So, you’re thinking about a government job? Entry level government jobs could be a solid way to kick things off.

These roles typically don’t demand much experience, so they’re ideal for people just starting out or anyone after steady work and decent benefits.

You’ll find opportunities in all sorts of fields, from admin to public safety.

Lots of agencies set up special hiring paths to help you succeed.

Learning how to search for these jobs and knowing what to expect can speed up your job hunt.

Websites like USAJOBS let you filter by entry level and other needs, so you can find something that matches your skills and goals.

Maybe you want to work at a local office or aim for a federal agency.

Either way, it’s probably less complicated than you think to get your foot in the door.

This article breaks down how to find entry level government jobs and shares tips to make your application stand out.

Let’s get you moving toward that next step in your career.

See the other top US government jobs on our list here.

Understanding Entry Level Government Jobs

If you want to start a public service career, knowing the types of jobs and benefits available can help you figure out your best move.

You’ll see plenty of positions in both federal and state government, with choices like full-time work, internships, and contract gigs.

Growth and benefits can look different depending on your job and level.

Types of Federal and State Positions

You’ll spot entry level jobs in almost every corner of federal and state government.

Think administrative assistant, program analyst, or IT support.

The federal government uses the General Schedule (GS) pay scale, starting at GS-5 or GS-7 for folks with a bachelor’s degree or some college under their belt.

State jobs sometimes ask for less formal education but still offer strong career tracks.

Many states roll out special hiring programs to attract fresh, diverse candidates—no exam required.

Full-Time, Part-Time, Internship, and Contract Roles

You’ll find government jobs that are full-time, part-time, internships, or contract-based.

Full-time gigs mean steady hours and full benefits.

Part-time jobs give you fewer hours, which can work out if you need flexibility.

Internships are a great way to get your foot in the door.

You’ll learn new skills and, if things go well, you might land a full-time spot.

Contract roles are usually temporary and focus on specific projects—think cybersecurity or data management.

Typical Career Fields for New Hires

Most entry level government jobs fall into areas like administration, IT, health, or social work.

Cybersecurity’s a hot field right now since the government really needs to protect its data.

You might also look at human resources, finance, or environmental planning.

You don’t always need a degree, but some jobs ask for certain training—maybe an associate degree or a certification.

Your background and interests will point you in the right direction.

Benefits Package and Growth Opportunities

Federal and state jobs usually come with a good benefits package.

Expect health insurance, retirement plans, paid leave, and sometimes tuition help.

These perks make government jobs appealing, even if starting pay isn’t sky-high.

You can move up the ladder by joining training programs and applying for promotions.

Start at entry level, and with some experience, you might end up in a director or manager seat.

A lot of public service jobs encourage you to keep learning and growing.

You’ll find more advice on launching your government career at USAJOBS Early Careers.

Navigating the Application and Hiring Process

If you want to boost your chances, you’ll need to know how to spot the right openings and understand each step of the federal hiring process.

You’ll go through several steps, from searching for jobs to handling pre-employment tasks.

Finding Openings and Using USAJobs Career Explorer

Kick things off by visiting USAJobs, the official federal job site.

The USAJobs Career Explorer tool helps you match your skills and interests to open positions.

When you search, filter by location, job type, and experience.

If you want to gain experience first, look out for internships.

Read every job announcement closely—it spells out exactly what you need.

You have to apply through USAJobs.

Set up a profile and upload your resume.

The system lets you keep tabs on your applications and get updates on new jobs.

Understanding the Federal Hiring Process

Federal hiring isn’t like the private sector.

It usually takes longer—sometimes weeks or months.

Agencies gather applications for a set time, then review your resume to see if you qualify.

If you make the cut, you might get called for an interview.

After that, they’ll check your references and run a background check.

Some positions have special paths for veterans or people with disabilities.

Each agency might add other steps, but the process aims to be fair and open.

Patience and attention to detail go a long way.

Pre-Employment Steps and Tips for Job Seekers

Once you get a job offer, you’ll start the pre-employment process.

This often means background checks, medical exams, and sometimes security clearances.

Keep your important documents handy—transcripts, certifications, proof of veteran status, and so on.

Respond quickly to anything the agency asks for.

To give yourself an edge, customize your resume for each job.

Show off the skills that match what they’re looking for.

Double-check your application and be honest.

Internships can give you a real taste of federal work and help you build a career path.

Stay organized and keep copies of everything you send in.

For more on starting your federal career, check out USAJobs Early Careers.

Frequently Asked Questions

You’ll find entry level government jobs in a bunch of fields, even if you don’t have work experience yet.

These jobs have clear salary ranges, and you can usually apply online.

If you meet the education and experience requirements, you can start a government career right after college.

What are some entry level government jobs that require no previous work experience?

You’ll see jobs like administrative assistant, clerk, and some technician roles that don’t need past experience.

These usually ask for a high school diploma or equivalent.

How do I find entry level government jobs near me?

Head to USAJOBS, the federal jobs site.

Type in your location and filter for entry level jobs to see what’s open nearby.

Are there remote entry level government jobs available?

Yep, some entry level government jobs offer remote work.

You’ll find these mostly in customer service or data entry.

Always check the listing to see if remote work is an option.

What is the starting salary for entry level government positions?

Starting pay varies, but most entry level jobs are GS-5 or GS-7.

GS-5 roles start around $35,000 to $45,000 a year.

GS-7 jobs pay more, depending on where you live.

How can I start a career in government directly after college?

Apply through USAJOBS and target entry level positions that line up with your degree.

Internships and student programs can also help you get started.

What qualifications do I need to be considered for a GS-7 level position?

You’ll typically need one year of specialized experience at the GS-5 level, or a master’s degree, to qualify for a GS-7 job.

Some positions let you combine education and experience to meet the requirements.

Always double-check the job announcement to see exactly what they’re asking for.