Job requirements · 2025 preliminary BLS Occupational Requirements Survey
Jobs that don't require experience: careers where most workers needed no prior work experience.
65 occupations, each with the BLS requirement that puts it here, plus pay, projected growth, education and experience. Filter, sort and compare.
Careers that usually require no prior experience654 pay $75K+ · 10 growing 7%+ · 55 usually need no degree2025 preliminary BLS Occupational Requirements Survey
Quick answer
65 occupations where at least 75% of workers needed no prior work experience, by the 2025 preliminary BLS Occupational Requirements Survey. Highest shares: Fast food and counter workers (98.1%); Parking attendants (98.0%); Host (97.7%). Highest BLS median pay among them: Pharmacist ($140,910), Physical Therapist ($102,760), Registered Nurse ($97,550). Pay and projections are separate BLS sources.
- Occupations
- 65
- meet the published rule
- BLS median $75,000+
- 4
- of 65
- Growing 7%+ by 2035
- 10
- of 65, BLS projections
- No degree most common
- 55
- of 65, ORS minimum education
What it means
No prior experience is not no requirements
Data The rest of each job’s requirements are shown beside it.
What BLS measures
Prior work experience is the minimum amount of prior, vocationally relevant work activity required for the job (ORS collection manual). Non-vocational requirements such as general previous employment are excluded.
Still required, often
For 30 of these 65 occupations the most common minimum education is a high school diploma or more; most also require on-the-job training. Employers set their own hiring bar.
How it's measured
The rule, in full
Data One published BLS estimate per occupation; no score.
Rule
Included: detailed occupations where BLS estimates at least 75% of workers did not require prior work experience (2025 preliminary BLS Occupational Requirements Survey). Sorted by that share.
Data status
BLS publishes these as preliminary estimates: the aggregate of two annual samples collected between August 2023 and July 2025, part of the third ORS wave. Values may change when the full wave is final. BLS advises against comparing them with earlier ORS releases.
Data Where BLS cannot publish an exact value it publishes a range, shown here in words (for example “less than 0.5%” or “more than 99.5%”). Ranges are BLS’s one-sided 90% confidence bounds; TryHired never converts them to a single number. For sorting only, a range is placed at its bound.
Explore
All 65 occupations
Data Filter by pay, growth, education, experience or field; sort any column; search by name.
| Occupation · why it is here | Most common minimum education | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fast food and counter workersBLS estimates 98.1% of workers in this occupation did not require prior work experience (SOC 35-3023). | 98.1% On-the-job training required99.4%License or certification requiredless than 0.5% | $31,200 | +5.8% | No minimum education (94.7%) |
| Parking attendantsBLS estimates 98.0% of workers in this occupation did not require prior work experience (SOC 53-6021). | 98.0% On-the-job training required95.6%License or certification requiredless than 0.5% | $35,150 | +2.0% | No minimum education (69.8%) |
| HostBLS estimates 97.7% of workers in this occupation did not require prior work experience (SOC 35-9031). | 97.7% On-the-job training requiredmore than 99.5%License or certification requiredless than 0.5% | $31,200 | +3.4% | No minimum education (96.6%) |
| Packers and packagers, handBLS estimates 97.6% of workers in this occupation did not require prior work experience (SOC 53-7064). | 97.6% On-the-job training requiredmore than 90%License or certification requiredless than 0.5% | $36,280 | -5.0% | No minimum education (77.2%) |
| Cooks, fast foodBLS estimates 97.1% of workers in this occupation did not require prior work experience (SOC 35-2011). | 97.1% On-the-job training requiredmore than 95%License or certification requiredless than 0.5% | $30,890 | +0.6% | No minimum education (83.0%) |
| CashierBLS estimates 96.5% of workers in this occupation did not require prior work experience (SOC 41-2011). | 96.5% On-the-job training requiredmore than 99.5%License or certification required0.9% | $32,880 | -6.5% | No minimum education (90.2%) |
| High School TeacherBLS estimates 96.1% of workers in this occupation did not require prior work experience (SOC 25-2031). | 96.1% On-the-job training required41.2%License or certification requiredmore than 95% | $72,040 | -0.2% | Bachelor's degree (more than 99.5%) |
| Substitute TeacherBLS estimates 96.1% of workers in this occupation did not require prior work experience (SOC 25-3031). | 96.1% On-the-job training required51.8%License or certification required52.3% | $41,670 | +2.0% | High school diploma (45.2%) |
| LifeguardBLS estimates 96.1% of workers in this occupation did not require prior work experience (SOC 33-9092). | 96.1% On-the-job training required85.0%License or certification required62.1% | $33,580 | +5.5% | No minimum education (97.6%) |
| Amusement and recreation attendantsBLS estimates 95.3% of workers in this occupation did not require prior work experience (SOC 39-3091). | 95.3% On-the-job training required98.0%License or certification requiredless than 0.5% | $32,150 | +3.7% | No minimum education (86.5%) |
| Kindergarten TeacherBLS estimates more than 95% of workers in this occupation did not require prior work experience (SOC 25-2012). | more than 95% On-the-job training required71.2%License or certification requiredmore than 90% | $62,680 | -0.3% | Bachelor's degree (more than 99.5%) |
| Automotive and watercraft service attendantsBLS estimates 94.9% of workers in this occupation did not require prior work experience (SOC 53-6031). | 94.9% On-the-job training required76.4%License or certification required19.4% | $35,670 | +3.8% | No minimum education (52.3%) |
| Laundry and dry-cleaning workersBLS estimates 94.3% of workers in this occupation did not require prior work experience (SOC 51-6011). | 94.3% On-the-job training required96.5%License or certification requiredless than 0.5% | $34,890 | +4.3% | No minimum education (79.7%) |
| Dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpersBLS estimates 93.9% of workers in this occupation did not require prior work experience (SOC 35-9011). | 93.9% On-the-job training required93.4%License or certification requiredless than 0.5% | $33,980 | +5.3% | No minimum education (82.7%) |
| Tire repairers and changersBLS estimates 93.8% of workers in this occupation did not require prior work experience (SOC 49-3093). | 93.8% On-the-job training requiredmore than 95%License or certification required5.1% | $37,710 | +3.4% | High school diploma (53.3%) |
| Elementary School TeacherBLS estimates 93.4% of workers in this occupation did not require prior work experience (SOC 25-2021). | 93.4% On-the-job training required43.3%License or certification required97.7% | $63,970 | -0.4% | Bachelor's degree (98.5%) |
| StockerBLS estimates 93.0% of workers in this occupation did not require prior work experience (SOC 53-7065). | 93.0% On-the-job training required97.4%License or certification required1.1% | $37,330 | +8.9% | No minimum education (74.8%) |
| DishwasherBLS estimates 92.9% of workers in this occupation did not require prior work experience (SOC 35-9021). | 92.9% On-the-job training required95.1%License or certification requiredless than 0.5% | $34,810 | -1.0% | No minimum education (93.5%) |
| Material HandlerBLS estimates 92.8% of workers in this occupation did not require prior work experience (SOC 53-7062). | 92.8% On-the-job training required98.8%License or certification requiredless than 0.5% | $40,240 | +1.8% | No minimum education (75.7%) |
| HousekeeperBLS estimates 92.3% of workers in this occupation did not require prior work experience (SOC 37-2012). | 92.3% On-the-job training required97.8%License or certification requiredless than 0.5% | $35,510 | +0.6% | No minimum education (69.3%) |
| Special education teachers, elementary schoolBLS estimates 91.6% of workers in this occupation did not require prior work experience (SOC 25-2056). | 91.6% On-the-job training required51.6%License or certification requiredmore than 99.5% | not published separately | n/a | Bachelor's degree (more than 99.5%) |
| Middle School TeacherBLS estimates 91.4% of workers in this occupation did not require prior work experience (SOC 25-2022). | 91.4% On-the-job training required38.8%License or certification requiredmore than 90% | $64,370 | -0.4% | Bachelor's degree (more than 99.5%) |
| Helpers--production workersBLS estimates 91.4% of workers in this occupation did not require prior work experience (SOC 51-9198). | 91.4% On-the-job training required95.9%License or certification requiredless than 5% | $39,070 | -8.2% | No minimum education (69.9%) |
| Helpers--electriciansBLS estimates 90.8% of workers in this occupation did not require prior work experience (SOC 47-3013). | 90.8% License or certification requiredless than 5% | $42,670 | +0.6% | No minimum education (78.5%) |
| Special education teachers, middle schoolBLS estimates more than 90% of workers in this occupation did not require prior work experience (SOC 25-2057). | more than 90% On-the-job training required48.6%License or certification requiredmore than 99.5% | $66,810 | -0.4% | Bachelor's degree (more than 99.5%) |
| Cleaners of vehicles and equipmentBLS estimates more than 90% of workers in this occupation did not require prior work experience (SOC 53-7061). | more than 90% On-the-job training requiredmore than 95%License or certification requiredless than 0.5% | $35,830 | +3.9% | No minimum education (66.3%) |
| Helpers--installation, maintenance, and repair workersBLS estimates 89.9% of workers in this occupation did not require prior work experience (SOC 49-9098). | 89.9% On-the-job training required93.1%License or certification requiredless than 0.5% | $39,630 | +5.3% | High school diploma (52.6%) |
| Delivery DriverBLS estimates 89.5% of workers in this occupation did not require prior work experience (SOC 53-3033). | 89.5% On-the-job training required97.3%License or certification required5.2% | $44,860 | +6.3% | No minimum education (79.4%) |
| Food ServerBLS estimates 89.5% of workers in this occupation did not require prior work experience (SOC 35-3041). | 89.5% On-the-job training required97.6%License or certification requiredless than 0.5% | $35,360 | +4.5% | No minimum education (75.6%) |
| Security GuardBLS estimates 89.2% of workers in this occupation did not require prior work experience (SOC 33-9032). | 89.2% On-the-job training requiredmore than 99.5%License or certification required58.4% | $38,020 | +0.9% | High school diploma (87.4%) |
| Team assemblersBLS estimates 89.2% of workers in this occupation did not require prior work experience (SOC 51-2092). | 89.2% On-the-job training required97.3%License or certification requiredless than 0.5% | not published separately | +1.1% | No minimum education (69.3%) |
| Construction WorkerBLS estimates 88.6% of workers in this occupation did not require prior work experience (SOC 47-2061). | 88.6% On-the-job training required84.2%License or certification required3.1% | $47,120 | +7.3% | No minimum education (82.0%) |
| Home Health AideBLS estimates 87.3% of workers in this occupation did not require prior work experience (SOC 31-1121). | 87.3% On-the-job training requiredmore than 80% | not published separately | +18.1% | No minimum education (59.0%) |
| OrderliesBLS estimates 86.4% of workers in this occupation did not require prior work experience (SOC 31-1132). | 86.4% On-the-job training requiredmore than 99.5%License or certification requiredless than 0.5% | $38,290 | +4.0% | High school diploma (83.8%) |
| ParaprofessionalBLS estimates 85.9% of workers in this occupation did not require prior work experience (SOC 25-9042). | 85.9% On-the-job training required68.6%License or certification required33.8% | not published separately | n/a | High school diploma (79.4%) |
| Counter and rental clerksBLS estimates 85.3% of workers in this occupation did not require prior work experience (SOC 41-2021). | 85.3% On-the-job training required97.2%License or certification required3.2% | $41,300 | +3.0% | No minimum education (60.8%) |
| Driver/sales workersBLS estimates 84.8% of workers in this occupation did not require prior work experience (SOC 53-3031). | 84.8% On-the-job training required99.3%License or certification required18.2% | $38,770 | +7.9% | No minimum education (66.7%) |
| Food preparation workersBLS estimates 84.6% of workers in this occupation did not require prior work experience (SOC 35-2021). | 84.6% On-the-job training required94.6%License or certification requiredless than 0.5% | $35,320 | -3.0% | No minimum education (75.0%) |
| Physical TherapistBLS estimates 84.5% of workers in this occupation did not require prior work experience (SOC 29-1123). | 84.5% On-the-job training required83.0%License or certification requiredmore than 99.5% | $102,760 | +11.9% | Professional degree (68.9%) |
| PharmacistBLS estimates 84.3% of workers in this occupation did not require prior work experience (SOC 29-1051). | 84.3% On-the-job training required88.8%License or certification requiredmore than 99.5% | $140,910 | +5.2% | Professional degree (94.1%) |
| Pharmacy TechnicianBLS estimates 83.7% of workers in this occupation did not require prior work experience (SOC 29-2052). | 83.7% On-the-job training required90.9%License or certification required89.3% | $45,750 | +6.4% | High school diploma (95.5%) |
| CaregiverBLS estimates 83.4% of workers in this occupation did not require prior work experience (SOC 31-1122). | 83.4% On-the-job training required81.6%License or certification required20.3% | not published separately | +18.1% | High school diploma (57.2%) |
| Sales AssociateBLS estimates 82.9% of workers in this occupation did not require prior work experience (SOC 41-2031). | 82.9% On-the-job training required98.3%License or certification required4.3% | $35,410 | -0.3% | No minimum education (67.3%) |
| UsherBLS estimates 82.7% of workers in this occupation did not require prior work experience (SOC 39-3031). | 82.7% On-the-job training requiredmore than 95%License or certification requiredless than 0.5% | $32,910 | +0.9% | No minimum education (71.2%) |
| Couriers and messengersBLS estimates 82.6% of workers in this occupation did not require prior work experience (SOC 43-5021). | 82.6% On-the-job training required98.4%License or certification requiredless than 0.5% | $39,200 | +8.0% | No minimum education (50.8%) |
| Registered NurseBLS estimates 82.4% of workers in this occupation did not require prior work experience (SOC 29-1141). | 82.4% On-the-job training required54.3%License or certification requiredmore than 99.5% | $97,550 | +5.6% | Associate's degree (61.7%) |
| Teaching assistants, special educationBLS estimates 80.8% of workers in this occupation did not require prior work experience (SOC 25-9043). | 80.8% On-the-job training required68.4%License or certification required49.9% | not published separately | n/a | High school diploma (82.8%) |
| CNABLS estimates 80.7% of workers in this occupation did not require prior work experience (SOC 31-1131). | 80.7% On-the-job training required96.8%License or certification required83.9% | $42,260 | +2.6% | High school diploma (75.1%) |
| Mail clerks and mail machine operators, except postal serviceBLS estimates 80.6% of workers in this occupation did not require prior work experience (SOC 43-9051). | 80.6% On-the-job training required93.8%License or certification requiredless than 0.5% | $39,280 | -7.2% | High school diploma (93.4%) |
| Crossing guards and flaggersBLS estimates 80.2% of workers in this occupation did not require prior work experience (SOC 33-9091). | 80.2% On-the-job training required81.5%License or certification required39.6% | $38,100 | +3.5% | No minimum education (81.6%) |
| Library AssistantBLS estimates 79.7% of workers in this occupation did not require prior work experience (SOC 43-4121). | 79.7% On-the-job training required92.5%License or certification requiredless than 5% | $36,910 | -6.4% | High school diploma (79.2%) |
| Police OfficerBLS estimates 79.5% of workers in this occupation did not require prior work experience (SOC 33-3051). | 79.5% On-the-job training required64.1%License or certification required65.1% | $76,210 | +3.5% | High school diploma (85.8%) |
| JanitorBLS estimates 79.4% of workers in this occupation did not require prior work experience (SOC 37-2011). | 79.4% On-the-job training required89.2%License or certification requiredless than 0.5% | $36,840 | +2.2% | No minimum education (61.2%) |
| ServerBLS estimates 78.8% of workers in this occupation did not require prior work experience (SOC 35-3031). | 78.8% On-the-job training required98.5%License or certification requiredless than 5% | $35,230 | +2.0% | No minimum education (80.3%) |
| Hotel, motel, and resort desk clerksBLS estimates 77.6% of workers in this occupation did not require prior work experience (SOC 43-4081). | 77.6% On-the-job training required97.4%License or certification requiredless than 5% | $35,070 | +1.8% | High school diploma (52.7%) |
| Meat, poultry, and fish cutters and trimmersBLS estimates 77.1% of workers in this occupation did not require prior work experience (SOC 51-3022). | 77.1% On-the-job training required86.4%License or certification requiredless than 0.5% | $38,300 | +5.7% | No minimum education (80.5%) |
| ReceptionistBLS estimates 76.7% of workers in this occupation did not require prior work experience (SOC 43-4171). | 76.7% On-the-job training required96.8%License or certification requiredless than 5% | $38,010 | -1.7% | High school diploma (70.9%) |
| Dental AssistantBLS estimates 76.4% of workers in this occupation did not require prior work experience (SOC 31-9091). | 76.4% On-the-job training required76.8%License or certification required47.4% | $48,070 | +7.4% | High school diploma (86.7%) |
| Switchboard operators, including answering serviceBLS estimates 76.4% of workers in this occupation did not require prior work experience (SOC 43-2011). | 76.4% On-the-job training required94.1%License or certification requiredless than 0.5% | $38,630 | -26.0% | High school diploma (87.1%) |
| LandscaperBLS estimates 76.3% of workers in this occupation did not require prior work experience (SOC 37-3011). | 76.3% On-the-job training required88.4%License or certification required3.6% | $39,150 | +4.7% | No minimum education (86.9%) |
| LPNBLS estimates 76.1% of workers in this occupation did not require prior work experience (SOC 29-2061). | 76.1% On-the-job training required93.0%License or certification requiredmore than 99.5% | $64,400 | +3.0% | High school diploma (66.0%) |
| Butchers and meat cuttersBLS estimates 76.0% of workers in this occupation did not require prior work experience (SOC 51-3021). | 76.0% On-the-job training required96.9%License or certification required1.9% | $40,140 | +2.4% | No minimum education (76.3%) |
| Reservation and transportation ticket agents and travel clerksBLS estimates 75.9% of workers in this occupation did not require prior work experience (SOC 43-4181). | 75.9% On-the-job training requiredmore than 95%License or certification requiredless than 0.5% | $44,390 | +2.5% | High school diploma (93.2%) |
| ElectricianBLS estimates 75.1% of workers in this occupation did not require prior work experience (SOC 47-2111). | 75.1% On-the-job training required40.5%License or certification required51.4% | $63,190 | +9.2% | High school diploma (82.0%) |
| Physical Therapy AssistantBLS estimates 75.0% of workers in this occupation did not require prior work experience (SOC 31-2021). | 75.0% On-the-job training required76.9%License or certification requiredmore than 60% | $68,380 | +23.0% | Associate's degree (71.8%) |
No occupations match these filters.
FAQ
Common questions
What are the careers that usually require no prior experience?
65 occupations where at least 75% of workers needed no prior work experience, by the 2025 preliminary BLS Occupational Requirements Survey. Highest shares: Fast food and counter workers (98.1%); Parking attendants (98.0%); Host (97.7%). Highest BLS median pay among them: Pharmacist ($140,910), Physical Therapist ($102,760), Registered Nurse ($97,550).
How is this list made?
Included: detailed occupations where BLS estimates at least 75% of workers did not require prior work experience (2025 preliminary BLS Occupational Requirements Survey). Sorted by that share.
Is this data final?
BLS publishes these as preliminary estimates: the aggregate of two annual samples collected between August 2023 and July 2025, part of the third ORS wave. Values may change when the full wave is final. BLS advises against comparing them with earlier ORS releases.
More
Explore other job requirements
Method
How this page is built
Included: detailed occupations where BLS estimates at least 75% of workers did not require prior work experience (2025 preliminary BLS Occupational Requirements Survey). Sorted by that share. Each row's figure is the BLS estimate for the detailed occupation (6-digit 2018 SOC code shown); occupational-group figures are never used for a single occupation. Searches this page answers include “jobs that require no experience”, “high paying jobs no experience”, “high paying jobs with no experience” (Ahrefs, U.S.). Data status: BLS publishes these as preliminary estimates: the aggregate of two annual samples collected between August 2023 and July 2025, part of the third ORS wave. Values may change when the full wave is final. BLS advises against comparing them with earlier ORS releases. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025 national median for the same SOC code (not published separately for some ORS occupations). Outlook: BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. BLS data are in the public domain.
What this page can't tell you
Sources- Whether a specific employer offers it: ORS estimates describe workers in an occupation nationally, not any one job opening.
- Health, disability or medical suitability: these are job requirements, not advice about whether a job suits a medical condition.
- Final values: the 2025 estimates are preliminary and may change when BLS completes the third wave.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Requirements Survey, 2025 estimates (preliminary: two of the third wave's samples, collected August 2023 to July 2025; released January 16, 2026), public domain.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates (public domain).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program, occupational projections 2025–35.