Based on the data provided, entry-level jobs can vary significantly in terms of salary depending on various factors. For example, the industry plays a significant role, as evidenced by the difference in salaries between entry-level customer service representatives ($52,000 per year) and entry-level sales representatives ($120,000 per year) in Philadelphia, according to ZipRecruiter.
The location can also influence the opportunities for good entry-level pay. Resume writing website Resume.io analyzed entry-level job postings on job search site Indeed, comparing them to the state's median salary based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Based on their analysis, here are the top 10 states for high-paying entry-level positions according to Resume.io:
1. South Dakota: 76.1% of entry-level jobs pay above the median salary of $19.17 per hour.
2. Montana: 75.2% of entry-level jobs pay above the median salary of $20.29 per hour.
3. Idaho: 72.7% of entry-level jobs pay above the median salary of $19.26 per hour.
4. Iowa: 70.5% of entry-level jobs pay above the median salary of $21.32 per hour.
5. New Mexico: 69% of entry-level jobs pay above the median salary of $19.19 per hour.
6. Indiana: 68.2% of entry-level jobs pay above the median salary of $20.24 per hour.
7. Wyoming: 68.1% of entry-level jobs pay above the median salary of $21.85 per hour.
8. Nebraska: 67.6% of entry-level jobs pay above the median salary of $21.20 per hour.
9. Kentucky: 67.1% of entry-level jobs pay above the median salary of $19.32 per hour.
10. West Virginia: 66.9% of entry-level jobs pay above the median salary of $18.16 per hour.
Julia Pollak, the chief economist at ZipRecruiter, explains that these rankings relate closely to the macroeconomic indicators of each state's labor market conditions. For example, she mentions that Idaho, which ranks third on the list, has experienced significant employment growth between 2019 and 2023. This growth has led to a higher number of job openings, including well-paying entry-level positions.
South Dakota is ranked as the top state for high-paying entry-level positions according to Resume.io. Pollak notes that South Dakota, along with Montana, has seen notable improvement in its labor market relative to pre-pandemic conditions. She suggests that changes in labor market conditions have a significant impact on entry-level workers.
It is worth mentioning that within these states with favorable labor market conditions, certain cities are major driving forces for high-paying entry-level jobs. For example, Iowa City ranks second on Resume.io's list of best cities for high-paying entry-level jobs in Iowa.
While the data provided can help point you in the direction of potentially high-paying entry-level positions in specific locations, it is essential to consider other factors as well. Amanda Augustine, a career expert for Resume.io, advises job seekers to consider factors such as the availability of employers and the cost of living in a particular location. Use this information as a starting point for deeper research into the local job market and consider multiple factors before making any decisions.
Mistakes can indeed be useful, but it is important to recognize that not all mistakes are equal. High performance often involves making fewer mistakes, and it is beneficial to differentiate between different types of mistakes and determine which ones we should pursue and which ones we should try to avoid.
One type of mistake is what we call "sloppy mistakes." These occur when we are doing something we already know how to do, but we lose concentration or focus on the wrong things. Making too many of these mistakes can indicate a need to enhance our focus, processes, environment, or habits. For example, if we frequently break glasses because we are too focused on work problems and not paying attention to our surroundings, it signals an opportunity to improve our ability to multitask.
While it may seem that sloppy mistakes offer few learning opportunities, it is still important to reflect on them. When we make a sloppy mistake, we should ask ourselves if it is important to us and if we want to change something to avoid making similar mistakes in the future. Taking the time to adjust our focus can help us prevent future errors.
Another type of mistake is the "aha-moment" mistake. These occur when we do something as intended but later realize that it is the wrong thing to do. These mistakes often lead to powerful realizations and insights that expand our understanding and awareness. It is crucial to pay attention and reflect when we are surprised by the effects of our actions. These surprises are valuable sources of learning and make life more interesting.
Stretch mistakes are another kind of mistake that occurs when we are trying to expand our abilities and venture into new territory. Making stretch mistakes is a positive sign of growth and challenging ourselves. If we find ourselves repeating the same stretch mistake, it may indicate a need to change our approach or seek guidance and feedback from others. Setting realistic goals and reflecting on our progress can help us continue to grow and improve.
While making mistakes can be beneficial, there are also high-stakes mistakes that we should aim to minimize. In situations where safety or significant consequences are at risk, it is essential to put processes in place to mitigate these mistakes. However, even in high-stakes events, we can embed low-stakes mini-experiments that allow us to test different approaches and reflect on their impact. These mini-experiments can provide valuable insights while still prioritizing performance.
In summary, mistakes can offer learning opportunities, but it is important to differentiate between different types of mistakes. By reflecting on our mistakes, adjusting our focus, seeking feedback, and setting achievable goals, we can navigate the learning process effectively and continue to grow and improve our performance.