10 worst entry-level jobs

Recent college graduates are about to hit the job market and they’re looking for interesting career opportunities. But there are some jobs they may want to avoid.

WalletHub’s newest report pinpoints the 10 worst jobs with the least potential for career growth. The report took stock of the entry-level job market and compared 109 different positions based on 13 metrics in three dimensions: immediate opportunity, growth potential and job hazards.

For immediate opportunity, WalletHub evaluated data like average starting salaries and unemployment rates. Growth potential reviewed metrics like on-the-job training and median tenures with employers. Hazard data measured fatal occupational injuries and the likelihood of working more than 40 hours a week.

Employers in these fields could look for opportunities to strategize benefits packages to help attract and retain newer workers. Below, you’ll find the 10 worst entry level jobs of the year.

10. Machinist

Total score: 44.09
Immediate opportunity rank (out of 109): 68
Growth potential rank (out of 109): 77
Job hazards rank (out of 109): 99

9. Sheet metal mechanic

Total score: 44.05
Immediate opportunity rank: 109
Growth potential rank: 73
Job hazards rank: 57

8. Building inspector

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Total score: 40.89
Immediate opportunity rank: 102
Growth potential rank: 95
Job hazards rank: 64

7. Carpenter

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Total score: 40.87
Immediate opportunity rank: 49
Growth potential rank: 70
Job hazards rank: 102

6. Aircraft painter

Airplane Bloomberg
An American Airlines Group Inc. Boeing Corp. 737 Max 8 aircraft approaches during landing at Miami International Airport (MIA) in Miami, Florida, U.S., on Tuesday, March 12, 2019. Photographer: Scott McIntyre/Bloomberg
Scott McIntyre/Bloomberg
Total score: 40.18
Immediate opportunity rank: 92
Growth potential rank: 98
Job hazards rank: 84

5. Tool and die maker

Total score: 39.49
Immediate opportunity rank: 77
Growth potential rank: 96
Job hazards rank: 100

4. Automotive mechanic

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An employee works on an assembly line at the Ford Motor Co. Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville, Kentucky, U.S., on Friday, Oct. 27, 2017. Photographer: Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg
Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg
Total score: 39.20
Immediate opportunity rank: 52
Growth potential rank: 72
Job hazards rank: 102

3. Floor assembler

Total score: 38.35
Immediate opportunity rank: 108
Growth potential rank: 83
Job hazards rank: 64

2. Boilermaker

Total score: 36.27
Immediate opportunity rank: 97
Growth potential rank: 69
Job hazards rank: 102

1. Welder

Welder.jpg
Welder erecting technical steel. Industrial steel welder in factory technical
Andrey Burmakin/Andrey Burmakin - stock.adobe.com
Total score: 33.51
Immediate opportunity rank: 60
Growth potential rank: 100
Job hazards rank: 102
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