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There’s a lot on the line for young professionals in their first big job as recent graduates. These roles should be in your skill set, provide opportunities for growth in the short and long term and, ideally, pay enough money to ensure a strong foundation is established for financial success.
Which first jobs could you have that would help you financially succeed into the future? GOBankingRates spoke to Brandon Dock, managing director at national staffing agency TGC Search, for more insight into the best first jobs that can lead to financial success.
Sales and Recruitment Roles
- Typical base salary: $40,000 to $60,000 with commission
There’s substantial earning potential to be found in sales and recruitment positions. Dock said he has seen new graduates quickly make six-figure incomes within a couple of years as a full desk recruiter.
That said, working in a sales and/or recruitment role isn’t for the faint of heart. If you don’t think you’ll be able to stomach endless rejections on the phone all day, Dock said it’ll be tough for you to make a six-figure salary in this line of work.
Entry-Level Software Developer
- Typical base salary: $65,000 to $90,000
There are plenty of growth opportunities and significant salary increase potential afforded to those in entry-level software developer positions. And depending on the employer, it’s possible you could earn much more than the typical base salary noted above. Dock said an entry-level software developer could receive a six-figure starting salary at any of the five companies that are part of the FAANG acronym: Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Netflix and Alphabet (with the “G” standing for Google).
Granted, this isn’t the kind of first job where employees can coast by. To succeed, Dock said software developers will need to be prepared to spend a lot of time honing their technical skills since the barrier to entry is increasingly high.
Developers who work hard will find it pays off and often with a much faster return on investment. A junior developer role at a major tech firm, Dock said, could realistically grow into a role that makes $200,000 in a few years.
Registered Nurse
- Typical base salary: $60,000 to $75,000
If you went to school for nursing and plan to work as a registered nurse as a graduate, you’re on a strong foundation for earning money right after graduation. Dock said RNs receive plenty of overtime opportunities and career advancement. He refers to the COVID-19 pandemic as an example when RNs, in their roles as essential workers, acted as travel nurses and made upward to $20,000 per week.
Money aside, the healthcare industry is often burdened by understaffing and work-life balance issues. While this can be a concern to those pursuing RN roles, it’s also possible to find RN positions where there is good work-life balance.
Marketing Professionals
- Typical base salary: $50,000 to $60,000
Of all the careers mentioned in this roundup, those working in a marketing position may find their typical base salary is on the low side.
However, Dock said many marketing professionals can earn over $90,000 annually within a few years. This is often contingent on becoming a specialist in analytics, PPC or SEO or moving upward in the ranks until you’re able to manage your own team.
The more you can advance in the marketing industry, such as working your way up to a director or VP role at a larger company and/or startup, you may even be able to earn within the $200,000 range.
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Accounting Roles
- Typical base salary: $50,000 to $70,000
Don’t stress if you’re pursuing a first job in an accounting role and it’s not quite meeting your financial expectations. Dock said this role provides employees with a solid foundation in financial management.
Once you earn your CPA certification, you’ll find it becomes much easier to increase your earnings. Accountants who are CPA certified, Dock said, can earn well over $100,000 annually — and there’s even higher earning potential available for those working at big consulting firms.
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