Technology is the driving force behind modern businesses, shaping how they recruit, operate, and communicate, among other things. It’s estimated that over 75% of companies will adopt big data analytics, e-commerce, AI, and cloud computing between 2023-2027. This growing adoption means the demand for skilled IT professionals is also increasing. (1)
Many entry-level IT jobs are now available in different industries. But most job seekers in tech ask, “How much money will I make as a newbie?” In this article, we’ll discuss entry-level IT salaries. Read on for the details.
Understanding Entry Level IT Roles
Entry-level IT roles require little to no experience. They’re designed for individuals who are getting started in their careers and don’t demand hands-on expertise in the IT field. However, you still need foundational knowledge of technology, some certifications, and some specific skills.
These entry-level roles help you gain experience and develop technical skills, laying the groundwork for a successful career in IT. The common ones include help desk technician, IT support specialist, network administrator, junior developer, systems administrator, and data analyst. These have varying salary ranges, which will be discussed later in the article.
Factors That Influence IT Salaries
Several factors influence IT salaries for entry-level professionals. These include:
Geographic Location
Where you work will significantly affect how much money you’ll make when starting as an IT professional. Places such as the San Francisco Bay Area, known as a big tech hub, have a higher salary rate than the national average. However, states in the Midwest have a low salary rate because of the low cost of living and ample opportunity to grow.
While larger metropolitan areas and tech hubs pay more due to the high cost of living and demand, remote jobs have enabled entry-level professionals to work in these companies but live in more affordable areas. To fully know the influence location has in terms of how much you’ll get paid, read an IT salary guide outlining different areas and their salary trends.
Industries
The demand for IT professionals across different industries has significantly grown. Both non-tech and tech companies are hiring for entry-level jobs. However, non-tech sectors such as finance and healthcare tend to pay more than most tech sectors as there’s a growing demand for secure and efficient systems. Tech companies also offer competitive salaries in high-skill areas. You can check out tech jobs postings online to find available roles in various industries.
Education and Certifications
While the IT jobs market is highly skill-centric, having relevant certifications and education can boost your salary. They show employers you have the necessary technical skills.
For example, one study found that job openings for IT experts with Web3 and AI experience grew 237% and 108%. So, if you can prove your expertise in such areas through certifications, you can negotiate a higher salary. Get certificates such as CompTIA A+ for IT support and help desk roles and Cisco CCNA for networking careers. (2)
Company Size
Larger firms such as Google and Microsoft will offer more competitive salaries compared to startups and smaller firms. They also provide more opportunities to learn and advance your career thanks to their numerous resources. However, smaller firms are a better fit if you’re looking for hands-on experience and quick promotion.
Average Entry-Level IT Salaries in 2025
As mentioned earlier, different roles have varying salary rates, which should also be a guiding factor. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
- Help Desk Technician: In this role, you assist users in troubleshooting problems and other technical issues. The salary rate is about USD$40,000 – USD$55,000 a year.
- Junior Software Developer: They write and test codes under guidance of senior developers. They can earn about USD$55,000 – USD$75,000.
- IT Support Specialist: These professionals help with hardware, software, and network issues. They earn about USD$45,000 – USD$60,000 a year.
- Network Administrator: As a network administrator, you’ll earn between USD$50,000 and USD$65,000 by managing and maintaining network systems.
- Systems Administrator: They oversee day to day working of computer systems and earn USD$55,000 – USD$70,000.
- Data Analyst: Data analysts earn USD$50,000 – USD$70,000, assisting organizations with their data strategy and generating insightful reports.
However, location greatly influences these rates, so look at how much money you can make once you factor in the cost of living.
Skills and Certifications That Can Boost Your Entry-Level Salary
Focus on building in-demand skills and obtaining industry-recognized certifications to maximize your earning potential. You can harness your knowledge of programming languages such as Python, Java, and JavaScript. You can also learn some database management skills through SQl and NoSQL systems. Don’t forget about cloud computing; predictions indicate that 90% of companies will adopt a hybrid cloud by 2027. (3)
The Path to Advancing Your IT Salary
While a beginner’s salary in IT can have a defined range, that doesn’t mean you need to settle for the least figure on the table. There are several ways that you can advance your salary.
First, start with professional development, where you pursue certifications in specialized areas such as cybersecurity. You can also seek mentorship from experienced professionals.
Secondly, network in your field. Use tech events and forums, social media, and meet-ups to build connections with those in the field. They could connect you to a well-paying job.
And finally, don’t forget to negotiate a better salary. Research the company’s pay scale and practice negotiation skills for a better offer.
Conclusion
The IT job market has a lot of opportunities for entry-level jobs. You can look at different companies and locations once you have the right skills and certifications. Most importantly, you should understand how much you can earn as an IT professional and try to settle for a role that pays best.
References:
- “Global ranking of technologies to be adopted by companies from 2023 to 2027”, Source: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1382924/technology-adoption-forecast/
- “There are plenty of open jobs for tech workers — they’re just not at tech companies”, Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/tech-job-openings-for-tech-workers-in-nontech-jobs-report-2023-2
- Gartner Forecasts Worldwide Public Cloud End-User Spending to Total $723 Billion in 2025: https://www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2024-11-19-gartner-forecasts-worldwide-public-cloud-end-user-spending-to-total-723-billion-dollars-in-2025