Starting a career in Information Technology (IT) is an exciting venture into a dynamic and essential industry. For those on the verge of entering the workforce, one of the most pressing questions is, "What can I expect to earn?" The good news is that the IT field offers competitive starting salaries and significant potential for financial growth. While the exact figure can vary, many entry-level IT professionals can expect to earn a starting salary between $55,000 and $75,000 per year, with opportunities to earn even more based on specific factors.
This guide will break down what an entry-level IT salary looks like in 2024, the key variables that influence your earning potential, and the promising future of this career path.
What Does an Entry-Level IT Professional Do?
Before diving into the numbers, it's important to understand the role. An entry-level IT professional is the backbone of an organization's technology infrastructure. They are the first line of defense, ensuring that hardware, software, and networks run smoothly for all other employees.
Common entry-level job titles include:
- IT Support Specialist
- Help Desk Technician
- Technical Support Engineer
- IT Technician
- Junior Systems Administrator
Day-to-day responsibilities often involve troubleshooting technical issues, installing and configuring computer systems, managing user accounts, maintaining network equipment, and documenting technical procedures. It's a hands-on role that requires a blend of technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and excellent customer service.
Average Entry-Level IT Salary
While there is no single number, we can establish a reliable range by synthesizing data from multiple authoritative sources.
For a common entry-level role like an IT Support Specialist, here is what the data shows:
- Salary.com reports the median salary for an IT Support Specialist I in the U.S. is $62,118 as of early 2024, with a typical range falling between $55,934 and $69,122.
- Payscale indicates an average base salary for an Information Technology (IT) Support Specialist is around $55,480 per year, with early-career professionals typically earning closer to the lower end of the spectrum.
- The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provides a broader view for "Computer Support Specialists." As of May 2022, the median annual wage was $59,660. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $38,590, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $99,140. Entry-level professionals typically fall within the lowest 10th to 25th percentile, suggesting a starting point in the $45,000 to $55,000 range according to this data.
Considering these sources, a realistic starting salary for a general entry-level IT position in the United States is between $55,000 and $65,000. However, this number is just a baseline. The following factors can significantly increase or decrease your starting offer.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
Your final salary offer isn't random; it's a calculated figure based on your unique qualifications and the context of the job. Here are the most critical factors.
### Level of Education
While you can enter the IT field without a four-year degree, your educational background plays a role in your starting pay.
- Certifications: Industry certifications like CompTIA A+, Network+, or Security+ can validate your skills and often lead to higher starting salaries than having no credentials. They prove to employers that you have a foundational, standardized knowledge base.
- Associate's Degree: An associate's degree in IT or a related field typically positions you for a higher salary than certifications alone. It shows a deeper commitment and a more rounded education.
- Bachelor's Degree: A Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a similar field generally commands the highest entry-level salaries. Employers often view this as a signal of strong analytical and long-term project skills.
### Years of Experience
For an "entry-level" role, this may seem counterintuitive, but any relevant experience can give you a significant edge.
- 0-1 Year: This is the true entry-level bracket. Salaries will align closely with the national averages mentioned above.
- Internships and Co-ops: Previous IT internships or co-op experiences are highly valuable. They demonstrate practical skills and an ability to work in a professional environment, often justifying a salary offer that is 5-15% higher than that for a candidate with no hands-on experience.
- 1-4 Years: According to Payscale, an IT Support Specialist with 1-4 years of experience sees their average total compensation increase. Moving from a purely entry-level role to one with a couple of years of experience can quickly push your salary into the $65,000 to $80,000+ range.
### Geographic Location
Where you work is one of the biggest determinants of your salary. A higher salary in a major tech hub is often offset by a higher cost of living, but the earning potential is undeniable.
- High-Cost Tech Hubs: Cities like San Jose, CA; San Francisco, CA; New York, NY; and Boston, MA offer significantly higher salaries. An entry-level IT job in these areas can easily start at $70,000 or more to compensate for the high cost of living. For example, Salary.com's calculator shows an IT Support I role in San Jose, CA, can command a salary over 25% higher than the national average.
- Mid-Tier and Lower-Cost Cities: In contrast, salaries in smaller metropolitan areas in the Midwest or South will likely be closer to or slightly below the national median. However, your purchasing power may be greater in these locations.
### Company Type
The size and type of the company you work for have a direct impact on compensation.
- Large Tech Corporations (FAANG & similar): Companies like Google, Apple, and Microsoft pay at the top of the market, even for support roles. They offer high base salaries, stock options, and extensive benefits, but competition is fierce.
- Established Non-Tech Companies: Large banks, healthcare systems, and retail corporations have massive internal IT departments. They offer competitive salaries and strong job security, often falling near or slightly above the national average.
- Startups: A startup might offer a lower base salary but compensate with stock options, a fast-paced environment, and rapid growth opportunities.
- Public Sector & Education: Government agencies and universities typically offer lower base salaries but compensate with excellent job security, pensions, and generous benefits packages.
### Area of Specialization
"IT" is a broad field. Specializing early can fast-track your earnings. While help desk is a common entry point, roles that require specialized knowledge from day one often pay more.
- General IT Support: This is the baseline salary discussed throughout the article.
- Networking: An entry-level role like a Junior Network Administrator, which focuses on routers, switches, and network infrastructure, often starts at a higher salary, typically in the $65,000 to $80,000 range.
- Cybersecurity: Due to immense demand, entry-level cybersecurity roles (e.g., Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst I) command a premium. Starting salaries can often be in the $70,000 to $90,000 range, especially for candidates with relevant certifications like CompTIA Security+ or CySA+.
- Cloud Computing: A Junior Cloud Practitioner or Cloud Support Associate role is another high-demand area. With skills in AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud, entry-level professionals can expect starting salaries comparable to or even exceeding those in cybersecurity.
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 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
This growth is projected to result in about 69,900 openings each year, on average, over the decade. As businesses and organizations continue to upgrade their computer equipment and software, the need for skilled IT support professionals who can provide troubleshooting and assistance will remain robust.
Conclusion
An entry-level IT role is more than just a job; it's the first step in a rewarding and lucrative career. While a typical starting salary falls in the $55,000 to $65,000 range, this is merely a starting point. Your earning potential is not static. By pursuing further education, gaining valuable experience, targeting high-growth specializations like cybersecurity or cloud, and positioning yourself in the right geographic market, you can significantly increase your income.
For anyone considering this path, the data is clear: an IT career offers a competitive starting salary with clear, attainable pathways for substantial financial and professional growth.