The 10 highest paying entry-level IT jobs in 2022

An entry-level job is a role that requires little or no industry experience. These roles are ideal for recent graduates, those who have completed courses in the relevant fields, or people who are looking to switch careers into an IT role with some existing transferable skills. Entry-level jobs can help anyone with the right skills gain the experience needed to move forward with a tech career.

Working in the tech industry attracts a lot of people, especially as it contains some of the highest-paying entry-level jobs. We’ve put together some of the top 10 highest-paying entry-level IT jobs in 2022.

1. DevOps Engineer

• The average entry-level salary for a DevOps Engineer is £46,000

• The average mid-level salary of a DevOps Engineer is £73,500

• The average top-level salary of a DevOps Engineer is £98,750

 A DevOps Engineer must have a good understanding of coding languages, automation, and testing, as well as strong communication and critical thinking skills. More often than not you’ll be collaborating with more senior colleagues and various teams such as the development team to gain experience and progress in the industry.

2. Security Engineer

• The average entry-level salary for a Security Engineer is £40,750 

• The average mid-level salary of a Security Engineer is £64,000

• The average top-level salary of a Security Engineer is £92,500

Security Engineers are responsible for protecting a company’s computer networks and systems, this decreases the risk of data leaks and hackers gaining access to sensitive information. This involves planning and implementing security measures and quickly addressing security breaches. Skills required include critical thinking skills, communication skills, and strong research and analysis skills. The demand for Security Engineers has gone up 25% in the past year.

3. Project Manager

• The average entry-level salary for a Project Manager is £39,750 

• The average mid-level salary of a Project Manager is £55,750

• The average top-level salary of a Project Manager is £79,000
   

Project Managers are responsible for the planning and oversight of various projects at a company. This is a popular job in the tech world, for app and software development. In an entry-level role, you will be working under senior supervision, learning the necessary skills before being able to lead a team on your own. Some key skills include communication skills, time management skills, and leadership skills. The demand for Project Managers has gone up 105% in the past year.

4. Mechanical Engineer

• The average entry-level salary for a Mechanical Engineer is £39,500

• The average mid-level salary of a Mechanical Engineer is £58,750

• The average top-level salary of a Mechanical Engineer is £81,250
   

Mechanical Engineers are responsible for the processes that go into building a machine, this involves research, design, development, and testing. Anyone working in the role of a Mechanical Engineer will need experience using computer-aided design software such as AutoCAD, they need to have strong mathematical skills and strong attention to detail. The demand for Mechanical Engineers has gone up 181% in the past year.

5. Software Engineer

• The average entry-level salary for a Software Engineer is £37,000 

• The average mid-level salary of a Software Engineer is £64,250

• The average top-level salary of a Software Engineer is £110,000

Software Engineers usually have a broad knowledge of programming languages and software applications, and experience in working with source code. Some everyday responsibilities in the role of a Software Engineer include code documentation and debugging. With an entry-level role, you are most likely to be working under more senior engineers to help develop products. The demand for Software Engineers has gone up 14% in the past year.

6. User Experience (UX) Designer

• The average entry-level salary for a UX designer is £35,750

• The average mid-level salary of a UX Designer is £53,000

• The average top-level salary of a UX Designer is £78,750
   

A UX Designer is responsible for improving the usability and accessibility of the product or service. This can include a website, web application, mobile app, or operating system. As well as being creative and proficient in design software, UX Designers need to have effective communication skills both visually and non-verbally. People are putting UX and the forefront of their business plans to help improve customer retention and loyalty and therefore the demand has gone up 34% in the past year. Find out more about the role of a UX designer here.

7. Test Engineer

• The average entry-level salary for a Test Engineer is £35,000

• The average mid-level salary of a Test Engineer is £50,250

• The average top-level salary of a Test Engineer is £78,750

A Test Engineer needs to understand engineering, and product design, and have a strong eye for detail. It is their responsibility to design and conduct tests for products and applications. They normally work within a team and therefore also need excellent communication skills. The demand for Test Engineers has gone up 26% in the past year.

8. Software Developer

• The average entry-level salary for a Software Developer is £30,500

• The average mid-level salary of a Software Developer is £53,500

• The average top-level salary of a Software Developer is £83,750
   

Software Developers need to have experience with programming languages, data structures, and algorithms as well as testing procedures. Some of the soft skills include critical thinking, attention to detail, and time management skills. A degree is not essential for the role of a Software Developer, one main thing employers will look for is someone who has a strong work ethic and a desire to learn and grow in the industry.

9. Data Analyst

• The average entry-level salary for a Data Analyst is £29,250  

• The average mid-level salary of a Data Analyst is £45,000

• The average top-level salary of a Data Analyst is £68,500

Data Analysts are responsible for collecting, cleaning, and processing data. With this data, they need to be able to spot trends and patterns and create reports that will help optimise business decisions. With many companies becoming data-driven, the demand for Data Analysts has gone up 36% in the past year.

10. Web Developer

• The average entry-level salary for a Web Developer is £28,750

• The average mid-level salary of a Web Developer is £44,000

• The average top-level salary of a Web Developer is £69,250

As a Web Developer, you don’t necessarily need a degree, however, you do need experience in particular skills including programming languages, HTML, CSS, UX design, and content management systems. You can learn these skills from courses online or find out more about how to become a Web Developer here.

It’s always daunting coming into an entry-level role, especially if you are a recent graduate or you have made a career switch to join the tech industry. One of the main things to remember is that employees are looking to hire someone who has a passion to learn, and a desire to expand their skill set and grow with the company. Employers want someone they can invest in for the long term. Before going for any entry-level job, make sure you meet the required skills to give yourself the best chance of being employed.