Want to Break Into the Lucrative World of Tech? Here Are 10 Entry-Level Tech Jobs You Should Strive to Obtain

It’s no secret that the most in-demand jobs in today’s society are tech-oriented ones. The number of tech jobs is expected to grow by 14.2% from 2022 to 2032. 

One of the great advantages of entering the technology industry is that it’s still relatively easy to find entry-level tech jobs. Not only are these roles among the highest-paying entry-level positions available, but they also often offer the flexibility of remote jobs. While many people usually think about coding and programming when considering tech jobs, there are many entry-level tech positions available beyond just coding. Let’s explore some of the top tech careers that entry-level job seekers can aim for.

1. Product Manager

The Product Manager (PM) is a person tasked with overseeing the creation, development, and release of a product at tech companies. This highly demanding yet fulfilling entry-level role requires knowledge of various fields. PMs coordinate with different departments and complete ad-hoc projects, with tasks varying from company to company. Here’s a breakdown of a PM’s scope of work:

• Pre-development: The PM analyzes and researches what needs a product must fulfill to be useful. They ensure that their product satisfies users and isn’t redundant or obsolete compared to existing products.
• Development: The PM coordinates with the Project Manager to ensure key deadlines are met and roadmaps are designed to keep the project on track. While the Project Manager executes individual projects, the PM designs the overall project plan.
• Post-development: After a product is complete, the PM gathers and utilizes data to optimize future updates and new products.

Skills Required: Successful PMs need both technical and non-technical skills (soft skills), such as interpersonal skills, problem-solving skills, time management, analysis, and leadership skills, Agile methodology, Scrum methodology, UX design, market research, vendor management, and A/B testing.

Demand and Salary: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job of project manager is growing by 6%. Project Management specialists make an average of $95,000 per year.

2. UX/UI Designer

UX/UI Designers are responsible for the visuals and user interactions you experience when using an app or website. They are an indispensable factor at top tech companies. UX designers focus on the overall user journey, while UI designers concern visual appeal. This entry-level tech position involves gathering data, creating minimal viable products, and conducting user tests. Skills in UI design, web development, and data-oriented tools are essential.

Skills Required: Essential skills include UI and visual design and tools like Photoshop and Affinity. Understanding web development, HTML, and JavaScript is crucial for front-end work. Data-oriented skills like wireframing, user testing, and prototyping are also important.

Demand and Salary: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of UX designers is growing by 23%. UX Designers make an average of $94,000 per year.

3. Data Scientist

Data has become one of the most coveted resources for tech professionals and companies alike. Data Scientists are pivotal in driving the big data craze, and their skills are highly sought after. If you don't want to be a software developer, consider being a data scientist instead.

This entry-level tech job involves creating new data models and experiments, communicating findings across different fields, and fixing coding issues. Although it’s a high-paying role, it often requires experience as a data analyst or statistician or a master’s degree in data science.

Skills Required: A strong foundation in statistics and coding is essential. Important tools include data modeling, machine learning, Microsoft Excel, SQL, and AI. Soft skills in communication and presentation are crucial for persuading managers and explaining technical terms.

Demand and Salary: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is a 35% growth for Data Scientists. Data Scientists make an average of $103,000 per year.

4. Data Analyst

Another option if you don't want to be software developers. As data continues to reign supreme in the tech industry, Data Analysts are highly sought after for their ability to analyze and advise on company data. This entry-level tech job involves identifying weaknesses, conducting cost-benefit analyses, and influencing decision-making. Skills in statistics, Excel, and data modeling are crucial for this role.

Skills Required: A strong background in statistics, Excel proficiency, and the ability to create data models are essential. Persuasive and documentation skills are also necessary for influencing stakeholders.

Demand and Salary: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, data analysts' jobs are growing 23%. They make an average of $83,000 per year.

5. Webste Developer

For those seeking remote tech jobs, web development is a prime option. Web Developers build and maintain websites and applications. This role involves front-end and back-end development, with a focus on coding, user interfaces, and data management. Entry-level web developers can start with basic proficiency in HTML, JavaScript, and back-end technologies like MySQL and API development tools.

Skills Required: Mastery of HTML and JavaScript is crucial for front-end development. Experience with GIT, MySQL, and API development tools is important for the backend. General programming skills, especially Python, are beneficial.

Demand and Salary: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, web developers are growing 16% annually and make an average of $81,000 per year.

6. Cybersecurity Analyst

In an era where data security is critical, Cybersecurity Analysts play a vital role in protecting digital assets. This entry-level tech job involves documenting security incidents, ensuring compliance, and staying updated on emerging threats. A background in cybersecurity or computer science, along with certifications like CISM, is beneficial.

Role: Cybersecurity Analysts safeguard sensitive data, document security incidents, ensure compliance, and educate stakeholders on potential vulnerabilities. They must stay updated on emerging threats and constantly learn new information.

Skills Required: A bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity or a related field is often necessary. Relevant certifications like CISM, and familiarity with cryptography, Linux, Azure, firewall development, and cybernetic frameworks are crucial.

Demand and Salary: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, cybersecurity analysts' jobs are growing by 32%. They make an average of $112,000 per year.

7. DevOps Engineer

DevOps Engineers facilitate collaboration between development and operations teams, ensuring smooth integration and delivery processes. This role requires a mix of technical literacy and soft skills. DevOps Engineers maintain CI/CD pipelines, standardize practices, and run tests. Knowledge in languages like Python and tools like Kubernetes is important for this entry-level tech job.

Skills Required: A background in computer science or engineering, proficiency in languages like Python, JavaScript, and Ruby, and knowledge of container orchestrations like Kubernetes are essential. Understanding AI, machine learning, and configuration management tools like AWS and ARM is also beneficial.

Demand and Salary: According to Glassdoor, there is a 15% growth for DevOps Engineers. DevOps Engineers make an average of $104,000 per year.

8. Mobile Application Developer

With the rise in mobile device usage, Mobile Application Software Developers are in high demand. This entry-level tech job involves developing, building, and maintaining mobile apps. They need proficiency in languages like Swift for iOS and Java for Android, along with knowledge of back-end technologies and problem-solving skills.

Skills Required: Proficiency in Swift and Objective-C (for iOS) or Java (for Android) is essential. Backend knowledge of APIs, database management, and cloud technology is also important.

Demand and Salary: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, mobile app software developers experience a 25% growth rate. Mobile App Developers make an average of $110,000 per year.

9. Data Engineer

Data Engineers design and implement systems for managing and organizing large volumes of data. They play a crucial role in transforming raw data into actionable insights. Essential skills include cloud computing, data modeling, and programming. This entry-level tech job often requires a strong educational background and specialized training.

Role: Data Engineers design and implement data architectures to manage large volumes of data. They process and organize big data using models and algorithms, transforming raw data into structured formats for decision-making.

Skills Required: Proficiency in cloud computing, big data, machine learning, programming, and database systems is crucial. The specific tools needed vary by company.

Demand and Salary: According to Dice, there is a 15% growth for Data Engineers. Data Engineers make an average of $120,000 per year.

10. Quality Assurance Engineer

Quality Assurance Engineers ensure that products meet high standards before release. This entry-level tech role involves designing tests, setting standards, and documenting errors. QA Engineers need both soft skills for team management and technical skills in bug tracking and agile project management.

Role: QA Engineers work with various teams to ensure that applications are bug-free, secure, and functional. They set guidelines, document errors, and design tests to identify weaknesses.

Skills Required: QA Engineers need soft skills like team management, time management, collaboration, and data collection. Hard skills include bug-tracking software, automatic and manual testing, and Agile project management.

Demand and Salary: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for Quality Assurance Engineers is growing by 25%. QA Engineers make an average of $124,000 per year.

How to Find Entry-Level Tech Roles

Online Resources:

• Cake: This all-in-one platform allows you to create a competitive resume and search for jobs in Asia. CakeResume offers filters for tech industry jobs and entry-level positions and enables direct messaging between companies and job seekers.
• LinkedIn: xpand your network and follow posts from tech companies to discover job openings and connect with industry professionals.
• Glassdoor: Among one of the best job search engines, Glassdoor offers insights into company culture and detailed information about the interview process for various companies.

In-Person Resources:

• Networking Events: Use platforms like meetup.com to find events tailored to the tech industry. Come prepared with industry knowledge and an elevator pitch to make valuable connections.
• University Career Centers: Access exclusive resources, networking events, and job postings through your university’s career center, even as an alumnus.

Conclusion

The tech industry is becoming increasingly competitive, with more specialized roles emerging. Having a clear vision of the entry-level tech careers you want will guide your skill development and job search. For more tips and guidance on tech careers, explore articles on Cake.