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Entry Level Stem Opt Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Recruiting Associate

Jersey City, NJ

$45.90K - $55.80K/yr

A full-time entry-level healthcare recruiter is needed for a rapidly expanding healthcare ... International students with STEM OPT eligibility are welcome to apply. Undergrads and grad students ...

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Entry Level Stem Opt information

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$15

$22

$29

How much do entry level stem opt jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level stem opt in the United States is $22.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level STEM OPT professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level STEM OPT professional, you generally need a relevant STEM degree, foundational technical knowledge, and eligibility for work authorization under the OPT program. Familiarity with industry-specific software, programming languages, or laboratory equipment, as well as experience with data analysis tools, is typically expected. Strong communication, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability are valuable soft skills that help you integrate into teams and navigate new work environments. These skills and qualifications ensure you contribute effectively to projects, meet employer expectations, and succeed in a competitive STEM workplace.

What types of projects or assignments can an Entry Level STEM OPT employee expect to work on in their first year?

As an Entry Level STEM OPT employee, you can expect to be assigned to a variety of projects that align with your academic background and the company’s needs. Typical assignments may include assisting with data analysis, supporting research and development initiatives, performing quality assurance tasks, or collaborating with senior team members on technical problem-solving. You’ll likely work in a team environment, participating in regular meetings and learning from experienced professionals. These experiences are designed to help you build foundational skills and prepare for increased responsibility as you progress in your career.

What are Entry Level STEM OPT jobs?

Entry Level STEM OPT jobs are positions in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics fields that are filled by recent graduates on the STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension. These roles are designed for individuals who have recently completed their degrees and are looking to gain hands-on experience in their field while staying in the U.S. on their F-1 student visa. Entry-level positions typically require little or no prior professional experience and provide opportunities for skill development and career growth. Eligible students can work for up to 24 months under the STEM OPT extension, provided their employer participates in E-Verify and the job is directly related to their degree.

What is the difference between Entry Level Stem Opt and Entry Level Data Analyst?

AspectEntry Level Stem OptEntry Level Data Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's in STEM field, OPT authorizationBachelor's in related field, often some technical skills
Work EnvironmentTechnology companies, research labs, engineering firmsBusiness, finance, tech companies, consulting
Employer & Industry UsageEmployers hiring international STEM students for technical rolesEmployers seeking entry-level data analysis skills
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared with other STEM roles, OPT-specificCompared with data science or analytics roles

Entry Level Stem Opt refers to international students working in STEM fields under OPT authorization, focusing on technical and engineering roles. Entry Level Data Analyst involves analyzing data in various industries, often requiring similar technical skills but less emphasis on STEM-specific credentials. While both roles may overlap in skills like data handling, their primary focus and employer contexts differ.

More about Entry Level Stem Opt jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Stem Opt jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Stem Opt job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Stem Opt jobs? The most popular types of Stem Opt jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Stem Opt jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Stem Opt jobs include:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Stem Opt job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 8% As Needed, 75% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 92% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,753 per year, or $22.5 per hour.
SUE Field Technician I

SUE Field Technician I

Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson (JMT)

Virginia Beach, VA • On-site

$18.75 - $25.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson is a dynamic, 100% employee-owned consulting firm with more than 2,800 professionals, providing a full range of multidisciplinary engineering, architecture, information technology, and related services to public agencies and private clients throughout the United States. JMT is currently ranked #45 on Engineering News-Record's list of the Top 500 Design Firms.

Position Summary:  JMT is currently looking for Entry Level Field Technicians to join the Underground Utilities, Land Surveying, and Mapping team in Virginia Beach, VA.   

Immigration sponsorship or support (e.g. H1B, F-1 CPT/OPT/STEM OPT) is not available for this position, except for qualified candidates eligible for the TN visa classification.

Learn

  • Underground Utility Mapping (SUE) - Digital Pipe & Cable instruments, Vacuum Excavation Trucks, Ground Penetrating Radar, etc.
  • Learn to interpret Roadway & Utility plans, Utility records
  • Learn to be a Professional Mapper and Grow Your Career

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

  • Conduct field investigations
  • Operate equipment to locate subsurface utilities
  • Label topographic features from field codes
  • Perform calculations
  • Mark underground utilities
  • Operate vacuum excavation truck in order to expose underground utilities
  • Interpret roadway and utility plans, and utility record drawings
  • Travel required

Nonessential Functions and Responsibilities

  • Perform other related duties as assigned