14 Entry-Level Tech Jobs That Pay Over $55,000

An entry-level position usually means a low salary when starting your career. But there are some jobs out there that pay well in the tech industry.

You may have specific skills that can land you a good-paying position or a degree from a college or university that can help you get your foot in the door.

Check out these positions in the tech field to see if one meets your skill set to help boost your bank account.

A software developer designs computer programs and applications for customers. You may have to design a particular part of a computer program or ensure a current program runs optimally through testing and maintenance.

As a software developer, you can expect to make a median annual salary of $127,260, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

A web developer designs and maintains websites for clients. You may work for a company or perhaps work on a freelance basis as a designer.

Expect to earn a median annual wage of $78,580. The number of jobs in the position is expected to grow 16% between 2022 and 2032, which is faster than the national average for all positions, according to the BLS.

A computer support specialist is responsible for helping to maintain computer networks or customer interactions with computers. 

Some computer support specialist positions don’t require a college degree, which could make the position enticing for someone with a basic understanding of computers.

You can earn $59,660 in median annual income as a computer support specialist.

A graphic designer creates visuals to convey an idea or concept. You can draw and create an image by hand or use computer technology to do the work.

A graphic designer can work for a company or be a freelancer and earn a median annual income of $57,990.

You can use your communication skills to edit website content such as articles, blog posts, and images. You might also manage freelancers or staff contributors.

Editors typically need a bachelor’s degree in communications or related fields and can expect to earn a median annual income of $73,080.

A data scientist uses different tools and techniques to analyze and organize data. You may be responsible for collecting and analyzing data, using data visualization software, or making recommendations based on the data you’ve collected.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a data scientist can earn a median annual income of $103,500.

You may want to consider working as a computer systems analyst, studying how a computer system works and developing suggestions for how it can run better for your company or clients.

You usually need a bachelor’s degree in computer science for this type of job. Still, majors like business or liberal arts and previous skills can give you the experience needed for this role. Computer systems analysts make a median annual income of $102,240.

A database administrator is responsible for organizing systems to store data. You may design and build new databases, backup or restore existing ones, or test modifications to different systems.

The BLS reports that database administrators make a median annual income of $99,890.

A marketing manager generates interest in a client company with promotions, communications, and other means to promote the company or its product. 

You may be responsible for an online promotional campaign for advertisers or write and edit postings for social media accounts.

Expect to earn $140,040 in median annual income as a marketing manager.

A technical writer creates manuals, journal articles, and detailed documents about the technical aspects of a product or service to make them more easily understood. 

You can get a job with a bachelor’s degree and it helps to have some technical understanding of the specific topic.

You can earn a median annual wage of $79,960 as a technical writer, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Special effects artists are responsible for creating visual effects with computers used in the entertainment industry for movies and television shows. You’ll usually need a bachelor’s degree in computer graphics or art. 

As with any art-related job, you’ll need to present a portfolio of your work as part of the job search process for an entry-level position.

A special effects artist can make $98,950 in median annual income.

Plan data communications networks, including local area networks and intranet infrastructure, as a computer network architect. You will most likely need a bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field to get a job as a network architect.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics states you can earn a median annual income of $126,900 as a computer network architect.

A computer programmer writes, modifies, and tests computer software and applications. 

You'll probably need a bachelor’s degree to qualify,  and you should also consider specializing in one or more programming languages to help you get a job in the field.

Computer programmers can plan on a median annual income of $97,800.

As a computer hardware engineer, you will create and build physical pieces for computing. This type of engineer designs, develops, and tests computer components as part of the jobs. You usually need a bachelor’s degree to get a job as a computer hardware engineer.

As a computer hardware engineer, expect to earn a median annual income of $132,360.

A good-paying job can help you build wealth to achieve goals like owning a home or retiring early.

Besides these jobs in the tech industry being in demand, the high salaries often take into account the cost of living. 

Cities with many tech jobs, such as San Francisco and Seattle, have a higher cost of living than others, which could affect how much you’re able to save even on a high salary.