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About the article

This article by Jessica Lindsay, published in Metro on 04/06/2026, outlines five entry‑level roles in the UK with strong starting salaries and gives practical advice on how to secure them. It focuses on roles that do not require years of prior experience but do reward specific skills, certifications, or aptitude.

1. Software developer (entry‑level)

Typical starting salary: £28,000 – £35,000

Entry‑level developers are in high demand, especially those with skills in Python, JavaScript, or C#. Many employers now accept bootcamp graduates or self‑taught coders who can demonstrate a strong portfolio.

How to get in:

• Build a public GitHub portfolio with 2–3 finished projects (e.g., a web app, a CLI tool, or a simple game).
• Contribute to open‑source projects to show collaboration skills.
• Apply to graduate schemes, but also target SMEs and startups that are more flexible on degree requirements.
• Practice coding challenges (LeetCode, HackerRank) for technical tests.

2. Data analyst (entry‑level)

Typical starting salary: £26,000 – £32,000

Data analysts help organisations make sense of numbers. Employers look for SQL, Excel, and a visualisation tool (Tableau or Power BI). A background in maths, economics, or any analytical subject is useful but not mandatory.

How to get in:

• Complete a public dashboard project using real‑world data (e.g., government datasets or Kaggle).
• Earn a recognised certification (Google Data Analytics, Microsoft PL‑300, or similar).
• Highlight any experience with spreadsheets, reporting, or problem‑solving in part‑time work.
• Tailor your CV to show impact (e.g., “improved reporting efficiency by X%”).

3. Cyber security analyst (entry‑level)

Typical starting salary: £27,000 – £34,000

Cyber security is a growing field, and many firms are willing to train the right candidate. Basic networking knowledge (TCP/IP, DNS, firewalls) and an understanding of common threats (phishing, malware) are key.

How to get in:

• Obtain a foundational cert like CompTIA Security+ or Cisco CyberOps.
• Set up a home lab (e.g., with virtual machines) to practise monitoring and incident response.
• Apply for junior SOC (Security Operations Centre) roles, which often include on‑the‑job training.
• Show interest through CTF (Capture The Flag) competitions or bug bounty participation.

4. Sales development representative (SDR) – tech sector

Typical starting salary: £25,000 – £30,000 base, plus commission (OTE £35,000–£45,000)

SDRs generate leads and set up meetings for account executives. This role is a common gateway into tech sales and does not require a specific degree — resilience, communication, and coachability matter most.

How to get in:

• Practise cold outreach scripts and learn basic CRM tools (Salesforce, HubSpot).
• Highlight any customer‑facing, retail, or phone‑based experience.
• Research the company’s product and industry before interviews — show you understand their buyer persona.
• Be prepared for role‑play exercises during interviews (e.g., a mock discovery call).

5. Project coordinator (entry‑level)

Typical starting salary: £24,000 – £29,000

Project coordinators support project managers with schedules, communication, and documentation. Organisational skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with tools like Jira, Trello, or Asana are valuable.

How to get in:

• Get a beginner certification (APM PFQ or PRINCE2 Foundation) to stand out.
• Use any internship, volunteering, or student society role to show planning and coordination.
• Learn to create basic Gantt charts and risk logs (free templates available online).
• Emphasise soft skills: communication, stakeholder management, and adaptability.

General tips across all roles

• CV tailoring: Adjust your CV for each role, using keywords from the job description.
• Networking: Reach out to people in the role on LinkedIn — informational interviews can open doors.
• Salary negotiation: Research market rates on Glassdoor, Payscale, or the ONS, and be ready to ask for £2k–£5k above the lower end if you have relevant skills.
• Transferable skills: Emphasise problem‑solving, teamwork, and quick learning — all highly valued in entry‑level hires.