    Median pay
    $58,870
    Growth
    +4.3%
    Openings/yr
    1,300
    Education
    No formal credential

    Load and unload chemicals and bulk solids, such as coal, sand, and grain, into or from tank cars, trucks, or ships, using material moving equipment.

    Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.

  6. 6. Postal Service Mail Sorter, Processor, and Processing Machine Operator

    Office and Administrative Support

    Median pay
    $58,470
    Growth
    -8.4%
    Openings/yr
    7,800
    Education
    No formal credential

    Prepare incoming and outgoing mail for distribution for the United States Postal Service (USPS).

    Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.

  7. 7. Bridge and Lock Tender

    Transportation and Material Moving

    Median pay
    $57,700
    Growth
    -3.3%
    Openings/yr
    300
    Education
    High school

    Operate and tend bridges, canal locks, and lighthouses to permit marine passage on inland waterways, near shores, and at danger points in waterway passages.

    Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.

  8. 8. Hoist and Winch Operator

    Transportation and Material Moving

    Median pay
    $56,450
    Growth
    -1.1%
    Openings/yr
    300
    Education
    No formal credential

    Operate or tend hoists or winches to lift and pull loads using power-operated cable equipment.

    Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.

  9. 9. Cargo and Freight Agent

    Office and Administrative Support

    Median pay
    $52,260
    Growth
    +8.5%
    Openings/yr
    8,800
    Education
    High school

    Expedite and route movement of incoming and outgoing cargo and freight shipments in airline, train, and trucking terminals and shipping docks.

    Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.

  10. 10. Community Health Worker

    Community and Social Service

    Median pay
    $51,850
    Growth
    +11.3%
    Openings/yr
    7,800
    Education
    High school

    Promote health within a community by assisting individuals to adopt healthy behaviors.

    Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.

  11. 11. Animal Breeder

    Farming, Fishing, and Forestry

    Median pay
    $51,130
    Growth
    +2.4%
    Openings/yr
    1,200
    Education
    High school

    Select and breed animals according to their genealogy, characteristics, and offspring.

    Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.

  12. 12. Tree Trimmer and Pruner

    Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance

    Median pay
    $50,960
    Growth
    +3.3%
    Openings/yr
    7,400
    Education
    High school

    Using sophisticated climbing and rigging techniques, cut away dead or excess branches from trees or shrubs to maintain right-of-way for roads, sidewalks, or utilities, or to improve appearance, health, and value of tree.

    Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.

  13. 13. Costume Attendant

    Personal Care and Service

    Median pay
    $50,400
    Growth
    +5.9%
    Openings/yr
    1,800
    Education
    High school

    Select, fit, and take care of costumes for cast members, and aid entertainers.

    Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.

  14. 14. Carpet Installer

    Construction and Extraction

    Median pay
    $50,340
    Growth
    -9.6%
    Openings/yr
    1,100
    Education
    No formal credential

    Lay and install carpet from rolls or blocks on floors.

    Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.

  15. 15. Loan Interviewer and Clerk

    Office and Administrative Support

    Median pay
    $50,020
    Growth
    -2.3%
    Openings/yr
    13,300
    Education
    High school

    Interview loan applicants to elicit information; investigate applicants' backgrounds and verify references; prepare loan request papers; and forward findings, reports, and documents to appraisal department.

    Loan Interviewer and Clerk salary & outlook →

  16. 16. Refuse and Recyclable Material Collector

    Transportation and Material Moving

    Median pay
    $49,690
    Growth
    +0.9%
    Openings/yr
    16,900
    Education
    No formal credential

    Collect and dump refuse or recyclable materials from containers into truck.

    Refuse and Recyclable Material Collector salary & outlook →

  17. 17. Word Processor and Typist

    Office and Administrative Support

    Median pay
    $49,280
    Growth
    -36.1%
    Openings/yr
    2,200
    Education
    High school

    Use word processor, computer, or typewriter to type letters, reports, forms, or other material from rough draft, corrected copy, or voice recording.

    Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.

  18. 18. Insulation Worker, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall

    Construction and Extraction

    Median pay
    $49,120
    Growth
    +3.8%
    Openings/yr
    3,400
    Education
    No formal credential

    Line and cover structures with insulating materials.

    Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.

  19. 19. Pipelayer

    Construction and Extraction

    Median pay
    $49,000
    Growth
    -4.1%
    Openings/yr
    2,400
    Education
    No formal credential

    Lay pipe for storm or sanitation sewers, drains, and water mains.

    Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.

  20. 20. Rock Splitter, Quarry

    Construction and Extraction

    Median pay
    $48,740
    Growth
    +4.4%
    Openings/yr
    400
    Education
    No formal credential

    Separate blocks of rough dimension stone from quarry mass using jackhammers, wedges, or chop saws.

    Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.

  21. 21. Model

    Sales and Related

    Median pay
    $48,470
    Growth
    -0.5%
    Openings/yr
    1,200
    Education
    No formal credential

    Model garments or other apparel and accessories for prospective buyers at fashion shows, private showings, or retail establishments.

    Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.

  22. 22. Speech-Language Pathology Assistant

    Healthcare Support

    Median pay
    $48,430
    Growth
    +3.5%
    Openings/yr
    14,400
    Education
    High school

    Assist speech-language pathologists in the assessment and treatment of speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders.

    Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.

  23. 23. Utility Meter Reader

    Office and Administrative Support

    Median pay
    $48,150
    Growth
    -12.0%
    Openings/yr
    1,300
    Education
    High school

    Read meter and record consumption of electricity, gas, water, or steam.

    Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.

  24. 24. Bus Driver, School

    Transportation and Material Moving

    Median pay
    $47,920
    Growth
    +0.2%
    Openings/yr
    61,000
    Education
    High school

    Drive a school bus to transport students.

    Bus Driver, School salary & outlook →

  25. 25. Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairer

    Installation, Maintenance, and Repair

    Median pay
    $47,810
    Growth
    -0.9%
    Openings/yr
    7,600
    Education
    Some college

    Repair, maintain, or install computers, word processing systems, automated teller machines, and electronic office machines, such as duplicating and fax machines.

    Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.

  26. 26. Helpers--Brickmason, Blockmason, Stonemason, and Tile and Marble Setter

    Construction and Extraction

    Median pay
    $47,550
    Growth
    -10.5%
    Openings/yr
    1,400
    Education
    No formal credential

    Help brickmasons, blockmasons, stonemasons, or tile and marble setters by performing duties requiring less skill.

    Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.

  27. 27. Secretary and Administrative Assistant, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive

    Office and Administrative Support

    Median pay
    $47,540
    Growth
    -1.6%
    Openings/yr
    202,800
    Education
    High school

    Perform routine administrative functions such as drafting correspondence, scheduling appointments, organizing and maintaining paper and electronic files, or providing information to callers.

    Secretary and Administrative Assistant, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive salary & outlook →

  28. 28. Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicer and Repairer

    Installation, Maintenance, and Repair

    Median pay
    $47,450
    Growth
    -2.9%
    Openings/yr
    3,500
    Education
    High school

    Install, service, adjust, or repair coin, vending, or amusement machines including video games, juke boxes, pinball machines, or slot machines.

    Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.

  29. 29. Exercise Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor

    Personal Care and Service

    Median pay
    $47,160
    Growth
    +11.9%
    Openings/yr
    74,200
    Education
    High school

    Instruct or coach groups or individuals in exercise activities for the primary purpose of personal fitness.

    Exercise Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor salary & outlook →

  30. 30. Construction Laborer

    Construction and Extraction

    Median pay
    $47,120
    Growth
    +7.3%
    Openings/yr
    129,400
    Education
    No formal credential

    Perform tasks involving physical labor at construction sites.

    Construction Laborer salary & outlook →

Highest-Paying Jobs With No Experience: FAQ

What is the top career on the highest-paying jobs with no experience list?

Loading and Moving Machine Operator, Underground Mining leads the list with a median wage of $74,500 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025) and projected employment change of -22.3% over 2024–2034. Typical entry-level education is no formal credential.

How was this list put together?

Occupations BLS records as needing no prior work experience in a related occupation, no education beyond a high school diploma, and no more than short-term on-the-job training, ranked by national median wage. Included when BLS Employment Projections records all three of: no work experience in a related occupation needed for entry, a high school diploma or less as the typical education, and no more than short-term on-the-job training. That last rule is what separates this list from the highest-paying jobs without a degree: occupations reached through an apprenticeship or months of on-the-job training pay more, but they are not jobs you can start in cold. Ranked by national median annual wage from BLS OEWS. The median is for everyone in the occupation, not for someone in their first year. BLS publishes one wage per occupation code, and several O*NET job titles can share a code. Only one title per code is listed, so the same wage does not appear over and over. Every figure comes from BLS OEWS May 2025, BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET 30.3 Database.

How much do highest-paying jobs with no experience pay?

Across the 30 careers on this list the middle occupation pays $49,855 a year, from $47,120 at the bottom to $74,500 at the top (BLS OEWS, May 2025). The median across all US occupations is $50,980.

How many of these careers can you enter without a degree?

30 of the 30 careers on this list have a typical entry requirement below an associate's degree: a high school diploma, a postsecondary certificate, or no formal credential (BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034).