10 Entry-Level Information Technology Jobs

The Information Technology industry is brimming with opportunities for those at the start of their professional journey. With the right entry-level position, one can gain the experience and knowledge necessary to excel in this dynamic field. Whether starting with little to no experience or transitioning from another industry, the IT sector welcomes new professionals with a range of positions that cater to various interests and skill sets. Below we delve into these roles and discuss the certifications that can give you an edge in the job market.

1. IT Support Specialist: The First Line of IT Resolution

IT Support Specialists are critical for daily operations in any tech-dependent company. They are the problem-solvers and the support system for all technological queries.

Job Title: IT Support Technician

Job Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent; further education may be beneficial
• Fundamental knowledge of computer systems and software
• Excellent problem-solving and interpersonal communication skills

Job Duties:

• Addressing user tickets regarding hardware, software, and networking
• Walking customers through installing applications and computer peripherals
• Asking targeted questions to diagnose problems
• Guiding users with simple, step-by-step instructions
• Conducting remote troubleshooting
• Customizing desktop applications to meet user needs
• Recording technical issues and solutions in logs
• Directing unresolved issues to the next level of support personnel
• Following up with clients to ensure the problem is resolved
• Providing feedback on processes and making recommendations on improvements
• Training other staff on troubleshooting and diagnosing problems

Recommended Certifications:

• CompTIA A+
• Microsoft Certified: Windows 10
• ITIL Foundation
• Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT)

Average Salary: $35,000 – $50,000

Job Outlook: Steadily increasing as technology becomes more integral to business operations.

2. Network Technician: Architects of Communication

Network Technicians are essential in creating and maintaining the digital communication channels of an organization. They ensure seamless connectivity and are vital for the uninterrupted flow of information.

Job Title: Junior Network Administrator

Job Requirements:

• Associate degree in IT or related field; network-specific certifications may be required
• Fundamental understanding of networking concepts and systems

Job Duties:

• Installing, configuring, and supporting network equipment including routers, proxy servers, switches, WAN accelerators, DNS and DHCP
• Procuring network equipment and managing subcontractors involved with network installation
• Configuring firewalls, routing, and switching to maximize network efficiency and security
• Maximizing network performance through ongoing monitoring and troubleshooting
• Arranging scheduled upgrades
• Investigating faults in the network
• Updating network equipment to the latest firmware releases
• Reporting network status to key stakeholders

Recommended Certifications:

• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
• CompTIA Network+
• Juniper Networks Certified Associate – Junos (JNCIA-Junos)
• Wireshark Certified Network Analyst (WCNA)

Average Salary: $40,000 – $55,000

Job Outlook: Expected to grow as networks expand and become more complex.

3. Data Analyst: The Storytellers of Data

Data Analysts play a pivotal role in an organization by interpreting data to inform business decisions. They transform raw data into actionable insights, providing a narrative that guides strategic planning.

Job Title: Junior Data Analyst

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in statistics, mathematics, economics, or related field
• Strong analytical capabilities and proficiency with data analysis tools

Job Duties:

• Gathering information from various sources and interpreting patterns and trends
• Once data has been gathered and interpreted, the next step is to report back what has been found in a comprehensive study to the relevant members of the business
• Identifying new opportunities for process improvement
• Providing sector and competitor benchmarking
• Mining and analyzing large datasets, draw valid inferences and present them successfully to management using a reporting tool

Recommended Certifications:

• Microsoft Certified Data Analyst Associate
• SAS Certified Advanced Analytics Professional
• Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate
• Tableau Desktop Specialist

Average Salary: $45,000 – $60,000

Job Outlook: Highly favorable as businesses seek to harness data for competitive advantage.

4. Web Developer: The Creators of Digital Real Estate

Web Developers are the craftsmen of the internet, building everything from simple websites to complex online platforms. They turn creative designs into functional reality.

Job Title: Junior Web Developer

Job Requirements:

• Proficiency in web languages such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and frameworks like React or Angular
• Understanding of responsive design and development practices
• Ability to work with content management systems

Job Duties:

• Writing well-designed, testable, efficient code by using best software development practices
• Creating website layout/user interfaces by using standard HTML/CSS practices
• Integrating data from various back-end services and databases
• Gathering and refining specifications and requirements based on technical needs
• Creating and maintaining software documentation
• Being responsible for maintaining, expanding, and scaling sites
• Staying plugged into emerging technologies/industry trends and applying them to operations and activities
• Cooperating with web designers to match visual design intent

Recommended Certifications:

• Adobe Certified Expert (ACE)
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate
• Certified Web Professional (CWP)
• Google Mobile Sites Certification

Average Salary: $40,000 – $65,000

Job Outlook: Strong and growing, as businesses increasingly rely on a robust online presence.

5. Security Analyst: The Protectors of Information

Security Analysts are the guardians of the digital domain, ensuring the safety and integrity of data. They protect against cyber threats and maintain secure information practices.

Job Title: Entry-Level Cybersecurity Analyst

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Assurance, Security Studies, or a related field
• Knowledge of security across various platforms, including cloud services and mobile devices

Job Duties:

• Monitoring security access and performing security audits
• Installing, configuring, and updating security software
• Evaluating security policies and procedures and providing recommendations
• Performing vulnerability and networking scanning assessments
• Monitoring network traffic for unusual activity
• Configuring and supporting security tools such as firewalls, anti-virus software, patch management systems, etc.
• Defining, implementing, and maintaining corporate security policies
• Training fellow employees in security awareness and procedures
• Developing and managing security operations metrics

Recommended Certifications:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• CompTIA Security+
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate

Average Salary: $50,000 – $70,000

Job Outlook: Exceptionally high demand due to the rise in cyber threats and regulatory requirements.

6. Database Administrator: The Keepers of Data

Database Administrators (DBAs) ensure that databases run efficiently and securely. They are responsible for the performance, integrity, and security of a database.

Job Title: Junior Database Administrator

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field
• Familiarity with database query languages such as SQL

Job Duties:

• Installing and upgrading the database server and application tools
• Allocating system storage and planning future storage requirements for the database system
• Modifying the database structure, as necessary, from information given by application developers
• Enrolling users and maintaining system security
• Ensuring compliance with database vendor license agreement
• Controlling and monitoring user access to the database
• Monitoring and optimizing the performance of the database
• Planning for backup and recovery of database information
• Maintaining archived data
• Backing up and restoring databases

Recommended Certifications:

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate
• Oracle Database Administration Certified Professional
• IBM Certified Database Administrator
• MongoDB Certified DBA Associate

Average Salary: $45,000 – $65,000

Job Outlook: Steady, as data management is critical for all businesses.

7. Software Developer: The Architects of Digital Solutions

Software Developers are the creative minds behind computer programs of all sorts. While some may focus on applications for clients, others develop underlying systems that run devices or control networks.

Job Title: Junior Software Developer

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, or related field
• Strong grasp of programming languages such as Java, C++, Python, or Ruby

Job Duties:

• Designing, coding, and debugging applications in various software languages
• Software analysis, code analysis, requirements analysis, software review, identification of code metrics, system risk analysis, and software reliability analysis
• Object-oriented Design and Analysis (OODA)
• Software modeling and simulation
• Front end graphical user interface design
• Software testing and quality assurance
• Performance tuning, improvement, balancing, usability, and automation
• Support, maintain, and document software functionality
• Integrate software with existing systems
• Evaluate and identify new technologies for implementation

Recommended Certifications:

• Oracle Certified Associate Java SE Programmer
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate
• AWS Certified Developer
• Certified ScrumMaster® (CSM)

Average Salary: $50,000 – $75,000

Job Outlook: Excellent, with constant demand for new and innovative software solutions.

8. Systems Analyst: The Problem-Solvers of IT Systems

Systems Analysts are the multi-faceted professionals who analyze how well IT systems fit the business needs of their employer or client. They design and modify systems to solve problems.

Job Title: Systems Analyst Trainee

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related analytical field
• Strong analytical skills and a deep understanding of IT systems

Job Duties:

• Consulting with management to determine goals, time frames, budget, and staffing needs for IT projects
• Analyzing and evaluating the current business processes and the underlying systems and applications
• Designing solutions by analyzing requirements and constructing workflow charts and diagrams, studying system capabilities, and writing specifications
• Improving systems by studying current practices and designing modifications
• Recommending controls by identifying problems and writing improved procedures
• Defining project requirements by identifying project milestones, phases, and elements, forming project team, and establishing project budget
• Monitoring project progress by tracking activity, resolving problems, publishing progress reports, and recommending actions

Recommended Certifications:

• Certified Information Systems Analyst (CISA)
• International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) Certification
• CompTIA Project+
• Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)

Average Salary: $50,000 – $70,000

Job Outlook: Positive, as companies continue to seek ways to increase efficiency and effectiveness through technology.

9. Help Desk Technician: The IT Customer Service Experts

Help Desk Technicians are crucial in the IT industry. They ensure that end users receive the assistance they need to keep their systems up and running.

Job Title: Help Desk Associate

Job Requirements:

• A diploma in IT or related field; some roles may accept relevant experience in lieu of formal education
• Excellent customer service skills and the patience to guide users through solutions

Job Duties:

• Serving as the first point of contact for customers seeking technical assistance over the phone or email
• Performing remote troubleshooting through diagnostic techniques and pertinent questions
• Determining the best solution based on the issue and details provided by customers
• Walking the customer through the problem-solving process
• Providing accurate information on IT products or services
• Recording events and problems and their resolution in logs
• Following-up and updating customer status and information
• Passing on any feedback or suggestions by customers to the appropriate internal team
• Identifying and suggesting possible improvements on procedures

Recommended Certifications:

• CompTIA A+
• HDI Help Desk Technician
• Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP)
• Apple Certified Support Professional (ACSP)

Average Salary: $30,000 – $45,000

Job Outlook: Good, with steady demand for customer support in IT.

10. QA Tester: The Gatekeepers of Software Excellence

Quality Assurance Testers play a crucial role in the development process, meticulously combing through software applications to ensure they are free of bugs, user-friendly, and performant.

Job Title: Quality Assurance Tester

Job Requirements:

• Detail-oriented mindset with a methodical approach to tasks
• Knowledge of software development processes and principles
• Understanding of various testing methods including manual and automated testing

Job Duties:

• Developing and executing detailed, comprehensive, and well-structured test plans and test cases
• Identifying, documenting, and tracking bugs and inconsistencies
• Performing thorough regression testing when bugs are resolved
• Liaising with internal teams (e.g., developers and product managers) to identify system requirements and ensure consistent project execution
• Monitoring debugging process results and tracking quality assurance metrics (e.g., defect densities and open defect counts)
• Staying up-to-date with new testing tools and test strategies
• Conducting compatibility tests with various systems and platforms
• Participating in the design and development for test automation and support

Recommended Certifications:

• ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL)
• Quality Assurance Institute Certified Software Quality Analyst (CSQA)
• Certified Test Engineer (CSTE)
• Agile Testing Certification

Average Salary: $35,000 – $50,000

Job Outlook: Positive, as software and application development continues to expand.

Compelling Facts Related to Entry-Level Information Technology Jobs

Here are five compelling facts related to entry-level information technology jobs that might interest you:

1. Diversity of Educational Backgrounds: It’s a common misconception that all IT professionals must have computer science degrees. The reality is that many individuals in IT come from various educational backgrounds, including liberal arts. Some might gain hands-on experience through boot camps or by earning IT certifications, which can be just as effective for landing a job in the field​​.
2. Professional Skills Matter: While technical skills are essential, professional skills like communication, problem-solving, and project management are equally valued in the IT industry. In fact, professional skills are often highlighted as key attributes in job postings, demonstrating that the experience you might have from other industries can set you up for success in IT​​.
3. Strong Job Outlook: The tech industry, particularly in entry-level IT roles, is projected to grow significantly. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer and information technology jobs are expected to increase by 15% from 2021 to 2031. This growth rate is much faster than the average for all occupations, indicating a promising job market for those entering the field​​.
4. Resourcefulness is Key: IT professionals are not expected to know everything off the top of their heads. Given the rapid pace of technological change, it’s more important to be resourceful. Successful IT workers know how to find answers through research, collaboration, and utilizing various resources, rather than relying solely on memorized knowledge​​.
5. Variety of Roles and Career Paths: The field of IT is vast and offers a range of roles that cater to different interests and skills. From help desk technicians to software engineers and data analysts, entry-level IT jobs are diverse. Moreover, these roles can lead to various career paths, including technical, managerial, or product-focused trajectories, reflecting the dynamic nature of the industry​​​​.

For anyone interested in starting a career in IT, these facts underscore the breadth of opportunities available and the industry’s openness to individuals with different experiences and skill sets. With IT’s rapid growth, there’s a broad scope for career advancement and continuous learning.

Key Term Knowledge Base : Information Technology Technical Terms

Are you tech savvy? When working in an information technology role, it’s key to speak the lingo. Take a look at some of these common Information Technlogy related terms and see just how much you might already know. This compilation draws on information across multiple sources to ensure a comprehensive understanding.

Term	Definition
Authentication	Process validating a person’s identity when accessing a service or device.
Antivirus	Software for scanning and neutralizing threats on a device or network.
Backup	Copy of data to recover it in case of loss or deletion.
BYOD (Bring Your Own Device)	Policy allowing employees to use personal devices for work.
Botnet	Network of compromised computers for malicious acts.
Bug	Error or flaw in a system causing unexpected results.
Behavior Monitoring	Software that observes user activities against company policies.
Cybersecurity	Protection of information and systems from cyber threats.
Cloud Computing	Delivery of various services through the internet, like data storage and servers.
DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service)	Attack disrupting the target’s regular traffic by overwhelming it with internet traffic.
Encryption	Securing data by encoding and allowing access through a key.
Firewall	Defensive technology that protects a computer from external threats.
IP Address	Unique address for a device on a network.
Malware	Software intended to infiltrate or damage a computer system.
Ransomware	Malware that locks data, demanding a ransom for access.
Sandbox	Isolated environment for running and testing programs.
Spyware	Malware that secretly collects information about a user.
Zero Trust Architecture	Security approach eliminating implicit trust and continuously validating digital interaction.
Software	Applications used by a company for operations and customer services.
Hardware	Physical component of IT infrastructure.
IT Infrastructure	System of software, hardware, and networks required for IT operations.
Network	Connection of computers and devices ensuring security and data access.
ITIL (IT Infrastructure Library)	Best practices ensuring efficient IT service delivery.
ITSM (IT Service Management)	Activities and processes for creating and managing IT services.
SaaS (Software as a Service)	Subscription-based method of software delivery.
LAN (Local Area Network)	Network within a specific geographic area or limited to specific devices.
WAN (Wide Area Network)	Expansive network covering a larger geographic area than a LAN.
Ethernet	Standard wired network technology.
Server Management	Process ensuring optimized and safe server performance.
Adapter Card	Hardware component that enhances the capability of a computer.
Cascading Style Sheets (CSS)	Style sheet language used for describing the presentation of a document written in a markup language.
Dialog Box	A small area on screen, in which the user is prompted to provide information or select commands.
Graphical User Interface (GUI)	Interface allowing users to interact with electronic devices through graphical icons.
Internet Domain Name	A part of a network address that identifies it as belonging to a particular domain.
Multi-factor Authentication	Security system that requires more than one method of authentication from independent categories of credentials.
USB Port	Standard cable connection interface on computers and consumer electronics.
Virtualization	Creation of a virtual version of something, such as a server or network resources.
Cross-platform	Ability of software or an application to operate on different operating systems or devices.
Operating System (OS)	Software that manages computer hardware, software resources, and provides common services for computer programs.
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)	Method for delivering voice communications and multimedia sessions over IP networks.
VPN (Virtual Private Network)	Allows users to create a secure connection to another network over the Internet.
Wi-Fi	Technology for wireless local area networking with devices based on the IEEE 802.11 standards.
Wild Card	Special symbol used to substitute for one or more characters in a string of text.
Window	Rectangular area on a graphical user interface where programs and content appear.
Wireless Networking	Connecting devices without wires, often using Wi-Fi technology.
Workstation	High-powered computer designed for technical or scientific applications.
World Wide Web (WWW)	System of interlinked hypertext documents accessed via the Internet.
Worm	Self-replicating program that spreads through a network.
WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access)	Security protocol and security certification program developed by the Wi-Fi Alliance.
WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get)	System in which editing software allows content to appear similar to its appearance when printed or displayed as a finished product.
XDR (Extended Detection and Response)	Solution integrating multiple security products to provide more comprehensive threat detection and response.
XML (Extensible Markup Language)	Markup language that defines a set of rules for encoding documentsin a machine-readable format.
XHTML (Extensible Hypertext Markup Language)	A part of the family of XML markup languages, mirroring or extending versions of the widely used Hypertext Markup Language (HTML).
Zero-day	A cyber-attack that occurs on the same day a weakness is discovered in software.
ZTNA (Zero Trust Network Access)	A security framework where trust is never assumed and verification is required from everyone trying to access resources on a network.
Zip	A file format used for data compression and archiving.
Zip Drive	A removable floppy disk storage system that was introduced by Iomega.
Zoom	A feature in many applications that enables the magnification of the screen content for better visibility.

This table provides a starting point for IT professionals to understand the fundamental terms used in the industry.

Frequently Asked Questions Related to Entry-level Information Technology Jobs