15 Entry-Level Jobs That Pay Over $60K in 2026

The myth that entry-level jobs pay poorly is outdated. In 2026, many industries offer starting salaries above $60,000 — some well above $80,000. The key is knowing where to look and what qualifications to focus on.

We analyzed job listings on JobsClix and salary databases to compile this list of high-paying entry-level careers.

1. Software Developer — $65,000–$95,000

The most accessible high-paying entry-level career. You don't need a CS degree — bootcamp graduates and self-taught developers regularly land roles at $70K+.

How to get started: Learn JavaScript or Python, build 3-5 projects, and apply. See our Software Engineer career path.

2. Data Analyst — $60,000–$80,000

Companies are drowning in data and need people who can make sense of it. Entry-level data analysts with SQL, Excel, and basic Python skills are in high demand.

See our Data Scientist career path

3. UX Designer — $60,000–$80,000

UX design is one of the most bootcamp-friendly careers. Companies value problem-solving and empathy over years of experience. A strong portfolio matters more than a degree.

See our UX Designer career path

4. Cloud Support Engineer — $65,000–$85,000

AWS, Azure, and GCP all have entry-level support engineering roles with excellent training programs. An AWS Cloud Practitioner certification can help you land one.

5. Sales Development Representative (SDR) — $60,000–$90,000 (base + commission)

Tech SDR roles offer competitive base salaries plus commission. Many SDRs earn $80K+ in their first year with strong performance. See our Sales career path.

6. Digital Marketing Specialist — $55,000–$70,000

With Google and HubSpot certifications (both free), you can land entry-level marketing roles. SEO, paid ads, and content marketing specialists are particularly in demand.

See our Digital Marketing career path

7. Financial Analyst — $60,000–$75,000

Finance graduates with strong Excel and analytical skills can start at $60K+ at banks, corporations, and consulting firms.

8. Cybersecurity Analyst — $60,000–$80,000

The cybersecurity talent shortage means entry-level positions are well-compensated. CompTIA Security+ certification is often sufficient for your first role.

9. Product Support Engineer — $60,000–$80,000

A blend of technical and customer-facing skills. These roles at SaaS companies often lead to product management or engineering career paths.

10. Technical Writer — $55,000–$75,000

If you can write clearly about complex topics, technical writing offers good entry-level pay with flexible (often remote) work arrangements.

11. DevOps Engineer — $70,000–$90,000

Entry-level DevOps roles are less common but well-paid. Linux experience, basic scripting, and cloud knowledge can get you started. See our DevOps career path.

12. Business Intelligence Analyst — $60,000–$80,000

BI analysts build dashboards and reports that drive business decisions. SQL, Tableau/Power BI, and basic statistics are the core skills.

13. IT Project Coordinator — $55,000–$70,000

A stepping stone to project management. Organizational skills and basic tech literacy are the main requirements.

14. QA/Test Engineer — $60,000–$80,000

Quality assurance is a great entry point into tech. Manual testing roles require attention to detail, and automation testing roles command higher salaries.

15. Customer Success Manager — $55,000–$75,000

SaaS companies invest heavily in customer success. Strong communication skills and problem-solving ability are more important than technical expertise. See our Customer Success career path.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a college degree for these jobs?

For most tech roles (software development, UX design, data analysis), no. Many companies have dropped degree requirements in favor of skills-based hiring. Certifications, bootcamps, and portfolios can replace a traditional degree. Finance and some corporate roles still value degrees more.

How do I negotiate an entry-level salary?

Research market rates using our Salary Guide, highlight your unique skills and projects, and don't be afraid to negotiate. Even entry-level offers have room for a 5-10% increase. Read our salary negotiation guide for scripts and strategies.

Which entry-level job has the best growth potential?

Software development has the steepest salary growth curve — junior developers earning $70K can reach $150K+ within 3-5 years with skill development. Sales (SDR) roles also have strong growth, with top performers reaching six figures within 1-2 years through commission.

Start your search: Browse entry-level jobs on JobsClix — new positions added daily from 7 sources.