🔍 Beyond Retail & Food Service: Security, Call Centers, Landscaping & More
Alternative Entry-Level Jobs Guide 2025
Discover entry-level jobs in security, customer support, landscaping, traffic control, and other industries that are always hiring with minimal experience requirements.
Alternative Entry-Level Jobs: Beyond Retail, Food Service, Warehouse, Cleaning & Delivery
Looking for entry-level opportunities outside the traditional retail, food service, warehouse, cleaning, and delivery sectors? This guide covers always-hiring, low-or-no-experience jobs in security, customer support, landscaping, traffic control, and other growing industries.
These positions offer competitive starting pay ($14-$27/hour), flexible schedules, and opportunities for advancement. Many provide paid training and don't require formal education or prior experience.
Alternative Entry-Level Jobs Always Hiring in 2025
Comprehensive list of entry-level positions with competitive pay and minimal requirements
| Job Type | Examples | Avg. Starting Pay (2025) | Basic Requirements | Where to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Security (Unarmed) | Security Officer/Guard | $16–$20/hr (varies by site) | 18+, background check; state guard card/licensing (company often trains) | Allied Universal, GardaWorld |
| Customer Support / Call Center (incl. remote) | Phone/chat support, claims, billing | $16–$22/hr | Reliable internet & quiet space for WFH; typing/soft skills; paid training common | Concentrix, TTEC, Foundever |
| Landscaping & Groundskeeping | Crew member, grounds tech | $16–$21/hr | Work outdoors; lift 50+ lbs; early shifts | BrightView; City/Parks departments |
| Traffic Control / Flagger | Work-zone flagger, traffic control tech | $17–$21/hr | Valid driver's license; safety training provided; comfortable on feet | AWP Safety, RoadSafe, Wright |
| Airport Operations | Ramp agent/baggage; ramp services | $17–$22/hr | Lift 50+ lbs; pass background; work outdoors/rotating shifts | Unifi, Swissport, Airlines |
| Parking & Valet | Parking attendant, valet | $14–$21/hr (+ tips in valet) | Valid driver's license & clean record; customer service | LAZ Parking, SP+ |
| Car Wash / Auto Services (non-mechanic) | Tunnel crew, guest service specialist | $14–$18/hr (+ tips possible) | Outdoor work; upsell memberships; paid training common | Mister Car Wash, Quick Quack |
| Hotel / Hospitality (Front Desk) | Front desk agent, guest services | $16–$20/hr | Basic computer skills; background check; nights/weekends | Hilton Careers, Marriott Careers |
| Pet Care / Kennel | Dog daycare attendant, kennel tech | $14–$18/hr | Comfortable with large dogs; stand/walk most of shift | Dogtopia, Camp Bow Wow, local shelters |
| Event & Venue Staff | Guest services, ticketing, usher | $12–$19/hr | Nights/weekends; customer service | ASM Global, Live Nation venues |
| Public Works & City Roles (entry) | Groundskeeper, streets/parks aide | $16–$20/hr | HS diploma/GED; background; outdoor work | GovernmentJobs.com, city HR portals |
| Transportation Security (TSO) | TSA airport screener | ~$21–$27/hr (by locality) | U.S. citizen; background; shifts/holidays; paid federal training | USAJOBS (TSA postings) |
How to Land Alternative Entry-Level Jobs Fast
Strategies to get hired quickly in these competitive industries
Show Shift Flexibility
Be willing to work nights, weekends, and holidays to jump the line. Many employers prioritize flexible workers.
Bring Two References
Have references ready and be prepared for same-day background checks and drug screens.
Emphasize Reliability
Highlight attendance and customer-first attitude—that's what most employers screen for ahead of experience.
Note Physical Stamina
For outdoor roles, emphasize your ability to lift, work in heat/cold, and maintain physical endurance.
Detailed Job Breakdowns & Requirements
In-depth information about each job category and what employers are looking for
Security (Unarmed)
Security guard starting pay commonly sits mid-teens to $20s; big contractors list ~$17–$19/hr averages and hire with company training while state guard cards are required (requirements vary by state).
Customer Support / Call Center
Call center/customer support averages hover around $17–$19/hr nationally; remote openings are abundant. Concentrix/TTEC actively recruit WFH positions.
Landscaping & Groundskeeping
BLS shows a median $18.50/hr (May 2024), with large firms listing crew roles ~$16–$17+ to start. Outdoor work with early morning shifts.
Traffic Control / Flagger
Traffic control/flagging frequently starts around $17–$20/hr with paid training. Safety-focused role with outdoor work in all weather conditions.
Airport Operations
Airport ramp agents average around $17–$20/hr nationally; major contractors and airlines hire entry-level. Physical work with rotating shifts.
Parking & Valet
Parking & valet roles show ~$14–$16/hr base with tips often boosting take-home. Customer service focused with driving requirements.
Car Wash / Auto Services
Car wash crew pay clusters around $14–$16/hr at national chains. Outdoor work with customer service and sales opportunities.
Hotel / Hospitality (Front Desk)
Front desk agents generally $16–$17/hr at major hotel brands (varies by city/union status). Customer service focused with computer skills required.
Pet Care / Kennel
Pet care/kennel attendants often $13–$16/hr; many locations hire with no experience and train. Physical work with animal interaction.
Event & Venue Staff
Event staff/guest services (venues) typically low- to mid-teens per hour depending on market and event load. Flexible, part-time work.
Public Works & City Roles
Public works & city entry roles (grounds, streets) are steady, with applications through GovernmentJobs/NeoGov and local HR. Government benefits.
Transportation Security (TSO)
TSA Transportation Security Officers are federal hires with locality-based hourly equivalents ~low-20s; check USAJOBS for your airport's posting.
Application Strategies for Alternative Entry-Level Jobs
How to stand out and get hired quickly in these competitive fields
Resume Tips
Interview Preparation
Quick Application Checklist
Before Applying
During Application
Ready to Explore Alternative Entry-Level Jobs?
These positions offer competitive pay, flexible schedules, and opportunities for advancement. Start your search today!
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