The 18 Best Entry-Level IT Jobs (2024)

Updated November 2023

Are you seeking a career in IT? If so, you’re in luck.

The job market for IT professionals is expected to multiply over the next few years. But it can be challenging to find your way into a new industry, especially when you’re a new graduate or are shifting professional gears.

Here, we give an overview of the best entry-level IT jobs for 2024 along with a quick summary of each position. If you’re ready to start your career in IT, read on!

Benefits of an Entry-level IT Job

Entry-level jobs provide the workplace experience needed to get started in your career as you explore job environments, gain transferable skills, network with like-skilled individuals, and build a powerful resume. They also give you an introduction to the industry and promote responsibility, commitment, teamwork, and personal development.

Education Required for Entry-level IT Jobs

Often, the recommended education is a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in Computer Science or a related field (e.g., Information Technology), but there are many careers in IT that don’t require a degree. If you already have a bachelor’s degree but not in a related field or from an accredited school, you could seek out relevant certifications.

How to Use IT Internships to Help You in Your Career

An IT internship can be a solid way to get started in the IT field. It can allow you to learn about different aspects of the industry and help you build your resume. When searching for internships, make sure you target companies, departments, or positions relevant to your career goals. Having internship experience can give you a head start when applying for full-time jobs.

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Top entry-level IT jobs

Now let’s take a look at some of the best entry-level jobs for 2024:

1. Software Developer

A software developer is responsible for writing and testing code to create software applications. They should be detail-oriented team players with excellent problem-solving skills

This is a great entry-level IT job because it can be used in various industries from healthcare to retail. They typically prefer a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Writing code in various programming languages
• Testing software for errors and fixing them
• Documenting code and applications
• Working with other developers to coordinate work

Job description: A software developer will design, create, and test code for programs. They’ll also write code for mobile applications or games.

Skills: Software developers need to have strong technical skills in programming languages like Java or Python and excellent communication and project management skills.

Salary range: The average annual compensation of a software developer in 2024 is $105,555.

2. Help Desk Technician

A help desk technician is responsible for handling technical support for a business or organization. This can include everything from teaching someone how to use their computer to troubleshooting software problems.

Help desk technicians need excellent interpersonal skills and a good understanding of technology to provide answers quickly when customers call with issues. They also need problem-solving skills to find solutions that both customers and the company can be happy with.

Responsibilities

• Taking calls from customers who have queries or complex issues
• Troubleshooting problems by asking detailed questions about what they’re experiencing
• Researching possible solutions (and often guiding the customer through those processes over the phone)
• Providing support for a wide range of technology products, from computers to software to printers

Job description: A help desk technician is the first line of defense to resolve technical issues within an organization or company. They handle customer inquiries and solve their problems as best they can.

Skills: Interpersonal skills, analytical thinking, and an aptitude for problem-solving are essential for success as a help desk technician.

Salary range: The average annual pay of a help desk technician in 2024 is $48,906.

3. Database Administrator

A database administrator is responsible for the design, security, troubleshooting, and maintenance of a company’s databases. They need to have a strong understanding of how data works and write code to create and manage databases. This is often an excellent first job for someone who wants to work with data in a big way.

Responsibilities

• Designing and creating databases that meet the needs of the business or organization.
• Ensuring that databases are secure from unauthorized access or tampering.
• Maintaining backups of all database files in case of disaster or system failure.

Job description: A database administrator (DBA) is responsible for designing, creating, securing, and maintaining a company’s database(s).

Skills: DBAs need to have a strong understanding of how data works plus a solid understanding of SQL.

Salary range: The average annual compensation for a DBA in 2024 is $96,051.

4. Cybersecurity Analyst

Cybersecurity analysts safeguard computer systems, networks, and data from cyber threats and breaches.

Responsibilities

• Responding to and resolving security incidents
• Assessing risks and vulnerabilities in an organization’s tech infrastructure
• Developing and enforcing security policies and procedures
• Configuring firewalls, antivirus solutions, and network security settings

Job description: Protect an organization’s digital assets and data from potential security threats and breaches by monitoring, analyzing, and responding to incidents as they arise. Plan ahead and prevent impending incidents through security measures and vulnerability assessments.

Skills: Some employers will look for relevant certifications such as CompTIA Security+ and proficiency in security tools. Entry-level cybersecurity analysts should also have analytical skills and a commitment to maintaining the highest security standards.

Salary range: The median yearly pay for cybersecurity analysts in 2024 is $112,000.

5. Network Administrator

A network administrator is responsible for planning and maintaining a company’s computer networks. They work with routers, switches, and other networking equipment to create a secure system that meets the needs of the business. This is often an excellent entry-level IT job for someone who wants to be responsible for all things networking.

Responsibilities

• Designing and planning computer networks that meet the needs of the organization
• Ensuring that networks are adequately maintained

Job description: A network administrator is responsible for designing, implementing and maintaining a company’s computer network(s).

Skills: Network administrators need to have a strong understanding of networking concepts and equipment and experience with networking interfaces.

Salary range: The average annual salary for a network administrator in 2024 is $76,069.

6. Systems Analyst

A systems analyst is responsible for supporting and implementing IT systems to meet business needs. They are in charge of analyzing a company’s current system, identifying areas to improve upon, or implementing new features into the system. This is often an excellent entry-level IT job for someone who wants to be responsible for all things related to systems implementation and testing.

Responsibilities

System analysis involves identifying problems within an organization’s current processes and coming up with solutions using technology (e.g., implementing ERP systems).

Job description: A systems analyst analyzes a company’s existing computer system(s) and identifies problem areas within those systems. They then design and implement new programs/technologies to solve these issues in the most efficient way possible. While also ensuring that all of the company’s needs are met.

Skills: Systems analysts need to be highly skilled in designing and testing processes. They should also have some knowledge about business operations and management principles for developing technologies that will meet both technical requirements and business objectives.

Salary range: The average annual pay for a systems analyst in 2024 is $83,641.

7. Web Developer

The web developer is responsible for the overall web development of a website. They work with clients to ensure that all their needs are met and develop code that will make the site function well and look good on any browser or device.

They create websites that meet user expectations while being easy to use and accessible across multiple platforms–such as mobile phones, tablets, laptops/desktops, etc.

This job requires extensive knowledge of coding languages such as HTML and CSS (as well as JavaScript).

Responsibilities

• Designing and implementing new features into existing sites
• Creating new websites
• Maintaining consistency throughout different pages by using consistent color schemes and font styles, etc.
• Working with customers to ensure their satisfaction

Job description: A web developer is responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of a company’s website(s).

Skills: Web developers need to be highly skilled in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript as well as software development processes like testing. They should also have some skills in platforms like WordPress, Shopify, WooCommerce, etc.

Salary range: The average annual compensation for a web developer in 2024 is $81,501 per year.

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8. QA Analyst

A quality assurance (QA) analyst is responsible for testing software and ensuring that it meets the company’s standards. They work with developers to create a test plan. They also execute tests on different versions of code before they’re released into production environments.

Also, QA analysts are responsible for finding bugs or other issues in those systems to fix before going live. And finally, they report their findings back up through management teams at all levels until those problems are solved and corrected permanently.

Responsibilities

• Creating a test plan based on requirements specified by developers. Executing various types of tests (functional, regression, etc.) as part of this process
• Document any errors found during testing phases/stages and how they impacted functionality within applications being tested. E.g., user interface elements were not functioning correctly due to missing code
• Reporting findings back up to be fixed before release into production environments

Job description: As a QA analyst, your job will be to test software, websites, and applications to ensure if functions as it should.

Skills: Quality assurance analysts need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and experience with tools. They should also know about software testing processes so they can create test plans that follow these guidelines during execution stages before going live on production environments where end-users will use them daily without any issues.

Salary range: The average annual pay for a QA analyst in 2024 is $85,024 per year.

9. Technical Writer

A technical writer is responsible for creating and editing documentation related to the company’s products or services. They work with developers, engineers, and other stakeholders to determine how those products/services are designed and function. And then turn that into easy-to-follow user manuals, tutorials, and white papers so customers can understand them without needing a background in technology themselves.

Responsibilities

• Gathering information from different team members about product design and functionality
• Writing and editing clear, concise documentation that’s easy to follow by anyone
• Performing quality assurance checks on all final documents before they’re published
• Working with marketing teams to ensure that all created content is aligned with branding guidelines and messaging

Job description: As a technical writer, your job will be to create and edit documentation related to the company’s products or services.

Skills: Excellent writing skills, attention to detail, ability to take complex topics and break them down into easily understandable language for a wide range of audiences. Must be able to work independently and part of a team.

Salary range: The average annual pay for a technical writer in 2024 is $77,097.

10. IT Technician

An IT technician is responsible for installing, configuring, and maintaining computer systems and networks within an organization. They work with employees to identify and solve any issues concerning their technology infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Installing and configuring computer systems and networks.
• Troubleshooting technical problems.
• Providing support to users.
• Making recommendations on how best to optimize system performance.
• Working with senior technicians and management as needed.

Job description: As an IT technician, you would be responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing computer systems and networks in businesses or organizations.

Skills: Knowledge of various operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux); basic networking skills; strong problem-solving abilities; excellent customer service and communication skills are needed.

Salary range: The average annual salary for an IT technician in 2024 is $57,161.

11. Information Security Analyst

An information security analyst is responsible for protecting an organization’s computer systems and networks from cyberattacks. They work to identify potential threats and vulnerabilities and put measures to mitigate them.

Responsibilities

• Identifying potential threats and vulnerabilities.
• Implementing security controls to mitigate risk.
• Developing policies and procedures related to information security.
• Conducting regular assessments of system health and safety.
• Working with senior management as needed.

Job description: As an information security analyst, your job is to protect and monitor the computer networks of your organization.

Skills: Strong knowledge of network security principles and practices; experience with various types of malware/viruses; excellent communication skills; attention to detail are needed.

Salary range: The average annual compensation for an information security analyst in 2024 is $90,296.

12. Cloud Engineer

A cloud engineer is responsible for designing, building, and managing cloud-based systems for an organization. They work with the IT team to ensure that all cloud systems run smoothly and efficiently.

Responsibilities

• Designing and building cloud-based systems
• Managing system performance and availability
• Working with senior engineers and management as needed

Job description: As a Cloud engineer, your job is to work in a company’s cloud services. You’ll help your organization by developing, designing, and implementing their systems which are based on the Cloud.

Skills: Strong knowledge of network architecture principles; experience in AWS or Azure; good problem-solving skills; excellent communication skills.

Salary range: The average annual compensation for a cloud engineer in 2024 is $124,140.

13. Tech Support Specialist

A tech support specialist is responsible for providing technical assistance to customers via phone, email, or in-person. They work with clients to troubleshoot issues and get them back up and running again as quickly as possible.

Responsibilities

• Providing technical assistance.
• Responding to customer inquiries.
• Resolving problems and escalating them when necessary.
• Handling stressful situations that may arise from the time-to-time.

Job description: As a tech support specialist, your job is to help customers with their technical issues.

Skills: To be a tech support specialist, you should have excellent customer service skills, be able to solve problems, and have a good understanding of technology.

Salary range: The average annual pay for a tech support specialist in 2024 is $57,760.

14. Systems Administrator

Systems administrators ensure that computer systems and networks run smoothly. They install and maintain software, troubleshoot problems, and check security compliance.

Responsibilities

• Installing and maintaining software
• Troubleshooting problems with computer systems and networks
• Ensuring security compliance

Job description: As a Systems Admin, your job will be to install, configure. and support an organization’s local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), and internet systems or a segment of a network system.

You will be responsible for monitoring the network to ensure availability to all system users and perform necessary maintenance to support network availability. You may also analyze and resolve problems associated with network hardware, software, and communication lines.

Skills: Strong technical skills; good communication skills; attention-to-detail when it comes time for installation processes.

Salary range: The average annual pay for a systems administrator in 2024 is $82,802.

15. Network Engineer

A network engineer is responsible for designing, building, and managing computer networks. In addition, they work with other IT professionals to ensure that network systems run smoothly and efficiently.

Responsibilities

• Designing, building, and managing computer networks.
• Working with other IT professionals to ensure that systems are running smoothly and efficiently.
• Providing support services when necessary, including troubleshooting problems as they arise or assisting users with networking issues.

Job description: As a network engineer, your job will be to establish and maintain computer networks.

Skills: Excellent technical knowledge of computer systems and networks and analytical abilities. Firewall and Cloud computing skills are also needed.

Salary range: The average annual salary for a network engineer in 2024 is $95,588 per year.

16. Cryptographer

Cryptographers are responsible for creating and breaking codes. Governments, companies, or individuals often employ them to protect information from being seen by unauthorized parties.

Responsibilities

• Creating and breaking codes
• Encrypt sensitive data
• Working with other IT professionals to ensure system security

Job description: As a Cryptographer, you will create and break codes to protect important information. You may also be responsible for creating new encryption methods that cannot easily be broken.

Skills: Strong mathematical skills, analytical abilities, and problem-solving skills are needed for this role.

Salary range: The average annual pay for a cryptographer in 2024 is $54,684.

17. Security Architect

A security architect is in charge of designing, building, and maintaining security structures. They work with other IT professionals to ensure that security structures are put in place.

Responsibilities

• Building security structures
• Running tests on new systems before they are installed to ensure proper functionality and security compliance
• Working with other IT professionals to ensure system security
• Providing support services when necessary, including troubleshooting problems as they arise

Job description: As a security architect, you will be responsible for designing and implementing security measures for computer networks and systems.

Skills: Strong knowledge of cyber security cryptography, experience with firewalls and intrusion detection systems.

Salary range: The average annual pay for a security architect in 2024 is $156,541.

18. DevOps Engineer

DevOps engineers play a focal role in streamlining software development and IT operations. For entry-level candidates who want to blend their development and IT expertise, this is an ideal role to aim for.

DevOps engineers automate the software development and deployment process using continuous integration/continuous development (CI/CD) methodology.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and manage CI/CD pipelines to aid in building, testing, and deploying software
• Work with containerization technologies and orchestration tools
• Monitoring and logging incidents
• Developing and maintaining infrastructure code
• Identifying opportunities for automation

Job description: DevOps engineers sit at the intersection of software development and IT operations to streamline the software development process, improve efficiencies, and ensure the reliability and scalability of software systems.

Skills: Familiarity with programming languages as well as automation, orchestration, and containerization tools. They should understand the basics of cloud platforms, monitoring, logging, and security awareness. Ideal candidates will be strong communicators and collaborators.

Salary range: The average annual pay for a DevOps engineer in 2024 is $111,053.

Conducting a Self-Assessment for an Entry-Level IT Job

Before you begin your entry-level job search, it’s an excellent idea to take an assessment to identify your strengths, weaknesses, skills, and values that you can offer to a company.

Try performing a SWOT analysis or taking a free online skills or personality test. Once you identify your strengths (and areas for improvement), you’re better able to explore career options.

From cloud engineers to security architects, there are exciting job options available to anyone pursuing a career in the tech industry. IT jobs offer the chance to be on the cutting edge of our society’s advancement in communications, trade, and web development.

With an investment into education, the right internship, and certifications, you’ll be well on your way to the career of your dreams.

When you’re ready to work for a new company or kickstart your career, head over to the Insight Global job board, where you will find thousands of listings.

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