10 best, worst entry-level jobs in 2026

WalletHub released its 2026 ranking of the best and worst entry-level jobs April 27, and certified nursing assistants in nursing homes claimed the No. 3 spot — driven by a 2.9% unemployment rate, high job availability, and one of the lowest chances of being replaced by automation.  

To identify the best and worst first-timer jobs, the personal finance company compared 108 entry-level occupations across three dimensions: immediate opportunity, growth potential and job hazards.

Analysts evaluated the dimensions using 12 metrics ranging from average starting salary to typicality of working more than 40 hours per week. 

Each metric was graded on a 100-point scale, with 100 representing the most favorable conditions for entry-level workers. WalletHub used each entry-level position’s weighted average across all metrics to calculate its overall score. More information about the methodology is available here.

The best and worst entry-level jobs, alongside their scores, according to the analysis: 

Best

1. Hardware engineer I

2. Engineer I

3. Certified nursing assistant – nursing home

4. Software engineer I

5. Safety representative I

6. Safety technician I

7. Electrical engineer I

8. Operations research analyst I

9. Environmental, health and safety engineer I

10. Electronics engineer I

Worst

108. Welder I

107. Emergency dispatcher

106. Automotive mechanic I

105. Boilermaker I

104. Computer numeric control machine programmer I

103. Mechanical drafter I

102. Telecommunications technician I

101. Benefits administrator I

100. Tool and die maker I

99. Architectural drafter I

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