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10 best entry-level tech jobs in 2023
There are tech jobs for people with all backgrounds and experience levels. The technology field is changing, and there are several career paths to consider.
For those looking to get into a new field, entry-level tech jobs offer roles that are in demand, such as software engineer, information security analyst and web developer. These roles are consistently changing with new innovations.
Many people are changing careers during the Great Resignation to find a better work-life balance. Tech careers offer a variety of roles for all skill levels, and some jobs can be completed remotely for those looking to work from home. Along with these careers, IT jobs offer areas for advancement and growth.
Employment in IT is projected to grow 15% over the next decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This annual growth rate is higher than annual growth rate for all occupations, which is between 5% to 8%.
Here are some of the best entry-level tech jobs to consider -- and many do not require experience to enter the technology field.
1. Web developer
Web developers create code for websites and apps using programming languages, such as PHP, Python, JavaScript, HTML, C++ and CSS. Some developers work with designers to create these pages, while others also do the website graphic design themselves. Web developers also update or build new websites over time.
There are different types of web developers. Back-end developers do the programming to make a website function. Front-end developers work on what people see and interact with on a website. Full-stack developers work on both the front and back ends of a website.
Skills needed for this position include interpreting a design into coding language, tracking changes made in code, using libraries and frameworks, and testing and debugging code. Training certification courses are available online, including from the following:
- LinkedIn Learning
- Coursera
- Wilco
- Udemy
- Codecademy
Median salary: $78,300
Job outlook: 23% annual growth rate
2. Software engineer
Software engineers or software developers use various programming languages, such as Python, C++, SQL and Java, to create new or update existing software. They also fall in the same categories as web developers -- front end, back end and full stack.
Software engineers need to work with a team to explain their coding actions. Career paths include management, product directors or a more technical track, such as an architect, to do more planning on the best ways to use technology and build products.
Most software developers have a background in coding or computer science, but some are self-taught. There are online coding boot camps and online courses to train for this position, such as ones on Coursera and Udemy.
Median salary: $109,020
Job outlook: 25% annual growth rate (faster than average)
3. DevOps engineer
DevOps is a combination term for development and operations. DevOps engineers use problem-solving skills, technical knowledge, coding and programming to analyze systems software. DevOps engineers differ from developers as DevOps engineers are more responsible for software automation maintenance and virtual services.
DevOps engineers are more involved at the planning stages of a software project, including setting up automation for the virtual server and all steps necessary to automatically build, test and release the application with new processes and updates.
Available courses and certifications include the following:
- AWS' Certified DevOps Engineer;
- Microsoft's Certified DevOps Engineer Expert; and
- Certifications from the DevOps Agile Skills Association.
Median salary: $126,454
Job outlook: The BLS does not use the DevOps engineer title, but similar roles -- such as software developers, QA analysts and testers -- have a 25% annual growth rate.
Learn the differences between cloud and DevOps careers.
4. Data scientist
Data scientists collect information and interpret data to look for ways the company can make process improvements. They also look for trends to determine any future needs.
Organizational skills are key to this profession, as data needs to be correctly analyzed, compiled and interpreted. Data scientists use data mining skills to help determine possible trends and make prediction models to guide business decisions.
Training for data scientists includes attending data science boot camps. Data scientists must be proficient in data programming languages, such as XML and JavaScript. People in this field should also be comfortable with segmentation, mathematics and data mining.
Median salary: $100,910
Job outlook: 36% annual growth rate
5. Computer systems analyst
Computer systems analysts review an organization's computing programs for opportunities to improve design through testing. The goal is to make all systems as efficient and effective as possible. Computer systems analysts research various technologies by determining both the costs and benefits to improve the company's efficiency.
Computer systems analysts regularly perform software audits and work with IT managers to execute improvements. They also oversee the configuration and installation of new systems to make sure they meet the needs of the company. Moreover, they work with administrators to test new programs and write manuals to train users.
Most computer systems analysts have a bachelor's degree in computer science, IT or mathematics. Some companies prefer those who also have a business background or an MBA.
Median salary: $99,270
Job outlook: 9% annual growth
6. Help desk support technician
Help desk support -- also known as IT support professionals -- work with customers to help fix technology issues. Individuals need to be familiar with the company's software, hardware and network, and they need to document steps used to solve the problem.
People in this role also need to have interpersonal skills to interact with customers and handle those who may be upset. People in this role must have empathy skills and respond calmly even if the customer is irate.
Future career opportunities stemming from this role include a path in IT, management of a company's computer systems, or other customer service and account manager roles to continue supporting customers.
Help desk technicians can take customer service courses to help with their interpersonal skills and IT courses to help with technology knowledge. There are some IT help desk courses available through sites such as CompTIA, LinkedIn Learning and Udemy.
Median salary: $57,910
Job outlook: 6% annual growth rate
7. User experience designer
A UX designer works with both customers and developers to create user-friendly technologies by observing how people interact with the design. UX designers look at the overall user journey to make sure users can find value in their interactions with the product or service.
UX design is different than UI design, which involves the actual design and creation of components that users interact with on the product or website. These components include graphics, buttons, tabs, links and other interactive elements. UX design manages the user journey, while UI design creates the actual interface.
To improve the customer experience, UX designers need to understand how people interact with technology. They need to understand how designs influence how a user engages with technology.
People in this role have a background in either graphic design or psychology. Google also offers a UX Design Certificate.
Median salary: $97,195
Job outlook: The BLS does not use the UX designer title, but similar roles -- such as digital designers -- have a 23% annual growth rate.
8. Database administrator
Database administrators develop, design, test and release database systems. They manage the entire lifecycle for database systems, which includes diagnosing and solving problems, monitoring performance, applying upgrades and improving efficiency.
Database administrators also migrate data from older to newer systems and manage the backup and recovery processes. Moreover, they select the right database technologies for the business needs, such as decision support systems, online payment processing systems, mass storage systems, data warehouse systems, and relational and nonrelational data stores. They use these systems to acquire, coordinate and promote data quality.
Training for this position requires SQL knowledge. Oracle University offers MySQL database training and certification.
Median salary: $101,000
Job outlook: 9% annual growth rate
9. Information security analyst
An information security analyst focuses on the company's computer and network security. They must have analytical and technical skills, be familiar with programming languages and be able to interpret possible attacks from cybercriminals. They are also responsible for monitoring and preventing cyber attacks and security breaches.
Information security analysts test and maintain antivirus software and firewalls and provide security training to other organization employees. The security analyst needs to stay on top of new security risks and provide suggestions to improve the organization's security weaknesses.
There are some certifications to prepare for this job, including CompTIA Security+, Global Information Assurance Certification Security Essentials and (ISC)2 Systems Security Certified Practitioner.
Median salary: $102,600
Job outlook: 35% annual growth rate
Learn more about the future of cybersecurity.
10. Network engineer
The cloud or network engineer develops, administers and maintains the company's network. They work to make sure that it is secure and scalable to meet business needs. This position is crucial and needs to be available to handle around-the-clock emergencies with software, hardware and network changes.
Cloud engineers work with engineers to manage network deployments and modify automation tools with guidance from other engineers and developers.
The Linux Foundation offers Cloud Engineer Bootcamp, and IBM also offers cloud training.
Median salary: $80,600
Job outlook: 3% annual growth rate
Those with the specific cloud engineer designation have the potential to make a higher salary than the network engineer designation. Learn more about cloud computing careers and how to get started.
