5 entry-level tech jobs that pay more than you think.

Forget waiting a couple of decades for that six-figure paycheck. Landing an entry-level tech job can earn you an impressive salary from day one.

And with global tech spending projected to grow from $8.51 trillion in 2022 to $11.47 trillion by 2026, savvy IT workers will be in demand more than ever. Let’s break down the most rewarding entry-level tech jobs and the salaries you can expect for each.

1. data analyst

If delving into the nitty-gritty of a company’s data sounds like fun, this in-demand job could be your perfect entry into the tech world. By gathering, interpreting and reporting on data, you’ll help your organization make sound business decisions. Stellar analytical and critical thinking skills and a solid understanding of statistical methods are essential. Earning certifications in programming languages like Python, R or SQL will boost your chances of success, as will having a master’s degree in a related discipline like math or computer science. For junior positions, salaries fall between $75k and $89k.

2. information security analyst

Did you know the cost of cybercrime is expected to grow to $10.5 trillion by 2025? Attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with criminals using social engineering to manipulate employees into handing over sensitive data. Information security analysts work to eliminate this threat. Monitoring an organization’s network to prevent security breaches, they need to stay one step ahead of the malicious actors, keeping abreast of the latest trends. Jobs in this field are projected to grow a staggering 32 percent in the decade to 2032, and salaries for entry-level IT security analysts range from $78k to $94k.

3. penetration tester

Working as a penetration tester, or ethical hacker, is another great stepping stone into the world of cybersecurity. Usually employed as an outside contractor, you’ll use your expertise to identify security vulnerabilities in an organization’s systems, attempting to exploit weaknesses by gaining unauthorized access and escalating privileges. A bachelor's or master’s degree in a field like cybersecurity or IT gives you a head start, while you can brush up your skills through focused online courses. If you’re starting in this position, the pay is unexpectedly high, from $87k to $103k.

4. junior UX designer

As a junior UX (user experience) designer, you’ll assist more experienced co-workers in creating user-friendly digital products. Essentially, you’ll help ensure users can navigate and interact with websites and mobile apps in an intuitive and appealing way. Empathy and top-notch communication skills are essential since conducting user research sessions is a key part of the role. This is another well-paid entry-level tech job with a starting salary of $79k to $102k.

5. entry-level machine learning engineer

Machine learning may sound futuristic, but it’s a fast-moving field, and getting a foot in the door today could pay dividends later. In an entry-level post, you’ll typically help senior colleagues develop customized software and predictive models to solve specific business tasks. A strong aptitude for math and computer programming is vital for this competitive role, one of the highest-paying tech jobs — salaries for entry-level positions average between $119k and $138k.