5 of the Highest-Paying Tech Jobs for Entry-Level Workers

Before you get your geek on in the tech industry, check out which jobs have some of the most impressive starting salaries.

By Daniel Bortz, Monster contributor

What do technology jobs pay? The bills, for starters. It's not just doctors, lawyers, and engineers who can start their careers with relatively high paychecks. Some tech jobs have that perk too. In fact, the median salary for tech workers is almost double the median national wage, according to CompTIA.

Not only that, but the tech field is growing: the U.S. tech industry is poised to add more than 531,000 new jobs over the next decade, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). That's a growth rate of 11%, which is much faster than the average job growth for all occupations.

Clearly, technology's a hot industry, but some tech jobs are better than others when it comes to pay, job growth, and overall job satisfaction. Monster used proprietary salary data, plus data from the BLS, to find five above-average jobs for you to check out.

1. Computer Systems Analyst

What you'd do: Everyone knows that person who can solve any tricky tech problem, but who's also so personable, they're top of the list of any party you throw. That's what computer systems analysts are like—they understand technology and love solving problems, but can also schmooze clients. With a projected job growth of 7% in the next decade, computer systems analysts have no shortage of employment opportunities. Most work for computer systems design firms, which help companies evaluate their computer systems and identify ways to improve efficiency.

What you'd need: A bachelor's degree in computer or information science is common, but not always a requirement. Some employers, meanwhile, look for job applicants who have a master's degree in business administration (MBA) with a concentration in information systems.

Median salary for a computer systems analyst: $85,276 per year

Find computer systems analyst jobs on Monster.

2. Web Developer

What you'd do: Like computer systems analysts, Web developers serve a dual purpose. They are responsible for designing great-looking websites and also building said sites, which they present to clients. Some developers also create custom content or graphics. Projected job growth for web developers is 8%. That's because they're essential to creating the websites that keep companies in business.

What you'd need: Most web developer jobs require an associate's degree in web design or a related field. For more technical positions (e.g., back-end web developers), some employers prefer applicants who have a bachelor's degree in computer science or programming. Check out this article all about how to become a web developer.

Median salary for a web developer: $93,530 per year

Find web developer jobs on Monster.

3. Technical Support Analyst

What you'd do: Also called computer support specialists, technical support analysts are the problem solvers—the people that you contact when your computer crashes or you can't open a file. Because technology issues crop up unexpectedly, many technical support analysts do not work typical 9-to-5 jobs. Computer support specialists will see an 8% jump in job growth over the next 10 years.

What you'd need: A bachelor's degree is required for some computer support specialist positions, while others only require an associate's degree. For some jobs, employers may only require applicants to have postsecondary certification from a computer support program.

Median salary for a help desk technician/analyst: $43,418 per year

Find technical support analyst jobs on Monster.

4. Information Security Analyst

What you'd do: Is your secret fantasy to use your tech-savvy to catch the next internet hacker or cyber-thief? These experts work to protect a company’s computer and information systems by implementing, upgrading and monitoring security measures. Cyber security is a chief concern among U.S. companies, with employers specifically worried about hackers, security breaches, and private data leaks. No surprise that this job has an incredible 31% projected growth during the next decade, which CompTIA says is the fastest rate among tech jobs.

What you'd need: Most information security analyst jobs require a bachelor's degree in computer science, programming or a related field. Some employers search for applicants who have an MBA in information systems.

Median salary for a cyber security analyst: $91,675 per year

Find information security analyst jobs on Monster.

5. Software Developer

What you'd do: You know the apps you love most? Well the reason you can swipe right is because of a software developer. From computer programs to mobile apps, developers design, test and maintain software to meet their needs of their clients, which include consumer-focused businesses, as well as medical and military organizations. This job will grow an astonishing 22% in the next 10 years.

What you'd need: Software developer jobs typically require a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering or a related discipline; depending on the scope of the position, you may need a master’s degree.

Median salary for a software developer: $102,943 per year

Find software developer jobs on Monster.

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