10 best entry-level jobs

1. Systems Engineer: This is the top job with the most potential, according to the study, with an overall score of 78.90, an immediate opportunity rank of 2, a growth potential rank of 23 and a job hazard rank of 37. And it's in that six-way tie for first place in providing the most job openings, so if you decide you need to job hop to get more money or advancement, or more of a particular kind of experience or training, you should have more than a few options available.(Photo: Shutterstock)

10. ARCHITECT: Amassing a total overall score of 71.33, the entrée into the field of architecture was ranked 16th for immediate opportunity and 8th for growth opportunity—but beware; it came in in 60th place for job hazards. While it's by no means among the most dangerous of jobs, those with a strong concern for safety might just want to watch their step. (Photo: Shutterstock)

9. Industrial Engineer: An overall ranking of 71.79 puts this job ahead of a career in architecture, even though its immediate opportunity rank is 26 and its growth potential rank is 23. Job hazards are lower, though, with it ranking 37th. Still, before jumping in, it might pay those considering such a career to check into the company's organizational structure and make sure that it's actually the first step on a career path and not a junior job that will keep its occupant in a low-level position far beyond advancement time. (Photo: Shutterstock)

8. Certified Nursing Assistant (nursing home): This job got an overall score of 72.54, with an immediate opportunity rank of 18, a growth potential rank of 48 and a job hazards rank of 29. But beware; despite this job's lofty position on the 10 best list, that immediate opportunity isn't reflected in the starting salary, which is down in 102nd place. The job also has one of the worst potentials for income growth, ranking 106th, which means that applicants might want to take some expert advice and consider that if they're seeking higher pay, they might want to move to another organization every 3–5 years to bump up their salaries. (Photo: Shutterstock)

7. Electronics Engineer: With an overall score of 74.03, this first step into electronics engineering comes with an immediate opportunity rank of 25, a growth potential rank of 18 and a job hazard rank of 14. An expert recommendation accompanying these evaluations suggests that as long as you're learning new things and are being challenged by the work, it's a good idea to stick it out in an entry-level position for at least two years and possibly longer. If in doubt about how long you'll stay at that basic level, ask at the job interview—and then keep an eye on your progress and how others advance at the company.(Photo: Shutterstock)

6. Environmental, Health and Safety Engineer: This position scored overall at 74.29, with an immediate opportunity rank of 20, a growth potential rank of 15 and a job hazard rank of 37. Among all the tech jobs evaluated for this study, how can you tell where this one will fit regarding job longevity or how well it might pay off for you in the future? One expert cited in the report says that to evaluate any job, you should consider whether your days are spent doing routine tasks that fail to challenge you or boost your skills level and responsibilities, or whether you're constantly challenged and learning new responsibilities.(Photo: Shutterstock)

5. Web Applications Developer : Scored overall at 74.52, this position also provides an immediate opportunity rank of 19, a growth potential rank of 28 and a job hazard rank of 20. And considering the rise of AI and automation, being in a position to write code that can broaden their reach is likely a good opportunity—even if you move around to gain wider experience in more diverse projects.(Photo: Shutterstock)

4. Hardware Engineer: It would appear that engineering in one form or another is where it's at for the foreseeable future, since seven out of the top 10 positions in this list include "engineer" in their titles. And hardware engineer is no different, with an overall score of 75.44 and an immediate opportunity rank of 14. This particular position doesn't do quite as well in growth potential, with a rank of 35, or on job hazards, with a rank of 37 (possibly due to the typicality of working more than 40 hours per week), but it's pretty clear that STEM fields offer more and better opportunities than many others that new grads might otherwise think more attractive.(Photo: Shutterstock)

3. Electrical Engineer: Its overall score is 78.40, while the job of electrical engineer carries an immediate opportunity rank of 9. It lags a bit on growth potential, at a rank of 32—which could be weighed down by anything from projected job growth by 2026 and typicality of on-the-job training to a requirement for related job experience needed—but does fairly well on job hazards, ranking 14th.(Photo: Shutterstock)

2. Engineer: Engineers get a total overall score of 78.76, an immediate opportunity rank of 5 and a growth potential rank of 16; when it comes to job hazards, it ranks 37th, which could be thanks to an expectation of long hours on the job. It's also tied for first place with software engineer, systems engineer, training specialist, safety technician and safety representative for having the most job openings—so it's a good place to get your foot in the door.(Photo: Shutterstock)