The nation's labor shortage has made job-hunting a buyer's market, especially for those in fields that have the brightest outlook, according to a study by WalletHub.
"This year, graduates have a distinct advantage as many jobs are desperate to hire in the midst of a labor shortage, and applicants have a lot of leverage to secure a solid package of compensation and benefits," WalletHub says in the new report. "Employers plan to hire 14.7% more graduates from the Class of 2023 than they did from the Class of 2022."
In an effort to identify the best entry-level jobs, WalletHub took stock of the first-timer job market using data compiled by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Oxford Martin School at the University of Oxford, Indeed.com, and Salary.com. The personal finance website then compared 108 entry-level occupations across three key dimensions: immediate opportunity; growth potential; and job hazards.
WalletHub used 12 relevant metrics that it graded on a 100-point scale, with a score of 100 representing the most favorable conditions for entry-level workers. WalletHub then determined each entry-level positions weighted average across all metrics to calculate its total score. It then used the resulting scores to rank-order its sample.
Here, in ascending order, are WalletHub's top 10 best entry-level jobs of 2023.
10. Software Engineer I
As a first-level engineer, new hires with a bachelor’s degree design, develop, and troubleshoot software applications under the supervision of a more experienced software engineer. This entry-level position ranks 34th in immediate opportunity; fifth in growth potential; and first in job hazards.
9. Web Applications Developer I
Job candidates do not need a college degree to apply for a high-paying entry-level position as a web applications developer, but they do need to be proficient in software programs such as CSS, HTML, and JavaScript. This entry-level position ranks 21st in immediate opportunity; 16th in growth potential; and first in job hazards.
8. Electronics Engineer I
Electronics engineers design, develop, test, and maintain electronic parts and systems used in computers, communications, navigation, industry, and entertainment. A bachelor’s degree is required. This entry-level position ranks 24th in immediate opportunity; 22nd in growth potential; and 44th in job hazards.
7. Operations Research Analyst I
Operations research analysts manage and evaluate data to improve business operations, supply chains, pricing models, and marketing. A bachelor’s degree is usually required. This entry-level position ranks 50th in immediate opportunity; seventh in growth potential; and 17th in job hazards.
6. Certified Nursing Assistant – Nursing Home Salaries
Certified nursing assistants, or CNAs, provide direct care to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and in home care. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED, as well as nurse assistant training certification issued by their state. This entry-level position ranks 16th in immediate opportunity; 41st in growth potential; 32nd in job hazards; and 106th for lowest starting salaries.
5. Hardware Engineer I
Computer hardware engineers research, design, develop, and test computer systems and components. Most computer hardware engineer jobs require a bachelor's degree. This entry-level position ranks 15th in immediate opportunity; 26th in growth potential; and 36th in job hazards.
4. Landscape Architect I
Landscape architects design parks and the outdoor spaces of campuses, recreational facilities, businesses, private homes, and other open spaces. Aspiring landscape architects must have a bachelor's degree to enter the field, and nearly all states require a license to work as one. This entry-level position ranks fifth in immediate opportunity; 30th in growth potential; and 53rd in job hazards.
3. Safety Technician I
A safety technician inspects work areas and equipment to ensure compliance with company, state, and federal safety policies and regulations. Most companies require entry-level applicants to have a bachelor’s or associate’s degree in a related field, such as business or occupational safety and health. This entry-level position ranks fourth in immediate opportunity; 39th in growth potential; and first in job hazards.
2. Environmental, Health, and Safety Engineer I
Health and safety engineers are involved in the design and implementation of systems for the protection of human health and safety of the environment. Entry-level positions typically require a bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline or in environmental health and safety. This entry-level position ranks seventh in immediate opportunity; 24th in growth potential; and 36th in job hazards.
1. Engineer I
Engineers apply the principles of science and mathematics to develop economical solutions to technical problems. A bachelor's degree in engineering is required for most entry-level jobs, but some research positions may require a graduate degree. This entry-level position ranks first in immediate opportunity; 25th in growth potential; and 36th in job hazards.
The full report can be viewed here.
