Easiest Jobs to Get: Entry-Level Roles That Don’t Need a Degree

Ever notice how some people seem to land jobs without breaking a sweat, while others send out resume after resume with nothing to show? That’s not just luck. Some jobs are designed to be super accessible, and you don’t need to be Einstein—or have a degree the size of a phone book—to get them. While some work requires years of study, there’s a whole world of roles you can snag in days or even hours after applying. Whether you’re changing careers, saving for a trip, or just need to get paid, the list of easiest jobs to get in will surprise you.

Why Some Jobs Are Easier to Get Than Others

There’s a bit of an urban legend that any job is hard to land. That’s just not true. Loads of companies need people who can start right away, don’t need unique skills, or just turn up with the right attitude. What makes these jobs easier to get? For one, turnover. Retailers, restaurants, moving companies—these places are always hiring because people come and go like it’s a revolving door. The hiring managers know you can’t teach someone to smile, but you can teach them to use a cash register or stack shelves. So, companies often skip long interviews and let people start in a day. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, hospitality and retail jobs have the highest turnover rates, with food service sitting at about 70% yearly turnover. They need staff, yesterday.

You’ll also see "no experience necessary" plastered across job ads in these sectors. That’s because employers just want a reliable person who can show up and learn quickly. As a bonus, many of these roles offer flexible hours or quick pay, which means you can get going without waiting for a fancy contract or background check. Huge national chains and local businesses both do this. I once walked into a supermarket at 11 am, filled out a short form, spoke to a manager for five minutes, and walked out with a job offer by lunchtime. It really can be that fast.

Another important factor is that entry-level jobs are often open continuously. Businesses with high demand, like delivery services (think Uber Eats, DoorDash, Amazon Flex), always need a bigger army. Application processes tend to be digital, with automated background checks and less need for complicated interviews. Bring a clean driving license, a working phone, and you could be out making deliveries by the weekend. That’s not to say you’re stuck in these roles forever—many act as a stepping stone to bigger, better opportunities. Research by CareerBuilder showed that nearly 60% of entry-level employees move up to higher responsibility within two years. So, not only are these gigs easy to get, but they’re a launchpad if you’ve got hustle.

The Top Easy Jobs Anyone Can Land Fast

Let’s get specific. If you’re after instant results, some jobs keep popping up for good reason. First on the list is retail—cashiers, shelf stockers, and customer service reps. You’ll find at least one giant retailer hiring in every town, especially around holidays when the demand shoots up. No degree? No problem. According to a 2024 Indeed study, 79% of entry-level retail jobs require nothing more than the ability to stand, smile, and work a till. I guided my teenage daughter, Mira, through her first job hunt in high school, and she snagged a cashier spot within two days of applying—no prior experience, just basic math skills and a friendly face.

Hospitality is another sweet spot: restaurants, hotels, fast-food chains, and coffee shops. The work can get hectic during rush hour, but hiring managers love enthusiastic, dependable folks. I’ve met baristas who started after a casual chat with the shift lead over a free coffee. Around 1 million new hospitality jobs open up each month in the US alone, says the National Restaurant Association. That’s a wild number of chances to get your foot in the door.

Delivery and driving gigs are booming, too, thanks to the rise of food apps and e-commerce. If you have a driver’s license, a car or bike, and a smartphone, you can usually get hopping within 48 hours by signing up online and passing a quick background check. Amazon Flex, Instacart, Uber Eats—they make it super easy for newcomers to join up. There’s a bit of hustle involved, especially during busy times, but the flexibility is unbeatable. You can work mornings, evenings, or just pull a few shifts to catch up on bills or save for that gadget you’ve been eyeing.

Let’s not forget warehouse and picker roles, especially in big fulfillment centers. Amazon alone hires hundreds of thousands of seasonal and part-time folks every year and often skips detailed interviews. I’ve done a few end-of-year warehouse shifts myself. It’s mostly about being able to handle some physical work like lifting boxes or walking several miles on the floor during a shift. If you show up, you’ll probably get the gig.

Here’s a table showing average wages for these easy-entry jobs in the most common US cities, based on 2024 Glassdoor figures:

If you see a job posting that reads, "Start tomorrow," believe it—they really need you. Keep an eye on local Facebook groups and apps like Snagajob or Indeed, which have sections specifically for "Immediate Hire" jobs.

Tips, Surprises, and Myths About Easy Jobs

It’s tempting to believe that easy-to-get jobs are only for teenagers or people with zero ambition, but that’s a myth. Loads of folks—parents, students, new immigrants—use them to jumpstart their income or bridge gaps between bigger jobs. Plus, you’d be surprised how many managers and business owners actually started in one of these roles. Take Howard Schultz, former CEO of Starbucks. He began as a bartender and moved up just by showing hustle and people skills—no Harvard diploma required.

Now, if you’re applying, here’s a little secret: don’t overthink your resume. Employers want to see you’re reliable. Highlight any volunteer work, sports, or even chores if it’s your first job. If you say you can work weekends, your name shoots to the top of their pile. Be friendly in any interviews, even if it’s just a phone call. Smile, say you can start fast, and you’ll beat out the competition most days.

Watch for scams, though. Real jobs won’t ask you to pay for training or uniforms upfront. If it sounds sketchy or the pay is too good to be true, trust your gut—there are lots of legit roles out there. And while easy jobs might not offer a luxury salary, they pay fast. Some employers pay weekly, and some delivery gigs let you cash out instantly after a shift. If you need money yesterday, these jobs are your best bet.

The biggest perk is flexibility. Many easy-entry jobs let you pick your hours or work around school, family, or other gigs. My own kid, Mira, juggles a part-time café job and online studying, and she loves the fact she can swap shifts at a moment’s notice. That kind of control is rare in stricter career paths.

Before you apply, get your documents ready. Most of these jobs ask for ID, proof you can work in the country, and sometimes a background check. Keep digital copies handy so you can apply quickly and beat the crowd. And if you’re hoping to move up, hit the ground running: show up on time, take the training seriously, and managers will remember you (trust me, I’ve hired more than a few cashiers who moved up to supervisor just by being consistent).

Here’s a few hand-picked tips from my own experience and others who’ve walked the same path:

• Apply early in the week—most managers set schedules and interviews on Mondays and Tuesdays.
• Dress a notch above what you expect to wear on the job, even for casual roles. First impressions stick.
• Don’t skip jobs that seem "too easy"—you might find perks, friends, or future mentors where you least expect it.
• Keep your phone on. Same-day interviews happen a lot for high-turnover jobs, and they’ll pick the first person to answer.
• If you have to deal with customers, mention any people skills, even if it’s just chatting to neighbors or organizing events.

So, what’s the easiest job to get? Pretty much any that’s hungry for reliable people and willing to train you on the spot: retail, hospitality, delivery, cleaning, or entry-level offices like call centers. It’s not glamorous, but it pays—and opens more doors than you’d think. If you’re ready to jump in, your next paycheck is probably just a few clicks away.