Additional Coverage:
- 10 Jobs That Pay $60,000+ That Actually Mean It When They Say ‘No Experience Necessary’ (financebuzz.com)
Local Jobs: High Pay, No Experience? It’s Possible!
Good news for job seekers in our community! Whether you’re fresh out of school, looking for a career change, or just want to boost your income, there are plenty of well-paying positions available right now that don’t demand years of prior experience. These roles offer a fantastic opportunity to start earning a solid living, often around or above the national median salary of $62,088 annually, which translates to a comfortable $1,194 per week.
Here’s a look at 10 jobs that could put $60,000 or more in your pocket, even if you’re starting from scratch. (Salary data is courtesy of the Bureau of Labor Statistics.)
1. Insurance Agent
Median Annual Salary: $60,370
Ever thought about helping people protect their most valuable assets? Insurance agents do just that!
You’ll guide clients through selecting policies for their homes, cars, and businesses. Many large agencies prefer candidates with a professional attitude and a good network over specific industry knowledge.
They’re often happy to provide all the training you need, covering product specifics and sales techniques, and even paying for your licensing and exam fees. Strong customer service and a knack for sales are key here.
2. Flight Attendant
Median Annual Salary: $67,130
Dreaming of taking to the skies? Flight attendants are crucial for passenger safety and service.
Airlines don’t usually require aviation experience; instead, they focus on intensive training for their specific safety protocols and aircraft. They’re looking for individuals who can remain calm under pressure and handle various situations with grace.
If hired, expect 3 to 8 weeks of paid training at the airline’s headquarters before you’re cleared for takeoff.
3. Sales Representative
Median Annual Salary: $74,100
This isn’t your typical retail sales gig! As a sales representative, you’ll be building relationships with other businesses (B2B) to sell products, both digital and physical, on behalf of manufacturers.
Companies often prefer to train new hires on their unique product lines, valuing professionalism and the ability to build long-term client trust. Look for “Account Representative” or “Sales Trainee” positions to get your foot in the door.
4. Claims Adjuster
Median Annual Salary: $76,790
If you’ve got an eye for detail and strong communication skills, a career as a claims adjuster might be for you. You’ll investigate insurance claims, inspecting damage and interviewing witnesses.
Because each insurance carrier has its own specific legal and software requirements, many prefer to train new adjusters in-house. Apply for “Claims Adjuster Trainee” roles; most large insurance companies will cover your licensing and provide supervised training.
5. Police Officer
Median Annual Salary: $77,270
Serving and protecting your community is a rewarding career. Police officers enforce laws and respond to emergencies, with a significant portion of the job involving community interaction and report writing.
No prior experience is needed, as every officer must attend a department-specific academy to learn local laws, tactics, and procedures from the ground up. You’ll need to pass a background check and physical test, followed by about six months of paid academy training.
6. Subway and Streetcar Operator
Median Annual Salary: $84,270
Keep our cities moving! Subway and streetcar operators transport passengers across major metro areas, with a focus on safety and adhering to strict schedules.
Transit authorities don’t expect prior train experience; they have their own rigorous training programs to teach you the specific mechanics of their local rail systems. You’ll likely need to pass a civil service exam, followed by a paid 3 to 6-month training program.
7. Logistician
Median Annual Salary: $80,880
If you’re a whiz at organization, consider becoming a logistician. You’ll coordinate the movement of products from suppliers to consumers, managing shipping schedules and optimizing supply chain efficiency.
Companies often hire individuals with general organizational skills and then train them on specific logistics software and vendor networks. Search for “Logistics Coordinator” or “Supply Chain Assistant” roles at major logistics firms.
8. Technical Writer
Median Annual Salary: $91,670
Are you good at explaining complex things simply? Technical writers create instruction manuals and how-to guides for a wide range of products.
While direct writing experience isn’t always a must, a professional background in fields like healthcare or administration, along with a knack for creating clear documentation, can be a huge asset. Many companies hire based on writing tests and portfolios, so start compiling your best work!
9. Power Plant Operator
Median Annual Salary: $103,600
This high-paying role involves controlling and maintaining the machinery that generates electricity, including turbines, boilers, and generators. Due to the critical and proprietary nature of power generation equipment, companies typically provide extensive, long-term, on-site training.
They look for candidates with mechanical aptitude and a high school diploma, preferring to teach their specific safety and operational procedures. Most operators begin in an entry-level assistant position and move up through years of on-the-job training.
10. Facilities Manager
Median Annual Salary: $106,880
Facilities managers are the backbone of building operations, overseeing everything from HVAC systems and security to office budgets. Many organizations hire individuals from other administrative backgrounds, valuing strong organizational discipline.
They’ll train you on the specific technical needs of the facility. Any prior experience interacting with facilities managers or site vendors can give you a significant advantage.
The Bottom Line: Skills Over Experience
It’s clear that high-paying careers are more accessible than ever, even without a specific professional history. Many employers are now prioritizing transferable “soft skills” like communication, problem-solving, and dependability over traditional degrees or specific job titles. They’re often willing to provide full salary and benefits while you learn the technical aspects of the job.
This shift is backed by data: The National Association of Colleges and Employers reports a significant increase in skills-based hiring practices, with 70% of employers now adopting this approach. This means a viable path to a stable, lucrative role, and less financial stress, could be closer than you think!