Government jobs have long been known for stability, benefits, and solid retirement plans—but not all of them require years of testing or advanced degrees. In fact, many federal, state, and local positions are surprisingly easy to qualify for if you meet basic requirements and know where to look. With agencies expanding in areas like public health, transportation, and customer service, 2025 is expected to bring a surge of entry-friendly openings. Here are seven of the easiest government jobs to get—and what makes each one accessible.
1. Postal Service Mail Carrier
The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is one of the largest federal employers, and becoming a mail carrier requires only a high school diploma, a driver’s license, and a clean background check. You’ll need to pass a simple online assessment, but no college degree is required. Starting pay averages around $25 per hour with generous overtime opportunities and federal retirement benefits. USPS hiring is year-round, especially during holidays or delivery expansions. For job stability and strong union protections, few entry-level roles compete with this one.
2. TSA Officer (Transportation Security Administration)
Airport security officers play a vital role in national safety—and many are surprised to learn you don’t need prior law enforcement experience to join. The TSA offers paid training, steady hours, and full federal benefits. Applicants must pass a background check and drug test, but don’t need a college degree. TSA roles are particularly accessible for veterans and older adults seeking career transitions. Once hired, employees can move into supervisory or homeland security positions through internal advancement programs.
3. Census Bureau Field Representative
If you’re friendly, organized, and good with people, working as a field representative for the U.S. Census Bureau is one of the easiest ways to enter federal service. These temporary positions involve gathering data in your community and often require only basic computer skills. Hours are flexible, making them ideal for semi-retirees or those balancing caregiving responsibilities. You can apply online, and many positions don’t require interviews—just training completion. Experience here also counts toward future federal job preference.
4. State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Clerk
Most state DMVs constantly need clerical staff, and the application process is relatively straightforward. Duties include processing licenses, registrations, and titles—tasks learned through short on-the-job training. Applicants usually need a high school diploma, typing skills, and customer service experience. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), average pay for government clerical workers exceeds that of private-sector equivalents, and benefits often include pension options. Many states also offer hybrid or remote work for administrative support roles.
5. National Park Service Seasonal Worker
If you love the outdoors, working with the National Park Service (NPS) can be both fulfilling and surprisingly easy to access. Seasonal positions like maintenance assistants, visitor center aides, or campground hosts require minimal experience. The work is physical but rewarding—ideal for retirees seeking short-term federal employment. Seasonal workers often receive hiring preference for permanent roles later. The best time to apply is late winter, before summer tourist hiring begins.
6. Local Public Library Assistant
City and county library systems frequently hire assistants and circulation clerks with no degree requirement. Most postings focus on customer service, shelving accuracy, and computer literacy. Training happens on the job, and many libraries provide flexible part-time schedules. Working for a municipal library also makes you eligible for state retirement systems and union protections. Check your city or county’s employment portal for “Library Associate” or “Library Aide” listings.
7. City Maintenance or Public Works Laborer
Public works departments in nearly every city and county hire maintenance laborers year-round. These roles include tasks like landscaping, street repair, and sanitation—often with no prior experience required. Applicants typically need a valid driver’s license and physical fitness for outdoor work. The Department of Labor notes that these positions pay above-average hourly wages and often come with full benefits after 90 days. Many retirees use them for part-time income that still qualifies for state pension contributions.
Getting Your Foot in the Door
The best part about government work is that once you’re in the system, internal hiring preference makes future promotions far easier. Many agencies list jobs on USAJobs.gov or through local government portals, and most don’t require lengthy interviews. If you’re patient, organized, and meet basic background standards, you can land a steady role in weeks—not months. Government work may not always be glamorous, but for stability and benefits, it’s one of the smartest career moves you can make. Which of these roles sounds like your ideal starting point?
Have you ever applied for or worked in a government position? Share what made the hiring process easy—or what advice you’d give to someone applying now.
You May Also Like…
- Why Is the Government Investigating So Many Senior Investment Clubs?
- 10 Government Programs That Sound Good But Strip Away Control
- Why Local Governments Are Targeting Elderly Homeowners With Fines
- 6 Jobs That Exist Solely Because People Don’t Read the Fine Print
- 7 Jobs That Are Disappearing, But No One Wants to Admit It Yet
