Entry-Level IT Job Salaries: A Closer Look at Compensation for 7 Common IT Careers
Maybe your current job isn’t quite cutting it anymore and you might be growing weary of doing the same mundane tasks each day. Or maybe you’re itching to take on more responsibility. You could be motivated to start earning a bigger paycheck. Or perhaps it’s a little of each.
Whatever the case may be, you’re ready for a change. And you’re drawn to the information technology (IT) field. You want to ditch the dead-end job and replace it with a rewarding career that allows you to make a living doing what you love. You just need a plan.
If you’re looking for more information on the path ahead, then you came to the right place. We’re taking a closer look at seven entry-level IT jobs and the salaries and duties associated with each role. Keep reading to learn more about what to expect from these IT jobs salary levels.
7 Entry-level IT jobs and salary ranges
To help you in your research, we used real-time job analysis software to examine more than 334,000 job postings for entry-level tech jobs.1 This data helped us identify the seven most common positions available for individuals with two or fewer years of experience.
We compiled IT job salary ranges and common job duties for the positions on our list.2 It’s important to note that these “entry-level” salary ranges simply reflect the U.S. Department of Labor’s reported salary averages. In this case, we’re looking at the reported average salaries for workers from the bottom tenth percentile to the fiftieth percentile of earners in each role.
This is meant to give you a better picture of the lower-end of potential earnings for these roles—not spell out exactly what you’d make. Remember, plenty of variables can influence your entry-level earning potential. With that said, take a look at the information below—perhaps you’ll find your future career!
1. Software developer
Software developers are in charge of the spectrum of duties it takes to develop a software program. They analyze users’ needs in order to design, test and develop software to meet those needs. They also document the aspects of an application or system and create models or diagrams to instruct programmers on how to write software codes.
Entry-level salary range (2017): $59,870–101,790 annually2
Projected employment growth (2016–2026): 24 percent (much faster than average) 2
2. Computer support specialist
There are a few options that fall under the umbrella of a computer support specialist. Computer network support specialists evaluate networks, perform maintenance and troubleshoot problems as they arise. Computer user support specialists work with customers to diagnose and solve problems. They also may help to set up and repair computer equipment and train users on new computer hardware, software and equipment.
Entry-level salary range (2017): $30,550–50,210 annually2
Projected employment growth (2016–2026): 11 percent (faster than average) 2
3. Web developer
Web developers help to design and build websites. They may meet with either private clients or management of an organization to discuss needs. They then get to work creating and testing applications for websites, writing code and working with other team members to determine a website’s layout, graphics, audio and more.
Entry-level salary range (2017): $36,830–67,990 annually2
Projected employment growth (2016–2026): 15 percent (much faster than average)2
4. Computer systems analyst
Systems analysts spend their days researching new technologies, preparing analyses of cost/benefits on upgrades, devising new ways to add functionality to existing systems and overseeing installation/testing to ensure the systems work as they should.
Entry-level salary range (2017): $53,750–88,270 annually2
Projected employment growth (2016–2026): Nine percent (as fast as average) 2
5. Information security analyst
Information security analysts work to protect computer networks and systems as well as the data stored within them. They research IT security trends, develop security standards and recommend enhancements to protect against security breaches. Should a breach occur, they investigate the cause and prepare reports that outline what happened as well as what can be done to prevent future breaches.
Entry-level salary range (2017): $55,560–95,510 annually2
Projected employment growth (2016–2026): 28 percent (much faster than average)2
6. Network systems administrator
Network systems administrators manage an organization’s networks. They determine the network needs, install hardware and software, make repairs, do maintenance and train users. They also may collect data in order to optimize network/system performance and solve problems as they arise.
Entry-level salary range (2017): $49,830–81,100 annually2
Projected employment growth (2016–2026): six percent (as fast as average)2
7. Database administrator
Database administrators manage data such as financial information, customer records and more. They work to set up, organize and maintain databases, ensuring data is secure and backed up so it cannot be permanently lost.
Entry-level salary range (2017): $48,480–87,020 annually2
Projected employment growth (2016–2026): 11 percent (faster than average)2
Ready to get started on your IT career path?
The most valuable piece of information you should take from this article is that these entry-level IT job salaries can help provide the financial stability you and your family are seeking.
So if you’re ready to leave behind a job you tolerate in order to pursue a career you’re passionate about and that offers financial freedom, then the IT field has ample opportunity and plenty of room to grow.
Does this earning potential have you convinced that a career in IT is right for you? You might need some help narrowing down which degree is the best fit for your career plans. Our interactive tool, “Which Tech Degree Is Right For Me?” can help you narrow down your options and proceed with confidence—check it out!
1Burning-Glass.com (analysis of 334,168 IT job postings requiring 0-2 years’ experience, Nov. 01, 2017 – Oct. 31, 2018)
2Salary ranges reflect the 10th to 50th percentiles of reported annual salaries for each position according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment & Wages, 2015. [Information accessed November 16, 2018] https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_stru.htm. This data represents national, averaged earnings for the occupations listed and includes workers at all levels of education. Employment conditions in your area may vary.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was originally published in December 2013. The article has since been updated.
