If you're looking to break into tech but worried about starting salaries, I have great news: there are plenty of entry-level tech jobs paying well over $25/hour—that's $52,000+ annually—that don't require years of experience or advanced degrees. In this comprehensive guide, I'll walk you through the 10 best entry-level tech positions with detailed salary breakdowns, required skills, and proven strategies to land these roles within 90 days.

Why Entry-Level Tech Jobs Pay So Well in 2025

The tech industry is facing a unique situation: despite layoff headlines, there's still a massive talent shortage for specific technical roles. Companies are competing fiercely for qualified entry-level candidates, which means higher starting salaries and better benefits for those who have the right skills.

Here's what's driving these high entry-level salaries:

• Skills gap: Demand for tech skills outpaces supply by 300%
• Remote work normalization: Companies compete globally for talent
• Lower barriers to entry: Bootcamps and self-learning now accepted
• Technology evolution: New tools create new job categories constantly

10 Entry-Level Tech Jobs Paying $25+/Hour

1. Junior Front-End Developer

Front-end developers create the visual interfaces users interact with on websites and apps. This is one of the most accessible entry points into tech because you can build a portfolio that's immediately visible and impressive to employers.

What You'll Do:

• Build responsive websites and web applications
• Implement designs from mockups using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
• Ensure websites work across different browsers and devices
• Collaborate with designers and back-end developers

Skills You Need:

• HTML5 and CSS3 (including Flexbox and Grid)
• JavaScript fundamentals (ES6+)
• React, Vue, or Angular (pick one)
• Git/GitHub version control
• Responsive design principles

How to Get Started:

Complete freeCodeCamp's Responsive Web Design and JavaScript courses (300 hours total), then build 3-5 portfolio projects. You can be job-ready in 3-4 months of consistent study.

2. Help Desk Technician / IT Support Specialist

Help desk technicians are the frontline tech support for companies, helping employees or customers solve technical problems. This role requires less technical depth than development but strong problem-solving and communication skills.

What You'll Do:

• Troubleshoot hardware and software issues
• Set up new user accounts and equipment
• Respond to support tickets via phone, email, or chat
• Document solutions in knowledge bases

Skills You Need:

• Windows and macOS basics
• Active Directory and user management
• Ticketing systems (ServiceNow, Zendesk)
• Basic networking knowledge
• Excellent communication and patience

Career Path:

Many IT support specialists move into system administration, network engineering, or cybersecurity within 2-3 years, significantly increasing their earning potential.

3. QA Tester / Quality Assurance Analyst

QA testers ensure software works correctly before release by identifying bugs and verifying fixes. This role requires less coding knowledge than development positions but demands meticulous attention to detail.

What You'll Do:

• Execute test cases and document results
• Identify, report, and track software bugs
• Verify bug fixes and perform regression testing
• Write automated tests (for more advanced roles)

Skills You Need:

• Software testing fundamentals
• Bug tracking tools (Jira, Bugzilla)
• Basic SQL for database testing
• Test automation basics (Selenium is a plus)
• Strong attention to detail

4. Junior Data Analyst

Data analysts help companies make informed decisions by analyzing data patterns and creating visualizations. This role is perfect if you enjoy working with numbers and uncovering insights.

What You'll Do:

• Clean and organize large datasets
• Create dashboards and visualizations
• Identify trends and patterns in data
• Present findings to stakeholders

Skills You Need:

• SQL for database queries
• Excel advanced functions (pivot tables, VLOOKUP)
• Data visualization tools (Tableau or Power BI)
• Python or R basics (increasingly expected)
• Statistical analysis fundamentals

Fast Track:

Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate on Coursera takes 3-6 months and includes hands-on projects employers recognize. Many graduates land $60,000+ jobs directly after completion.

5. Junior UX/UI Designer

UX/UI designers create intuitive, visually appealing interfaces for websites and apps. This role combines creativity with user psychology and is in high demand as companies prioritize user experience.

What You'll Do:

• Design website and app interfaces
• Create wireframes and prototypes
• Conduct user research and usability testing
• Collaborate with developers to implement designs

Skills You Need:

• Figma or Adobe XD (design tools)
• User research methodologies
• Wireframing and prototyping
• Basic HTML/CSS understanding
• Design systems and accessibility

6. Junior Web Developer

Web developers build websites and web applications from scratch. While similar to front-end developers, this role often includes some back-end work, making you more versatile and valuable.

Skills You Need:

• HTML, CSS, JavaScript
• Node.js or PHP (server-side)
• Database basics (MySQL, MongoDB)
• Content Management Systems (WordPress is valuable)
• API integration

7. Technical Writer

Technical writers create documentation, tutorials, and guides for software products. This role is perfect if you're good at explaining complex concepts clearly and enjoy writing.

What You'll Do:

• Write user manuals and documentation
• Create API documentation for developers
• Develop tutorials and how-to guides
• Edit and maintain existing documentation

8. Junior Cybersecurity Analyst

Cybersecurity analysts protect organizations from digital threats by monitoring networks and responding to security incidents. With cyber attacks increasing 38% in 2024, companies are hiring aggressively.

Skills You Need:

• CompTIA Security+ certification (highly recommended)
• Network security fundamentals
• SIEM tools (Splunk, IBM QRadar)
• Incident response basics
• Understanding of common threats and vulnerabilities

9. Junior DevOps Engineer

DevOps engineers bridge development and operations teams by automating deployments and maintaining infrastructure. While requiring slightly more experience, entry-level positions pay exceptionally well.

Skills You Need:

• Linux/Unix command line
• Cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP)
• Docker and containerization basics
• CI/CD concepts
• Scripting (Python, Bash)

10. Social Media Manager (Tech Companies)

Tech companies need social media managers who understand both marketing and technology. This role is ideal if you're tech-savvy but prefer creative work over pure coding.

What You'll Do:

• Create and schedule social media content
• Engage with online communities
• Analyze social media metrics
• Stay current with tech trends

Your 90-Day Plan to Land a $25+/Hour Tech Job

Days 1-30: Learn Core Skills

Choose one of the 10 roles above and focus intensely on building foundational skills:

• Weeks 1-2: Complete an introductory course (Udemy, Coursera, freeCodeCamp)
• Weeks 3-4: Start your first portfolio project
• Document your learning journey on LinkedIn
• Join relevant Discord/Slack communities for support

Days 31-60: Build Your Portfolio

Create 3-5 projects that demonstrate your skills to employers:

• Project 1: Tutorial-based (prove you can follow instructions)
• Project 2: Modified tutorial (show creativity)
• Projects 3-5: Original ideas solving real problems
• Upload all projects to GitHub with excellent README files
• Create a personal website showcasing your work

Days 61-90: Apply and Interview

Launch your job search strategically:

• Week 9: Optimize resume and LinkedIn profile
• Week 10: Apply to 10-15 positions daily
• Week 11: Network on LinkedIn, attend virtual meetups
• Week 12: Interview prep and follow-ups
• Practice common interview questions with friends
• Record yourself answering questions to improve

Where to Find These Jobs

Job Boards Specifically for Entry-Level

• LinkedIn: Set filters to "Entry Level" and turn on job alerts
• Indeed: Search "junior," "entry-level," or "associate" + role name
• AngelList: Startups often more willing to hire juniors
• Glassdoor: See salary info and company reviews
• We Work Remotely: Remote-first positions

Company Types That Hire Entry-Level

• Startups: Faster hiring, broader responsibilities, equity potential
• Agencies: Work on diverse projects, fast-paced learning
• Large enterprises: Structured training programs, better benefits
• Non-tech companies: Banks, retailers, healthcare all need tech staff

Common Mistakes That Cost You Job Offers

Negotiating Your First Tech Salary

Even as an entry-level candidate, you should negotiate. Many companies expect it and build room into their initial offers. Here's how:

• Research first: Use Glassdoor, levels.fyi, and Payscale to know fair market rates
• Wait for the offer: Never discuss salary until they want to hire you
• Ask for 10-15% more: Companies usually meet you in the middle
• Negotiate total compensation: Consider PTO, equipment stipend, learning budget
• Be ready to walk away: If the offer is too low, politely decline and keep searching

Conclusion

Landing an entry-level tech job paying $25+/hour is completely achievable in 2025, even without prior experience or a computer science degree. The key is choosing the right role for your strengths, building a strong portfolio, and applying consistently with tailored applications.

Remember that your first tech job is just the beginning. Within 2-3 years of experience, you'll likely be earning $75,000-$100,000+ annually. The tech career path offers exceptional earning potential and job security for those willing to continuously learn and adapt.

Start today, stay persistent, and you could be earning over $25/hour in tech within 90 days.

Frequently Asked Questions