2025 Entry-Level Salary Benchmarks by Industry
Looking for your first job in 2025? Here's what you need to know about entry-level salaries:
- Tech roles offer the highest starting pay, with software engineers earning $85,000–$145,000 annually.
- Healthcare jobs like registered nurses start at $65,000–$85,000, reflecting rising demand.
- Finance positions such as investment banking analysts range from $95,000–$125,000.
- Engineering fields provide solid pay, with chemical engineers earning $75,000–$90,000.
- Marketing jobs are competitive, with digital marketing specialists making $55,000–$75,000.
Key tips:
- Research salary benchmarks for your industry and location.
- Compare offers beyond base pay - bonuses, benefits, and perks matter.
- Use tools like JobLogr to track trends and negotiate effectively.
Start smart by understanding what’s fair for your field, and make informed decisions about your career.
Using This Salary Guide
Steps to Compare Job Offers
Want to evaluate job offers effectively? Here's how to break it down step by step:
-
Know Your Market Value
Start by researching the salary range for your role. Tools like JobLogr's salary guides can help you identify benchmarks based on:- Industry norms
- Your location
- Required skills and experience
- Company size and type
-
Assess the Base Salary
Compare the base salary in the offer against industry benchmarks. Don’t forget to consider factors like cost of living, company stability, work hours, and growth opportunities. -
Track and Compare Offers
Use a comparison table to lay out the details of each offer side by side. Here's an example:
| Component | Market Benchmark | Offer #1 | Offer #2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Salary | $75,000 | $72,000 | $78,000 |
| Annual Bonus | 10-15% | 8% | 12% |
| Stock Options | Yes/No | No | Yes |
| Benefits Value | $15,000-20,000 | $18,000 | $16,000 |
Once you've analyzed the base salary, take a closer look at the full compensation package.
Looking Beyond Base Pay
Salary is just one piece of the puzzle. Make sure to evaluate the entire offer, including these key elements:
Annual Bonuses and Incentives
- Performance bonuses, sign-on bonuses, profit sharing, and commissions can add a lot to your annual income.
Benefits Package
- Look at health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and opportunities for professional development.
Equity and Long-term Incentives
- Consider stock options, RSUs (restricted stock units), vesting schedules, and employee stock purchase plans.
Additional Perks
- Perks like remote work options, tech stipends, wellness programs, and transportation benefits can enhance your work-life balance.
A strong benefits package can add $15,000-20,000 a year to your total compensation. Plus, perks like flexible schedules or career development opportunities can bring non-monetary advantages that improve job satisfaction and support your long-term goals.
5 Best Entry-Level Finance Jobs in 2025
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2025 Starting Salaries by Industry
Here’s a breakdown of base salary ranges for various industries in 2025 to help you evaluate job offers effectively.
Tech Jobs and Pay Ranges
The tech industry continues to offer competitive entry-level salaries. Here’s what you can expect for key roles:
| Role | Base Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Software Engineer | $85,000 - $145,000 |
| Data Scientist | $80,000 - $130,000 |
| Cybersecurity Analyst | $75,000 - $115,000 |
| IT Support Specialist | $55,000 - $85,000 |
Banking and Finance Pay Scales
Salaries in finance vary depending on location and company size. Use these figures as a reference for starting roles:
| Position | Base Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Investment Banking Analyst | $95,000 - $125,000 |
| Financial Analyst | $65,000 - $95,000 |
| Entry-Level Accountant | $55,000 - $75,000 |
| Commercial Banking Associate | $60,000 - $85,000 |
Healthcare Starting Salaries
Healthcare roles remain strong in 2025. Use these ranges to gauge your offers:
| Healthcare Role | Base Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurse (BSN) | $65,000 - $85,000 |
| Clinical Research Associate | $55,000 - $75,000 |
| Healthcare Data Analyst | $60,000 - $80,000 |
| Pharmaceutical Sales Rep | $50,000 - $70,000 |
Engineering Pay Levels
Engineering fields consistently provide solid starting salaries. Here’s what new graduates can expect:
| Engineering Field | Starting Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Electrical Engineer | $70,000 - $95,000 |
| Chemical Engineer | $75,000 - $90,000 |
| Mechanical Engineer | $65,000 - $85,000 |
| Industrial Engineer | $60,000 - $80,000 |
Marketing Pay Standards
Marketing salaries for entry-level roles are becoming more competitive. Here are the typical ranges:
| Marketing Role | Base Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Digital Marketing Specialist | $55,000 - $75,000 |
| Content Marketing Coordinator | $45,000 - $65,000 |
| Marketing Analytics Associate | $60,000 - $80,000 |
| Social Media Manager | $50,000 - $70,000 |
Salary Research Tools
Once you’ve got the basics of salary research down, using advanced tools can take your analysis to the next level.
JobLogr Salary Tools
JobLogr’s AI-powered platform simplifies your job search by offering features like automated job searches, resume analysis, cover letter creation, interview prep, and application tracking. On top of that, it keeps you informed about current market compensation trends.
For $20/month, the Premium plan gives you complete access, including personalized insights tailored to your industry.
Here’s how to get the most out of JobLogr:
- Keep your profile updated.
- Regularly check market insights.
- Compare complete offer packages.
- Leverage reporting tools during salary negotiations.
Conclusion
Having clear salary benchmarks can help you make informed decisions in 2025, giving you an edge in negotiations and setting the stage for career growth.
Here are some key points to consider when assessing an entry-level job offer:
- Understand Industry Standards: Knowing what’s typical for your field - whether it’s tech, healthcare, or another sector - helps set realistic expectations.
- Look Beyond Base Pay: Consider the full package, including benefits, bonuses, stock options, and opportunities for advancement.
- Factor in Location: Regional cost-of-living differences can have a big impact on starting salaries.
- Use Research Tools: Platforms like JobLogr, which use AI to provide up-to-date salary insights, can be invaluable.
- Strengthen Your Negotiation: Armed with accurate data and market trends, you’ll be in a better position to negotiate. Industry benchmarks can back up your case when discussing pay.