2021’s Most In-Demand (and Searched) Entry-Level Tech Jobs
Written by JC GonzalezEntry-level tech jobs are among the most sought-after jobs today. We here at Edstutia have compiled a list of the most in-demand and most searched entry-level tech jobs for you to check out. Try not to focus on the pay, as that is not where you will begin, but on finding the best fit for you.
While it may at first seem that many of these jobs are not entry-level based on their titles, due to many learners taking internships or apprenticeships while engaging in their studies, this could create a streamlined approach to practically applying what one learns by gaining some additional on-work experience.
This way, when one is ready to seek a more full-time salaried position, he or she is ready to dive into some of these roles. In a sense, perhaps what we used to consider as entry-level isn’t entry-level anymore, but more “pre-entry-level”.
At first, this may seem overwhelming to have such high expectations in an entry-level position – but stick around after the list for some direction on how to go about getting that tough first job.
1. Data Scientist Entry-Level Tech Jobs
This is the highest searched role in our list and it’s easy to see why. Companies are compiling more data than ever and data scientists can make sense of it. In order to fit in well with this role, you must enjoy numbers.
A data scientist grabs all available data and cleans it up. They then organize it and create a system that enables people within the company to access and analyze the data. Data scientists must be detail-oriented to categorize all flowing data across departments.
The data scientist role is expected to grow by 33% over the next decade. The average data scientist salary is $93,000 per year.
With the right preparation and experience from your first jobs, you can be on your way to that salary and more. The same is true for every job here. This also means the job you find may not be the exact match to the most searched job.
So Many Data Roles
If your initial career goal is to land a data scientist role, start by thinking of the key aspects of the role. An Indeed search for “data science entry level” yields jobs such as data analyst, data research programmer, and associate data scientist.
Each of the three options mentioned are specifically marked as “entry level” in the description of the results page. In addition, you can always attach “intern” to most of these jobs as a starting point.
Your path to an entry-level data science role begins with the right mindset and training. If you already believe your personality works with this role, your focus should be on courses in data analysis and visualization. Another valuable course would be in artificial intelligence, as the large amounts of data are not compiled manually.
2. UX Designer Entry-Level Tech Jobs
The term UX refers to user experience. A UX designer is in charge of forming the websites, applications, and interfaces a company’s customers will use on a daily basis. This is one of the most important roles of any company today. If a customer’s interaction with your product, service, or process is bad, you won’t only lose a customer but likely a portion of the audience that customer can reach.
In addition to designing the components customers will use, UX designers have to be able to talk to customers. You’ll need to reach out to existing and potential customers and create focus groups. It’s your responsibility to gather their statements, thoughts, and even feelings about your product so that you can then create a positive experience for them.
UX designers have an average salary of $77,000. If you are interested in UX design, consider courses in languages like JavaScript and HTML. In addition, focus on learning VR and AR experience design. The metaverse is here and it will change the way consumers interact with the internet.
One more thing: A lot of companies don’t want to hire both a designer and a front-end developer, so a lot of competitive UX designers will have strong front-end coding knowledge.
3. Web Developer Entry-Level Tech Jobs
Web developers write websites using coding to create the final site the public sees. A front-end developer focuses on what customers see and do while on the site. While a back-end developer looks at how the site connects to outside systems like customer management software. If you really want to beat out the competition, getting well-versed in both to be a more full-stack developer would be the route to go.
Lead web developers are responsible for making every aspect of the website work. To do so, they must communicate with other departments. One department in particular is marketing.
Web developers, along with UX designers, work closely with marketing because of the need to optimize for search results and for conversions. Marketing usually drives a website update project and being a web developer with solid knowledge of marketing concepts can be a difference maker.
Web Developers Freelance
One thing to note about web developers is they must often work at a fast pace, mostly because they’re juggling multiple projects as freelancers or working for agencies. Not only must developers be able to make quick corrections but also how to reach a deadline with a product that is not perfect but is ready for launch. This is known as the minimum viable product, or MVP.
Problem-solving is another key trait of web developers. Customers will often report issues or minor tweaks developers may look past as non-issues. One human habit that creates hurdles for developers today is the different ways in which we view sites. Websites must look stellar whether on the smallest phones or the largest TV screens.
The average web developer’s salary is $77k. Your training should include courses to master the most in-demand coding languages. These include CSS, JavaScript, and Python. As previously mentioned, marketing courses are beneficial, as well as courses to strengthen your problem-solving skills (more on soft skills later).
4. Software Developer Entry-Level Tech Jobs
Software developers write the code for many of the things we use today. These include internal company systems, communication tools, phone apps, and video games. These processes are highly involved and require a high attention to detail.
Don’t believe a software developer can have so much on their shoulders? In 2012, Knight Capital Group lost $440 million due to software errors in the trading software the company implemented. Last November, Tesla was forced to recall 12,000 vehicles due to a problem with their proprietary self-driving software.
The software developer role is expected to grow 22% between 2020 and 2030 and carries an average salary of $72k. Students interested in pursuing this path should master coding languages. Your training should include mobile app development and developing in the metaverse.
5. Social Media Manager Entry-Level Tech Jobs
You’re not likely to start out as a social media manager but you could wind up in that position after a bit of experience. The real entry-level position name varies depending on the company. Some may ask for a social media specialist, others a social media content creator. Your best bet is to search social media and review the requirements for each opening in the space.
The reason for the variances in this section is the age of the field. Social media as a specialty role was established over the last decade. It is a growing field because social media platforms and strategies change constantly. It’s your responsibility to stay up to date on the various platforms and how they function.
Now Is the Time to Specialize
As the social media branch of marketing grows, you should consider platform specialization. Do you already command attention on Tik Tok with every video you post? Your expertise can set you apart with a company looking to start testing Tik Tok marketing. If you come from a business network background, LinkedIn may be more your specialty.
When you work with a company’s social media, you are working to develop that company’s online brand presence. You’ll have a lot of content to create but that is only part of the job. You’ll need to be able to analyze performance to adjust what you do in future posts.
Then there’s the key to social media: engagement. You can post lots of content but that doesn’t mean you’ll get people to see it. You’ll have to go into the platform and engage with other accounts within your industry. And you’ll need to respond to people reaching out to you in a timely manner.
You’re looking at an average salary of $53k as a social media manager. A good foundation of training for roles in social media is to study integrated marketing. You’ll want to focus on creative training like graphic design and video production.
6. Financial Analyst Entry-Level Tech Jobs
Blockchain, cryptocurrency, and NFT promise to change our financial landscape. We already know companies are creating NFTs for revenue. Others are now accepting cryptocurrency as payment for goods and services. With more ways to sell and buy comes more work for financial analysts and specialists. That’s why a 12% growth is expected in that field.
Financial analysts are tasked with helping to guide companies to make profitable decisions. They let companies know when they are spending on things that have little to no return and assess other company investments.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary for a financial analyst is $83k. An accounting and finance background along with strong problem-solving skills will serve you well. Invest in courses that develop financial opportunities like blockchain, crypto, and NFT.
7. Technical Writer Entry-Level Tech Jobs
Not all tech jobs require STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) experts. Employers need technical writers to generate meaningful documents to back up their products. Technical writers must understand specifications and processes to explain them to users.
Consumers can cut through marketing fluff easily. Manufacturers need extensive documentation and specifications for even the most basic of products. Technical writers must be able to write detailed user manuals, website FAQs, new product specs, and much more.
The average salary for a technical writer is $75k. If you are a strong writer with technical knowledge, be sure to stay up-to-date on technical trends and disruptions. The tech world changes quickly and you’ll need to know about it in order to write about it.
8. Systems Analyst Entry-Level Tech Jobs
According to Indeed, a systems analyst is responsible for determining computing needs and translating them into system specifications. In short, they are the translator between the business executives and the coders and developers. It’s no wonder this job is in demand.
As we enter the era of Web 3.0, even the smallest companies are required to have a digital footprint and that minimum footprint is expanding. Companies now exist beyond a central office, which means internal systems get larger. As a result, they must provide their services over the web and communicate with others all over the world. Before long, even a small business must deal with more technology than they understand.
Systems analyst is one of the top positions that appear on LinkedIn when searching “entry-level tech jobs.” Experienced analysts earn just below that six-figure dollar mark in a field that is expected to add 42,000 new jobs by 2030. It’s a good fit if you speak both the language of technical and not-so technical people.
In terms of training, focus on analytical thinking. For example, courses in predictive analytics and systems thinking will give you a good start along with coding knowledge.
9. Network Administrator Entry-Level Tech Jobs
Network, or cloud, administrators must implement, manage, and troubleshoot a company’s various networks. In the past, most companies’ networks revolved around a central server. This was a computer room filled with all of the company’s data. Today, the server has mostly moved to the cloud, which is why you will often see the term cloud administrator in place of “network.”
As more companies move their proprietary data to cloud networks, network administrators become more vital than ever before. According to Megan Slabinkski of Robert Half Talent Solutions, “There’s such a short supply of qualified candidates that companies are having to consider candidates with less tenured work experience for these kinds of jobs and train them up to meet the demand in their organizations.”
Average pay for this role is $70k but you can reach higher figures depending on industry and company. For example, landing a job with Amazon Web Services could lead to several job and salary changes and opportunities. Look for cloud computing and network automation courses to get started on this ever-growing path.
10. IT Technician Entry-Level Tech Jobs
An IT technician typically gets into all the hardware utilized by a company. They are an integral part of setting up new hires with both the hardware they will use and access to the apps they will need. They build computer systems and workstations, and assist staff with technical troubleshooting. When new technology is rolled out, they will be the ones to implement it and often to train company staff on how to use it.
If you’ve grown up repairing your own computers or even better, building them, this may be the right path for you. Consider computer & network building courses, coding, as well as courses that look ahead to where technology is going. Some examples of nascent areas of technology include the Internet of Things, Extended Reality, and the metaverse. Possessing knowledge of these could boost your hiring chances.
IT technician salaries start in the $35k range.
11. Customer Success Manager Entry-Level Tech Jobs
The term manager is a bit deceiving here. Traditionally, you would not look at a manager position as entry-level. In this case, however, agencies who work with multiple customers will often hire young personnel looking to get into tech as customer success managers.
These hires will learn the ropes from others already in the job, perhaps shadow them as they speak to existing customers. After some training, they will be assigned one or two new clients. These clients tend to be smaller businesses recently signed onto the agency.
The job here is to work with businesses and help them out with technical support. This may be done over phone calls, email, live chat, or even social media channels.
When searching for this type of job, focus on “customer success” rather than “manager.” Companies will give this position various names and their expectations will differ.
Companies can use several options for customer support but there are some leaders. Learning to use Zendesk, LiveAgent, HubSpot, and Salesforce will prepare you for job interviews. Beyond the technical chops, customer success personnel must be good communicators. That is the job, after all. Average salary is $69k.
The Start-Up Dilemma
Let’s take a moment to mention start-up companies. Working for a start-up is one way to gain experience quickly, which sounds great on the surface. But if you’re just starting out, you may find yourself with far more responsibility and get overwhelmed or burned out.
On the other hand, in working with an established organization, you’ll have more people on the team. You’ll have an opportunity to learn from peers and mentors but you may not get as much experience because you must stick to the tasks you’re assigned.
In the end, you should assess what situation works best for you and where you are in your career.
Best Practices to Get the Job
Okay. You’ve read our list of 11 top entry-level tech jobs. Now what? You came to this list because you’re looking to get started in tech. Like most industries, the first job is often the hardest one to get. Here is our checklist to put you in good shape to get your foot in the door.
Soft Skills
Soft skills refers to skills around the human experience. How well do you relate to people? You may be a good listener, an expert in managing your time to get stuff done, or be a natural creative thinker.
The key is to identify the soft skills you already have and the ones that need some work. A recent survey asked over 3,000 employers from all over the world what skills they looked for in new hires. The top skills cited were all soft skills like dependability, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Edstutia will soon offer several courses focused on soft skills that you can take to improve your chances when interviewing.
Work on Your LinkedIn Profile
Do you already have a LinkedIn profile? If you don’t, it’s time to set one up. Chances are you may already have one and to this day have treated it much like a resume.
The thing is, your LinkedIn profile is not a resume. Your profile should represent the whole package you offer any potential employer. When you apply to a job today, the hiring manager will likely turn to your LinkedIn profile to see if your resume even deserves a look.
Another thing LinkedIn is not, is Facebook or Instagram. Your posts should be professional and the subject should match your target industry. While optimizing your LinkedIn profile, you should consider reviewing your other social media profiles to ensure the content won’t hurt your chances with potential employers.
Make Yourself Shine
The term “above the fold” refers to the top section everyone sees without the need to scroll down. This is where you should start. It includes your profile picture, a banner image, your name, and a short description about yourself. Use this to its full potential.
- Your profile image should be professional, no cat memes or post-workout selfies.
- Use the banner image to say something about who you are or the field you wish to enter.
- Use the description to say something about how you want potential employers to think of you as they consider you for the open role. You can use more than one sentence but don’t go crazy, this is not your full bio. That can exist farther down in the profile.
Once you optimize the top section, work your way down the page and continue to optimize. Here are a few things to add:
- Any work experience
- Links to articles and blog posts
- Recommendations from others in your network
- Work samples
- Certifications
Volunteer or Start a Side Gig for Experience
These days, even entry-level doesn’t mean zero experience.
Find a few places where you can use your technical services without charging anything or charging very little. It will go a long way. Is there a new small business in your neighborhood? See if they need any technical assistance with anything from setting up their digital registers to their social media.
If you already have a digital network of your own, use social media to see if anybody needs help. You can also utilize LinkedIn to find startup companies in need of low-cost, or no-cost, help. You’ll get work experience and build a network that could lead to future opportunities.
Finally, you can also offer your services on places like Fiverr or Upwork. These require some time and dedication, however. You’ll need people to find you and request your services or you will have to go searching for them.
Create Your Own Job
Do you ever wonder how new roles come about? They often come out of what we see happening in society. Take for example the diversity and inclusion career path. As companies realized the widespread disparity occurring at the hiring levels, companies began looking to hire people who would help correct those issues at a large scale.
Other times, new roles come from the people working those roles. Perhaps your abilities span multiple areas covered in the list of jobs above and beyond. Calling yourself a web developer or social media expert may not be enough to cover what you offer. Use your experience to create your own new role. You may find calling yourself out as a Metaverse World Designer on a resume or LinkedIn profile makes you more appealing to potential employers.
Attend a Coding Bootcamp and Attend Online Classes
The world of education is changing. Many employers today are looking beyond school of choice or education level. Employers want candidates that can do the job and coding bootcamps focus on giving students in-demand knowledge.
For example, Edstutia has relationships with today’s top companies and is using their feedback to generate highly-focused courses to fill tech positions employers need.
If bootcamps move at a speed you can’t handle due to an existing job, not to worry. Take online courses at the speed that works best for your schedule.
Build a Project Portfolio
Portfolios go a long way in showing potential employers you can do the job they want. Look for hands-on courses rather than static courses that only explain the job. This way you’ll build a portfolio as you train.
This practice is at the center of Edstutia’s mission. Learners will receive hands-on training in a VR environment and walk away with the confidence of a digital portfolio showcasing their skills.
Get Certified
There are multiple options here that are all dependent on your field of choice. Looking to pursue an analytical path, look at certifications in Google Analytics. Microsoft’s Certified Solutions Developer certification can also be valuable. Before enrolling in any online courses, it’s a good idea to review what certifications come with their programs.
Complete an Internship or Apprenticeship
The value of getting on-the-job experience at the same time as you are training is immeasurable. Edstutia learners will soon have the opportunity to sign up for side-by-side apprenticeships when enrolled in full-time tracks.
No matter where you train, take advantage of internships while enrolled. It will allow you to fill in a work experience section when it’s time to apply for full-time jobs. Just be sure to have the potential employer outline the internship or apprenticeship program so you don’t wind up in a “get coffee” type of position.
Network
You should be doing this at every opportunity. Learn to introduce yourself to new people and share what you do. Find areas of similar interests and use them to build genuine relationships. These will help your chances down the road. A chance encounter may even yield that job you’ve been looking for. Here’s an example of that here at Edstutia:
“I had 12 years of marketing experience and was feeling a bit stagnant in my current position. I knew to stay competitive in my space, I’d have to continue seeking opportunities to upskill. When I accepted a VR development company internship, my intention was to apply new learnings to my current business. From a client project I was assisting on, I was able to make a connection with another individual who also shared my drive for innovation. As a result, I’m heading up the Marketing department at Edstutia. I hope that when others see a window to network or utilize their skills in other capacities, they don’t shy away and instead, take the leap. No matter how far along you are in your career, there’s always something new to learn and connections to be made. You never know where the journey might lead.”
— Holly Winn, Edstutia Head of Marketing & Analytics
Entry-Level Tech Jobs: Wrap-Up
Tech jobs are among the most searched, in-demand gigs out there. We’ve given you a list of the most in-demand entry-level tech jobs today plus a handy guide to get your career started.
First, identify the path that works best with the skills you already have. Then, get to work on landing your first job in the industry by following this guide. Once you’re in, focus on your own growth with a constant eye on where the tech industry is heading. That focus should never stop, of course. Technology evolves and you will need the mindset of a lifelong learner in order to succeed and ensure a sustainable career.
Edstutia will soon offer several learning options for learners looking to enter in-demand tech fields. If you’re interested, request a notification when these become available. Contact us to learn more about upcoming tracks and modules offered in the Edstutia virtual campus.
