Top 15 Entry Level Quantum Jobs You Can Get Without Experience

Some people may believe that it is impossible to start working in quantum computing without any experience. But the reality is that the quantum industry is actively seeking entry-level talent right now. The companies need quantum workers so badly that they're willing to train candidates with only simple curiosity and a willingness to learn, as long as they have some basic technical skills. 

Quantum computer scientists are in high demand right now. I would know. IonQ has a lot of trouble hiring people. Chris Monroe, co-founder of IonQ

I have created a detailed guide showing 15 entry-level quantum jobs that you can start with little to no experience. Quantum software interns earn between $25 and $35 per hour. Junior quantum engineers make $75000 - $110000 a year. These positions and opportunities will give you the chance to be a part of one of the fastest-growing tech fields. I will show you the skills that companies actually want and how you can demonstrate quantum interest with no experience and how you can get your first quantum job. 

Because there is a shortage of skilled workers in quantum technology, companies are now starting to create more entry-level positions. The entry-level quantum positions are focused on your future potential for the job rather than the experience you already have. Be it a graduate, a career changer, or a self-taught programmer, you can gain access to quantum computing that will allow you to earn on the higher end of the salary pay scale in the first 3 - 5 years and allows for a quick payday.

Why Are Companies Hiring Entry-Level Quantum Talent?

The quantum computing sector is facing a paradox. On one hand, it is growing quickly; on the other hand, there is a shortage of qualified candidates. This paradox is forcing companies to entirely rethink the approach to recruitment and consider the hiring of candidates with no experience to an even greater extent than before.

What's Creating the Quantum Talent Gap?

The shortage of professionals to fill quantum jobs is due to basic math. The worldwide quantum computing market is expected to reach $20 billion by 2030 and create around 840,000 new jobs. Unfortunately, several thousand quantum computing experts graduate from universities every year. This results in an amazing level of demand and is a remarkable opportunity for inexperienced candidates.

Key factors driving entry-level hiring:

• Market growth exceeding talent supply: Industry expanding faster than education pipelines.
• Cross-industry adoption: Finance, healthcare and logistics creating non-research quantum roles;
• Diverse role requirements: Many positions need general tech skills; not quantum PhDs.
• Companies willing to train: Organizations investing heavily in quantum education programs.

How Is the Industry Adapting Hiring Practices?

The biggest employers in the sector have started to completely change the approach to hiring entry-level candidates. Rather than looking for candidates with proven quantum experience, companies such as IBM, Microsoft, IQM Quantum Computers and Amazon have started to mentor new employees with no quantum background and have taught them the needed skills to be quantum developers in 6 to 12 months.

New entry-level hiring approaches:

• Apprenticeship programs: Structured training combining learning with paid work.
• Skills-based hiring: Focusing on programming & math rather than quantum degrees.
• Quantum bootcamps: Intensive 12 to 16 week programs leading to job offers.
• Internship pipelines: Converting summer interns to full time employees.

What Experience Do Entry-Level Roles Actually Require?

Jobs in quantum science do not require specialized knowledge or experience in the field. Most businesses are looking for candidates who have a solid understanding of programming and maths, and who have shown an interest in quantum computing through courses, projects, or self-study.

Typical entry-level requirements:

• Programming experience: 6 to 12 months of Python, JavaScript or C++ practice.
• Problem-solving skills: Demonstrated analytical thinking and learning agility.
• Educational background: Bachelor degree in STEM field (Or near completion).
• Quantum curiosity: Completed online quantum courses or personal projects.

What Are the Top 15 Entry-Level Quantum Jobs?

Quantum business recruits for entry-level jobs like software programming, technical writing, quality assurance, business administration, and help desk support. These jobs are pathways to higher paying jobs in quantum.

1. Quantum Software Development Intern

Salary: $25-$35 an hour ($52000-$73000 a year)
Industry: Tech companies and quantum startups
Requirements: Currently enrolled in CS/ Physics program

What Will You Actually Do in This Role?

• Write quantum programs under the guidance of senior developers.
• Runs quantum algorithms in simulators and on actual quantum hardware.  
• Tests quantum circuits and records the functionalities of the code.  
• Participates in community quantum computing projects.  
• Meets with teams to understand the workflows in quantum development.  

What Skills Make You a Strong Candidate?

• Has written a lot in Python, through school courses and personal projects.
• Has taken at least one online course on quantum computing (Qiskit, Cirq).  
• Possesses a GitHub repository that displays their coding projects.  
• Has a strong desire to learn and a problem-solving mindset.

Which Companies Offer These Internships?

Top employers are IBM Quantum, Microsoft Azure Quantum, Amazon Braket, and Google Quantum AI. Quantum startups like Rigetti, IonQ, and Xanadu actively recruit quantum software interns for summer and year-round programs.

2. Junior Quantum Applications Developer

Salary: $75000-$110000 a year
Industry: Consulting, finance, and healthcare
Requirements: Bachelor degree in CS/Engineering

What Will You Actually Do in This Role?

• Develop solutions for business challenges utilizing quantum technology. 
• Collaborate with seasoned developers on designs for quantum applications. 
• Evaluate quantum applications on various quantum technology platforms. 
• Trace application attributes and user processes. 
• Assist in client presentations and in proof-of-concept initiatives.
  

What Skills Make You a Strong Candidate?

• 1-2 years of programming experience, including during internships. 
• Acquaintance with quantum frameworks for programming. 
• Some background in the steps of software development. 
• Interest in particular fields (such as finance, healthcare).

Which Companies Offer These Positions?

Top employers are Accenture, Deloitte, Boston Consulting Group and many other financial institutions implementing quantum solutions hire junior quantum application developers to support client projects.

3. Quantum Technical Writer (Entry-Level)

Salary: $60000-$85000 a year
Industry: Quantum companies and documentation firms
Requirements: Bachelor degree in Technical Communication/STEM

What Will You Actually Do in This Role?

• Create user guides and API documentation for quantum software
• Develop user tutorials and API documentation for quantum software. 
• Develop clearly articulated content/tutorials on quantum principles. 
• Review technical materials for conciseness and precision. 
• interviews with engineers to gather information on the product's attributes. 
• Manage documentation websites and content management systems.
  

What Skills Make You a Strong Candidate?

• Strong experience in writing and preparing technical documentation. 
• Foundational knowledge in quantum computing. 
• Capacity to manage and learn high-level technical knowledge. 
• Familiarity with documentation applications like Markdown, Git, and ReadTheDocs. 

Which Companies Offer These Positions?

Top quantum entry level employers are IBM, Microsoft, Google, Alice & Bob, PASQAL and quantum startups need technical writers to make quantum computing accessible, to developers and business users without quantum PhDs.

4. Quantum Quality Assurance Tester

Salary: $55000-$80000 a year
Industry: Quantum software companies and cloud providers
Requirements: Bachelor degree in CS or equivalent bootcamp

What Will You Actually Do in This Role?

• Evaluate quantum software for bugs and determine software functionality. 
• Develop test protocols for quantum software and its functionalities. 
• Identify defects and communicate with development teams to determine if issues were resolved. 
• Execute automated tests on quantum computers.
• Document testing procedures and results.

What Skills Make You a Strong Candidate?

• Software testing experience from quantum internships or bootcamps.
• Understanding of software QA methodologies.
• Basic programming skills for automated testing.
• Attention to detail & systematic problem-solving.

Which Companies Offer These Positions?

Quantum cloud platforms like AWS Braket, Azure Quantum, PASQAL, Alice & Bob and IBM Quantum Experience need QA testers to ensure reliable quantum computing services.

5. Junior Quantum Research Assistant

Salary: $50000-$75000 a year
Industry: Universities, research institutions and national labs
Requirements: Bachelor degree in Physics/Math/CS

What Will You Actually Do in This Role?

• This is to assist faculty in quantum research projects.
• Running quantum simulations while gathering experimental information.
• Organize lab and quantum computing equipment.
• Conduct literature reviews in quantum computing.
• Help with editorial work on research papers and presentations.

What Skills Make You a Strong Candidate?

• Have a strong GPA in STEM.
• Have research experience from your undergrad.
• Experience in Python, MATLAB, or Julia.
• Knowledge and interest in quantum computing and quantum physics.

Which Companies Offer These Positions?

Top employers are the Universities with quantum research centers such as Swiss ETH, MIT, national laboratories (Los Alamos, Oak Ridge), and corporate research labs offer research assistant positions as entry points.

6. Quantum Sales Development Representative

Salary: $60000-$90000 a year (base + commission)
Industry: Quantum hardware/ software companies
Requirements: Bachelor degree, sales interest

What Will You Actually Do in This Role?

• Qualify leads for the quantum sales team.
• Set up and manage calendars for product demos to interested clients.
• Have a good understanding of the product and the business use cases.
• Do not leave prospects hanging, and use the CRM to manage follow-ups.
• Assist sales engineers in presentations to potential customers.

What Skills Make You a Strong Candidate?

• Good verbal communication skills and experience in customer service.
• Show interest in technology sales.
• Understand the basics of quantum computing and its value.
• Willing to learn, and wants to achieve goals.

Which Companies Offer These Positions?

Top employers for this entry level jobs are the Quantum startups and established companies building commercial quantum businesses need SDRs to generate sales pipeline and support revenue growth.

7. Quantum Customer Success Associate

Salary: $55000-$80000 a year
Industry: Quantum cloud platforms and software companies
Requirements: Bachelor degree in technical field or equivalent

What Will You Actually Do in This Role?

• Help customers in onboarding quantum computing platforms.
• Respond to customer queries that involve the technical aspects of quantum software and services.
• Develop and maintain support documentation and user guides.
• Interact with customers to identify support issues through usage monitoring.
• Work with engineering on customer issues.

What Skills Make You a Strong Candidate?

• Technical support or customer service experience.
• Basic programming knowledge is helpful.
• You must have ability to explain complex concepts clearly.
• Problem-solving skills and patience.

Which Companies Offer These Positions?

Cloud quantum platforms need customer success teams to help developers, and researchers adopt quantum computing services successfully.

8. Junior Quantum Data Analyst

Salary: $65000-$95000 a year
Industry: Research institutions and consulting firms
Requirements: Bachelor degree in Data Science/Statistics/CS

What Will You Actually Do in This Role?

• Analyze the results of experiments in quantum computing.
• Design performance visuals of quantum computing programs.
• Analyze data from the characterization of quantum pieces of hardware.
• Assist in quantum computing performance and benchmarking analysis.
• Participate in projects involving quantum computing and machine learning.

What Skills Make You a Strong Candidate?

• Proficiency in data analysis using Python, R, or SQL.
• Familiarity with various scientific and data visualization tools.
• Interest in the real-world use cases of quantum computing.
• Familiarity with Jupyter notebooks & data science tools.

Which Companies Offer These Positions?

Top employers are the companies running quantum experiments and benchmarking studies need data analysts to make sense of quantum computing results.

9. Quantum Marketing Coordinator

Salary: $50000-$75000 a year
Industry: Quantum companies and tech marketing agencies
Requirements: Bachelor degree in Marketing/Communications

What Will You Actually Do in This Role?

• Develop promotional materials for quantum products and services.
• Oversee the social media accounts of quantum companies.
• Organize and manage quantum-related events, webinars, and conferences.
• Assist in lead generation and campaign implementation.
• Analyze report on marketing data and campaign results.

What Skills Make You a Strong Candidate?

• Experience in marketing from internships or junior positions.
• Interest in technology and ability to master quantum-related concepts.
• Strong skills in content creation and social media management.
• Strong skills in project management and organization.

Which Companies Offer These Positions?

Top employers for this role are the Quantum startups building brand awareness and commercial quantum companies generating business pipeline hire marketing coordinators.

10. Junior Quantum Systems Administrator

Salary: $60000-$85000 a year
Industry: Cloud providers and quantum computing centers
Requirements: Bachelor degree in IT/CS or equivalent certifications

What Will You Actually Do in This Role?

• Monitor quantum computing system health and uptime.
• Resolve issues related to user access and connectivity.
• Update the documentation of the quantum computing systems.
• Help with the scheduling of maintenance of quantum hardware.
• Assist users with technical setups.
  

What Skills Make You a Strong Candidate?

• Good to have IT support experience or relevant certifications.
• Linux/Unix system administration basics.
• Cloud computing familiarity (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud).
• Problem solving skills and customer service orientation are critical to have.

Which Companies Offer These Positions?

Organizations operating quantum computers need systems administrators to keep quantum computing infrastructure running smoothly for users.

11. Quantum Business Analyst (Entry-Level)

Salary: $65000-$90000 a year
Industry: Consulting and enterprise companies
Requirements: Bachelor degree in Business/Economics/STEM

What Will You Actually Do in This Role?

• Research quantum computing business applications.
• Help in the business case for quantum technology.
• Evaluate the market and competition for potential disruptive innovation.
• Support the development of a quantum technology strategy.
• Manage quantum technology pilot projects.

What Skills Make You a Strong Candidate?

• Business analysis and/or consulting.
• Strong analytical and research skills.    
• Comprehension of technical concepts.    
• Experience in Excel, PowerPoint, and presentations.

Which Companies Offer These Positions?

Top employers are consulting firms & enterprises exploring quantum computing need business analysts to evaluate quantum opportunities and coordinate adoption efforts.

12. Junior Quantum Hardware Technician

Salary: $50000-$75000 a year
Industry: Quantum hardware companies and research labs
Requirements: Associate or Bachelor in Electronics/Physics

What Will You Actually Do in This Role?

• Help in the construction and testing of quantum hardware.
• Oversee the cryogenic systems and vacuum devices.
• Do regular calibrating and measuring.
• Record the issues and performance of the hardware.
• Aid the primary engineers in the hardware development processes.

What Skills Make You a Strong Candidate?

• Experience in the electronics or physics lab.
• Have technical skills and be detail oriented.
• Capability to adhere to specific processes or protocols.
• Passion for working with quantum hardware.

Which Companies Offer These Positions?

Quantum hardware manufacturers like IonQ, Rigetti, IQM Quantum Computers, PASQAL and research laboratories need technicians to support quantum computer development and maintenance.

13. Quantum Community Manager

Salary: $55000-$80000 a year
Industry: Quantum companies and developer platforms
Requirements: Bachelor degree in Communications/CS

What Will You Actually Do in This Role?

• Community management of virtual quantum developer forums.
• Responding to participants in social forums, assisting.
• Establishment of community norms and moderation of engagements.
• Event organization for community members, both online and in person.
• Track community engagement and growth metrics.

What Skills Make You a Strong Candidate?

• Community management or social media experience.
• Interest in quantum computing and technology.
• Strong communication and conflict resolution skills.
• Experience with community platforms (Discord, Slack & Reddit).

Which Companies Offer These Positions?

Quantum platforms building developer ecosystems need community managers to engage users, and foster quantum computing adoption.

14. Junior Quantum Project Coordinator

Salary: $55000-$80000 a year
Industry: Quantum companies and consulting firms
Requirements: Bachelor's degree, project coordination interest

What Will You Actually Do in This Role?

• Scheduling and tracking support for quantum project managers.
• Organizing meetings and managing project documentation.
• Monitoring and reporting on quantum project milestones and deliverables.
• Assisting in the management of project resources and budget.
• Updating stakeholders on project progress.

What Skills Make You a Strong Candidate?

• Organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Must have interest in project management careers.
• Good project coordination or administrative experience.
• Ability to work with technical and business teams.

Which Companies Offer These Positions?

Organizations running multiple quantum projects need coordinators to support project management, and ensure smooth execution.

15. Quantum Education Content Creator

Salary: $50000-$75000 a year
Industry: EdTech and quantum education platforms
Requirements: Bachelor degree in Education/STEM

What Will You Actually Do in This Role?

• Educational resources development in quantum computing.
• Creation of instructional videos and interactive learning resources.
• Designing of courses and learning paths in quantum computing.
• Educational materials pilot testing with target learners.
• Update content based on feedback and new developments.

What Skills Make You a Strong Candidate?

• Content creation experience (writing, video, graphics).
• Strong instructional design understanding.
• Passion for education and making complex topics accessible.
• A basic quantum computing knowledge.

Which Companies Offer These Positions?

Educational platforms, quantum companies building training programs and universities offering quantum courses need content creators.

How Much Can You Earn in Entry-Level Quantum Positions?

Starting salaries in quantum computing roles are 15-30% higher than in regular tech fields, due to the area of expertise and talent shortage. Knowing how compensation works helps to calibrate expectations and negotiate more strategically. You can learn more about Quantum Jobs salaries here.

What Do Different Entry-Level Roles Pay?

Internship Compensation:-

• Quantum software interns: $25-$35/hour ($52K-73K a year).
• Summer programs: Often include housing stipends and relocation support.
• Research assistants: $20-$28/hour ($42K-$58K a year).

Full-Time Entry-Level Salaries:-

• Technical roles: $60000-$110000 depending on location and company.
• Hardware positions: $50000-$85000 for technician and lab roles;
• Business/support roles: $50000-$90000 for non technical positions.

How Does Location Affect Entry-Level Quantum Salaries?

Top-Paying Markets for Entry-Level Quantum:-

• San Francisco Bay Area: 30-40% above national average ($80K-130K).
• Zurich: Competitive salaries with favorable taxes (€65K-€100K).
• Seattle: Strong compensation with better cost of living ratio ($70K-115K).
• Boston/Cambridge: Premium for research institution proximity ($70K-110K).
• Remote positions: Typically national average ($60K-95K).

What Benefits Besides Salary Should You Expect?

Standard Entry-Level Quantum Benefits:-

• Health insurance: Total coverage of the medical, dental, and vision.
• Learning budgets: Funding for courses and conferences ranges between $2000-$5000 every year.
• Quantum hardware access: Opportunity to use authentic quantum computers for educational purposes.
• Mentorship programs: Assistance & guidance from more experienced professionals in quantum computing.
• Career development: Established pathways towards a mid level position in quantum.

Suggested Read: Quantum Jobs and Salaries

How Quickly Can Entry-Level Salaries Grow?

Entry-level quantum professionals typically see rapid salary progression due to talent scarcity and skill development.

Typical Progression:-

• Year 1: $60000-$85000 entry level
• Year 2-3: $80000-$110000 with demonstrated competency
• Year 4-5: $110000-$150000 transitioning to mid-level
• Year 6+: $140000-$180000+ a year as senior quantum professional

What Skills Do Entry-Level Quantum Jobs Actually Require?

Roles at the start of your career within quantum domains tend to embody a preference for basic skills, technical, and the ability to learn over specific quantum skills. Such requirements serve the purpose of helping candidates tailor the skills they focus on.

What Programming Languages Should You Learn First?

Essential Programming for Entry-Level:-

• Python: Needed for more than 90% of quantum roles (Qiskit, Cirq, and PennyLane).
• JavaScript: Helpful in quantum web apps and visualization.
• SQL: For roles focused on data analytics and quantum benchmarks. 
• Git/GitHub: Version control is a must in all tech roles.

Secondary Languages (Nice to Have):-

• C++: Beneficial for quantum simulation and performance-critical work.
• Julia: Emerging language in quantum scientific computing.
• MATLAB: Common in academic and research quantum positions.

How Much Math Do You Really Need?

Minimum Math Requirements:-

• Linear algebra (matrices, eigenvalues, and vectors) is required as a fundamental course of a bachelor degree.
• Introductory probability as a field of stats is required.
• Calculus is not always needed, but core ideas are useful.
• Specifically for an algorithm position.

Learning Resources for Math:-

• Khan Academy for linear algebra fundamentals.
• 3Blue1Brown YouTube for visual math explanations.
• Gilbert Strang's Linear Algebra course.
• MIT OpenCourseWare for advanced mathematical concepts.

Suggested Read: Top Quantum Programming Languages to learn

What Quantum Knowledge Do Companies Expect?

Entry-Level Quantum Competency:

• Basic principles: Understanding superposition, entanglement and measurement.
• One framework: Working knowledge of Qiskit OR Cirq OR Q#;
• Quantum circuits: Ability to read & construct simple quantum circuits.
• Quantum gates: Familiarity with common gates (Hadamard, CNOT, Pauli).

Demonstrating Quantum Knowledge:

• Complete IBM Qiskit Textbook or equivalent online course.
• Engage with quantum communities (Reddit, Stack Exchange).
• Build 2-3 simple quantum projects for GitHub portfolio;
• Participate in quantum hackathons or coding challenges.

Which Soft Skills Matter Most for Entry-Level Roles?

• Learning agility: The field is evolving and requires constant learning.
• Communication: You have to be able to share different technical know-how.
• Collaboration: You can work with both quantum and non-quantum teams.
• Problem-solving: You will have to get creative with company novel quantum problems.
• Curiosity: You will need to have long-term sustained growth interest in quantum computing.

How Do You Land Your First Entry-Level Quantum Job?

Without quantum computing experience, you must develop a strategic position, build a portfolio and simultaneously utilize multiple pathways to enter the field.

What Educational Paths Work Best for Entry-Level?

Formal Education Options:

• Bachelor degrees: CS, Physics, Math, and EE provide strong foundations.
• Online degrees: Quantum focused programs from universities (Georgia Tech, Penn).
• Final year students: Many internships accept students completing degrees;
• Bootcamps: Quantum computing bootcamps provide intensive training (12-16 weeks).
  

Self-Taught Pathways:

• Complete comprehensive online quantum courses (MIT, IBM, Microsoft).
• Build a substantial GitHub portfolio demonstrating your quantum projects.
• Earn quantum certifications (IBM Qiskit, Microsoft Azure Quantum).
• Participate in open-source electronics projects.

How Do You Build a Quantum Portfolio Without Experience?

Portfolio Development Strategy:-

Phase 1: Learning Projects (Weeks 1-8)

You should learn to code and use the Deutsch-Jozsa, Grover and Shor algorithms. This will help you start your journey in quantum programming. Your academic journey is shown through blog posts that explain concepts. Jupyter notebooks serve as guides for different topics. Your organized work is made available to the public on your GitHub where you used README files for added clarity.

Phase 2: Application Projects (Weeks 9-16)

You begin to build and show real-world applications for quantum computing. Your work includes quantum machine learning, simple quantum games, and implementations for the financial and healthcare sectors. While you do this, you gain invaluable experience as you join quantum hackathons and other challenges.

Phase 3: Advanced Portfolio (Weeks 17-24)

You take all your work and refine it for the best professional presentation. To enhance your profile you contribute to Qiskit and Cirq open-source projects, author technical blogs, and create educational video tutorials on quantum programming. You promote your work at quantum conferences and meetups to network and build your reputation.

What Job Search Strategies Work for Entry-Level Quantum?

Direct Applications:-

• Apply for quantum internships 6-9 months before the start date.
• Target positions labeled as junior and entry-level.
• Consider companies of different sizes in the quantum domain.
• Highlight relevant projects in your applications.

Networking Strategies:-

• Attend quantum computing meetups and their conferences ( virtual + in-person).
• Connect with quantum computing professionals on LinkedIn.
• Be active in quantum computing communities (Reddit, Discord, Slack).
• Ask quantum professionals for short informational sessions.

Alternative Entry Points:-

• Enroll in quantum computing bootcamps that guarantee job placements.
• Apply for quantum industry research internships at Quantum Jobs USA, Quantum Jobs List.
• Look for general tech positions in quantum companies with the hope of internal mobility.
• Take into account roles related to quantum computing like cloud computing, AI, ML.

How Should You Prepare for Quantum Job Interviews?

Technical Interview Preparation:

• Practice online coding; sites like LeetCode and HackerRank are good for this.
• Look over the fundamentals of quantum computing; the IBM Qiskit Textbook is a good resource.
• Be prepared to discuss your portfolio deep into the details.
• Practice designing quantum circuits on a whiteboard.

Behavioral Interview Preparation:

• Prepare stories demonstrating learning agility.
• Be ready to explain your fascination with quantum computing.
• Show that you know the quantum focus of the company.
• Ensure that you have quality questions about the projects and the team.

Common Entry-Level Interview Questions:

• "Walk me through a quantum project you've built."
• "Why are you interested in quantum computing specifically?"
• "Explain quantum superposition to a non-technical person."
• "How do you stay current with quantum computing developments?"

Can I get an entry-level quantum job with just online courses and no degree?

You can now apply for entry-level quantum jobs even if you don’t have a technical degree. Many of these roles focus more on skills than on formal education. Quantum start-ups and even larger corporations like Google, Amazon and IBM sometimes hire based on possessing a strong portfolio accompanied by quantum certifications rather than a degree. 

Your success will be determined by how well you are able to build a portfolio that shows you have strong real quantum programming skills. Take a few industry-recognized certifications and complete relevant quantum courses (such as programs provided by IBM, Microsoft, Quantum, and even MIT xPRO) and build 5-7 well-elaborated quantum projects that represent a varied skillset. Participate in quantum communities and contribute to open-source quantum projects to build your reputation.

For non-technical roles, such as community management, marketing, and sales, it is easier to find places without a degree as long as you demonstrate skills and enthusiasm for quantum. A few companies even have apprenticeship programs for excited learners without degrees. Look for companies that hire based on skills. Be prepared to start with an internship or contract role, as this is often the way to get a full-time job.

How long does it take to prepare for entry-level quantum jobs?

A candidate's background and their desired job will affect how long they need to prepare. If someone has programming experience, they will only need to study for 3 to 6 months to get entry-level quantum positions. However, if someone has not previously learned programming, they will need to study for 9 to 12 months.

Timeline for different backgrounds:

Software Developers (3-6 months): Students should learn quantum basics with entry-level quantum computing courses from IBM and Microsoft, complete 3 to 5 quantum projects, and get one certification in quantum computing to apply for roles that focus software skills rather than quantum expertise.

STEM Graduates (4-8 months): If someone needs to strengthen programming skills, students should complete quantum computing courses, develop projects for a portfolio, and apply for research or technical roles that align with their degree.

Career Changers (9-15 months): Learn basic programming, study quantum computing, complete a bootcamp, and develop a good portfolio for entry-level jobs or internships that accept career changers.

What matters most is practicing every day. The length of your preparation is not as important as being able to practice consistently. Typically, spending 10-15 hours a week on guided quantum study, engaged project building, and community engagement on preparing for the role is enough practice for entry-level positions in quantum computing.

Do entry-level quantum jobs require security clearances?

Most jobs at commercial quantum companies, big tech companies, universities and private consulting firms are not entry-level positions. Because of this, they usually do not require security clearances. On the contrary, entry-level positions at contractors in the defense sector and government agencies concerning quantum do require clearances, creating inaccessibility to some candidates. 

Non-clearance entry-level opportunities:

Working with commercial companies in quantum, like IBM, Google, Microsoft and Amazon, as well as quantum start-ups such as Rigetti, IonQ & Xanadu, private consulting firms, and university research positions usually does not require security clearances. These opportunities account for 70 to 80% of entry-level jobs in quantum and are an excellent spring-board into the field.

Clearance-required positions:

Defense contractors such as Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon and government bodies such as NSA, CIA, and national laboratories do require Secret, and in Top Secret cases, for entry-level jobs. The process of such clearances can take 6 to 18 months and is only available to law-abiding citizens with the appropriate financial background.  

Strategy: Get quantum experience first through jobs not requiring clearance, and pick jobs needing clearance to fulfill if that is of interest later. Some contractors will monetarily support the clearance for candidates they are convinced of, making it easier to start in defense quantum with some civilian quantum experience.

What's the best entry-level quantum role for someone with no tech background?

Non-technical professionals can enter quantum computing through business, communication and support roles that value domain expertise over programming skills. These positions provide quantum exposure while allowing gradual technical skill development.

Best entry points for non-technical backgrounds:

Quantum Marketing Coordinator ($50k-$75k): Basic marketing competence and some curiosity towards quantum are required. Basic roles include content creation, event coordination, and social media management. Concepts can be learned over time through quantum immersion.  

Quantum Sales Development Representative ($60k-$90k): Basic quantum knowledge does not matter. The more important requirements include strong communication skills and a desire for sales. Quantum product training is provided by the company. Commissions can be used to earn more.  

Quantum Community Manager ($55k-$80k): Online community management experience and basic people skills are required. Engagement with the community will allow quantum knowledge to be gained while building a professional quantum network.  

Quantum Business Analyst ($65k-$90k): Prior experience in consulting and business analysis is required. The objective is to research the quantum potential in a specific industry and gradually learn the technical skills through knowledge gained in the industry from the projects.

Strategy: Choose roles aligning with existing skills while providing quantum exposure; Use learning budgets for quantum courses, engage with technical teams and gradually build technical competency to transition into more technical quantum roles over 2-3 years.

Conclusion

There’s no need for experience to get into quantum computing, and that’s exactly what’s happening at an exceptional rate as organizations try to build quantum teams faster than the traditional educational system can acquire talent. There is no better time than now to enter an entry-level quantum computing position, as jobs starting at $50000 and reaching $110000 are being offered. Career growth is exceptional, and the work being done is on the technology that promises to change computing for the better.

Multiple Pathways to Launch Your Quantum Career

The guide features 15 entry-level quantum roles that require no specific background to enter quantum careers. Be it the case that you’re a computer science student on the hunt for an internship, a career changer, or a recent graduate who is passionate about technology and computing is at the cutting edge, there are countless easily reachable entry points in the quantum computing field. 

You do not need to dedicate years on end to achieving a quantum career. If you have 3-6 months of genuine interest and focus on learning, demonstrated in the form of a portfolio, alongside a good deal of effort put into searching for jobs, you’ll have no trouble landing an entry-level position. Individuals with quantum careers need to be hired as soon as the ever-growing interest in the field; hence, companies will be happy to invest in individuals with the will to work and grow.

How to Get Started Today

Begin by selecting a quantum programming framework (Qiskit, Cirq, or Q#), and completing an introductory course. Build your first quantum project. Join communities and attend virtual meetups to connect with quantum professionals. Each step brings you closer to a career in this exciting field. Your entry-level quantum opportunity awaits, please take the first step!

Suggested Read:

• Top Quantum Error Correction Jobs
• Qualification Required for Quantum Jobs
• Get Quantum Jobs Without PhD.