Are you weighing up all the entry level IT jobs with no idea which might be the best for you? Don’t worry; we’re here to help.
The information technology (IT) job market is booming, with AI creating a fresh wave of excitement. The World Economic Forum estimates that 97 million new roles may be created by technological development globally by the year 2025.
This means that companies are going out of their way to hire new graduates and people with specialized skills to stay ahead of the competition.
This guide to the best entry level IT jobs will provide you with the insight needed to make an informed decision when shaping your tech career.
We’ll look at some of the most common entry-level jobs and discuss their key responsibilities, salaries, and skills required. By the end of this article, you’ll be equipped with the necessary information to decide which of the best entry level IT jobs is for you.
Use the clickable menu to skip between specific roles or read through the entire guide for a comprehensive overview of each job profile:
The 7 best entry level IT jobs
To help you prepare for your job search, this guide highlights our pick of the seven best entry-level tech jobs to pursue if you have minimal experience in the field. All salary averages are taken from Payscale.
1. Help Desk Technician
Average base salary: $44,420
Help desk technicians provide technical assistance to customers and other users of a company’s products or services. The title for this role can vary from help desk analyst, support specialist, or customer service representative.
Tasks and responsibilities
- Troubleshoot software, hardware, and network issues
- Assist customers over the phone or in person
- Resolve user complaints
- Install and configure software
Required skills and experience
- Basic understanding of computer systems and networks
- Good customer service skills
- Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills
- Working knowledge of Windows, MacOS, and Linux operating systems (OS)
2. Web Developer
Average base salary: $61,797
Web developers create websites based on specifications provided by clients or employers using web development languages such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP. They may also be responsible for creating applications like mobile apps or web tools that integrate with existing websites.
Tasks and responsibilities
- Develop code for new website features
- Test code for accuracy and compatibility with other browsers
- Optimize web page speed performance
- Make recommendations on design improvements if necessary
Required skills and experience
- Computer programming language proficiency (HTML5, CSS3, etc.)
- Familiarity with content management systems like WordPress
- Knowledge of coding standards such as WCAG / WAI-ARIA guidelines
- Understanding of website accessibility principles
3. Software Engineer
Average base salary: $90,900
The highest paying entry level IT job on this list, software engineers or software developers write computer programs designed to solve specific problems within an organization or business sector while ensuring they are up to date with current technology trends.
Tasks and responsibilities
- Designing algorithms that enable programs to run properly
- Creating software solutions based on customer needs
- Testing code for errors before launch
- Debugging issues after launch
Required skills and experience
- Proficiency in one or more programming languages
- Experience with databases and software architecture principles
- Knowledge of mobile application development
- Understanding of software development life cycles (SDLCs)
4. Systems Administrator
Average base salary: $65,248
Systems administrators are responsible for managing and maintaining an organization’s computer systems and networks. They ensure the company’s IT infrastructure runs smoothly and is secure and up to date.
Tasks and responsibilities
- Install and maintain hardware and software systems
- Monitor network performance and security
- Troubleshoot issues related to hardware, software, or network connectivity
- Implement security measures to protect the organization’s data
Required skills and experience
- Knowledge of network protocols and OSs such as MacOS and Windows
- Familiarity with cloud computing technologies like AWS and Azure
- Experience with virtualization technologies like VMware
- Understanding of IT security principles
5. Digital Marketing Specialist
Average base salary: $52,301
Digital marketing specialists use digital channels to promote a company’s products or services to customers. They create and execute marketing campaigns to reach target audiences through email, social media, search engine marketing (SEM), and other online advertising channels.
Tasks and responsibilities
- Develop and execute digital marketing strategies
- Create content for social media and other online channels
- Monitor and analyze the performance of marketing campaigns
- Optimize campaigns for increased conversion rates
Required skills and experience
- Knowledge of marketing tools and channels, including email marketing, SEO, and PPC
- Familiarity with social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn
- Ability to create engaging content and messaging for target audiences
- Understanding of data analysis and reporting
6. UX/UI Designer
Average base salary: $76,319
UI/UX designers are responsible for designing the user interface and user experience for websites and applications. They create designs that are easy to use, visually appealing, and meet users’ needs.
Tasks and responsibilities
- Conduct user research to understand user needs
- Design wireframes and prototypes
- Collaborate with developers to implement user-friendly designs
- Test and iterate on designs based on user feedback
Required skills and experience
- Proficiency in design tools like Sketch or Figma
- Knowledge of design principles and best practices for user interface and user experience
- Ability to conduct user research and synthesize findings
- Strong communication and collaboration skills
7. Data Analyst
Average base salary: $64,980
Data analysts collect, process, and perform statistical analyses on data to inform business decisions. They use data visualization tools to create reports and communicate insights to stakeholders.
Tasks and responsibilities
- Collect and clean data from various sources
- Perform statistical analysis of data
- Create reports and visualizations to communicate insights
- Develop predictive models based on data analysis
Required skills and experience
- Proficiency in data analysis tools like Excel, R, or Python
- Familiarity with data visualization tools like Tableau or Power BI
- Understanding of statistical analysis and modeling techniques
- Strong communication and collaboration skills
How to get an entry level IT job
As this overview of entry-level tech job profiles has shown, most of these roles require at least a baseline skill level and technical proficiency. Beyond that, finding your ideal position, securing an interview, and impressing the recruiter requires careful planning.
Here are some of the best ways to move into the entry-level tech jobs market:
1. Do a career-focused course
If you’re looking to forge a career in tech but are unsure where to start—a tech bootcamp program is the most surefire way to learn the in-demand technical and soft skills you need to land your first role.
To learn more about particular career paths and how to prepare yourself for some of the best entry level IT jobs, check out our in-depth career guides for:
And be sure to check out our list of the best IT certifications, as well as our list of exclusively online IT certifications.
2. Prepare a killer resume
A well-prepared and custom resume is one of the most important make-or-breaks available to you. We recommend giving our tech resume guide a read-through!
And if you’re worried that your experience level is a hindrance, fear not; transferable skills are an excellent way to show your potential new employer how valuable an asset you will be.
Check out this video for more information on transferable skills:
3. Find a mentor
A mentor is someone with some experience in the industry who, through one-on-one coaching and discussion, will help you avoid many of the pitfalls that most newcomers face.
Having a mentor is one of the most overlooked but valuable ways to secure one of the best entry level IT jobs.
4. Know where to look
Another great, often overlooked way to land that dream IT job is first to figure out which companies you’d like to work for and then approach them directly (a good mentor could help you with this).
Then, of course, the number of excellent job portals out there today is a big help, too.
These include:
All of the above have filters for location, role, and even experience level to help you find the perfect fit.
Closing thoughts
There you have it: seven of the best entry level IT jobs. With the growing demand for IT professionals in the job market, achieving success in the tech sector has never been more within reach.
Take time to thoroughly research the role you think might be best for you, and if you need guidance, reach out to one of our program advisors.
For further info on breaking into the world of IT and tech, give these articles a read: