Are you looking to step into the tech workforce for the first time, or hoping to hop to your next job with less than a year of on-the-job industry experience?
The current hiring landscape is slightly challenging, with unemployment running at 4.1% and uncertainty hanging over whether a recession will emerge in 2025, experts say. But although employers are taking longer to hire, there are signs of improvement, says Ryan Sutton, executive director of recruiting firm Robert Half’s technology practice.
“We’re starting to see green shoots of growth throughout the economy. So, it is something we’re going to be very intrigued about, especially as we get closer to the hiring season of recent college grads this spring and the summer,” Sutton says.
As hiring improves, entry-level tech workers may want to seek out the 10 best entry-level tech jobs in 2025, based on Robert Half research. Additionally, in a recent interview with IEEE-USA InSight (see video below), Sutton provided advice on setting yourself apart from other candidates, avoiding common mistakes during the hiring process, increasing your visibility to hiring managers and recruiters, and expanding your job search.
10 Best Entry-Level Tech Jobs in 2025
This list is designed to give job candidates the best entry point and guidance based on their experience and goals in tech, Sutton says.
“It’s noteworthy that the 10 jobs we reference cover both what we call infrastructure, as well as software and application development,” says Sutton. “This is a great way to break it down because every candidate coming out of college or university has varying levels of experience and different degrees.”
Here’s a look at the 10 best entry-level tech jobs in 2025, based on Robert Half research, including starting salary, brief job description, requirements, typical responsibilities, and tips for how to gain an advantage as an applicant:
Database Developer — $109,250
Job Description: Database developers create databases and retrieve, add, update and delete data, mainly by using variations of the SQL language. Early-career database developers must choose the SQL variations they want to specialize in.
Job Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in computer science or related subject is needed. A Microsoft, Oracle, or other organization’s certification is also generally required.
Typical Responsibilities:
- Developing database objects and structures for data storage, retrieval, and reporting according to project data, integrity, and security specifications
- Assessing business rules and collaborating with peers to understand technical requirements, testing design, and tuning for performance
- Resolving problems and roadblocks promptly and reliably, following through on details and driving issues to a satisfactory conclusion for business users
Gaining an Advantage: Build a database from scratch using SQL and add it to your work portfolio. Your database content can be anything you like, such as your favorite restaurants.
Software Developer — $106,500
Job Description: Software engineers/developers design, install, test, and maintain software systems. Often, they write and code programs or modify third-party software to suit business needs.
Job Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in computer science or related discipline is often required. However, a stellar hackathon performance or open-source project can catch an employer’s attention.
Typical Responsibilities:
- Modifying, expanding, and updating applications
- Communicating with a team that includes analysts, engineers, and quality assurance testers to coordinate and document application development and testing
- Developing software prototypes
Gaining an Advantage: Become familiar with software development methodologies like Agile and DevOps.
Cybersecurity Analyst — $101,750
Job Description: Cybersecurity analysts guard an organization’s digital assets, constantly monitoring and responding to security threats. Their work involves a blend of hunting for potential threats and reacting to incidents, requiring a keen eye for anomalies and strong problem-solving skills.
Job Requirements: Associate’s degree in computer science or a related subject is frequently required. Employers will also consider candidates with two years of work experience in a cybersecurity-related role.
Typical Responsibilities:
- Designing and implementing robust security architectures for organizational IT systems
- Conducting regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing
- Implementing and managing security tools such as firewalls, IDS/IPS, and SIEM systems
Gaining an Advantage: Consider taking an entry-level cybersecurity certification course like CompTIA Security+ or CompTIA IT Fundamentals, EC-Council’s Certified Cybersecurity Technician (C|CT), or ISC2’s Certified in Cybersecurity Entry-Level Certification.
Front-end Web Developer — $86,000
Job Description: Front-end web developers create functional and attractive environments for users by combining an understanding of design and usability with practical development skills in web-related languages.
Job Requirements: HTML, CSS, and JavaScript knowledge is essential, as well as experience in testing procedures. Candidates must also possess a stunning website portfolio to demonstrate an ability to deliver website responsiveness and convenience.
Typical Responsibilities:
- Creating web- and mobile-based applications
- Managing website maintenance and enhancements
- Coding, designing, and editing the layout and functionality of websites
Gaining an Advantage: Demonstrate you’re working towards becoming a full-stack developer by becoming proficient in scripting languages like PHP and Python or database management systems, such as SQL or MySQL. Emphasize this effort when applying for the position.
Quality Assurance (QA) Analyst/Associate — $72,250
Job Description: QA associates/analysts create test cases to locate errors in internal software applications, provide accurate documentation and make recommendations on improving applications.
Job Requirements: Proficiency in software development methodologies, such as DevOps and Agile, and an IT-related degree are typically preferred. Soft skills, such as analytical problem-solving and a keen attention to detail are also required.
Typical Responsibilities:
- Developing, documenting and maintaining software test plans, test data and data validation
- Executing and evaluating manual or automated test cases to make sure objectives are met
- Reporting test results and facilitating test plan/case reviews with technical team members
Gaining an Advantage: Earn a Certified Associate in Software Testing (CAST) certification to demonstrate basic methods and concepts knowledge regarding software testing.
Network Operations Center (NOC) Technician — $60,500
Job Description: Network operations center (NOC) technicians monitor a company’s network systems and provide around-the-clock troubleshooting for phone platforms, routers and switches.
Job Requirements: Thorough understanding of IP and/or optical networks, adaptability and flexibility in interacting with various people, and strong problem-solving, communication and customer service skills are imperative.
Typical Responsibilities:
- Monitoring CPU performance, networks, servers, and applications
- Maintaining and repairing systems, such as server routing, firewalls, IP switching, and remote access protocols
- Managing coordination of vendor services, such as telecommunications and secure data storage
Gaining an Advantage: Become skilled in programming, operating systems like Linux, network monitoring, and performance tools to gain an edge. In some cases, employers may require these skills. A bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, or related subject area can also give you a leg up.
Desktop Support Analyst — $55,000
Job Description: Desktop support analysts have extensive experience with desktop hardware, software applications, operating systems, and network connectivity. They must be customer service-oriented and proactive in anticipating and resolving problems, while maximizing the efficient use of computing resources.
Job Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field, but employers are sometimes willing to substitute work experience for formal education. Ideally, you would have at least three years of experience installing and supporting PC and laptop hardware and software.
Typical Responsibilities:
- Maintaining an inventory of installed software, managing software licensing, and creating policies and procedures for upgrades
- Working with hardware and software vendors to verify timely product delivery and ensure that new equipment is installed and ready to operate on schedule
- Analyzing and making recommendations for hardware and software standardization
Gaining an Advantage: Become certified as an HDI Desktop Support Technician or Support Center Analyst, or earn a Microsoft Certified IT Professional or Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator designation.
Product Support Specialist — $50,250
Job Description: Product support specialists assist users with issues and concerns regarding a company’s products, offering software and technical support and resolving problems. They also engage in moderate system design and architecture, building and improving upon current automation.
Job Requirements: Strong customer service, problem-solving, and communication skills are essential.
Typical Responsibilities:
- Assisting users with product issues and concerns, and communicating steps to resolve problems
- Identifying and analyzing problems with software and hardware, including failures, bugs and system issues
- Reporting issues and user concerns to leadership
Gaining an Advantage: Consider obtaining a bachelor’s degree and experience in customer and/or technical support to increase your odds of landing the job.
Cable/Computer Technician — $42,500
Job Description: Cable/computer technicians implement and maintain cabling for their organization, including video surveillance, access systems, alarm systems, and networks.
Job Requirements: Demonstrate solid knowledge of cable and PC hardware, networking, Windows, problem-solving skills, and be detail-oriented.
Typical Responsibilities:
- Maintaining video surveillance, access control, door entry systems, fire alarm communicators, alarm systems and networks
- Installing new cable projects
- Testing, modifying, and fixing cable projects for issues that may arise
Gaining an Advantage: Obtain foundational certifications — such as CompTIA A+ — that focus on hardware, technical support, troubleshooting, as well as best practices in security, networking, operational procedures, and mobile devices.
Help Desk Tier 1 — $40,500
Job Description: Help desk professionals provide customer-focused IT support, resolving issues related to hardware, software and networks. They need excellent problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills, plus a strong understanding of the IT systems they support.
Job Requirements: Problem-solving abilities and remaining calm under pressure while working the help desk are key.
Typical Responsibilities:
- Taking initial telephone or email inquiries and troubleshooting and managing relatively simple hardware, software or network problems
- Recognizing and escalating more complex problems to Tier 2 support
- Logging call activity
Gaining an Advantage: Understand the basics of where you are assigned, be it hardware, networks or software, even though this position does not require advanced technical knowledge.
