25 Best Entry Level Jobs That Pay $20 an Hour
Finding a high-paying job without years of experience can feel impossible, but the truth is that many industries now offer entry-level positions with a starting rate of $20 per hour or more. These jobs can help you pay bills, save money, and even gain skills for a long-term career — all without needing an advanced degree.
In this guide, you’ll discover 25 beginner-friendly jobs that offer solid pay, explain what the job involves, what skills are needed, and how you can get started.
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1. Administrative Assistant
Average Pay: $20–$23/hour
Job Description:
Administrative assistants manage schedules, handle office communication, prepare documents, and keep records organized. In small companies, the role may also include light bookkeeping and event planning.
Skills Needed:
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Strong organizational skills
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Good written and spoken communication
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Microsoft Office or Google Workspace knowledge
How to Get Started:
Look for openings in small businesses, schools, hospitals, or government offices. Many companies train new hires on their systems.
Growth Potential:
With experience, you can move into executive assistant or office manager positions, which often pay $30/hour or more.
2. Customer Service Representative
Average Pay: $20–$22/hour
Job Description:
Customer service reps answer calls, emails, or chats from customers, helping them solve problems, track orders, or understand services.
Skills Needed:
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Clear communication
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Patience
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Problem-solving
How to Get Started:
Search for remote and in-office roles on company career pages. Retail, e-commerce, and telecom companies hire often.
Growth Potential:
Advancement to team leader, supervisor, or quality analyst roles.
3. Data Entry Clerk
Average Pay: $20/hour
Job Description:
Data entry clerks input and update information in databases and spreadsheets, ensuring accuracy.
Skills Needed:
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Fast typing speed
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Attention to detail
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Basic Excel knowledge
How to Get Started:
Check online job boards for both part-time and full-time roles. You can also find freelance data entry projects.
Growth Potential:
With additional skills in data analysis, you can become a data analyst or administrative coordinator.
4. Bank Teller
Average Pay: $20–$24/hour
Job Description:
Bank tellers assist customers with deposits, withdrawals, account inquiries, and other banking needs.
Skills Needed:
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Math accuracy
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Customer service
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Trustworthiness
How to Get Started:
Apply to local branches or credit unions. On-the-job training is usually provided.
Growth Potential:
Promotion to personal banker, loan officer, or branch manager.
5. Sales Associate
Average Pay: $20–$25/hour (plus commission)
Job Description:
Sales associates help customers choose products, answer questions, and process payments. In high-end retail, commissions can significantly increase earnings.
Skills Needed:
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Persuasive communication
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Friendly personality
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Product knowledge
How to Get Started:
Look for positions in electronics, furniture, or automotive sales for higher commissions.
Growth Potential:
You can move into sales manager or corporate sales roles.
6. Delivery Driver
Average Pay: $20–$30/hour (including tips)
Job Description:
Delivery drivers transport goods or food to customers. The role may involve driving company vehicles or using your own.
Skills Needed:
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Valid driver’s license
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Time management
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GPS navigation
How to Get Started:
Apply to companies like Amazon Flex, FedEx, DoorDash, or Uber Eats.
Growth Potential:
Possibility to become a route manager or start your own delivery service.
7. Freelance Writer
Average Pay: $20–$40/hour
Job Description:
Freelance writers create blog posts, articles, website copy, and marketing materials for clients.
Skills Needed:
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Writing ability
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Research skills
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Basic SEO understanding
How to Get Started:
Create writing samples and join freelance marketplaces like Upwork or Fiverr.
Growth Potential:
Specializing in technical or marketing writing can increase rates to $50–$100/hour.
8. Virtual Assistant
Average Pay: $20–$30/hour
Job Description:
Virtual assistants work remotely, helping clients manage emails, appointments, and administrative tasks.
Skills Needed:
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Good organization
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Communication skills
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Familiarity with tools like Zoom, Trello, or Google Calendar
How to Get Started:
Sign up on VA job boards or pitch services to small business owners.
Growth Potential:
With experience, you can become an operations manager or run your own VA agency.
9. IT Support Technician
Average Pay: $20–$25/hour
Job Description:
IT technicians help fix computer hardware and software problems for individuals or companies.
Skills Needed:
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Basic technical knowledge
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Patience
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Problem-solving
How to Get Started:
Obtain an entry-level certification like CompTIA A+. Apply to IT support companies, schools, or local businesses.
Growth Potential:
Move into network administration or cybersecurity roles.
10. Social Media Coordinator
Average Pay: $20–$27/hour
Job Description:
Manages a company’s social media accounts, schedules posts, and engages with followers.
Skills Needed:
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Creativity
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Basic design skills
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Understanding of social media trends
How to Get Started:
Showcase your own social media growth as proof of skill.
Growth Potential:
Advancement to social media manager or digital marketing strategist.
11. Receptionist
Average Pay: $20–$22/hour
Job Description:
Receptionists greet visitors, answer calls, and manage appointments.
Skills Needed:
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Polite communication
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Organization
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Basic computer use
How to Get Started:
Apply to offices, hotels, or medical clinics.
Growth Potential:
Promotion to office administrator or executive assistant.
12. Tutor
Average Pay: $20–$40/hour
Job Description:
Tutors teach academic subjects or skills to students one-on-one or in small groups.
Skills Needed:
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Subject expertise
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Patience
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Communication skills
How to Get Started:
Offer services locally or on platforms like Chegg Tutors.
Growth Potential:
Specialize in test prep for higher earnings.
13. Medical Receptionist
Average Pay: $20–$23/hour
Job Description:
Manages patient check-ins, scheduling, and medical records.
Skills Needed:
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Customer service
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Basic medical terminology
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Organization
How to Get Started:
Apply to clinics or hospitals. Many train on the job.
Growth Potential:
Move into medical billing or healthcare administration.
14. Call Center Agent
Average Pay: $20/hour
Job Description:
Answers calls, assists customers, and processes requests.
Skills Needed:
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Listening
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Patience
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Clear speaking voice
How to Get Started:
Apply to telecom or retail companies. Many offer remote options.
15. Personal Shopper
Average Pay: $20–$28/hour
Job Description:
Buys groceries or products for clients, sometimes offering style advice.
Skills Needed:
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Attention to detail
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Time management
How to Get Started:
Sign up with Instacart or market services locally.
16. Proofreader
Average Pay: $20–$30/hour
Job Description:
Checks grammar, spelling, and punctuation in written material.
Skills Needed:
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Language skills
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Focus
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Attention to detail
How to Get Started:
Offer services to students, bloggers, or publishers.
17. Transcriptionist
Average Pay: $20–$25/hour
Job Description:
Converts audio or video recordings into text.
Skills Needed:
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Fast typing
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Listening skills
How to Get Started:
Join platforms like Rev or TranscribeMe.
18. Library Assistant
Average Pay: $20–$23/hour
Job Description:
Organizes books, helps visitors, and maintains records.
Skills Needed:
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Organization
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Customer service
How to Get Started:
Apply to public or school libraries.
19. Event Staff
Average Pay: $20–$28/hour
Job Description:
Assists with event setup, guest management, and logistics.
Skills Needed:
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Teamwork
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Time management
How to Get Started:
Check temporary job agencies or event companies.
20. Real Estate Assistant
Average Pay: $20–$26/hour
Job Description:
Helps real estate agents with paperwork, scheduling, and client follow-ups.
Skills Needed:
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Organization
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Communication
How to Get Started:
Contact local real estate agencies.
21. Fitness Instructor (Entry-Level)
Average Pay: $20–$35/hour
Job Description:
Leads workout sessions or assists gym clients.
Skills Needed:
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Knowledge of exercise techniques
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Motivation skills
How to Get Started:
Some gyms provide free certification training.
22. Bank Customer Service Officer
Average Pay: $20–$25/hour
Job Description:
Helps clients with accounts, loans, and financial advice.
Skills Needed:
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Communication
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Finance basics
23. Landscaping Assistant
Average Pay: $20–$24/hour
Job Description:
Maintains gardens, lawns, and outdoor spaces.
Skills Needed:
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Physical stamina
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Outdoor work readiness
24. Photography Assistant
Average Pay: $20–$25/hour
Job Description:
Supports photographers with equipment, lighting, and editing.
Skills Needed:
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Creativity
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Attention to detail
25. Entry-Level Paralegal
Average Pay: $20–$30/hour
Job Description:
Assists lawyers with legal research and document preparation.
Skills Needed:
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Research
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Basic legal knowledge
Final Tips for Getting Hired
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Tailor your resume to each job.
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Highlight transferable skills like communication and teamwork.
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Be open to part-time or contract roles to gain experience.
Related Blog Post Ideas:
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How to Write a Resume with No Work Experience
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Best Online Certification Courses to Boost Your Career
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High-Paying Jobs You Can Learn in Under 6 Months
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