5 Entry-Level IT Jobs to Explore

Key takeaways

Information technology (IT) is a growing field with many career opportunities that can lead to high-paying salaries and impactful work.

• There are different entry-level IT jobs to consider, including as a help desk technician or an IT support specialist.

• In the United States, jobs in IT are projected to grow at a much faster rate than other occupations over the next decade [1].

• After you've gained experience, you can explore high-paying IT jobs, including IT analyst and database administrator.

Learn more about different IT jobs you can explore if you're interested in entry-level opportunities in the field. Afterward, build your skills in this area by enrolling in the Google IT Support Professional Certificate, where you'll learn about troubleshooting, debugging, and working with AI.

What do entry-level IT staff do?

Generally, entry-level information technology (IT) roles provide guidance and technical support to hardware and software users, such as internal company members or external customers.

Responsibilities can include installing or fixing hardware and software, troubleshooting user issues, manning the help desk, and maintaining networks and computer systems. Often, these early IT professionals provide this support via phone, email, chat (via websites), or social media.

5 entry-level IT jobs

With businesses reliant on technology to operate successfully, information technology (IT) professionals remain in demand at all levels of experience. If you're interested in an IT career, here are some entry-level roles to consider:

1. Help desk technician

Median total US pay: $64,000

Requirements: Knowledge of computer systems and troubleshooting. IT certifications can be beneficial.

When a computer user or employee is having problems with hardware, software, or a network, they call on a help desk specialist to assist. A help desk technician typically maintains, installs, or troubleshoots hardware and software, resolve networking issues, or help resolve other problems for other company employees. 

Advancement opportunities: Many IT professionals start their careers in help desk roles. As you gain experience, it’s possible to move into other jobs, like system administrator, network administrator, cloud engineer, or information security analyst.

2. Desktop support specialist

Median total US pay: $74,000

Requirements: High school diploma or associate degree typically required. CompTIA A+ certification or similar credentials preferred. Basic knowledge of computer hardware, operating systems, and common software applications.

Desktop support specialists provide hands-on technical assistance to employees within an organization. They install and configure computer hardware and software, set up new workstations, troubleshoot desktop and laptop issues, and ensure employees have the tools they need to work effectively. This role often involves physically visiting users' desks or workstations to resolve problems that can't be fixed remotely.

Advancement opportunities: Desktop support positions offer excellent hands-on experience with various technologies and direct user interaction. Many professionals use this role as a stepping stone to positions like systems administrator, network administrator, or IT support manager.

3. Technical support specialist

Median total US pay: $72,000

Requirements: High school diploma required. Technical certifications or associate degree preferred. Strong communication skills and basic technical knowledge of software applications or specific products. Customer service experience helpful.

Technical support specialists help customers or users resolve problems with software, hardware, or services, typically through phone, email, or chat support. They diagnose issues, walk users through solutions, escalate complex problems to higher-level technicians, and document common issues and solutions. This role requires patience and excellent communication skills to help frustrated users.

Advancement opportunities: Technical support roles develop strong troubleshooting and communication skills that translate well to many IT careers. Experience here can lead to roles in system administration, product management, or specialized technical roles in specific software or hardware areas.

4. Junior network technician

Median total US pay: $79,000

Requirements: Associate degree in IT or related field helpful, though not always required. CompTIA Network+ certification preferred. Basic understanding of networking concepts, TCP/IP, and network hardware.

Junior network technicians assist with maintaining and troubleshooting an organization's network infrastructure under senior technician supervision. They help install network equipment, run cables, monitor network performance, assist with basic configuration tasks, and document network changes. This role provides foundational experience with switches, routers, firewalls, and network monitoring tools.

Advancement opportunities: This role provides essential networking experience that can lead to positions as network administrator, network engineer, cybersecurity analyst, or cloud infrastructure specialist as skills and certifications develop.

5. IT support specialist

Median total US pay: $71,000

Requirements: High school diploma typically required. IT certifications like CompTIA A+ beneficial. General knowledge of computer systems, networks, and common business software. Problem-solving abilities and customer service skills essential.

IT support specialists provide broad technical assistance across an organization, handling everything from password resets to software installations to basic network troubleshooting. They serve as generalists who can address various technology issues, often serving as the first point of contact before escalating to specialized teams. This role combines elements of help desk, desktop support, and basic system administration.

Advancement opportunities: IT support specialist roles offer exposure to many different technology areas, making them excellent starting points for IT careers. The general experience gained can lead to specialization in areas like cybersecurity, cloud computing, database administration, or system administration.

All salary comes from Glassdoor as of December 2025.

Coursera learner Donald C. enrolled in the Google IT Support Professional Certificate because he saw education as a gateway to better-paying jobs. Read his story.

What skills do I need for an entry-level IT job?‎

Entry-level IT jobs often require specific IT technical skills, including an understanding of computer systems so you can successfully help users resolve their problems.

You'll also need different workplace skills to communicate with users, offer strong customer service, and remain organized as you get multiple requests. The following workplace skills may be helpful throughout your career:

• Analytical ability

• Communication

• Creativity

• Desire to help others

• Organization

• Perseverance

• Problem-solving

• Resourcefulness

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