The tech job market for recent college graduates has shifted significantly. With entry-level openings down 50% from pre-pandemic levels and Big Tech firms reducing new graduate hiring by 25% since 2023, competition is intense [1]. However, specific roles still offer strong opportunities for newcomers. This article identifies 15 attainable entry-level tech positions with clear salary expectations and required skills based on current market data for 2025.

What Makes a Tech Job Entry-Level in 2025

Today’s “entry-level” tech roles typically require 0-2 years of professional experience, though the definition has shifted. Many positions labeled entry-level now expect candidates to demonstrate practical skills through internships, personal projects, or certifications. The infamous experience paradox, needing experience to get experience, has intensified, with 70% of “entry-level” postings requesting 1-3 years of related experience [2]. Yes, they want you to have work experience for the job that gives you work experience. This makes portfolios, GitHub contributions, and technical projects essential for breaking in.

15 Entry-Level Tech Jobs with Salary and Skills

Job Title	Salary Range	Key Required Skills	Growth Industries
Software Developer/Engineer	$65,000-$120,000	JavaScript, Python, Java, React.js, Git	Manufacturing (+119%), Finance (+130%)
Data Analyst	$75,000-$85,000	SQL, Excel, Tableau/Power BI, Python/R	Healthcare (+63%), Consulting (+63%)
Cybersecurity Specialist	$113,675-$115,411	Threat detection, Security frameworks, Compliance	All industries (2.3% unemployment)
Cloud Support Engineer	$76,225-$87,597	AWS, Azure/GCP, Linux, Networking	Cross-industry demand
IT Support Specialist	$44,500-$50,000	Hardware troubleshooting, Windows/macOS, Networking	Stable demand (2.5% unemployment)
Quality Assurance Tester	$55,000-$75,000	Test case development, Bug tracking, Automation tools	Software development
Technical Writer	$60,000-$80,000	Written communication, Information architecture, Documentation tools	Technology, Healthcare
UX/UI Designer	$65,000-$90,000	Figma/Adobe XD, User research, Wireframing	Product companies, Agencies
Database Administrator	$65,000-$75,000	SQL, Database platforms, Backup/recovery	Finance, Healthcare (2.6% unemployment)
DevOps Engineer	$70,000-$95,000	Scripting, Docker, CI/CD, Infrastructure as Code	Software, Cloud services
Business Intelligence Analyst	$65,000-$85,000	SQL, Data visualization, Business metrics	Finance, Retail, Healthcare
Mobile App Developer	$75,000-$100,000	Swift/Kotlin, React Native, API integration	Product companies, Agencies
Technical Consultant	$80,769 average	Technical foundation, Client communication	Consulting firms
Customer Success Manager	$60,000-$80,000	Product knowledge, Customer relations, Technical troubleshooting	SaaS companies
AI/ML Engineer	$80,000-$110,000	Python, ML frameworks, Data preprocessing	AI-focused companies

1. Software Developer/Engineer

Despite market contraction, software engineering remains a core component of tech hiring with strong entry-level demand.

Salary Range: $70,634 (Indeed average) to $104,863 (ZipRecruiter average), with the 25th percentile at $65,000 and the 75th at $120,000 [3].

Required Skills:

• JavaScript, Python, Java

• React.js (most in-demand front-end framework)

• Version control with Git

• Basic understanding of databases

• Problem-solving and algorithmic thinking

Portfolio Examples:

• Full-stack web application using a React front end and a Node.js/Express back end

• Personal finance tracker with complete CRUD functionality and user authentication

• Weather dashboard with API integration and dynamic charts

Software development has relatively stable hiring, particularly in industries like manufacturing (up 119%) and finance (up 130%) [4].

2. Data Analyst

Companies increasingly need professionals who can extract insights from their data.

Salary Range: $75,000-$85,000 for remote roles; higher in major tech hubs.

Required Skills:

• SQL (fundamental for database querying)

• Excel/Google Sheets proficiency

• Data visualization (Tableau, Power BI)

• Basic Python or R for analysis

• Statistics fundamentals

• Clear communication of technical findings

Portfolio Examples:

• Sales insights dashboard combining SQL ETL processes with Tableau visualization

• Healthcare analytics project analyzing hospital patient records for public health insights

• App marketplace analysis using Python/Pandas to recommend profitable features

Data analysts enjoy strong demand across industries, with particular growth in healthcare (up 63%) and consulting (up 63%) [4].

3. Cybersecurity Specialist

With increasing digital threats, security roles offer excellent job security and growth potential.

Salary Range: $113,675-$115,411 [2].

Required Skills:

• Threat detection and incident response

• Knowledge of security frameworks (NIST, ISO)

• Compliance understanding (HIPAA, GDPR)

• Network security principles

• Security tools and monitoring systems

Cybersecurity unemployment is very low, which indicates persistent skills shortages.

4. Cloud Support Engineer

As organizations continue migrating to cloud platforms, support roles offer accessible entry points.

Salary Range: $76,225-$87,597

Required Skills:

• AWS fundamentals (most dominant platform)

• Azure or Google Cloud basics

• Linux administration

• Networking knowledge

• Troubleshooting methodologies

• Customer service orientation

Cloud computing skills appear in approximately 10% of all tech job requirements, with an AWS certification being particularly valuable [5].

5. IT Support Specialist/Help Desk Technician

This classic tech entry point remains viable and offers pathways to specialization.

Salary Range: $44,500-$50,000

Required Skills:

• Hardware troubleshooting

• Windows/macOS administration

• Basic networking concepts

• Active Directory/user management

• Ticketing systems

• Strong communication skills

Daily Tasks:

• Troubleshooting hardware, software, and network issues

• Responding to user support requests via phone, email, or chat

• Installing and configuring computers and software

• Conducting system updates and routine maintenance

• Training users on technology use

• Documenting problems and solutions

Key Challenges:

• Prioritizing multiple support requests under time pressure

• Explaining technical concepts to non-technical users

• Staying updated on new technologies and security threats

Career Advancement Path:
Specialization in network administration, systems administration, or cybersecurity, or progression to IT management roles. This requires additional certifications and experience with complex IT environments.

IT support roles maintain a low unemployment rate and serve as stepping stones to specialized IT careers.

6. Quality Assurance Tester

QA roles blend technical skills with methodical approaches to ensure software quality.

Salary Range: $55,000-$75,000

Required Skills:

• Test case development

• Bug tracking and reporting

• Automation tools (Selenium, TestComplete)

• API testing knowledge

• Understanding of development processes

Daily Tasks:

• Designing and executing manual or automated software test cases

• Logging defects and verifying bug fixes

• Documenting test results

• Collaborating with developers

• Ensuring software quality before release

Key Challenges:

• Handling frequent requirement changes

• Working under tight deadlines

• Balancing manual and automated testing

• Ensuring coverage across different platforms

Career Advancement Path:
Learning test automation, obtaining ISTQB certifications, developing programming skills, and progressing to QA Lead, QA Automation Engineer, or Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) positions.

7. Technical Writer

Documentation skills are increasingly valued as technical products grow more complex.

Salary Range: $60,000-$80,000

Required Skills:

• Exceptional written communication

• Information architecture

• Technical knowledge in relevant domains

• Documentation tools (MadCap Flare, Confluence)

• Basic understanding of code concepts

Daily Tasks:

• Researching technical information and interviewing subject matter experts

• Writing and editing manuals, user guides, FAQs, and process documentation

• Formatting content and collaborating with engineers or developers

• Updating documents as products evolve

Key Challenges:

• Grasping complex technical topics quickly

• Keeping up with rapid product or software changes

• Ensuring documentation clarity for non-experts

• Managing multiple projects on tight schedules

Career Advancement Path:
Specializing in particular technologies, moving to content strategy or documentation management, or shifting into UX writing or product management. Building a portfolio of writing samples and experience with documentation tools is essential.

8. UX/UI Designer

Design roles blend creativity with a technical understanding of user interfaces.

Salary Range: $65,000-$90,000

Required Skills:

• Figma or Adobe XD proficiency

• User research methodologies

• Wireframing and prototyping

• Understanding of design systems

• Basic HTML/CSS

• Strong portfolio demonstrating process

Portfolio Examples:

• Mobile app redesign with a complete case study, including user research, wireframes, and prototypes

• E-commerce UX optimization showing before-and-after analysis with usability testing

• End-to-end app concept demonstrating the full design process from user journey to UI kit

9. Database Administrator (Junior)

Organizations need professionals to maintain their critical data infrastructure.

Salary Range: $65,000-$75,000

Required Skills:

• SQL proficiency

• Database platforms (MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQL Server)

• Backup and recovery procedures

• Performance optimization

• Security principles

Database roles maintain low unemployment and provide foundational skills applicable across the tech industry.

10. DevOps Engineer (Associate)

Entry-level DevOps positions focus on automating and improving development processes.

Salary Range: $70,000-$95,000

Required Skills:

• Basic scripting (Python, Bash)

• Containerization (Docker)

• CI/CD concepts

• Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, CloudFormation)

• Monitoring tools

DevOps practices have become standard, with Docker and Kubernetes being among the most in-demand skills [5].

11. Business Intelligence Analyst

BI roles transform data into actionable business insights.

Salary Range: $65,000-$85,000

Required Skills:

• SQL querying

• Data visualization tools

• Understanding of business metrics

• ETL concepts

• Presentation skills

Business intelligence combines technical skills with business acumen, making it attractive for those with mixed interests.

12. Mobile App Developer

Mobile development continues to offer specialized opportunities.

Salary Range: $75,000-$100,000

Required Skills:

• Swift for iOS or Kotlin for Android

• React Native for cross-platform

• Mobile UI design principles

• API integration

• App store deployment processes

Mobile skills remain in demand, particularly React Native for cross-platform development [5].

13. Technical Consultant

Consultants provide technical expertise and solutions to clients.

Salary Range: $80,769 average

Required Skills:

• Strong technical foundation

• Client communication

• Project management basics

• Problem-solving approach

• Presentation abilities

Consulting firms often offer structured early-career programs with rotational experiences.

14. Customer Success Manager (Technical)

Technical CSMs help customers implement and optimize complex products.

Salary Range: $60,000-$80,000

Required Skills:

• Product knowledge

• Customer relationship management

• Technical troubleshooting

• Onboarding and training abilities

• Explaining the product’s business value

CSM roles blend technical knowledge with customer engagement, utilizing both communication and technical skills.

15. AI/ML Engineer (Junior)

While typically requiring more specialized skills, junior AI roles exist for those with the right background.

Salary Range: $80,000-$110,000

Required Skills:

• Python programming

• Machine learning frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch)

• Data preprocessing

• Model evaluation

• Understanding of AI ethics

AI/ML represents a key skills shortage area with substantial future growth potential.

High-Value Certifications and ROI

Certification	Cost	Avg. Prep Time	Best-Aligned Job Roles
AWS Cloud Practitioner	$100 + study materials ($10-$50)	1-4 weeks	Cloud support associate, junior DevOps, cloud admin
CompTIA Security+	$392-$1,500+	1-3 months	Cybersecurity analyst, IT security specialist, security administrator
Google Data Analytics	$160-$300 (Coursera subscription)	3-6 months (10hr/wk)	Junior data analyst, business intelligence analyst

These certifications offer measurable ROI for recent graduates. The AWS Cloud Practitioner provides the fastest entry point to cloud roles, and the CompTIA Security+ opens doors to high-demand cybersecurity positions.

Skills That Matter Most in 2025

According to current hiring data, these technical skills offer the highest return on investment:

Programming Languages:

• Python: The most versatile and desired language across data science, automation, and back-end development [5].

• JavaScript: Fundamental for web development (11% of developer hires) [5].

• React.js: The most in-demand front-end framework [5].

Data Management:

• SQL: A universal requirement for data-focused roles.

• Database technologies (MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB)

• Data visualization (Tableau, Power BI)

Cloud Platforms:

• AWS certification (appears in 10% of top tech requirements) [5].

• Azure or Google Cloud exposure

• Containerization (Docker, Kubernetes)

Essential Soft Skills:

• Problem-solving

• Communication and documentation

• Teamwork and collaboration

• Adaptability and continuous learning

• Time management

Major Corporate Programs for 2025 Graduates

Program	Target Class Year	Major/Field Requirements	Region	Key Details
Microsoft Aspire	Recent graduates	Any major	Global	Must be within 12 months of graduating
Microsoft Explore	1st/2nd year students	CS/CE/Software Engineering	US/Canada/Mexico	Intro CS + Calculus completed
Google STEP	1st/2nd year students	CS/related technical field	EMEA	Java/C++/Python proficiency required
NVIDIA Ignite	1st/2nd year students	STEM or Business-related	US	Focus on underrepresented students
Northrop Grumman Students & Entry-Level Careers	Recent graduates and interns	STEM/Engineering	Global	Explore roles and programs at Northrop Grumman

Application Timeline:

• Deadlines are often in the fall for programs starting the following year, so check company websites early.

• Most programs open in the fall with 1-2 month application windows.

• There are no explicit minimum GPA requirements, but competitive academic records (>3.0) are preferred.

High-Growth Industries and Specific Opportunities

Manufacturing (+119% growth)

Companies: Honeywell, Intellyk, Kapco
Typical Tech Roles:

• Software Developers: Manufacturing automation coding using PLC scripting, Python/C++ for robotics.

• Data Analysts: Production data analysis and process optimization dashboards, quality control automation.

Healthcare (+63% growth)

Typical Tech Roles:

• Software Developers: Clinical workflow software development, machine learning for disease prediction.

• Data Analysts: Genomic and clinical dataset analysis, healthcare BI dashboards, and compliance analytics.

Finance (+130% growth)

Typical Tech Roles:

• Software Developers: Financial data pipelines and ETL processes, fraud detection models.

• Data Analysts: Business intelligence for pricing and risk assessment, customer transaction analysis using SQL, Python, and Tableau.

Salary Expectations by Region

Location	Junior Software Engineer	Data Analyst	Cybersecurity Specialist
San Francisco/Bay Area	$105,000-$130,000	$85,000-$105,000	$120,000-$140,000
New York	$95,000-$120,000	$80,000-$95,000	$110,000-$130,000
Seattle	$90,000-$115,000	$75,000-$90,000	$105,000-$125,000
Austin	$80,000-$100,000	$70,000-$85,000	$95,000-$115,000
Denver/Boulder	$85,000-$105,000	$70,000-$90,000	$100,000-$120,000
Remote	$75,000-$95,000	$65,000-$85,000	$90,000-$110,000

Based on aggregated salary data from multiple sources [2][3]

Where to Find These Jobs

1. Networking: This is seen as a highly effective job search method.

   • University alumni networks

   • Professional associations

   • LinkedIn connections

   • Industry meetups and conferences

2. Targeted Job Boards

   • Indeed, LinkedIn, Glassdoor

   • Industry-specific: Dice, Built In, AngelList

   • Diversity-focused: Outreachy, Jopwell

3. High-Growth Regions

   • Pennsylvania (50% YoY tech job growth)

   • New York (25% growth)

   • Georgia (19% growth)

   • Colorado/Denver/Boulder tech hub [4]

4. Company Career Sites

   • Explore dedicated entry-level portals like Northrop Grumman Students & Entry-Level Careers.

Getting Your Foot in the Door

1. Build a compelling portfolio

   • GitHub contributions demonstrating consistent coding activity

   • Personal projects showcasing relevant skills for target roles

   • Open-source contributions to established projects

2. Optimize your resume for ATS systems

   • Include keywords from job descriptions

   • Quantify achievements when possible

   • Focus on relevant coursework and projects

3. Prepare for technical interviews

   • Practice coding challenges (LeetCode, HackerRank)

   • Prepare for behavioral questions using the STAR method

   • Research company-specific interview processes

4. Consider strategic stepping stones

   • Internships (even post-graduation)

   • Contract positions leading to full-time offers

   • Freelance projects to build experience

   • Technical support roles as entry points to specialization

Conclusion

While the 2025 entry-level tech market presents challenges with hiring down 50% from pre-pandemic levels, targeted opportunities remain accessible. Focus on developing practical skills through projects and certifications, build a strong portfolio, and target growth areas like cybersecurity, data analysis, and cloud computing. Your approach should be strategic, emphasizing skills development, networking, and persistence. Companies still need fresh talent, but you will need to demonstrate capabilities beyond your degree to stand out in this competitive market.

Sources:
[1] https://signalfire.com/state-of-tech-talent-report-2025
[2] https://www.coursera.org/articles/cybersecurity-jobs
[3] https://www.indeed.com/career/entry-level-software-engineer/salaries
[4] https://dice.com/tech-job-report-2025
[5] https://www.turing.com/blog/it-hiring-trends-us-companies-most-in-demand-skills-23