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Easiest Jobs to Get in America: Top Picks for All Education Levels

By Publisher
| Last Updated April 12, 2022

When you imagine the easiest jobs to get, what comes to mind? Most people immediately think of restaurant and retail jobs, which certainly qualify. But you may be surprised by the amazing variety of other occupations that make the cut. In fact, you can probably obtain an excellent job without much difficulty if you look in great career sectors like healthcare, business, technology, public safety, education, or the skilled trades.

Of course, depending on the particular job, you may or may not need a college degree, post-secondary training, or experience. But the one thing that all easy-to-get jobs have in common is their high availability. You can find them in fast-growing industries or in well-established sectors that consistently need new workers, either because of growth or employee turnover.

And, sure, the easiest jobs to get hired for don't always have long-term appeal. (Mostly, that's just true for jobs that don't require experience or any higher education.) But you can start with them and move up to something better later on. After all, a huge range of trade schools and career colleges offer flexible and convenient programs that are designed for working adults who want more desirable opportunities. They make it easy to hold down one job while getting an education for something better.

So check out the following jobs that are easy to get. Many of these occupations are projected to have a lot of growth. Others are expected to have lots of yearly job openings. And some are projected to have both.

Pay estimates are based on May 2020 data from the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, rounded to the nearest thousand. Job outlook data is for the decade between 2020 and 2030 and is based on employment projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.


Easiest Jobs to Get With No College Education

Have you ever seen a sign that says something like "Help Wanted: Immediate Hire"? Jobs in this category are often advertised that way. They tend to be easy to get since the companies offering them need to quickly fill open positions, even if that means hiring people without experience. In a lot of cases, all it takes to land a job of this type is a good attitude, friendly demeanor, and strong work ethic. Plus, taking an entry-level job can be a great way to get your foot in the door and start building your career. You can learn and grow within the company or eventually go to a trade school, college, or university in order to enhance your job prospects. Whatever direction you decide to go in, here are a few of the easiest jobs to get hired for when you don't have much (or any) post-secondary training or work experience:

1. Construction Laborer: $26K to $70K+

Opportunities are widely available with companies that build roads, homes, or other structures. Plus, skilled tradespeople (such as electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and brick masons) often need helpers for fairly routine tasks.

2. Customer Service Representative: $24K to $58K+

Service jobs are regularly advertised by call centers, retail stores, banks, insurance agencies, and healthcare companies. Plus, a growing number of companies now hire virtual representatives to help online customers, which means you may have the chance to work from home.

  • Job growth: Little or no change
  • Average yearly job openings: -34,500
  • Typical qualifications: On-the-job training

3. Landscaping or Groundskeeping Worker: $23K to $48K+

Do you have a good attitude? Are you up for some physical labor? This kind of job may seem like only a summer gig, but it's possible to work year-round. (In the winter months, you can remove snow and ice from residential and commercial properties.)

  • Job growth: 8 percent
  • Average yearly job openings: 92,600
  • Typical qualifications: On-the-job training

4. Office Clerk: $22K to $57K+

As long as you are friendly and have basic computer skills, you can get this kind of job. Openings are consistently available within the business, government, education, and healthcare sectors.

  • Job growth: 2 percent decline
  • Average yearly job openings: -60,400
  • Typical qualifications: On-the-job training

5. Security Guard: $22K to $52K+

Are you a responsible person? Can you pass a background check? Many security positions can be obtained without experience. However, a short program in criminal justice can improve your prospects.

  • Job growth: 15 percent
  • Average yearly job openings: 155,600
  • Typical qualifications: On-the-job training

6. Restaurant Cook: $20K to $40K+

Kitchen positions are often easy jobs to get hired for if you're motivated, enthusiastic, and have a little cooking experience (or the ability to learn quickly). Plus, they can be great starting points if you want to become a head chef or own a restaurant someday.

  • Job growth: 26 percent
  • Average yearly job openings: 594,600
  • Typical qualifications: On-the-job training

7. Retail Salesperson: $20K to $45K+

Is this the easiest job to get? Quite possibly. A lot of retail employers are very willing to hire inexperienced people because of the high volume of workers they consistently require.

  • Job growth: Little or no change
  • Average yearly job openings: -26,800
  • Typical qualifications: On-the-job training

8. Cashier: $19K to $33K+

Are you friendly and trustworthy? Retail outlets of every variety are always on the lookout for people to work the tills.

  • Job growth: 10 percent decline
  • Average yearly job openings: -336,400
  • Typical qualifications: On-the-job training

9. Bartender: $18K to $48K+

Do you enjoy interacting with diverse groups of people? If you already know how to mix drinks, then this can be an easy job to get. Some establishments are also willing to teach bartending skills to inexperienced people who show focus and enthusiasm.

  • Job growth: 32 percent
  • Average yearly job openings: 159,900
  • Typical qualifications: On-the-job training

10. Server: $18K to $43K+

Here's why food serving is one of the easiest jobs to get into right now: Most restaurants have a lot of employee turnover, especially in this position. And, in 2020, the restaurant industry collectively employed almost 8 percent of the entire U.S. workforce.

  • Job growth: 20 percent
  • Average yearly job openings: 407,600
  • Typical qualifications: On-the-job training

Easiest Jobs to Get With a College Diploma, Certificate, or Associate Degree

With the right qualifications, you can pursue quite a few high-paying jobs that are easy to get. Most of them are expected to have a large number of openings, high growth rates, or a combination of both. But landing them does take a bit of advanced planning and determination. Along with thinking about the industries and careers that appeal most to you, spend time considering your most valuable skills. You're more likely to land a job easily if your abilities, education, and experience are in line with your chosen career field. So take a closer look at some excellent job possibilities below. Then, make a step-by-step plan for landing the one you want.

11. Dental Hygienist: $54K to $104K+

A focused dental hygienist training program can make it easy for you to take advantage of abundant opportunities in the dental hygiene field. In addition to cleaning and polishing teeth, you'll teach patients how to maintain good oral health.

  • Job growth: 11 percent
  • Average yearly job openings: 23,100
  • Typical qualifications: Associate degree

12. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer: $54K to $105K+

This career involves important and fulfilling work that you can easily take on if you obtain the right education and certifications. You'll use ultrasound technology to help doctors monitor pregnancies or diagnose and track other physical conditions.

  • Job growth: 14 percent
  • Average yearly job openings: 19,100
  • Typical qualifications: Associate degree

13. Occupational Therapy Assistant: $43K to $84K+

When it comes to easy-to-get jobs that pay well, this occupation consistently makes the cut. You can work with a variety of patients as you help them overcome or adjust to their functional limitations.

  • Job growth: 34 percent
  • Average yearly job openings: 16,800
  • Typical qualifications: Associate degree

14. Web Designer: $41K to $146+

More than 1.8 billion websites are online, and that number continues to grow rapidly. So it's easy to find professional opportunities in this essential field.

  • Job growth: 13 percent
  • Average yearly job openings: 25,500
  • Typical qualifications: Associate degree

15. Wind Turbine Technician: $40K to $84K+

The clean-energy sector has real momentum behind it. Here's your opportunity to help battle climate change and go home each night knowing that you're doing your part to create a more sustainable world.

  • Job growth: 68 percent
  • Average yearly job openings: 4,700
  • Typical qualifications: Post-secondary certificate

16. Police Officer: $38K to $109K+

Do you have a clean criminal record? Do you stay away from using illegal drugs? Are you in good physical shape? If you meet the criteria for police academy training, it can be pretty easy to get started in law enforcement.

  • Job growth: 7 percent
  • Average yearly job openings: 51,700
  • Typical qualifications: Post-secondary certificate and police academy training

17. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN): $36K to $116K+

Nurses are in huge demand. In fact, some areas of the country have a severe nursing shortage. So when it comes to easy-to-get, high-paying jobs that make a difference, the nursing field is hard to beat.

  • Job growth: 9 percent
  • Average yearly job openings: 63,800 for LPNs, 276,800 for RNs
  • Typical qualifications: Post-secondary diploma or degree

18. Physical Therapist Assistant: $34K to $82K+

This job is one of the fastest-growing healthcare occupations. You can help people overcome pain or mobility issues caused by injury, illness, or other physical conditions.

  • Job growth: 32 percent
  • Average yearly job openings: 44,900
  • Typical qualifications: Associate degree

19. Electrician: $34K to $99K+

The electrical trade is full of opportunities. Completing a quick trade school program can help you land a paid apprenticeship, which will put you on the path to becoming a journeyman.

  • Job growth: 9 percent
  • Average yearly job openings: 66,100
  • Typical qualifications: Post-secondary certificate

20. Computer User Support Specialist: $33K to $89K+

With just two years or less of training, you can become a reliable problem solver. Your impressive technical abilities—backed with a solid education—could make this an easy field for you to enter.

  • Job growth: 9 percent
  • Average yearly job openings: 72,200
  • Typical qualifications: Post-secondary diploma or associate degree

21. Paralegal: $33K to $85K+

Plenty of law firms and large corporations need paralegals to conduct research, review transcripts, and draft documents. Getting started is fairly easy once you complete a short training program.

  • Job growth: 12 percent
  • Average yearly job openings: 41,400
  • Typical qualifications: Associate degree

22. Carpenter: $31K to $87K+

Do you enjoy building stuff, working with your hands, and solving problems? A short trade school program can help you get on track to easily filling an available carpentry position.

  • Job growth: 2 percent
  • Average yearly job openings: 20,100
  • Typical qualifications: Post-secondary certificate

23. Welder: $31K to $66K+

Welding is an essential trade within major industries like aerospace manufacturing, automotive manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding. So having the right training and skills can make it relatively easy to secure a job in this trade.

  • Job growth: 8 percent
  • Average yearly job openings: 34,100
  • Typical qualifications: Post-secondary certificate

24. Truck Driver: $31K to $69K+

Without truckers, the economy would come to a standstill. So people who have a commercial driver's license (CDL) and special endorsements usually have little difficulty landing jobs.

  • Job growth: 6 percent
  • Average yearly job openings: 122,100
  • Typical qualifications: Post-secondary certificate

25. Medical Assistant: $27K to $51K+

Are you organized, friendly, detail-oriented, and good at communicating? If so, you may be able to find a job in this field with relative ease (after just a year or less of school).

  • Job growth: 18 percent
  • Average yearly job openings: 132,600
  • Typical qualifications: Post-secondary certificate or diploma

26. Automotive Mechanic: $26K to $72K+

Along with being in high demand, good mechanics usually have diverse job opportunities. So if you dedicate a year or two to getting trained and earning industry-recognized certifications, then you should have no problem starting your career.

  • Job growth: Little or no change
  • Average yearly job openings: 2,100
  • Typical qualifications: Post-secondary certificate

27. Administrative Assistant: $26K to $59K+

A quick training program can help you hone your organizational, time management, and customer service skills. Then, you can easily land a job in this field. Top employers include schools, government agencies, healthcare organizations, and businesses.

  • Job growth: 7 percent decline
  • Average yearly job openings: -226,200
  • Typical qualifications: Post-secondary certificate, diploma, or associate degree

28. Nursing Assistant: $23K to $42K+

The healthcare system relies on nursing assistants to provide critical support to medical professionals like LPNs, RNs, and physicians. As long as potential employers can see that you're knowledgeable and caring, you should find it relatively simple to start your career.

  • Job growth: 8 percent
  • Average yearly job openings: 118,500
  • Typical qualifications: Post-secondary certificate

29. Home Health Aide: $20K to $37K+

Thanks to a rapidly growing senior population, home health aides who are kind, patient, and understanding are in very high demand. You can easily find job opportunities that involve helping seniors who need long-term care after learning skills in a program that takes less than a year to complete.

  • Job growth: 33 percent
  • Average yearly job openings: 1,129,900
  • Typical qualifications: Post-secondary certificate

30. Cosmetologist: $19K to $53K+

It will probably take just two years or less to complete your beauty training and get licensed. Then, you'll be ready to cut, color, and style hair, as well as offer a variety of makeup, skincare, and nail services.

  • Job growth: 19 percent
  • Average yearly job openings: 119,800
  • Typical qualifications: Post-secondary certificate or diploma

31. Early Childhood Educator (ECE): $18K to $38K+

Do you want to help young kids develop to the best of their abilities? With just a small amount of schooling, you can qualify for some of today's most joyful and easy-to-get opportunities.

  • Job growth: 8 percent
  • Average yearly job openings: 84,200
  • Typical qualifications: Associate degree

Easiest Jobs to Get With a Bachelor's Degree or Higher

Some of the easiest jobs to get that pay well will require you to have at least a bachelor's degree. And management-level positions will usually require relevant work experience in the field. However, a commitment to getting the necessary education and experience can really pay off. For example, it could mean that you'll have little difficulty finding a job you'll enjoy. So if you're trying to determine your career path, here are a few options to consider:

32. Computer and Information Systems Manager: $90K to $208K+

Technology is what makes our modern world possible. So it should come as no surprise that skilled IT managers are consistently in high demand by almost every type of organization.

  • Job growth: 11 percent
  • Average yearly job openings: 52,700
  • Typical qualifications: Bachelor's degree

33. Software Developer: $65K to $170K+

Good software developers typically have no problem finding jobs. That's why it's worth earning your degree and developing your talent.

  • Job growth: 22 percent
  • Average yearly job openings: 409,500
  • Typical qualifications: Bachelor's degree

34. Health Services Manager: $60K to $196K+

Massive growth in the healthcare sector means that there's a constant need for knowledgeable managers who can oversee medical organizations or specific departments. With the right education and experience, you'll probably have an easy time finding great opportunities.

  • Job growth: 32 percent
  • Average yearly job openings: 139,600
  • Typical qualifications: Bachelor's degree

35. Business or Operations Manager: $46K to $208K+

A lot of managers are reaching retirement age, which is expected to create a large demand for qualified professionals who are capable of filling those roles. Plus, you can find general management jobs in almost every industry.

  • Job growth: 8 percent
  • Average yearly job openings: 209,500
  • Typical qualifications: Bachelor's degree

36. Accountant: $45K to $129K+

In an increasingly global and competitive marketplace, accountants are more important than ever. Jobs in this field are especially easy to get if you become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA).

  • Job growth: 7 percent
  • Average yearly job openings: 96,000
  • Typical qualifications: Bachelor's degree

37. Personal Financial Advisor: $44K to $208K+

A growing number of people are reaching retirement age, which is helping to drive the demand for skilled finance professionals. So getting the right credentials can definitely pay off.

  • Job growth: 5 percent
  • Average yearly job openings: 12,600
  • Typical qualifications: Bachelor's degree

38. Elementary or Secondary School Teacher: $40K to $102K+

Do you enjoy helping kids or teenagers? Teachers are expected to be in high demand over the coming years due in large part to a lot of retirements.

  • Job growth: 7 to 8 percent
  • Average yearly job openings: 111,500 for elementary school teachers, 78,200 for secondary school teachers
  • Typical qualifications: Bachelor's degree

39. Marketing Specialist: $35K to $127K+

Organizations continually need fresh ideas and strategies when it comes to finding and retaining clients or customers. That's why, with the right preparation, a marketing job could easily become yours.

  • Job growth: 10 percent
  • Average yearly job openings: 31,800
  • Typical qualifications: Bachelor's degree

Companies That Offer Easy-to-Get Jobs

"Where is it easy to get hired?" That's a really common question for a lot of job seekers. Although there isn't one straightforward answer, many large employers across America are known for regularly hiring entry-level employees. So if you're trying to find the easiest jobs to get, then start by identifying the biggest employers in your area. Take a look at the types of jobs they post, determine which ones would be a good fit, and start applying. As you begin that process, check out this list of organizations that are sometimes known for offering relatively easy-to-get jobs:

  • Advantage Solutions
  • Aramark
  • AT&T
  • Best Buy
  • Brookdale Senior Living
  • Citigroup
  • FedEx
  • Gentiva Health Services
  • Home Depot
  • Kroger
  • Macy's
  • Marriott
  • McDonald's
  • Starbucks
  • Starwood Hotels and Resorts
  • Target
  • TravelCenters of America
  • United Health Group
  • United Parcel Service
  • Walmart
  • Wells Fargo

How to Get Hired

How to Get HiredWhen trying to find the easiest jobs to get hired for, you may want to focus less on the actual jobs and more on the way that you present yourself. After all, if you have a sloppy resume and wear dirty clothes, then you may have a hard time landing even the easiest job to get in the world. So with that in mind, here are a few helpful tips to consider when you're searching for a position:

1. Write a catchy, professional resume. Your resume should be well-written and thoroughly proofread to ensure that it doesn't have any spelling or grammar errors. It should include a cover letter that's interesting and accurately represents you and your knowledge and skills. Your cover letter and resume should also be tailored to suit each job you apply for. For example, a cover letter for a medical assistant position should be professional, friendly, and organized to preview why you might be the right fit. Employers often recognize that you've put effort into customizing your resume based on the job you're applying for, which can help you stand out from other job applicants.

2. Check online job boards daily. There are many different job websites, and you should be in the habit of checking them daily. Good examples to start looking at include Indeed, Monster, and SimplyHired. By checking them daily, you can stay on top of the most current postings and apply immediately for jobs that interest you, which can show potential employers that you're enthusiastic.

3. Contact local employment offices and hiring agencies. Most towns and cities have employment centers and hiring agencies, so it's in your best interest to make contact with them. Those organizations keep tabs on the local job market and work to connect employers with job seekers. So it can be a great way for you to find jobs as soon as they become available.

4. Start networking. Think about all of your working friends and family. Make sure that they know you're looking for work. Also, check out business and industry events that are taking place in your community. A lot of people land jobs because they've been referred by professionals they met while networking. So it's definitely worth putting in the effort. It can pay off for you now and in the future.

5. Clean up your social media accounts. This is one of the most important, and often overlooked, things that job seekers should do. When you apply for a job, one of the first things that many employers do is see if they can find you on sites like Facebook. If they see all of your drunk party pictures, comments bashing previous employers, or super-hilarious but crude memes, then your resume will likely get tossed to the side. So take the time to go through your accounts and make sure that anything visible to potential employers will only cast you in a positive light.

6. Apply at the right time. You need to think about when organizations are the busiest. After all, you don't want to show up at a restaurant during dinner time or a retail store during a holiday shopping rush. Managers likely won't have the time to speak with you and may not even accept your resume. You also want to think about peak seasons. If you'd like to work at a local golf resort, then make sure that you apply prior to the start of the busy spring and summer seasons.

7. Be prepared for your interview. Employers will easily recognize whether you're prepared. So before you get there, make sure that you have researched the company, developed thoughtful questions to ask, and rehearsed answers to possible interview questions.

8. Dress for success. It sounds cliché, but it's true. Whether you're just applying for a job or showing up for an interview, you'll be judged by your appearance. Give a great first impression by dressing sharply and professionally.

9. Perfect your body language. When you're talking to a potential employer, maintain eye contact, stand and sit straight, and hold your hands in front of you or at your sides. Doing things like fidgeting, looking around the room, slouching, and wringing your hands can make you appear unprofessional, nervous, or disinterested.

10. Arrive early for your interview. Showing up even one minute late for an interview can ruin your chances of getting the job. Instead, be sure to show up five or 10 minutes early for your interview. Doing so conveys respect, enthusiasm, and professionalism.

11. Be yourself. Don't pretend to be something or someone that you're not. You'll come across as nervous, awkward, or uncomfortable, and interviewers will likely pick up on it. Just be you so that when you land a job, you know that you got it based on your actual skills, abilities, and traits—not on the ones that you pretended to have.

12. Follow up after applying for a position or having an interview. If you apply for a job and a couple weeks go by without any contact, then there's no harm in politely and concisely following up to see if a decision has been made. It shows the potential employer that you're interested, and it could make the difference between getting an interview or not. (Note that follow-up isn't recommended if the job posting explicitly stated that only those candidates who were selected for interviews would be contacted.) You can also send a thank you note a day or two after an interview, and it's acceptable to follow up a week or two after your interview to ask if the organization has made a hiring decision.

13. Keep applying. Stay positive and continue sending out resumes even if you've had some job interviews. You don't want to pass up potential opportunities while you're waiting to hear back from other organizations.


Start Stepping Toward a Successful Future

Earning a certificate, diploma, or degree may be one of the best things to do if you want to land one of the easiest jobs to get. Plus, getting started is as simple as entering your zip code into the school finder at the top of the page. Discover programs that are being offered near you right now. Don't pass by this opportunity to develop your true potential!