The information technology sector is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world today. At present, it has an estimated annual growth rate of 4.2%, and is forecasted to become a $5 trillion industry by the end of 2021. There are many entry-level IT jobs available that are appropriate for beginners who are just starting their careers, as well as experienced professionals who are interested in entering the industry, or changing their job role within it.
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Top 10 Entry-Level Information Technology Jobs
As technology becomes more integrated into our day-to-day lives, and as new technology develops, businesses of all sizes are looking to hire entry-level IT professionals to help them adapt. Here’s a list of some great entry-level IT jobs that will help give you a solid foundation and put you on track towards more senior positions.
Computer Support Specialist
Computer support specialists troubleshoot problems with programs or machines by running tests, installing updates or patches, doing research online, or making suggestions to help users fix issues themselves. Some employers require a bachelor’s degree in computer science or information systems, while others may just require an associate’s degree in a computer-related field. The average salary for a computer support specialist is around $55,000 annually in the United States.
System Administrator
A system administrator is a person who has overall responsibility for computer systems at a company. The job involves general monitoring and maintaining of server computers and associated networks, workstations, and peripherals. A relevant degree or diploma in information systems or information technology is required. Having a Microsoft MCSE certification or similar is an added bonus. The average annual salary for a system administrator is around $63,000.
Network Engineer
Network engineers deal mainly with designing, building, maintaining, and improving private networks in order to allow organizations to communicate seamlessly across vast distances. You’ll usually need a degree in a subject such as computer science, or other related fields. The average annual salary for a network engineer is approximately $75,000.
Network Security Specialist
Network security specialists are IT experts who are adept at protecting and implementing access control systems by monitoring user account activity and managing passwords, privileges, and other authorization mechanisms. A network security specialist must have a degree in computer science, electronics, or any other related field. The average salary for a network security specialist is around $72,000.
Software Engineer
The software engineer is responsible for writing code for computer programs. They write new programs to update, fix, or create new parts of existing systems. They are also responsible for testing their programs before releasing them into production. A degree in computer science, software engineering, or another related field is generally required. The average salary for a software engineer is around $88,000.
Database Analyst
A database analyst is responsible for analyzing data to ensure that it’s accurate and current. This includes integrating, evaluating, organizing, storing, and retrieving information from a variety of sources. A degree in computer science or other relevant field is required. The entry-level database analyst’s salary is roughly $57,000.
Information Security Analyst
Information security analysts protect an organization’s network, systems, and data by identifying vulnerabilities and implementing protection mechanisms, such as firewalls and antivirus programs. They also monitor users’ actions to prevent sensitive data from being compromised. A degree in computer science or a related field is required. The average annual pay for an entry-level information security analyst is around $66,000.
Computer Systems Analyst
By combining business knowledge with technical expertise, computer systems analysts help companies better understand their computer needs — so they can operate as efficiently as possible. A bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science or a related field is required. The average annual pay for an entry-level systems analyst is about $60,000.
Hardware Engineer
A hardware engineer designs and tests electronic equipment to keep computers and related devices running smoothly. They take a product idea and determine what circuits, sensors, cables, software, and other components are needed to make it work. A bachelor’s degree in computer engineering or a related field is required. The average salary for an entry-level hardware engineer is $122,000 annually.
Business Intelligence Analyst
A business intelligence analyst is someone who takes data and gives it meaning by presenting it in a way that business leaders can understand. This person interprets data and reports in order to draw conclusions and make recommendations for action, typically in support of management decisions. A college degree in computer science, information technology, finance, or similar is required. An entry-level position starts at $70,000 per year.
IT Industry Overview
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that computer-related job postings will grow by 30% between 2016 and 2026, with jobs for software developers and computer systems analysts making up a large percentage of those positions. The BLS also projects that overall job growth will remain steady over that same time period, but more jobs will be available at the entry level than in higher positions.
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