The Best Jobs In NYC: Big Apple’s Finest

Welcome to New York City, a bustling metropolis known for its diversity, vibrant culture, and many job opportunities. As the city continues to grow, numerous entry-level positions open up for those looking to establish their careers. At the same time, workers move on to new roles seeking new opportunities. In short, there are many looking for jobs in NYC at any given time.

In this article, we will explore some of the best entry-level full-time hourly jobs in New York City that can help jump-start your career.

NYC Jobs: Positions Open with Many Roles

Looking for a job in NYC can be daunting if you don’t know where to start. Here are a few roles that tend to have openings across companies and industries hiring in the Big Apple:

  • Administrative Assistant: Administrative assistants play a crucial role in the smooth functioning of any organization. These jobs in NYC are responsible for managing schedules, coordinating meetings, and handling routine tasks such as filing, data entry, and emailing. With strong organizational skills and a keen eye for detail, administrative assistants can gain valuable experience while working in various industries, from finance to fashion to film and everything in between. 
  • Retail Sales Associate: New York City is a shopping hub of the world. As a result, there are many retail jobs in NYC available at any given time. This is especially true for retail sales associate roles for entry-level job seekers. Retail sales associates are responsible for assisting customers, managing inventory, and maintaining store appearance. This position not only provides valuable customer service experience but also offers opportunities for growth and advancement for other jobs in the retail industry.
  • Barista: With coffee shops on nearly every corner, barista positions in NYC are widely available across the different boroughs. Baristas prepare and serve coffee and other beverages, create a welcoming environment for customers, and maintain the cleanliness of the cafe or restaurant space. This job is a great entry point for those interested in the food and beverage industry, with potential for advancement into supervisory or management roles. It can also be a stepping stone role—for example, taking a barista job in a hotel coffee shop can expose you to many other hospitality jobs in NYC.
  • Customer Service Representative: New York City hiring companies are continually seeking customer service representatives to help with clients. In this role, you might interact with customers through phone, email, or chat, addressing their concerns and providing solutions. Excellent communication and problem-solving skills are essential for this position, and customer service experience can be beneficial in many different career paths. There might be no better way to interact with real customers and people from day one, which is a pivotal job skill for any job in NYC.

While these jobs are many, there are other roles that you can also keep an eye out for.

Other NYC Jobs: Roles You Might Overlook

While the roles covered above are numerous, here are a few you might not have thought of before:

  • Entry-Level IT Technician: With technology becoming increasingly important in daily life, entry-level IT technician positions are in high demand. These technicians assist with computer setup, software installation, and troubleshooting for businesses or individuals. This role is ideal for those with a background in information technology or computer science, and it can open doors to more specialized IT careers. Oftentimes, being technologically savvy is the only requirement for a first technician job in NYC.
  • Security Guard Job: You might walk past them every day without even noticing, but security guards and night guard jobs are pivotal for the metropolitan area. In a security guard job, you are responsible for ensuring the safety and security of people, properties, and assets in a bustling, fast-paced environment. The job requires vigilance, strong communication skills, and adaptability to handle various situations. Additionally, working in New York City exposes security guards to diverse settings, ranging from iconic landmarks to corporate offices.
  • Library Assistant: With many public libraries, New York City is also a major educational hub. A library assistant job involves helping patrons locate resources, managing circulation, and assisting with library events. This job provides a calm work environment and is ideal for those with a passion for literature and community engagement.
  • Parking Attendant: Parking attendants are responsible for managing parking lots and garages, directing traffic, and assisting customers with payment. This job is suitable for individuals with excellent customer service skills and attention to detail.

New York City offers a wealth of entry-level full-time hourly jobs, providing numerous opportunities for career growth and valuable work experience. Jobs in NYC are plenty—there is bound to be a role out there for everyone.

Whether you're looking to kick-start your career or change industries, these positions offer a solid foundation on which to build a successful future in the city that never seems to sleep.

Searching for a full-time job with healthcare, paid time off (PTO), and transparent wages? Check out Workwise Job Search: the easiest place to find and share high-quality jobs near you. 

Whether you want to filter by neighborhood, hourly wage range, or even look for specific benefits for you and your family, Workwise is here to help. Create a free account to save jobs and compare to your current or past job.

Looking for career advice, job search help, interviewing tips, or more? Head over to our Workwise Career Advice page for tips from experts and people who have been in your shoes before. No one needs to find a better job alone!

Have Workwise search jobs for you. Sign-up so we can send you jobs that are better than your current role. We will ONLY send you jobs that have a higher salary or better commute.