The tech industry has always felt like the promised land. Good salaries. Remote work. Endless opportunity. But if you’ve scrolled through LinkedIn lately, you’ve seen the headlines: “Tech layoffs hit 30,000 in Q1 2026.” “Junior developers struggle to find work.”
It’s scary. Especially if you’re just starting out.
Here’s the truth nobody tells you: Tech isn’t dying. It’s evolving. While some roles disappear, others aren’t just surviving—they’re thriving. Companies are still desperate for talent. They’re just desperate for different talent.
The good news? You don’t need to be a 10x programmer or have a CS degree from Stanford. You need to target the right entry points.
In this guide, you’ll discover seven entry-level tech jobs that actually survived the 2026 shakeup. For each role, you’ll learn:
- Why it’s safe from AI and layoffs
- The exact salary you can expect
- What skills to learn (and which certifications matter)
- How to land your first job in 90 days or less
Let’s find your path.
How We Chose These 7 Jobs
Before we dive in, you should know our selection criteria. We didn’t just pick random roles from old lists. We used three specific filters:
1. The AI Filter: Can AI do most of this job today? If yes, it’s out. These roles require human judgment, empathy, physical presence, or legal accountability that machines can’t replace.
2. The Layoff Filter: Did companies cut these roles heavily in 2025-2026? If yes, it’s out. These jobs are in operations and compliance departments that companies can’t freeze.
3. The Entry-Level Filter: Can you realistically land this job with under two years of experience? If you need five years of senior-level expertise, it’s out.
These seven passed all three tests.
1. IT Support Specialist (The “Help Desk” Hero)
Average Salary: $45,000 – $65,000
Typical Training Time: 3-6 months
Why It Survived: Every company needs technology to function. And every company’s technology breaks. When an executive’s laptop won’t connect to the Wi-Fi, they don’t ask ChatGPT for help—they call you.
IT support is the backbone of modern business. It’s also surprisingly resistant to automation. AI can reset passwords, but it can’t sit with a frustrated employee, troubleshoot a weird hardware glitch, or explain why their email looks different today.
What You’ll Actually Do:
- Respond to support tickets (phone, email, or chat)
- Troubleshoot hardware and software issues
- Set up new employee workstations
- Manage user accounts in systems like Active Directory
- Document common problems and solutions
Skills to Learn:
- Customer service (seriously—this matters more than tech skills at this level)
- Basic networking (TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP)
- Windows and macOS troubleshooting
- Active Directory or similar user management tools
- Ticketing systems like Jira or Zendesk
Certifications That Help:
- CompTIA A+ (the industry standard for entry-level IT)
- Google IT Support Professional Certificate (great for beginners)
Who This Job Is Best For: People people. If you enjoy helping others and solving puzzles, this is your starting point. Many CIOs and network architects began their careers on the help desk.
2. Junior Data Analyst
Average Salary: $60,000 – $80,000
Typical Training Time: 6-12 months
Why It Survived: AI generates data faster than ever. But data without interpretation is just noise. Companies need humans who can ask the right questions, spot patterns AI misses, and translate numbers into business stories.
Think of it this way: AI tells you what happened. Data analysts tell you why it happened and what to do next.
What You’ll Actually Do:
- Clean and organize messy data
- Create dashboards in tools like Tableau or Power BI
- Write SQL queries to pull specific information
- Present findings to managers (sometimes with charts and graphs)
- Answer questions like “Why did sales drop last month?”
Skills to Learn:
- SQL (structured query language)—this is non-negotiable
- Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, the works)
- A visualization tool (Tableau, Power BI, or Google Data Studio)
- Basic statistics (averages, trends, correlations)
- Communication (explaining data to non-technical people)
Certifications That Help:
- Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate
- Microsoft Certified: Data Analyst Associate
Who This Job Is Best For: Curious minds. If you love asking “why?” and spotting patterns others miss, data analysis fits. It’s also a great launchpad for higher-paying roles later.
3. Digital Accessibility Specialist
Average Salary: $55,000 – $75,000
Typical Training Time: 3-6 months (with existing tech familiarity)
Why It Survived: Laws require it. In the US, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 508 mandate that websites and digital tools be usable by people with disabilities. In Europe, similar rules exist.
Companies that ignore accessibility get sued. And lawsuits are expensive. So businesses hire specialists to ensure their websites, apps, and documents work for everyone—including people using screen readers or other assistive technology.
AI can check for some accessibility issues. But only humans can truly test whether a site feels accessible and make nuanced judgment calls.
What You’ll Actually Do:
- Test websites and apps with screen readers
- Review designs for color contrast and keyboard navigation
- Write accessibility reports
- Train developers and designers on best practices
- Ensure documents (PDFs, Word files) meet standards
Skills to Learn:
- Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1 or 2.2)
- Screen reader basics (JAWS, NVDA, or VoiceOver)
- Manual testing techniques
- HTML and CSS fundamentals (helps enormously)
- Communication and training skills
Certifications That Help:
- IAAP Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC)
- Deque University courses (highly practical)
Who This Job Is Best For: Detail-oriented people who care about inclusion. You’ll make the digital world better while building a recession-proof career.
4. Salesforce Administrator
Average Salary: $65,000 – $90,000
Typical Training Time: 3-6 months
Why It Survived: Salesforce is the world’s most popular customer relationship management (CRM) platform. Thousands of companies run their sales, marketing, and customer service on it. And here’s the catch: Salesforce is incredibly customizable. Every company sets it up differently.
AI can help with some tasks, but configuring Salesforce requires understanding business processes. Why does this sales team track leads differently? How should the approval workflow work? That’s human work.
Salesforce administrators are the bridge between business needs and the software. Companies can’t function without them.
What You’ll Actually Do:
- Customize Salesforce for different teams
- Create reports and dashboards
- Manage user accounts and permissions
- Troubleshoot issues
- Train new employees on how to use the system
Skills to Learn:
- Salesforce fundamentals (objects, fields, records)
- Report and dashboard creation
- Process automation (flows, approval processes)
- Data management (imports, exports, cleaning)
- Business analysis (understanding what people actually need)
Certifications That Help:
- Salesforce Administrator Certification (the golden ticket—get this and you’re employable)
- Salesforce Platform App Builder
Who This Job Is Best For: Organizers. If you like structure, processes, and helping teams work better, this is your role. Many Salesforce admins work remotely with an excellent work-life balance.
5. Cybersecurity Analyst (Tier 1 SOC)
Average Salary: $70,000 – $95,000
Typical Training Time: 6-12 months (with IT background)
Why It Survived: Hackers are human. AI can spot some attack patterns, but defending against determined adversaries requires human intuition. Attackers constantly change tactics. They exploit human psychology. They find creative loopholes.
Cybersecurity is also a compliance requirement. If a company suffers a breach and doesn’t have proper monitoring, regulators fine them heavily. So they hire analysts to watch the screens.
What You’ll Actually Do:
- Monitor security alerts (someone tried to log in from Russia at 3 AM?)
- Investigate potential incidents
- Document findings
- Update firewall rules and security tools
- Help educate employees about phishing
Skills to Learn:
- Networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, ports, protocols)
- Operating systems (Windows, Linux)
- Security tools (SIEM platforms like Splunk or Sentinel)
- Threat intelligence basics
- Attention to detail and curiosity
Certifications That Help:
- CompTIA Security+ (entry-level standard)
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) – more advanced
- Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate
Who This Job Is Best For: Vigilant types. If you’re naturally suspicious (in a good way) and enjoy puzzles, cybersecurity offers excitement and stability.
6. Technical Writer
Average Salary: $50,000 – $80,000
Typical Training Time: 3-6 months (with writing skills)
Why It Survived: AI writes decent generic content. It struggles with accurate, context-specific technical documentation. Software changes constantly. Features get added. Workflows shift. Someone needs to update the help articles.
Technical writers translate complex information into clear instructions. They work with engineers to understand features, then explain them to normal humans. It requires empathy, curiosity, and precision—qualities AI lacks.
What You’ll Actually Do:
- Write help center articles and user guides
- Create API documentation for developers
- Review and edit content from subject matter experts
- Organize information for easy searching
- Update docs when products change
Skills to Learn:
- Clear, simple writing (8th-grade reading level)
- Markdown and basic HTML
- Documentation tools (MadCap Flare, Confluence, or just Google Docs)
- Working with developers (asking good questions)
- Information architecture (organizing content logically)
Certifications That Help:
- No single standard certification. A portfolio of writing samples matters most.
- Technical writing certificate programs (many universities offer them online)
Who This Job Is Best For: Word people. If you love writing and want to work in tech without coding, this is your path. Many technical writers work remotely with flexible schedules.
7. Field Service Technician (5G/Starlink/Fiber)
Average Salary: $40,000 – $70,000 (plus overtime)
Typical Training Time: 3-6 months (often paid training)
Why It Survived: You can’t fix a broken fiber line from a laptop. You can’t install a Starlink dish remotely. Physical infrastructure requires physical humans.
As 5G expands and satellite internet grows, companies need people willing to climb ladders, run cable, and troubleshoot hardware in the real world. These jobs are harder to offshore and harder to automate.
What You’ll Actually Do:
- Install internet equipment at customer sites
- Troubleshoot connection issues
- Run cable and mount hardware
- Test signal strength and quality
- Educate customers on using their new equipment
Skills to Learn:
- Basic electrical knowledge
- Comfort with ladders and heights
- Customer service (you’re in people’s homes)
- Troubleshooting methodology
- Physical fitness and reliability
Certifications That Help:
- Often provided by employers. Many hire with minimal experience and train you.
- Basic safety certifications (OSHA) are useful.
- Vendor-specific training (Starlink, Ericsson, Nokia, etc.)
Who This Job Is Best For: Hands-on learners. If you hate desks and want to move around, this beats sitting in a cubicle. Many technicians advance to network engineering or management roles.
Quick Comparison: Which Role Fits You?
| Role | Salary Range | Coding Required? | Best For Personality |
|---|---|---|---|
| IT Support Specialist | $45k–$65k | Minimal | Helpers, problem-solvers |
| Junior Data Analyst | $60k–$80k | Some (SQL) | Curious question-askers |
| Digital Accessibility Specialist | $55k–$75k | Minimal (HTML helps) | Detail-oriented advocates |
| Salesforce Administrator | $65k–$90k | None (logic, not code) | Organizers, process lovers |
| Cybersecurity Analyst | $70k–$95k | Some (scripting helps) | Vigilant puzzle-solvers |
| Technical Writer | $50k–$80k | None (writing, not code) | Word people, teachers |
| Field Service Technician | $40k–$70k | None | Hands-on movers |
How to Get Started: Your 90-Day Action Plan
Month 1: Choose and Learn
- Pick one role from this list. Don’t try to pursue three at once.
- Find 10 real job postings for that role on LinkedIn.
- List the common skills and certifications required. This is your study guide.
- Start a beginner course (Coursera, Udemy, or free YouTube tutorials).
Month 2: Build Evidence
- Create a project. For a data analyst: analyze a public dataset and publish it. For Salesforce: get a free developer account and build something. For a technical writer: create documentation for an open-source tool.
- Update your LinkedIn and resume to reflect your new skills.
- Join relevant communities (Reddit, Discord, LinkedIn groups). Ask questions. Learn from others.
Month 3: Apply and Iterate
- Start applying for roles. Aim for 5-10 quality applications per week.
- Track what works. If you’re not getting interviews, adjust your resume.
- Practice common interview questions for your target role.
- Consider entry-level contracts or internships to get that first line on your resume.
Common Mistakes People Make
Mistake 1: Tutorial Hell: Watching endless videos without building anything. You learn by doing, not consuming.
Mistake 2: Applying Too Early (or Too Late) Apply when you can demonstrate a core project, not when you’ve “finished” learning. Real interviews teach you more than courses.
Mistake 3: Ignoring Soft Skills Tech is a team sport. Communication, reliability, and curiosity matter as much as technical knowledge.
Mistake 4: Being Too Broad “I’ll learn everything” leads to mastering nothing. Pick one path and go deep.
Mistake 5: Not Networking Most jobs come through people, not applications. Engage in communities. Ask for informational interviews. Be helpful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a computer science degree for these jobs?
No. Every role on this list is accessible without a CS degree. Certifications, portfolios, and demonstrated skills matter more.
How long until I land a job?
With focused effort, most people can be job-ready in 3-6 months. Landing the first offer may take additional months of applying.
Which of these pays the most long-term?
Cybersecurity and Salesforce administration have strong long-term earning potential. Data analysis also scales well with experience.
Are these jobs remote?
Many are remote or hybrid. IT support often requires some on-site presence. Field service is obviously on-site. Data analyst and technical writer roles are frequently remote.
I’m over 40. Is it too late to start?
Absolutely not. Tech values problem-solving and reliability. Mature workers often bring communication and professionalism that younger applicants lack.
What if I try one and hate it?
That’s fine! Tech is broad. If you start in IT support and realize you love writing, pivot to technical writing. Skills transfer.
Your Next Step
You now have seven proven paths into tech—paths that survived the 2026 layoffs and will likely thrive for years. The question isn’t whether you can do this. You can. Thousands of people with no experience have built successful tech careers starting from exactly where you are now.
The question is: Which path will you choose?
Pick one. Start today. Even 30 minutes of focused learning moves you closer than doing nothing.
And remember: The best time to start was a year ago. The second-best time is right now.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only. While we strive to keep the information up-to-date and accurate, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability of the information contained herein.
