U.S. Starting Salaries for IT Graduates in 2023 Compared with Engineering Grads
Starting salaries for US graduates with a bachelor’s degree in information technology and related fields were lower in 2023 than those for engineering graduates, according to a report that cites data from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).
For new IT professionals, 2023 salaries dipped by about 4% from the previous year. The average fell from roughly $75,900 to about $72,800 per year. In contrast, early-career engineers in technologies saw a modest rise, with starting pay averaging around $74,400 annually, a 0.7% increase over 2022 figures.
Industry leaders pointed to shifts in compensation as tech companies reassess how they value early talent. The recalibration follows a period of aggressive hiring that stretched through the pandemic years and set a high baseline for compensation in many tech roles.
The broader job market has also felt the impact of workforce adjustments. Since the start of 2023, a notable number of positions have been cut at major technology firms, reflecting a retrenchment after periods of rapid growth. These changes contribute to the evolving landscape for new graduates entering the tech and engineering fields.
In related moves across the sector, high-profile leadership changes and corporate reorganizations at major tech firms have continued to shape the environment for early-career professionals. These events are often cited by analysts as indicators of how compensation and opportunities may shift in the near term.
Overall, the 2023 data illustrate a nuanced picture: while engineering-related roles offered slightly brighter starting pay, information technology fields experienced adjustments that could influence students’ choices as they plan internships, degrees, and early career steps. The trend underscores the importance of broad market awareness and proactive career planning for graduates entering the tech-enabled economy.
At the same time, observers emphasize that compensation tracks can vary by region, company size, and specialization. Students and early-career workers are encouraged to consider a range of factors beyond base salary, including benefits, career progression, learning opportunities, and mobility within fast-changing tech landscapes. The goal is to align personal goals with market realities while maintaining momentum in the transition from student to professional life.
As the industry continues to adapt to post-pandemic realities and shifting demand, graduates may discover new paths in software development, cybersecurity, data analytics, and hardware engineering. Each field offers distinct opportunities, potential for growth, and different compensation trajectories that reflect both skill demand and the evolving nature of technology work.
Credit for the reported figures goes to the ongoing analyses conducted by national employers’ associations and corroborating market observers who monitor early-career salary trends across technology and engineering disciplines. Their findings help students weigh their options and plan for a successful start in a competitive job market.