skill-development

Best Paying Jobs for Young Adults

As a young adult entering the job market, deciding where to go can seem like a struggle and overwhelming. Hopefully, I can give you some excellent options for job seekers. It’s important to note that you won’t find a six figure job with no experience, but you can definitely find jobs that give you opportunities for growth and skill development. We’ll take a look into a few excellent options for job seekers.

Employee helping a customer
Costco Employee Assisting a Customer.

1. Costco: Premium Pay in Retail

Costco is renowned for its commitment to employee satisfaction, competitive pay, and ample opportunities for career advancement. For young adults, starting in an entry-level position like cashier or stock clerk can lead to a long-term career at the company. With Costco’s emphasis on internal promotions, many employees rise through the ranks to managerial and executive positions. Plus, the company offers great benefits, even for part-time workers, making it an attractive option for those just starting their careers.

Costco has been heavily invested in employee satisfaction, competitive pay, and most importantly opportunities for career advancement. This is because they expect top tier customer service from their employees. Interviews are known to be extensive for what is norm for retail. Expect 2 - 3 round interviews ranging from managers from a certain department to the store manager.

Pros

  • Above-average pay starting at 19.50 an hour up to 30.50
  • Career advancement opportunities
  • Covers extensive Health, Vision, and Dental Insurance

Cons

  • Pay raises are based on hours worked, not by performance

2. In-N-Out: Leader in Fast Food Wages

In-N-Out Burger is famous for its high-quality burgers that taste the same whether you're in Texas or Oregon. This is because of the excellent training programs and dedicated employees. In-N-Out pays so well because they are committed to ensuring employees deliver quality service quickly. The company is also known for promoting employees from entry-level positions to management roles, creating a clear path for those who are motivated. In-N-Out store managers make up to $300,000 a year, but it does take lots of years and dedication.

Pros

  • Top of the line pay at $22.00 up to $26.50 in as little as a year
  • Exceptional Employee satisfaction with a 4.3 star rating on Glassdoor
  • Clear promotion path with opportunities for growth into management

Cons

  • Fast-paced and physically demanding work
  • Long hours, for management positions

3. Real Estate: Flexibility and Earning Potential

For those looking for something outside of traditional retail or food service, real estate offers a unique and rewarding career path. Becoming a real estate agent requires obtaining a license, but the good news is that you don’t need prior experience to get started. Once licensed, agents can work independently or with a firm, helping clients buy, sell, or rent properties. Real estate offers unlimited earning potential, especially for those who excel in sales and networking. While it requires hard work and determination, it’s an excellent long-term career option for young adults seeking flexibility and income potential.

For those looking for something outside the traditional retail and food service, real estate is a unique and rewarding career path. Although it might seem tough, real estate doesn't require a college degree or any prior experience. What you do need is a real estate license, and then you can either work independently or for a firm. This job can be massively successful for those who excel in sales and networking. Don’t be fooled though, real estate is hard to get started in as no one knows who you are and you are not trusted. Social media, open houses, and networking will be your key to success in the field.

Pros

  • Flexibility to set your own schedule.
  • Unlimited earning potential through commissions.
  • Opportunities to specialize in different aspects of real estate and develop a long-term career.

Cons

  • Commission-based income can be unstable, especially when starting
  • Requires a lot of networking and building trust in the industry
  • Initial startup costs for licensing, MLS, and marketing

The job market can be intimidating, especially when you're young. These are some excellent opportunities to start by getting paid great and finding career growth. Remember to make your application stand out, and if you don’t get any response, it doesn’t hurt to go in and ask. Don’t be afraid to start off small, as every job is a learning opportunity that can lead to bigger things in the future.