If you're considering a career in IT, you're probably wondering what kind of salary you can expect when you start out. The good news is that entry level IT positions in the UK offer solid financial prospects for 2026, with salaries ranging between £18,000 and £24,000 per year depending on your location, qualifications, and the specific role you secure.
London typically offers the highest entry level salaries, with many positions starting at £22,000 to £25,000. Outside the capital, salaries tend to be slightly lower, ranging from £17,500 to £21,000. However, this doesn't mean you should overlook opportunities outside London, as the cost of living in other UK regions is considerably lower, making your salary stretch further.
The IT sector has become increasingly competitive in 2026, and employers are starting to recognise the value that motivated entry level candidates bring to their teams. This shift has led to modest salary increases across the board compared to previous years.
Different entry level IT positions come with varying salary expectations. Here's what you can realistically expect:
IT Helpdesk / Support Technician
The most common entry point into IT, helpdesk roles typically offer salaries between £18,000 and £22,000. These positions are ideal for building foundational knowledge and developing technical troubleshooting skills. Many organisations actively hire from training programmes, making this role particularly accessible for career changers.
Junior Network Technician
With slightly more technical responsibility, junior network roles command between £19,000 and £23,000. You'll need basic networking knowledge and possibly some vendor certifications to secure these positions.
Junior Systems Administrator
Starting salaries for junior sys admin roles range from £20,000 to £25,000. These positions require a stronger technical foundation and are often filled by candidates with relevant certifications like CompTIA A+ or Microsoft fundamentals qualifications.
IT Business Analyst (Entry Level)
If you're moving into IT from a business background, entry level analyst roles typically start at £21,000 to £26,000. These positions bridge the gap between technical and business worlds.
Support Engineer
Junior support engineer roles in specialised areas (cloud, software, etc.) typically offer £20,000 to £24,000 depending on the technology specialism.
Several key factors will affect the salary you can negotiate:
Location and Regional Variation
The South East commands premium salaries across all entry level IT roles. London offers the highest rates, followed by the South Coast and Surrey. Northern regions and Scotland typically offer 10-15 percent lower salaries, though cost of living adjustments make this less significant than it appears.
Your Qualifications and Certifications
Holding relevant certifications significantly boosts your starting salary. Candidates with CompTIA A+, Microsoft Fundamentals, or Azure certifications can typically negotiate 5-10 percent higher starting salaries than those without qualifications.
Company Size and Industry
Large corporate employers tend to offer more structured, higher entry level salaries compared to small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Financial services, healthcare, and government sectors also tend to pay slightly above average for entry level IT roles.
Your Previous Work Experience
Even if you're changing careers, demonstrating transferable skills from previous roles can strengthen your negotiating position. Customer service experience, for instance, is highly valued in helpdesk and support roles.
Your Specific Skill Set
If you've taken time to learn Microsoft 365, Azure basics, or popular troubleshooting tools, employers will recognise and reward this preparation. Practical skills matter as much as theoretical knowledge.
The exciting news is that IT salaries grow relatively quickly once you're established in the sector. Here's a realistic progression timeline:
Year 1-2: Entry Level
Start at £18,000 to £24,000 depending on the above factors.
Year 2-3: Junior Professional
Expect salary growth to £22,000 to £28,000 as you gain experience and possibly add additional certifications.
Year 3-5: Mid-Level Professional
Salaries typically jump to £28,000 to £38,000 as you specialise and take on greater responsibility.
Year 5+: Senior or Specialist Roles
Senior IT roles command £40,000 to £65,000+, with management positions reaching even higher.
The IT sector is one of the few industries where career progression happens relatively quickly with the right mindset and continuous learning approach.
Want to start your IT career at the higher end of the salary range?
Get Certified Before Applying
Candidates with certifications secure better starting salaries. Invest in CompTIA A+ or Microsoft certifications before hunting for your first role.
Target Your Location Strategically
If you're geographically flexible, consider roles in higher-paying regions. Remote opportunities now add another dimension, often paying London rates even for candidates based elsewhere.
Build a Portfolio
Document projects you've completed during training. Demonstrating practical experience through a portfolio can justify higher salary demands.
Develop Soft Skills
Communication, problem-solving, and customer service skills set candidates apart. These competencies allow you to negotiate better entry level packages.
Consider Contract Roles
Temporary contract positions often pay 15-20 percent more than permanent entry level roles, providing faster income growth initially.
Negotiate Thoughtfully
Research salary ranges for your specific role and location. Many entry level candidates accept the first offer without negotiating. A simple, polite request for 5 percent more can often succeed.
The pathway into IT has become clearer and more accessible than ever. Whether you're a school leaver, career changer, or redundancy candidate, structured training programmes can equip you with the skills and certifications employers want.
Our IT Helpdesk course (available at Basic £997 or Advanced £1,750) provides the foundation you need to secure entry level positions. The Advanced course includes additional certifications and job search support, helping you command better starting salaries.
Many candidates completing structured training programmes secure positions within 4-8 weeks, often at the higher end of entry level salary ranges due to having relevant certifications from day one.
Entry level IT salaries in 2026 offer a competitive starting point with genuine prospects for rapid career progression. The key is entering the sector with the right preparation: relevant certifications, practical skills, and a clear understanding of your value.
Rather than accepting the minimum offered, invest time in gaining certifications and building your professional foundation. This investment typically pays for itself within the first month of employment.
Ready to start your IT career journey? Explore our free NHS to IT career roadmap PDF at smoothops365.com/roadmap. This comprehensive guide shows you exactly how to transition into IT, what qualifications matter most, and how to position yourself for the best entry level opportunities in 2026.
SmoothOps 365 runs live instructor-led training every Saturday and Sunday. 3 months. 52 contact hours. Keep your job while you train.