Want to work in tech without years of experience?
The IT industry is booming right now. Tech companies are scrambling to hire, and guess what…
You don’t need a CS degree to get a foot in the door.
With 97 million new tech jobs coming online by 2025 and 356,700 new openings happening annually in computer and IT occupations, the need for qualified tech pros has never been higher. Better yet, many of the easiest IT jobs for beginners have the best growth potential out of all the jobs on the market.
The thing is, most people are out of work not because they can’t land a position, but because they can’t find one with career changers or “mid-career switchers” that make a living wage. And a lot of this has to do with misconceptions.
Fact: many of the easiest IT jobs for beginners have amazing growth potential and don’t require extensive experience or certifications. In fact, tech companies are lowering their barrier to entry just to get more tech talent on staff.
In this guide:
- Why IT is perfect for career changers
- The most beginner-friendly tech positions
- Growth potential that’ll blow your mind
- How To Land Your First IT Role
Why IT is perfect for career changers
Let’s set the scene here for a second…
The IT field is one of the most inviting industries for career changers and switchers. Unlike other sectors that want to know what you’ve done in the past, tech companies care far more about what you can do now.
- IT jobs pay double the national average (median IT salary is $105,990 vs. $49,500 for all occupations)
- The field is growing at a much faster rate than other industries
- Many positions offer remote work flexibility
- Career progression and advancement opportunities abound
Companies are even loosening requirements to attract fresh talent. A recent survey found that 56% of tech managers are dropping experience requirements to speed up the hiring process.
Most of the easiest IT jobs for beginners are perfect for career changers since employers are mostly focused on problem solving abilities, work ethic, and willingness to learn new skills.
The most beginner-friendly tech positions
So, what are the roles that require the least experience but offer the most growth potential?
Help Desk Support Specialist
This is THE entry point into IT for most people.
Help desk specialists troubleshoot computer issues, reset passwords, and guide users through tech problems. On-the-job training is the norm, and great communication skills are more valuable than advanced technical skills.
The typical salary to start is around $52,000, but this role is literally your foot in the door for the entire IT industry.
IT Support Technician
Think of this as the slightly more technical version of help desk support.
IT support technicians install hardware and software, manage basic network troubleshooting, and work hands-on with computer systems to build technical skills. Positions often start between $45,000-$55,000.
IT Support Engineer
IT Support Engineers bridge the gap between help desk support and network administration, with a stronger focus on maintaining networks and resolving tech issues. Entry level salaries often start around $55,000, with lots of room to grow.
Junior Software Developer
Ok, we have to talk about software development…
Coding is often seen as the holy grail of tech careers, but in reality many companies are hiring junior developers with bootcamp experience or self-taught skills. Coding bootcamps can train you in 3-6 months, and junior roles offer mentorship from senior developers.
Junior developers often start at $60,000-$80,000, with strong growth potential.
Data Analyst
Everyone is talking about big data, but somebody has to make sense of it all.
Data analysts collect, process, and analyze information to help businesses make data-driven decisions. A lot of companies will hire people that can read data in Excel and understand basic statistical concepts.
Entry level positions often start in the $55,000-$65,000 range.
Quality Assurance (QA) Tester
This is a great entry point into the tech industry.
QA testers find bugs and errors in software before it goes to users. Systematic, analytical thinking is more important than deep technical expertise. No programming required to get started, and companies train you on their specific testing processes.
Starting salaries usually range from $45,000-$60,000, with growth potential in test automation and QA strategy.
Growth potential that’ll blow your mind
Ok, here’s the thing about these entry level IT jobs…
EVERY role is a stepping stone to something bigger.
The thing about tech is that skills translate from position to position. Start in help desk support, learn the network, then transition to cybersecurity. Kick off your career as a QA tester, pick up some coding chops, and move into software development.
The progression paths are truly endless:
- Help Desk → Network Administrator → IT Manager → CTO
- QA Tester → Test Automation → DevOps → Platform Architect
- Data Analyst → Data Scientist → Machine Learning Engineer → AI Specialist
And get this… each step up the ladder comes with a significant salary bump. Doubling your income in 3-5 years is normal.
How To Land Your First IT Role
If you’re an IT job beginner, landing that first role can seem daunting.
The good news is that it’s much easier than you think. Here’s how to get hired.
- Get basic certifications. CompTIA A+ for support roles, Google IT Support Certificate for help desk work, or a coding bootcamp for software development.
- Build a home lab. Set up your own little network, experiment with different operating systems, or write simple code. Hands-on experience is king.
- Apply strategically. Target smaller companies and managed service providers first. They are much more likely to train beginners and provide on-the-job training.
- Network like crazy. Attend local IT meetups, connect with pros on LinkedIn, and don’t be afraid to reach out for advice.
Breaking down the barriers
The biggest barrier to entering the IT field isn’t technical skills…
It’s mindset. So many people think they have to know how to code or configure a network just to get a foot in the door. The reality is, most entry level IT work is about following procedures, learning company specific systems, and solving problems logically.
Companies much prefer trainable people with a willingness to learn over senior level workers with outdated mental models. It’s way easier to retrain and teach people to think with a growth mindset than to undo years of legacy thinking.
The future is bright
The IT industry is only going to continue growing.
AI, cloud, cybersecurity, big data, blockchain, the internet of things…the list of opportunities goes on and on. Each new technological development creates more demand for professionals that can deploy, operate, and support those systems.
The best part? Entry level roles today prepare you for tomorrow’s high demand tech jobs. Learning the fundamentals of IT now positions you perfectly for all the future AI and automation roles.
Time to take action
The easiest IT jobs for beginners are actually launching pads for your career.
With 97 million new tech roles coming online by 2025 and companies desperate for qualified workers, the time to break into IT has never been better. With high demand, good starting salaries, and unlimited growth potential, these beginner-friendly tech roles are some of the best career moves you can make.
Don’t wait for the “perfect time” or think you need years of education before starting. The tech industry is hungry for you right now and your future self will thank you for taking action today.