Best Paying Jobs for 18-Year-Olds in 2025: Top 10 No-Degree Entry-Level Options with BLS Salaries
Highest-Paying Entry-Level Jobs for 18-Year-Olds in the USA (No Degree Required)
If you're 18 and fresh out of high school or holding a GED, the best-paying jobs skip college and go straight into tech support, commission sales, trade apprenticeships, and healthcare aide work. ComputerScience.org (2022) cites BLS May 2023 medians like $132,270 and $120,360 for accessible tech roles, while ROI TV (2025) notes apprentices starting at $35k-$55k. Sales positions can reach $60k-$75k plus commissions per NMSU (2025).
Recent USA high school graduates and Gen Z workers looking for high-pay entry-level work without degrees or experience--that's who this is for. Whether you just graduated, earned your GED, or you're a parent helping your 18-year-old figure out next steps, check the Evidence Pack table for salary, training, and fit. Then follow the "How to Land One" steps. Keep in mind this advice may not work in high-unemployment local markets or if you want fully remote work without sales skills (based on 2024 young worker trends).
Current Job Market Snapshot for 18-20 Year Olds
Gen Z makes up 18% of the labor force as of Q2 2024, per DOL Trendlines (2024). High school grads had a 74% employment rate in 2023 (NCES (2023)).
Young adult unemployment averaged 7.3-9.7% monthly in 2024, hitting 9.7% in August (PMC (2024)). Gen Z workers report lower satisfaction--57% for those under 25 vs. 72% for older workers (PMC (2024)), often because of pressure in entry roles. No-degree paths pay well thanks to demand in healthcare and trades, which should grow through 2022-32 (DOL blog). Steady full-time work stands at 74% for high school grads vs. 80% for degree-holders (Pew (2024); NCES (2023)).
Top-Paying Tech Roles for Beginners (No Experience Needed)
Tech offers some of the highest medians for beginners--up to 30% of computer pros don't have degrees (ComputerScience.org (2022)--historical data, market may have shifted). BLS May 2023 figures include $95,360 for tech support, $84,960 and $59,240 averages (April 2024: $84k-$63k). Self-taught web developers earn $50k-$100k (ROI TV (2025)).
Start with free coding bootcamps (2-6 months), build a GitHub portfolio, and apply for "junior" roles on Indeed. Entry positions usually need certs like Google IT, not zero experience. Not great if you hate troubleshooting. Tech works for beginners willing to earn certs, with medians up to $95k.
Lucrative Trade and Apprentice Jobs for Recent Grads
Trades give you hands-on paths with apprenticeships paying $35k-$55k to start, scaling higher once you're licensed (ROI TV (2025)). Wind turbine techs average over $57k with >2.8% growth 2022-32 (DOL blog--historical, conditions changed). Construction laborers hit $23.88/hr (Forbes (2025)).
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High long-term security | Physical demands |
| Paid training | Outdoor weather exposure |
Get your GED if you need it, then apply to unions. Skip trades if you want sedentary work or live in no-trade urban areas.
Commission-Driven Sales and Gig Economy Options
Outgoing 18-year-olds do well in sales with $60k-$75k medians plus commissions (NMSU (2025)). Real estate agents median $56k with commissions; recruiters hit 50% fees (ROI TV (2025); SalesForce Search (2025)). Rates of 20-50% are common, but 100% commission means no base pay.
High upside for resilient types--reps can reach $100k+ in year 1 per industry reports. Pressure and quotas challenge others; base your choice on how much stress you can handle.
Healthcare and Service Roles with Quick Training
Healthcare drives demand, with over half of growing no-degree jobs in the field through 2022-32 (DOL blog). Lifeguards earn around $20/hr with CPR cert (1 weekend) (Heartland (2022)--historical). Entry assistants offer steady pay.
Get CPR certified, then apply for seasonal positions. Shift work and physical demands make these tough for desk-job seekers.
Evidence Pack: Job Comparison Matrix for 18-Year-Olds
| Job Category | Median Salary (Source, Year) | Training Needed | Projected Growth | Physical Demand | Remote? | Best If You... |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tech Support | $95,360 (BLS May 2023) | 3-6 mo cert | No data | Low | Y | Like computers |
| Web Developer | $50-100k (ROI TV 2025) | 2-6 mo bootcamp | No data (historical) | Low | Y | Self-motivated learner |
| Sales Rep | $60-75k + comm (NMSU 2025) | 1-2 mo | No data | Low | Y/N | Outgoing |
| Real Estate Agent | $56k (ROI TV 2025) | License (weeks) | No data | Med | N | Networker |
| Trade Apprentice | $35-55k start (ROI TV 2025) | Apprenticeship (paid) | >2.8% 2022-32 (DOL) | High | N | Hands-on |
| Construction Labor | $23.88/hr (Forbes 2025) | 0-3 mo | No data | High | N | Strong, team player |
| Lifeguard | ~$20/hr (Heartland 2022) | 1 weekend CPR | No data (historical) | High | N | Seasonal, fit |
| Healthcare Assistant | No specific BLS (growing field DOL) | Cert (weeks) | Strong 2022-32 | Med | N | Caring, steady |
Salaries flagged historical where >24 months; check BLS.gov for updates.
How to Land These High-Pay Entry Jobs Fast (Step-by-Step)
Certs boost pay 15-28% (NMSU (2025)).
- Update your resume and highlight soft skills like communication.
- Earn free certs (Google IT on Coursera takes 3-6 months).
- Network on LinkedIn or Reddit's r/jobs.
- Apply using "entry-level no degree" searches on Indeed.
- Prep for interviews with mock sales pitches or tech demos.
Not for anyone under 18 or without reliable transport.
Pros, Cons, and When to Pick Each Path
- Tech: Pro: Remote work, high pay ($95k+); con: Learning curve. Pick this if you want desk-bound work.
- Trades: Pro: Job security, paid training; con: Physical and outdoor. Ideal for rural areas or hands-on types.
- Sales: Pro: Uncapped earnings ($100k+ potential); con: High pressure, 100% commission risk. For extroverts.
- Healthcare/Service: Pro: Steady demand; con: Shift work and physical. If helping others appeals to you.
Gen Z satisfaction lags at 57% (PMC (2024)); match jobs to your interests. Urban access favors tech and sales over trades.
Job Market Trends for Young Workers (What to Watch)
Gen Z hits 18% of the workforce in Q2 2024, with participation nearing 2019 levels (DOL (2024)). Healthcare and trades are growing; youth unemployment hovers around 9% vs. overall 3.5% (PMC (2024)). Expected tendencies based on 2023-2025 data: rising demand for no-degree skills.
Apply This to Your Situation
- Do you want desk/remote work or hands-on?
- Can you commit 3 months to earning certs?
- Check your local unemployment rate at BLS.gov.
FAQ
Are tech jobs realistic for 18-year-olds with no degree?
Yes, 30% of pros have no degree (ComputerScience.org (2022)--historical); start with certs or bootcamps for roles like support at $95k median BLS May 2023.
What sales jobs pay commissions right away?
Real estate ($56k median) and recruiting (50% fees); 20-50% rates are common but expect high pressure and no base pay in some cases (ROI TV (2025); SalesForce (2025)).
Highest pay in trades for high school grads?
Apprentices start at $35-55k, wind techs make over $57k; growth >2.8% 2022-32 (DOL).
Remote high-pay options for Gen Z?
Tech support ($95k BLS May 2023) and some sales; averages hit $84k April 2024 (BLS).
Job satisfaction for 18-year-olds in these roles?
57% of workers under 25 feel satisfied vs. 72% of older workers; Gen Z reports 26% unhappy--pick based on fit to improve your odds (PMC (2024)).
Pick one job from the table, complete a free cert today on Coursera, and apply to 5 postings on Indeed this week.