20 Jobs That Pay $30k a Year (With a Variety of Industries)
Updated June 24, 2022
If you're a recent graduate or looking for a job that requires no previous experience, you may want to consider applying for a job that pays $30k a year. These types of positions often provide on-the-job training and have the potential to lead to higher-paying jobs in the future. Learning about entry-level jobs in a variety of industries can help you decide if there's one you want to pursue. In this article, we explain why it's beneficial to look for a job that pays $30k a year and provide a list of 20 jobs that pay $30k a year.
Why is it helpful to look for a job that pays $30k a year?
Jobs that pay around $30k a year are typically entry-level jobs and can be a great starting point for recent graduates or those trying to decide what industry to pursue. Most jobs that pay $30,000 a year require minimum education. They often offer on-the-job training and hire applicants with little or no previous experience.
Related: How To Get an Entry-Level Job (Plus Top Entry-Level Jobs and Their Salaries)
20 jobs that pay $30k a year
When looking for a job, you may want to consider an entry-level position to help you gain experience and skills. Here's a list of some jobs that pay $30k a year with a description of their primary duties:
1. Caregiver
National average salary: $30,326 per year
Primary duties: A caregiver assists those with disabilities or chronic illnesses in performing their daily tasks. This includes helping with personal care, administrating medication and transporting them to appointments. Caregivers also provide their clients with companionship.
2. Packer
National average salary: $30,800 per year
Primary duties: A packer prepares finished products for packaging and shipment. They follow their company's procedures to ensure they pack products properly. Other duties include weighing products and inspecting their appearance.
3. Prep cook
National average salary: $30,978 per year
Primary duties: A prep cook works under the supervision of a head chef to prepare meals. They wash and chop food items and ensure kitchen appliance is ready for usage. Prep cooks also gather ingredients from the refrigerator, freezer or pantry as requested by the chef.
Related: Learn About Being a Prep Cook
4. Warehouse worker
National average salary: $31,098 per year
Primary duties: A warehouse worker prepares packages for dispatching. This includes gathering, preparing and loading goods. They count packages to ensure inventory numbers are correct and inspect them for any damages.
Related: Learn About Being a Warehouse Worker
5. Tire technician
National average salary: $32,024 per year
Primary duties: A tire technician repairs and installs tires for cars, trucks and other vehicles. They inspect a tire's wear patterns, tread level and other conditions to recommend appropriate repairs. Tire technicians also conduct roadside repairs.
6. Bilingual call center representative
National average salary: $32,611 per year
Primary duties: A bilingual call center representative provides customer service to callers of multiple languages. They assist customers with inquiries and complaints. Bilingual call center representatives use active listening to help their callers feel valued and provide possible solutions.
Related: Learn About Being a Call Center Representative
7. Shuttle driver
National average salary: $34,370 per year
Primary duties: A shuttle driver picks up passengers from one location and takes them to another. Job duties include assisting passengers with luggage, assisting customers with directions, collecting fares from passengers and remaining in communication with a dispatcher. They also ensure they maintain the shuttle vehicle and fill it with fuel.
8. Journalist
National average salary: $34,977 per year
Primary duties: A journalist writes articles for a newspaper, magazine or news website. They investigate and research current events and cover feature stories. Key responsibilities include interviewing sources, establishing contacts for future stories and staying current on news.
9. Office administrator
National average salary: $35,184 per year
Primary duties: An office administrator, or manager, performs administrative and clerical work in an office. This includes managing administrative staff members, monitoring the office supply stock and coordinating office activities.
Related: Learn About Being an Office Administrator
10. Temperature screener
National average salary: $35,297 per year
Primary duties: A temperature screener takes the temperature of employees and guests entering a workplace. They greet individuals at the entrance of a facility and record their temperature.
11. Nursing assistant
National average salary: $35,605 per year
Primary duties: A nursing assistant works under the supervision of a registered nurse to help patients perform daily activities. Job duties include taking vital signs, bathing patients and serving meals. They also help set up medical equipment for medical procedures.
Related: Learn About Being a Nursing Assistant
12. Housekeeper
National average salary: $35,774 per year
Primary duties: A housekeeper cleans homes and commercial buildings. They replace sheets, mop, vacuum and dust. Housekeepers also sanitize bathrooms and take out the trash.
13. Front desk agent
National average salary: $35,872 per year
Primary duties: A front desk agent assists guests which the checking in and out process at hotels, motels and resorts. They collect payments, provide room keys and direct guests to their rooms. Front desk agents also answer any questions guests may have and resolve their complaints.
14. Early childhood teacher
National average salary: $36,111 per year
Primary duties: An early childhood teacher educates young children in a way that is developmentally appropriate for their age. Job duties include preparing lesson plans, monitoring classroom activities and encouraging students. They also attend staff meetings and meet with parents to discuss the needs of students.
15. Pet groomer
National average salary: $36,346 per year
Primary duties: A pet groomer cleans dogs and other animals at pet grooming boutiques and stores. This includes trimming fur, cutting nails and cleaning teeth. They also give animals a bath and brush them.
16. Armed security officer
National average salary: $36,387 per year
Primary duties: An armed security officer, or guard, carries weapons to use to protect individuals in harmful situations. Responsibilities include protecting people in their designated area from harassment or abuse, submitting incident reports and implementing new security measures. They also perform maintenance on their weapon and attend refresher courses on how to use them.
17. Food server
National average salary: $36,635 per year
Primary duties: A food server takes customer orders at a restaurant. Their responsibilities include seating guests, sharing the daily special and providing the meal check. Food servers also may help perform restaurant opening or closing duties.
18. Bookkeeper
National average salary: $37,789 per year
Primary duties: A bookkeeper records the financial transactions of an organization. Responsibilities include preparing accounts, processing payments and creating financial reports. Bookkeepers help companies keep track of payroll, purchases and sales transactions.
Related: Learn About Being a Bookkeeper
19. Patient access manager
National average salary: $38,432 per year
Primary duties: A patient access manager oversees the registration process for patients in a medical facility. They respond to customer complaints and improve patient accessibility. Patient accesses managers also prepare payroll, complete monthly work schedules and communicate changes to employees.
20. Utility line locator
National average salary: $39,816 per year
Primary duties: A utility line locator determines where to place utilities for gas, telephone and power lines. They also find where existing utilities are located. Utility line locators document any irregularities in the area, direct traffic away from the worksite and review proposed construction plans.
Tips for finding a job that pays $30k a year
Here are some tips to help you find a job that pays $30k a year:
Develop transferrable skills. To help you find a job that pays $30k a year, work on developing transferrable skills, such as communication, to add to your resume.
Begin networking. Networking with other professionals at events like job fairs can help you meet people and could potentially lead to finding a job.
Consider your interests. When looking for a job, think about what your interests are so you can find a position in an industry that appeals to you.
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