For the Class of 2025, the job market in the United States looks unusually favorable. According to WalletHub, employers plan to hire 7.3% more graduates than last year, and in a labor shortage, applicants are in a position to negotiate competitive salaries and benefits.But for many graduates, it’s not just about getting a paycheck. The goal is a career that offers high starting pay, room to grow, stability, and the chance to do work that excites them. The question is: where should you start?WalletHub recently analyzed 108 entry-level jobs using 12 key metrics, from starting salary and job growth to tenure and workplace hazards, to reveal which positions offer the best opportunities for first-timers in 2025. Here’s what they found.
The top 10 entry-level jobs for 2025 graduates
Here’s a closer look at the top 10 entry-level jobs in the United States for 2025 graduates, ranked by opportunity, growth, and job hazards.
| Rank |
Job title |
Total score |
Immediate opportunity |
Growth potential |
Job hazards |
| 1 | Hardware Engineer | 68.54 | 5 | 24 | 32 |
| 2 | Certified Nursing Assistant (Nursing Home) | 67.72 | 6 | 34 | 29 |
| 3 | Engineer | 67.13 | 2 | 86 | 32 |
| 4 | Software Engineer | 64.57 | 10 | 22 | 1 |
| 5 | Safety Representative | 64.30 | 1 | 18 | 90 |
| 6 | Electrical Engineer | 61.92 | 25 | 28 | 36 |
| 7 | Safety Technician | 61.73 | 3 | 17 | 86 |
| 8 | Operations Research Analyst | 61.01 | 56 | 27 | 10 |
| 9 | Electronics Engineer | 60.72 | 22 | 45 | 36 |
| 10 | Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant | 60.32 | 47 | 35 | 27 |
Source: WalletHub, 2025
Top 3 picks for graduates
Hardware EngineerTopping the list is the hardware engineer, a role that combines design, development, and troubleshooting of hardware systems. According to WalletHub, it’s one of the most lucrative entry-level roles, offering the second-highest median salary at nearly $157,000.The best part? You can land this role without prior experience, work manageable hours (typically under 40 per week), and step into a career with strong demand. Hardware engineers have the 18th-most job openings among entry-level positions, a sweet spot for graduates looking to balance opportunity and growth.Certified Nursing AssistantFor graduates drawn to meaningful work, being a certified nursing assistant (CNA) in a nursing home is hard to beat. WalletHub ranks it second overall, thanks to low unemployment (just 2.8%) and the fourth-most job openings.The role also offers job security — machines aren’t replacing caregivers anytime soon. With standard 40-hour weeks and minimal experience requirements, CNAs can enter the workforce confidently while making a tangible difference in people’s lives.EngineerRounding out the top three is the general engineer role. With access to abundant job openings and no prior practical experience required, this position is ideal for graduates ready to jump into problem-solving careers.Median salaries sit around $117,000, with starting pay close to $77,000, and hours generally capped at 40 per week. WalletHub notes that engineers offer both stability and flexibility, the kind of career that lets you work hard without burning out.
What graduates should take away
The 2025 entry-level job landscape is wide open. WalletHub’s analysis highlights that STEM roles dominate the top rankings, but there are also opportunities in healthcare, safety, and research.For graduates, the key is to align passion with opportunity: seek a role that offers competitive pay, career growth, and personal satisfaction. The right first job can set the foundation for a career, not just a paycheck.
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