No Experience Required: High-Paying Jobs in Tech
Updated September 28, 2023
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Credit: 10'000 Hours / DigitalVision / Getty Image
Are you interested in a job with high pay with no experience requirements? Consider exploring your options in the tech industry. The tech sector has many jobs for people without much experience, making it a welcoming place for recent graduates and people switching careers.
This guide explains how to get a tech job with no experience. It also includes a list of popular no-experience-required high-paying jobs in tech, including typical duties, education requirements, and average salary.
Working in Tech With No Previous Experience
The tech industry offers in-demand, high-paying jobs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that computer and information technology (IT) jobs will grow 13% between 2020 and 2030, faster than the average for all occupations. Benefits of working in tech include:
-
High Employer Demand: The BLS projects the addition of 667,600 new computer and IT jobs in the U.S. between 2020 and 2030. -
Salary Potential: The tech field offers high-paying jobs. The BLS reports that computer and IT positions earned a median annual salary of $97,430 in May 2021, significantly higher than the median for all jobs. -
Growth Opportunities: As you gain experience, education, and credentials over time, you can qualify for promotions and better career opportunities.
Entering the tech field without experience may require you to accept lower starting salaries. Employers may prefer candidates with real-world experience for some positions.
If you can get your foot in the door, the tech industry offers opportunities to advance over time.
Can You Get a Tech Job With High Pay and No Experience?
The tech industry has many opportunities for you to find jobs that offer high pay with no experience.
In general, the tech field values demonstrated skill mastery as much as it values years of experience. This can make it easier for people just starting out to qualify for jobs.
A four-year degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field can open the door to most tech careers. Employers increasingly recognize that tech-related or coding bootcamp programs can prepare graduates for high-paying tech jobs. In many instances, candidates can substitute education for experience requirements.
Pointing to some work experience can help you land a job. Students can draw from internships, summer jobs, and volunteer work. If you are changing careers, think about how previous employment in a different industry may apply to the tech field.
Newcomers to tech may need to apply for basic, entry-level opportunities and find ways to advance over time.
Tech Jobs With High Pay and No Experience Required
Web Developer
Web developers create and design websites. They focus on front-end development, back-end development, or both. Many web developers work from home as freelancers or company employees. Web developers need good coding skills and experience with programming languages like HTML5 and JavaScript.
With experience, web developers can advance to positions like computer and information systems manager.
- Education Required: Education requirements for web developers vary, but may include a high school diploma or bachelor's degree in web development. A coding bootcamp can offer good preparation.
- Experience Preferred: Candidates should prepare a portfolio of web development work from school or bootcamp courses.
- Median Salary: $77,200
- Job Outlook, 2020-2030: +13%
Graphic Designer
Graphic designers use art, design, and technology to sell products and communicate information. They often collaborate with writers, marketers, and public relations professionals. Self-employment of graphic designers is common, and many work from home.
Duties may include creating designs, meeting with clients, laying out designs, and creating illustrations. Graphic designers need experience using Adobe's creative software like Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign. Other important skills include coding, typography, and creativity.
- Education Required: Many graphic designers earn a bachelor's degree in graphic design or another fine arts field. A degree is not necessarily required as long as you can demonstrate proficiency in the required skills.
- Experience Preferred: Candidates should prepare a portfolio of graphic design work from school or bootcamp courses.
- Median Salary: $50,710
- Job Outlook, 2020-2030: +3%
Social Media Specialist
Social media specialists oversee their organization's social media platforms. They create content, interact with users, develop social media strategies, and analyze social media data. Social media specialists need good writing, communication, and analytical skills. They need to understand the most popular social media platforms, like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok
- Education Required: Education requirements vary, but employers often require a bachelor's degree in a field like communications, marketing, or public relations. A social media bootcamp may suffice in some cases.
- Experience Preferred: Some employers prefer applicants who can demonstrate real-world experience through an internship, bootcamp project, or community/volunteer position.
- Median Salary: $62,800
- Job Outlook, 2020-2030: +11%
Customer Service Representative
Customer service representatives interact with customers to answer questions, resolve problems, and educate about products and services. Duties may include processing payments, listening to complaints, and generating sales. Customer service representatives interact with customers mostly via the phone or online.
They work in nearly all industries, including in tech. A customer service job with a tech company can be a good way to get your foot in the door and apply for more advanced positions once you get experience.
Software Developer
Software developers create the programs, applications, and systems that allow computers and other devices to run correctly. Developers need strong programming skills and must continually learn new programming languages and tools throughout their careers.
- Education Required: Software developers often hold a bachelor's degree in a computer science or information technology field. Some software developers get their education through a software development bootcamp.
- Experience Preferred: Consider completing an internship through a college or bootcamp program, but professional experience is not a requirement.
- Median Salary: $110,140
- Job Outlook, 2020-2030: +22%
Computer Programmer
Computer programmers use programming languages to write code and scripts that tell computer applications and software what to do. They often collaborate closely with software developers. Programmers can advance to roles like software developer and computer systems analyst.
- Education Required: Computer programmers often need a bachelor's degree in computer programming, but some employers accept bootcamp graduates.
- Experience Preferred: Candidates should prepare a portfolio of work from school or bootcamp courses.
- Median Salary: $93,000
- Job Outlook, 2020-2030: -10%
Computer Support Specialists
Computer support specialists maintain networks and offer IT help to users. Typical tasks include performing network maintenance, training people to use new hardware or software, and repairing computer equipment. They need good communication, listening, problem-solving, and customer service skills.
Depending on their employer, some computer support specialists can work from home. A customer support specialist job can be a good way to get basic tech skills. With experience, customer support specialists can potentially advance to other IT roles like network and computer systems administrator or information security analyst.
- Education Required: Requirements vary from a high school diploma to an associate degree. A coding bootcamp can offer good preparation.
- Experience Preferred: Most positions do not require specific experience, but candidates benefit from prior work in customer service.
- Median Salary: $57,910
- Job Outlook, 2020-2030: +9%
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Specialist
SEO specialists create SEO strategies and techniques that help their organizations rank high in online search engines. This generates more web traffic and can result in higher revenue. SEO specialists benefit from analysis, coding, communication, and research skills. Typical tasks include conducting keyword research, meeting with clients, and staying current with industry news.
- Education Required: Requirements vary, but many employers prefer a bachelor's degree. A tech-related bootcamp can also improve your chances of being hired.
- Experience Preferred: Candidates benefit from prior experience in SEO.
- Average Salary: $48,910
- Job Outlook, 2020-2030: N/A
Which Job in Tech Is Right for You?
The tech industry is home to many types of high-paying jobs with different education, experience, and skill requirements. To find the right job for you, think about positions where you can use your existing skills and prior education.
Consider the work environment, hours, and opportunities each potential tech role has. Loving your future work environment is as crucial as loving the work.
You might think that you lack any relevant experience, but remember you can find real-world learning through summer jobs, internships, and volunteer work. If you are switching careers, find a way to translate experience in your prior field to the tech industry.
Also, consider the difficulty or ease of entry into different roles, including the number of open positions and their requirements.
Resources
FAQ About High-Paying Jobs in Tech
What is the highest-paying job in tech that doesn't require experience?
A software developer is one of the highest-paid jobs in tech that does not require experience. The BLS reports that software developers earned a median annual salary of $110,140 in 2021.
Is it easy to break into the tech field?
Landing your first job in the tech field can take persistence, but it is doable. To increase your chances of getting hired, you can earn a professional certification, show examples of relevant work, and learn new skills.
How do I get a high-paying tech job with no experience?
People with no relevant work experience can get high-paying jobsin tech by proving that they have the necessary skills to get the job done. Employers may accept a college education or bootcamp training in lieu of experience. If you do not have full-time work experience, tell employers about your relevant internships, capstone classes, and volunteer work.
Can a bootcamp help me get a job in the tech industry?
Yes, completing a bootcamp can help prepare you for various high-paying jobs in tech. Some careers still require a degree, so do your research before enrolling in any program.
Reviewed by: Jeffrey Williams
Jeffrey Williams is the senior director of career and student services at New Horizons Computer Learning Centers. Jeffrey has over seven years of career advising, career networking, resume writing, and career planning experience. He has been responsible for educating students on best practices for attaining their career goals.
Jeffrey is a powerful force in the workplace and uses his positive attitude and tireless energy to encourage others to work hard and succeed while motivating them to excel in their careers. He earned his master of public policy at Georgetown University and holds a project management certification and a certification as a certified professional career coach.
Jeffrey Williams is a paid member of the Red Ventures Education Integrity Network.
Page last reviewed Sep 1, 2022
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