Entry-Level IT Salary in 2025

Entering the IT field in 2025? You’re in the right place. The tech industry continues to grow rapidly, and with it, opportunities for newcomers are expanding. Whether you’re fresh out of college, switching careers, or diving into tech through certifications and bootcamps, understanding salary expectations is key to planning your future.

This detailed guide covers everything you need to know about entry-level IT salaries in 2025, including average pay, job outlook, influencing factors, and how to maximize your earnings potential.

🧾 What Is the Average Entry-Level IT Salary in 2025?

In 2025, the average entry-level IT salary in the United States ranges from $55,000 to $75,000 annually, depending on role, location, and educational background.

Here’s a breakdown of typical starting salaries by job title:

IT Support Specialist: $50,000 – $60,000
Junior Software Developer: $65,000 – $75,000
Data Analyst (Entry Level): $60,000 – $70,000
Network Technician: $55,000 – $65,000
Cybersecurity Analyst (Entry Level): $70,000 – $80,000

💰 Factors That Influence Entry-Level IT Salaries

Several factors affect how much you earn in your first IT role. Consider these key influences:

1. Location

Cities like San Francisco, Seattle, Austin, and New York offer higher starting salaries.
In contrast, smaller towns or states with lower costs of living may offer less.

2. Education Level

Bachelor’s degrees often yield higher salaries.
However, certifications or associate degrees can also lead to well-paying jobs.

3. Certifications

Employers highly value certifications like:

CompTIA A+
Cisco CCNA
Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner

4. Internship and Project Experience

Hands-on experience—even unpaid—can increase your value significantly.

5. Industry

Entry-level IT roles in finance, healthcare, or defense often pay more due to higher security needs and regulatory requirements.

📊 Salary by Experience (Early Career Progression)

0–1 Years: $55,000–$65,000
1–3 Years: $65,000–$80,000
3–5 Years: $75,000–$95,000
5+ Years: You may transition into mid-level or specialized roles earning $100,000+

📈 Job Market Trends in 2025

Demand Remains Strong

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects steady growth in tech jobs through 2030, with some roles like cybersecurity seeing double-digit growth rates.

Remote Work Is the Norm

Many IT jobs now support full or hybrid remote work, giving employees more location flexibility—though it may also impact salary ranges.

AI and Automation Are Shifting Skill Demands

While automation is evolving, it’s creating more roles in AI support, automation engineering, and cloud infrastructure, not reducing total IT jobs.

🎓 Education and Certification: What Matters?

While a four-year degree remains a strong foundation, it’s no longer mandatory. Employers now look for:

Certifications as proof of technical competence
Bootcamp graduates with portfolio projects
Associate degrees in network or systems administration
Continuous learning in emerging tech areas like cloud, AI, and DevOps

Top Entry-Level Certifications:

Google IT Support Certificate
CompTIA Security+
Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner

🎁 Benefits & Perks Beyond Salary

In addition to base pay, entry-level IT roles typically offer:

401(k) matching
Health, dental, and vision insurance
Professional development stipends
Remote work flexibility
Paid time off and holidays

🔮 The Outlook for Entry-Level IT Professionals

If you’re considering a career in IT, 2025 is a promising year to start. With demand high and barriers to entry lower than ever, your potential is limited only by your effort and willingness to learn.

Entry-level roles today can become six-figure positions within five years—with the right path, skills, and mindset.

Key Takeaway:
Whether you’re pursuing a degree, a bootcamp, or a self-taught path, IT remains one of the most accessible, flexible, and rewarding industries for newcomers in 2025. Focus on gaining certifications, practical experience, and staying current with tech trends to boost your earning potential and career growth.