Where are all the jobs? Are there such things as best jobs? Where have they all gone? Some people are lucky enough to have them, while others have been looking for two years or more. Then, there are those who have simply given up altogether. This country is in the grips of a down economy that rivals the Great Depression that took place approximately 75 years ago. When we normally think of an entry level job, we think of someone just entering the work force for the first time; but there is a slightly different definition in our present employment environment. There are college graduates looking for their first “real” job, and there are “seasoned” workers looking to switch into different industries due to downsizing and layoffs. All of these workers are seeking the best entry level job.

Best Entry Level Jobs For College Grads

Based on the latest data from the U.S. Department of Labor, the best entry level jobs for college graduates are engineering, investment bankers, economists, management analysts, database administrators, registered nurses, landscape architects, pharmaceutical and insurance careers. The basic educational requirements for these careers range from associate degrees to bachelor degrees with emphasis in certain areas. The starting salaries for these careers are as low as $64,000 yearly to $120,000 yearly. The benefits for new college graduates in getting into entry level jobs is basically to acquire the all important “experience” in their chosen field of study for future advancement. Seasoned workers, on the other hand, have come to accept positions that have awkward hours and more flexible times.

Jobs For Experienced Workers

But do flexible jobs exist? For the “seasoned” workers, they have made themselves flexible, which has enabled them to seek jobs in new industries. Some of these top paying entry level jobs are sales representatives, registered nurses, crime scene cleaners, mail carriers, toll booth collectors, truck drivers, construction workers, embalmers, plumbers and garbage collectors. Many of these jobs may require no formal education, high school diploma/ GED or additional schooling and training. The salary range is from $20,000 to $60,000 yearly. The benefit of entry level jobs for experienced workers is being flexible enough to earn a living in a completely different industry.

The new, better educated college graduate may earn more for work in certain professions, but the experienced worker, at least, has a chance to make what could now be considered a decent salary in today‘s fragile economical environment.

Code enforcement officers are responsible for enforcing regulations, rules, and laws of a city, county, or state. Sometimes called municipal regulations officers, code enforcement officers have various titles depending on their specialization. These code enforcement officers are different from police officers. Police officers maintain public order, prevent crime, and enforce criminal law. Their job usually falls under law enforcement rather than code enforcement.

Positions involved with code compliance include building inspectors, fire marshals, and health inspectors, among other titles. These officers ensure compliance with civil code. Their jobs impact the welfare of the public, public works, business activity, consumer protection and rights, code building standards, land use, and other municipal matters.

Building Inspectors

Most building, construction, and zoning inspection jobs are within local government jobs systems. Home inspection workers are usually self-employed. These code enforcement officers examine buildings, streets and roads, water and sewer systems, dams and bridges, and other structures, to enforce building codes and standards.

Most jobs require a high school diploma or equivalent. They may also require a state license or certification. According to the United States Department of Labor, the median annual wage for a building inspector is $50,180. Employment is expected to grow by17 percent through 2018, as concern for public safety and quality construction continues to grow.

Fire Inspectors

Fire inspectors visit homes and businesses to ensure compliance with local and state fire codes. Fire investigators interview witnesses and collect evidence to determine the cause of fires. National, state, and local forests and parks may employ special code enforcement officers to watch for and report wildfires.

Most workers in these positions have fire suppression training and experience, in addition to a high school diploma. According to Department of Labor statistics, workers in fire inspection and investigation earn a median annual income of $53,030. Job growth is expected to increase by nine percent through 2018, as the population increases.

Health Inspectors

Health and safety technicians typically work for state and local governments. They enforce rules on safety, health, and environment. They perform inspections, test air quality, design safe work spaces, and complete similar tasks. Many of these code enforcers attend post-secondary school to earn an associate degree or certification. Workers with advanced degrees become health and safety specialists.

According to the nation’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers in this career field earn a median annual salary of $45,360. The federal government projects a 14 percent job growth through 2018, due to the growing public demand for a safe and healthy environment.

Building Inspectors, Fire Inspectors, Health Inspectors

Receptionists work in a variety of business settings from physician’s office to law firms. The company receptionist is the person who makes the business first impression to customers; therefore, professionalism and appearance is very important. Depending on the type of business, a receptionist’s duties may involve a variety of technical skills from understanding law basics to billing insurance companies for payment. Receptionists can become jobs with stability because a positive business image improves customer services and increases sales.

Popular Receptionist Positions

Medical Receptionist

A medical receptionist is by far one of the most popular as most everyone has communicated with this office gatekeeper. The medical receptionist is the first person encountered by the patient, and it is where patients sign in and present their payment information. A receptionist in a physician’s office is responsible for screening phone calls, maintaining medical records, setting appointments, and billing insurance companies. A medical receptionist’s duties may include keeping the waiting room clean and stocked with up-to-date magazines and brochures. When it comes to setting appointments, the medical receptionist is the liaison between the patient and physician. The receptionist is responsible for maintaining the physician’s calendar, which is a major office responsibility.

Attorney Receptionist

Another popular receptionist job is working for an attorney. This receptionist may also serve as a legal secretary and have multiple duties that include screening phone calls, contacting clients, and assisting the paralegal professionals and attorneys with research and documentation. A legal receptionist may arrange appointments for clients to meet with their attorney. Colleges and universities usually have a receptionist available to greet visitors and to answer questions and give directions around campus. Many businesses employ receptionists, and the position is a great entry level choice into a chosen career path.

Receptionist Education Required

Many entry level receptionists have vocational training, certificates or an associate degree in their chosen line of work. A medical receptionist requires specialized training in medical billing, coding and medical terminology. Similarly, a legal receptionist requires legal terminology and specific document preparation knowledge unique to the legal profession.

Receptionist jobs are everywhere and may provide stable work in uncertain economic conditions. A receptionist must enjoy working with people, love multi-tasking and have a willingness to adapt to change. In exchange for these professional skills, receptionists usually enjoy regular hours in a comfortable work environment. The benefits of working as a receptionist are many, and long-term rewards that include promotion are a real possibility for those who choose to advance their skills and education.

Attorney Receptionist, Medical Receptionist