Jobs That Pay You to Train

Many hourly jobs teach you everything on the job, and in most cases you get paid while you learn. Under federal law, training your employer requires counts as work time. Warehouse, retail, food service, security and non-clinical healthcare jobs all regularly hire beginners and train them from day one.

Is training paid?

Usually, yes. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, time spent in lectures, meetings and training programs counts as hours worked unless all four of these are true (U.S. Department of Labor, Fact Sheet #22):

1. It happens outside normal working hours
2. It's voluntary
3. It's not related to your job
4. You do no other work during it

If your employer requires the training, or it's about your job, it generally has to be paid. State laws can add more protection, but not less.

The common exception: a license or certificate you get on your own time before you're hired, like some state security or food handler requirements, may not be paid. Ask the employer whether they cover it.

Warehouse

Common jobs: picker, packer, loader, material handler, package handler, forklift operator.

Most warehouse skills are learned on the floor: where things go, how scanners work, how to lift safely.

Forklifts: you don't need to show up certified. Federal safety rules put it on the employer. OSHA requires the employer to make sure each forklift operator is trained and evaluated before operating on the job, and to certify that training. Operators also need to be trained on the type of truck they'll actually use in that workplace.

So "forklift experience preferred" is a preference, not a wall.

Retail and grocery

Common jobs: cashier, stocker, sales associate, deli or bakery clerk.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the typical entry-level education for retail sales workers as no formal educational credential, with no related work experience required. Training covers the register, stocking, store policies and customer service, usually on your first shifts.

Food service

Common jobs: crew member, barista, prep cook, dishwasher, cashier.

Food service jobs train new hires on prep, safety and the register. Some states and counties also require a food handler card. In many places you can get it after you're hired. Check your state or county health department for the local rule.

Security

Common jobs: unarmed security officer, front desk security, event security, patrol.

Rules vary by state. Some states require a license and a short training course before you work; others don't. Look for postings that say "will train" or "licensing assistance."

Healthcare (non-clinical)

Common jobs: front desk, patient registration, scheduling, hospital food service, cleaning, patient transport.

These roles don't need a medical license, and employers usually train you on their systems. Roles like nursing assistant, medical assistant or phlebotomist usually require a certificate before you start. Check the requirements section.

How to spot a "will train" posting

Look for these phrases in the description or requirements:

• "No experience required"
• "Will train" or "we'll train you"
• "Paid training"
• "On-the-job training provided"
• "Licensing assistance"

If "paid training" only appears in a benefits list at the bottom, read the requirements too. Some employers use the same benefits list on every posting.