Embarking on a career in Information Technology (IT) is one of the most strategic moves a professional can make today. It's a field defined by constant innovation, critical problem-solving, and immense growth opportunities. But before you dive in, you're likely asking a fundamental question: "What can I expect to earn?"
An entry-level IT position is your gateway into the tech industry, offering a solid starting salary that serves as a launchpad for significant future earnings. While the national average provides a strong baseline, your actual income can vary significantly based on your skills, location, and the specific path you choose. A typical entry-level IT professional in the United States can expect to earn a salary ranging from $50,000 to over $75,000 per year, with specialized roles commanding even higher starting figures.
This guide will break down what an entry-level IT salary looks like in 2024, the key factors that influence your pay, and the outstanding career outlook for this dynamic field.
What Does an Entry-Level IT Professional Do?
Before we talk numbers, let's clarify the role. The term "entry-level IT" most often refers to positions like IT Support Specialist, Help Desk Technician, or IT Technician. These roles are the backbone of any organization's technology operations. They are the first line of defense, ensuring that all employees have the functional and secure tools they need to be productive.
Key responsibilities typically include:
- Troubleshooting: Diagnosing and resolving hardware, software, and network issues for end-users.
- User Support: Responding to help desk tickets, calls, and emails to provide timely technical assistance.
- System Setup: Installing, configuring, and deploying new computers, peripherals, and software for employees.
- Account Management: Creating and managing user accounts and access permissions across various systems.
- Basic Maintenance: Performing routine maintenance on IT infrastructure, including servers and network equipment, under supervision.
Think of this role as a paid apprenticeship in the world of technology. You gain broad, hands-on experience that provides a foundation for specializing in more advanced areas later in your career.
Average Entry-Level IT Salary
Salary data shows a promising start for those entering the IT field. Because "IT Support" is a common entry point, we will use it as our primary benchmark.
According to data from early 2024, the figures paint a consistent picture:
- Payscale reports that the average salary for an Entry-Level IT Support Technician is approximately $52,500 per year. The typical range falls between $40,000 and $67,000.
- Salary.com places the average salary for an IT Support Specialist I (their term for an entry-level role) higher, typically between $55,900 and $68,900, with a median of around $62,000.
- Glassdoor's data, which aggregates user-submitted salaries, shows a total pay estimate for an "Entry Level IT" role at around $65,000 per year, which includes base salary and potential additional compensation like bonuses.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) groups these roles under "Computer Support Specialists." As of May 2022 (the most recent comprehensive data set), the median annual wage for this category was $59,660. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $38,500, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $99,350. This wide range highlights how significantly the factors below can impact your paycheck.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
Your starting salary is not a fixed number. It's a dynamic figure influenced by a combination of your qualifications, where you work, and what you can do.
### Level of Education
While you can enter the IT field without a four-year degree, your educational background plays a role in your starting salary.
- Certifications: For many help desk and support roles, industry certifications like the CompTIA A+, Network+, or Google IT Support Professional Certificate can be more impactful than a degree. They prove you have specific, job-ready skills.
- Associate's Degree: An associate's degree in IT or a related field provides a structured foundation and can lead to a higher starting salary than certifications alone.
- Bachelor's Degree: A bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or Management Information Systems often unlocks higher-paying entry-level opportunities. Graduates may bypass general help desk roles and start in more specialized areas like junior network administration or cybersecurity analysis, which command higher salaries from day one.
### Years of Experience
Even for an "entry-level" position, any prior experience is valuable. Internships, part-time IT jobs during school, or even extensive volunteer tech support can differentiate you. A candidate with one or two relevant internships will almost always receive a higher offer than a candidate with zero practical experience. Frame this experience on your resume to showcase your capabilities and justify a salary at the higher end of the entry-level scale.
### Geographic Location
Where you work is one of the single biggest determinants of your salary. Companies in major metropolitan areas with a high cost of living (COL) must pay more to attract talent.
- Top-Tier Cities: Tech hubs like San Jose, San Francisco, New York City, and Seattle will offer the highest salaries, often 20-40% above the national average, to compensate for the high COL.
- Mid-Tier Cities: Cities like Austin, Denver, and Atlanta offer strong salaries that are often slightly above the national average, with a more moderate cost of living.
- Lower-Cost Areas: Salaries in smaller cities and rural areas will generally be closer to the lower end of the national range, but the reduced cost of living can make your take-home pay go much further.
### Company Type
The type of company you work for significantly impacts your compensation package.
- Large Tech Companies (FAANG, etc.): These companies often pay at the absolute top of the market, even for support roles, and offer incredible benefits and perks.
- Managed Service Providers (MSPs): MSPs provide outsourced IT services to other businesses. Pay can be competitive as you gain experience with a wide variety of technologies and clients.
- Corporate IT Departments: Nearly every medium-to-large company in any industry (healthcare, finance, manufacturing) has an internal IT department. Pay is generally stable and aligns with national averages.
- Startups: A startup might offer a slightly lower base salary but compensate with stock options and the potential for rapid growth.
- Government and Education: These public sector jobs often provide excellent job security and benefits (pensions, generous time off) but may have base salaries that are slightly below the private sector average.
### Area of Specialization
While "IT Support" is the common entry point, it's not the only one. If you enter the workforce with specialized skills, you can command a much higher starting salary. These are some of the most lucrative entry-level specializations:
- Cybersecurity: A Junior Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst can earn between $65,000 and $85,000.
- Cloud Computing: An Entry-Level Cloud Administrator or Cloud Support Engineer often starts in the $70,000 to $90,000 range.
- Networking: A Junior Network Administrator can expect a starting salary from $60,000 to $75,000.
- DevOps: While true entry-level roles are less common, a Junior DevOps Engineer with the right skills (coding, cloud, automation) can earn upwards of $80,000 to $100,000.
Job Outlook
The future for IT professionals is exceptionally bright. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for Computer Support Specialists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2022 to 2032, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
This sustained growth is driven by the universal need for IT expertise. As organizations continue to upgrade their computer systems, move to cloud-based environments, and combat ever-evolving cybersecurity threats, the demand for skilled support professionals will only increase.
Conclusion
An entry-level IT role is more than just a job—it's the beginning of a robust and rewarding career. A starting salary between $50,000 and $75,000 provides a comfortable foundation, but it's the potential for growth that makes this field so exciting.
Your first role is your training ground. By mastering the fundamentals and focusing on continuous learning, you can quickly advance into high-demand specializations like cloud computing, cybersecurity, or network engineering, where six-figure salaries become well within reach in just a few years.
If you are a problem-solver who is passionate about technology, an entry-level IT career offers a clear and attainable path to financial success and professional fulfillment. Focus on building your skills, earning relevant certifications, and choosing the right environment, and you will be well on your way.