* Location: Cost of living and job market significantly impact wages. Someone in New York City will earn far more than someone in rural Iowa, even doing the same job.
* Industry: High-paying industries like technology or finance offer much higher starting salaries than, say, retail or food service.
* Education/Training: Even without a college degree, vocational training or specific certifications (e.g., welding, nursing assistant) can command higher wages.
* Full-time vs. Part-time: Someone working full-time will obviously earn more than someone working part-time.
* Individual skills and experience: Even within the same job, experience from internships, volunteering, or part-time jobs can influence starting pay.
While precise figures are hard to pin down, you'll find that entry-level jobs directly after high school often fall within a range of $18,000 to $30,000 per year in many parts of the United States. However, this is just a broad estimate, and many will be well below or above that range depending on the factors listed above. Some might be significantly higher with specialized skills or in high-demand areas, while others may struggle to find jobs that pay that much.