Entry-Level Job Market in the US: Week of October 11, 2026 - Over 46,000 New Openings Tracked

FirstHire tracked 46,299 new entry-level job openings (0-2 years of experience) in the United States for the week ending October 11. A majority of these roles, 25,707, do not require any previous work experience. The market remains active as companies move into their fourth-quarter hiring cycles.

Openings this week

Of the 46,299 new entry-level jobs FirstHire tracked, more than half (55.5%) were for roles requiring no prior experience. This is a positive signal for recent graduates. The number of internships posted was 1,837.

Demand for on-site work remains dominant, but flexible options are available. FirstHire found 2,533 new fully remote openings and another 2,742 hybrid roles, together making up about 11.4% of all new entry-level positions. You can browse remote and hybrid roles on our entry-level remote jobs page.

Who is hiring

This week, 15,825 companies posted new entry-level jobs. Hiring was distributed across many industries, from aerospace and defense to retail and professional services.

• Top hiring companies: The most active companies posting entry-level roles were SpaceX (208), Walmart (174), Amazon (169), CyberCoders (155), Deloitte (151), and Booz Allen Hamilton (148).

• Top hiring cities: New York City continues to lead the nation in entry-level opportunities. The top cities for new openings were New York (2,116), Chicago (758), San Francisco (730), Houston (650), and Austin (625). You can explore jobs in these markets on pages like entry-level jobs in New York and entry-level jobs in the San Francisco Bay Area.

• Top role categories: Demand was strongest for candidates in sales, finance, and technology. The top role categories were Sales and business development (3,542), Finance and accounting (3,330), and Software engineering (2,911).

What it pays

Pay transparency continues to be inconsistent. Of the 46,299 jobs tracked, only 4,490 (about 9.7%) included an annual salary range. For those that did, the median annual midpoint was $83,000.

For hourly positions, 2,557 jobs included pay data. The median hourly midpoint for these roles was $26.18. These figures are medians and can vary significantly based on industry, location, and specific skills.

Hiring news this week

Recent news highlights both opportunities and evolving challenges for new graduates. On the policy front for international students, a proposed Department of Homeland Security rule that would have set fixed time limits on student visas remains on hold in federal court as of October 2026. However, a new proposal announced October 7 would require universities to pay a fee of $70,000 for each student they recommend for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows graduates to gain work experience in the US. The proposal is currently open for public comment.

In the broader market, new research from Stanford University indicates that the adoption of AI may be reducing the share of junior workers at some firms, not through layoffs but by slowing the hiring of entry-level talent in favor of more senior roles. This trend underscores the importance of developing practical skills to stand out.

On a positive note, U.S. Customs and Border Protection is urgently hiring for full-time, entry-level officer positions, with some roles offering up to $60,000 in incentives. Fall campus recruiting is also in full swing, with many companies adapting their strategies to attract Gen Z talent by offering more transparency and faster hiring processes.

What to do this week

• Target high-volume roles: Sales, finance, and software engineering are the most in-demand fields this week. If you have skills in these areas, tailor your resume and search for openings on pages like new-grad-software-engineer-jobs.

• Look for government openings: Federal agencies are actively hiring for entry-level roles and internships. U.S. Customs and Border Protection has an urgent need for officers, and other agencies run structured fall programs.

• Follow up on fall career fairs: If you attended a campus career fair in the last month, now is the time to follow up with recruiters. Reiterate your interest, mention a specific conversation you had, and ask about the next steps in the hiring process.

• Prepare for skills-based assessments: Companies are increasingly using practical assessments and micro-challenges to evaluate candidates. Practice coding challenges, prepare a portfolio of your work, and be ready to discuss your projects in detail.

FAQ

What counts as an "entry-level" job?

An entry-level job is typically defined as a role requiring 0 to 2 years of professional experience. These positions are designed for recent graduates from college or other training programs, as well as career changers with limited experience in a new field.

Why don't all jobs list a salary?

Pay transparency laws vary by state and city in the US. While some jurisdictions require employers to disclose salary ranges in job postings, many do not. As a result, many companies choose not to list pay, though the trend is toward greater transparency.

How can I stand out with no professional experience?

Focus on demonstrating your potential and relevant skills. Highlight academic projects, internships, volunteer work, and certifications on your resume. Create a portfolio showcasing your work, whether it's code on GitHub, design projects, or writing samples. In interviews, emphasize your ability to learn quickly, your work ethic, and your enthusiasm for the role.