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Apprentices

7 entry-level tech jobs, no experience required

By Katie LoFaso

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Contents

  1. What are entry-level tech jobs, and who are they for?
  2. 7 entry-level tech jobs you can get without experience
  3. Job Outlook in the Tech Industry
  4. Tips for Applying for Entry-Level Roles in Tech
  5. How to Gain the Crucial Skills Needed for a Career in Tech
  6. Nab Your First Job in Tech with the Help of a Multiverse Apprenticeship

ChatGPT was released in November of 2022. Within 5 days, it acquired its first million users, becoming one of the fastest technologies (opens new window)to do so.  In April 2024, Open AI’s website — where the AI chatbot is accessed — received 1.6 billion visits, attesting to wide-spread adoption of the tool for a variety of use cases.

Technology is changing the way we work. It’s also changing the way businesses hire employees for the most in-demand roles. Now, many of the largest companies are prioritizing skills over formal credentials in an attempt to streamline hiring for the most in-demand roles. Accenture, Dell, Google, and IBM, for example, are among the top tech companies that have dropped or partially eliminated degree requirements(opens new window). These changes have opened new opportunities for people wanting to enter the tech industry without traditional experience or a college education.

An entry-level tech job can be the starting point for many different career paths. Below, we highlight seven entry-level tech jobs you can land without traditional experience. Of course, you’ll need some skills to create a competitive application, so we also share our top tips for developing your skills, preparing, and applying for tech roles.

What are entry-level tech jobs, and who are they for?

Many entry-level tech jobs don’t require extensive work experience or fully developed skill sets. They’re gateways into the tech industry that help newcomers make connections and gain valuable experience.

These positions are designed for people with limited experience in the tech sector. Career changers, self-taught programmers, and recent graduates often apply for entry-level jobs to get their foot in the door.

Tech companies typically consider entry-level talent for roles that require basic technical and interpersonal skills. These workers often receive guidance and training from more seasoned professionals. As they gain experience, they may advance to mid-level positions and beyond.

7 entry-level tech jobs you can get without experience

Aspiring professionals can pursue many entry-level jobs in the tech industry. These roles have different career paths, requirements, and salaries. Selecting the right job will help you build a strong career foundation. It will also inform the level of training and skills you need to develop before applying.

Here are seven in-demand entry-level tech jobs for newcomers. Several of these careers offer the potential for lucrative six-figure salaries, all without a degree. Let’s dive in.

1. Junior Web Developer

A Junior Web Developer creates and updates websites and web-based applications. They often work closely with Senior Web Developers, Project Managers, and other professionals.

Junior Web Developers use HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for front-end web development. They also build the server sides of websites with frameworks and programming languages, like Java and Python. Additional responsibilities include designing new features and debugging applications.

Job Outlook

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts Web Developer jobs(opens new window) will increase by 17% between 2022 and 2032. Tech companies and other employers will create around 19,000 new web development positions annually during this decade.

Entry-Level Salary

Here’s a breakdown of the median salary range for entry-level Junior Web Developers with zero to one-year of experience:

  • Salary range: starts at $48,000
  • Average salary: $63,000
  • Highest earners: up to $83,000

Career Preparation

Develop foundational web development skills with Multiverse’s Software Engineering Apprenticeship. This immersive program combines theoretical knowledge, practical coding skills, and the opportunity for hands-on work experience.

2: Software Engineer

A Software Engineer designs, builds, and maintains software programs.  They work on various applications, such as databases, desktop applications, and video games.

Entry-level Software Engineers often work under the supervision of senior or mid-level Software Engineers. Common responsibilities include debugging, testing, and updating existing software. They may also write the code for new applications using languages like Java, C#, or Swift.

Job Outlook

The BLS forecasts a 26% increase in the overall employment of Software Developers(opens new window) between 2022 and 2032. Approximately 154,000 jobs related to software engineering will open each year during this period.

Entry-Level Salary

  • Salary range: starts at $80,000
  • Average salary: $103,000
  • Highest earners: up to $135,000

Career Preparation

Multiverse’s Software Engineering program allows apprentices to learn the ins and outs of full-stack development. Apprentices also gain specialized knowledge by completing electives in cybersecurity, data engineering, and other in-demand fields.

3. Data Analyst

A Data Analyst gathers, organizes, and gains insights from large datasets. They use statistical analysis to find patterns in raw data and recommend solutions for high-level business problems.

Entry-level Data Analysts use many methods to collect data, including customer surveys and web scraping tools. They use statistical analysis to interpret this information and uncover fresh insights.

Job Outlook

The BLS Occupational Handbook classifies Data Analysts as Data Scientists(opens new window). The BLS projects the overall employment of these professionals will grow by 35% between 2022 and 2032, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.

Entry-Level Salary

  • Salary range: starts at $61,000
  • Average salary: $78,000
  • Highest earners: up to $100,000

Career Preparation

Build a strong foundation in data analytics with Multiverse’s Advanced Analytics Apprenticeship. You’ll learn data visualization, predictive analytics, machine learning, and other essential skills, all while working for a leading company.

4. UX Designer

A User Experience (UX) Designer creates digital products and experiences that are accessible and user-friendly. Beginners often assist Senior UX Designers and Product Designers.

UX Designers conduct user research to learn about their audience’s needs and pain points. They use these findings to design customer-centric mobile apps, websites, and other products. This process often involves developing user personas, building prototypes, and testing the user interface.

Job Outlook

The BLS refers to UX Designers as Web and Digital Interface Designers(opens new window). Between 2022 and 2032, the BLS expects the overall employment of these professionals to grow by 15%. An estimated 19,000 new jobs will open annually in these years.

Entry-Level Salary

  • Salary range: starts at $71,000
  • Average salary: $95,000
  • Highest earners: up to $129,000

5. Digital Marketer

A Digital Marketer uses online communication channels to build brand awareness, nurture prospects, and generate leads. Firms of all kinds use digital marketing channels to promote products and services.

Digital Marketers research their customer base to deploy marketing campaigns based on a target audience. They use content marketing, social media marketing, email, paid media, and other strategies to engage prospective customers.

Job Outlook

BLS projections show that the number of jobs for Marketing Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists(opens new window) will increase by 13% from 2022 to 2032. Over 94,000 new jobs will open in this area yearly.

Entry-Level Salary

  • Salary range: starts at $49,000
  • Average salary: $64,000
  • Highest earners: up to $86,000

6. IT Support Technician

An Information Technology (IT) Support Technician specializes in solving problems with computer systems. They also teach users how to operate new technology.

The core responsibilities of Support Technicians include troubleshooting and solving problems. They also maintain information technology and install updates as necessary.

Job Outlook

The BLS anticipates that the number of Computer Support Specialist jobs(opens new window) will expand by 5% between 2022 and 2032. Companies will hire around 66,500 new employees annually.

Entry-Level Salary

  • Salary range: starts at $43,000
  • Average salary: $53,000
  • Highest earners: up to $65,000

7. Cybersecurity Specialist

A Cybersecurity Specialist protects digital assets from damage and unauthorized access. They safeguard confidential data and computer networks from cybercriminals and other threats.

Cybersecurity Specialists inspect computer systems for vulnerabilities and take steps to mitigate them. For example, they may install firewalls and use multifactor authentication to limit access to data. They also monitor for cyber threats and respond to incidents in real time.

Job Outlook

The BLS forecasts that Information Security Analyst jobs(opens new window) will increase by 32% between 2022 and 2032. Companies will hire around 17,000 cybersecurity workers annually.

Entry-Level Salary

  • Salary range: starts at $75,000
  • Average salary: $99,000
  • Highest earners: up to $130,000

Job Outlook in the Tech Industry

The BLS predicts that the overall employment of computer and information technology workers(opens new window) will grow much faster than average from 2022 to 2032. An estimated 377,500 jobs will open every year in this industry.

Entry-level tech professionals can future-proof their careers by developing proficiency with in-demand technologies, frameworks, and programming languages. According to a recent Indeed report(opens new window), these are the highest-paying technical skills in 2024:

  • Generative AI
  • System-on-chip
  • Deep learning
  • Torch
  • PyTorch
  • Computer vision
  • SystemVerilog
  • Mesos
  • Rust
  • Elixir

Mastering these skills and others could unlock new career opportunities in the tech sector and other industries.

The experience you gain from an entry-level tech job can also help you climb the career ladder. Many tech companies have career progression pathways that allow employees to gradually gain more responsibilities.

For example, a Junior Software Engineer could get promoted to an Engineering Manager or Staff Engineer. Similarly, a Data Analyst could advance to a Senior Data Analyst or Data Scientist. Mid- and senior-level roles often have lucrative salaries and more opportunities for remote work.

Tips for Applying for Entry-Level Roles in Tech

You don’t need a computer science degree or specific experience to land many entry-level tech jobs. But employers expect job seekers to have a combination of developing skills, basic industry knowledge, and professional qualities.

Follow these tips to set yourself up for success during your job hunt.

Conduct a Job Search for Entry-Level Roles

  • Build your professional network by attending industry events and joining online forums. Ask your connections to tell you if they hear about entry-level jobs that match your career goals.
  • Send personalized follow-up messages to recruiters after you apply for positions to express your interest and enthusiasm.
  • Set up job alerts on LinkedIn, Indeed, Dice, Robert Half, and other popular job boards.

Craft Polished Resumes

  • Tailor your resume for each company by including relevant keywords from the job advertisement.
  • Highlight your proficiency with in-demand technologies like machine learning and cloud computing platforms.
  • Include a link to a digital portfolio that showcases your projects and technical proficiencies.

Ace Your Job Interviews

  • Research common questions in tech job interviews and practice answering them with a friend or mentor.
  • Prepare for programming interviews with practice coding challenges. Websites like freeCodeCamp(opens new window) and InterviewBit(opens new window) offer free challenges.
  • Prepare three to four questions about the position. For example, you can ask about the company culture and professional development opportunities.

How to Gain the Crucial Skills Needed for a Career in Tech

Many entry-level roles don’t require formal work experience or credentials. But that doesn’t mean employers will hire just anyone. You can stand out from other candidates by developing foundational technical and non-technical skills.

Here are three common pathways that can prepare you for an entry-level job in the tech sector.

College

Many aspiring tech professionals earn a college degree in computer science, information technology, or software engineering. This option gives you a structured foundation in computer systems, programming, and other core skills.

But a college education has a few downsides. This pathway likely requires a significant investment of money and time. The pace of technological change also means college curriculums might not always be in-tune with the way industry professionals use technology in their day-to-day jobs.

The bottom line: earning a college degree is an achievement, but it comes at a cost. And in an increasingly skills-based economy, it’s no guarantee of success in the tech field or other industries.

Self-Taught Learning

Some professionals or early-career applicants use online courses and resources to teach themselves programming languages and other essential skills. Many websites offer online classes and certificates, including Coursera(opens new window) and edX(opens new window), but you can also find information on programming languages on resources like Youtube.

The self-taught option saves money and allows you to focus on relevant skills for your chosen career. But the lack of a structured curriculum could lead to skills gaps and drop-off. You also may not get the chance to gain experience with hands-on projects.

Apprenticeships

An apprenticeship program is arguably the most efficient way to prepare for an entry-level job in the tech industry. For example, a Multiverse apprenticeship combines structured learning modules with on-the-job training. Apprentices gain practical experience by working for a leading company.

This path offers many benefits. Multiverse’s programs are free for apprentices, and participants earn a competitive salary. That means apprentices get paid to learn coding, full-stack development, and other in-demand skills that companies are hiring for.

An apprenticeship also offers many opportunities to make industry connections. You’ll receive personalized coaching from seasoned tech professionals and access to Multiverse’s extensive alumni network. You’ll also develop relationships with peers as you participate in bootcamps, hackathons, and other events.

Nab Your First Job in Tech with the Help of a Multiverse Apprenticeship

The tech industry offers diverse career paths for people at every stage of their professional journey. Newcomers can find entry-level tech roles in digital marketing, IT support, software engineering, and other areas. These jobs are an excellent way to learn the ropes of the industry and develop new skills.

Prepare for a fulfilling tech career with a Multiverse apprenticeship. Our programs let you earn while you learn and build your professional network. Complete our quick application today(opens new window), and our team will contact you to discuss the next steps.

Katie LoFaso

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By Team Multiverse

1 May 2024

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