Find a Job You Really Want In
Congratulations on your graduation! As you step into the job market, you might be asking yourself, “What’s next?” For many of you, the immediate goal is clear: secure a job. However, with a competitive landscape, it’s essential to target positions that offer not only stability but also growth opportunities.
To assist you in your search, we’ve conducted thorough research and analysis to identify the 10 best entry-level jobs for recent college graduates in the USA for 2026. Here’s the list:
- Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
- Computer Systems Analysts
- Management Analysts
- Web Developers
- Film and Video Editors
- Sales Engineers
- Technical Writers
- Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators
- Multimedia Artists and Animators
- Credit Counselors
Wondering why cartographers made the list? Keep reading to discover the reasoning behind our selections and the value each position holds in today’s evolving job market.
What Does “Entry-Level” Really Mean?
The term “entry-level” is a magnet for first-time job seekers, but it can be misleading. While it suggests that no prior experience is necessary, many positions come with specific prerequisites. These may include familiarity with certain software, a relevant degree, or even some experience in the field.
This realization can surprise many new graduates who assume that entry-level roles should be completely accessible. As defined by Merriam-Webster, entry-level refers to the lowest tier in a hierarchy, implying that while these positions may be entry points into a career, they often demand a certain knowledge base or skill set.
Not all entry-level jobs are created equal, and understanding the nuances can help you better prepare for your job search.
How We Determined the Best Entry-Level Jobs in the USA
In our analysis, we spoke to numerous recent college graduates to gauge their expectations for initial employment. Key factors typically include:
- Job availability
- Location
- Compensation
- Career advancement potential
- Work-life balance
We leveraged data from various credible sources, including the Bureau of Labor Statistics, state Departments of Labor, and ONet Online, to evaluate these factors. Our criteria for ranking jobs included:
- Location quotient: a measure of job prevalence in specific states
- Positions requiring a college degree
- Average annual entry-level salary
- Projected industry growth over the next decade
Focusing solely on roles requiring a Bachelor’s degree, we narrowed our analysis down to 58 positions, ranking them based on the aforementioned criteria to produce a “Job Score,” which ultimately determined our top 10 list.
Below is a comprehensive look at the best jobs for recent graduates in 2026.
(Job descriptions sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics official website).
1. Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
The world is vast, and someone needs to accurately map it. With an average starting salary of $43,750, this profession offers a unique opportunity to engage with geography while honing valuable skills.
Avg. Entry Salary: $43,750
BLS Job Description: “Cartographers and photogrammetrists collect, measure, and interpret geographic information to create and update maps and charts for various purposes, including regional planning and education.”
2. Computer Systems Analysts
This role bridges the gap between IT and business operations, boasting an entry salary of over $57,000. With technology playing a crucial role in almost every industry, this position is both lucrative and vital.
Avg. Entry Salary: $57,180
BLS Job Description: “Computer systems analysts study an organization’s current computer systems and procedures, designing solutions to help the organization operate more efficiently.”
3. Management Analysts
Management analysts focus on improving organizational efficiency, earning an average of $51,440. This role not only offers a decent salary but also ranks high in job availability and growth potential.
Avg. Entry Salary: $51,440
BLS Job Description: “Management analysts propose ways to enhance an organization’s efficiency and profitability through cost reduction and revenue enhancement.”
4. Web Developers
Web developers create and maintain websites, and with an average entry salary of $37,060, they play a crucial role in the digital landscape. This field continues to grow as companies increasingly shift online.
Avg. Entry Salary: $37,060
BLS Job Description: “Web developers design and create websites, ensuring both their visual appeal and technical functionality.”
5. Film and Video Editors
With a starting salary of $33,040 and a growth rate close to 20%, this role is popular among recent graduates, especially as content creation continues to thrive across platforms.
Avg. Entry Salary: $33,040
BLS Job Description: “Film and video editors manipulate moving images to create content that informs or entertains.”
6. Sales Engineers
This role combines technical expertise with sales skills, offering an impressive entry salary of $63,370. Individuals in this position must navigate complex products and articulate their benefits effectively.
Avg. Entry Salary: $63,370
BLS Job Description: “Sales engineers sell complex scientific and technological products, requiring extensive knowledge of product functionality.”
7. Technical Writers
Technical writers play a critical role in translating complex information into understandable formats, with an average entry salary of $50,620. This field is in high demand as documentation becomes increasingly vital in various industries.
Avg. Entry Salary: $50,620
BLS Job Description: “Technical writers prepare instructional materials and other documents to convey technical information effectively.”
8. Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators
This profession, which requires strong interpersonal skills, has a starting salary of $42,930 and is projected to grow by 10% in the next decade, making it a stable career choice.
Avg. Entry Salary: $42,930
BLS Job Description: “Arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators facilitate negotiations between conflicting parties to resolve disputes outside the court system.”
9. Multimedia Artists and Animators
Despite its high visibility, this role offers an entry salary of $42,270 and has slower growth compared to other positions. However, it remains a popular choice among creative graduates.
Avg. Entry Salary: $42,270
BLS Job Description: “Multimedia artists and animators create animations and visual effects for various media formats.”
10. Credit Counselors
While the starting salary for credit counselors is on the lower side at $33,870, this field benefits from high job security due to the ongoing demand for financial guidance.
Avg. Entry Salary: $33,870
BLS Job Description: “Credit counselors advise individuals or organizations on managing debt and developing financial strategies.”
One Job Please
Graduating from college can indeed be daunting, but it’s equally exhilarating. With a plethora of opportunities at your fingertips, the job market is ripe for exploration. Whether you choose to dive into your career path or take some time to travel, remember that the world is full of possibilities.
Detailed List Of The Best Entry-Level Jobs In America For Recent College Grads
| Rank | Job | Growth % |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cartographers and Photogrammetrists | 29.27% |
| 2 | Computer Systems Analysts | 20.87% |
| 3 | Management Analysts | 13.64% |
| 4 | Web Developers | 26.60% |
| 5.5 | Film and Video Editors | 17.61% |
| 5.5 | Sales Engineers | 7.15% |
| 7 | Technical Writers | 10.19% |
| 8 | Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators | 9.52% |
| 9 | Multimedia Artists and Animators | 6.06% |
| 10 | Credit Counselors | 15.34% |
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
