{"id":31851,"date":"2023-05-19T18:19:00","date_gmt":"2023-05-20T01:19:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/?p=31851"},"modified":"2025-01-27T04:36:37","modified_gmt":"2025-01-27T12:36:37","slug":"entry-level-programmer-jobs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/software-engineering\/entry-level-programmer-jobs\/","title":{"rendered":"9 Entry-Level Programmer Jobs To Pursue in 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Programming is largely considered to be one of the most important skills for tomorrow\u2019s workforce. And in our increasingly digital world, there\u2019s always going to be demand for more programmers. But not all programmers are equally compensated, and salaries for programmers widely vary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So if you\u2019re looking to launch a career in programming, it can be confusing to know where to start. That\u2019s why we\u2019ve written this guide. Below, tell you all about nine of the most common entry-level programming jobs, so that you can decide how to launch your career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is Programming?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Programming is the process of writing code that gives computers a logical sequence of instructions. Programmers use high-level programming languages<\/a> (natural language that can be understood by a human) which are converted into machine code by the computer\u2019s central processing unit (CPU).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Does a Programmer Do?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"entry-level
Source: Job Description Wiki<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Programmers design, develop, and test software<\/a> using best practices in software performance, reliability, and security. They may develop mobile applications, video games, and websites or work on wearable technology, IoT devices, and AR\/VR applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Related Read: Programmer Salary Guide<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is It Hard To Land an Entry-Level Job as a Programmer?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dedication, a passion for programming, and a willingness to learn new programming languages are a must. You should demonstrate good coding habits, code regularly (an active Github profile is a must), and build a portfolio of personal projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Related Read: Is Programming Hard?<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Entry-Level Programmer Jobs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Entry-level software developers can choose from a range of roles that fit their skill set. These include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Programming Intern<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"entry
Source: Glassdoor<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

An internship provides the opportunity to write production-ready code. Internships also provide you with important contacts (senior developers, tech leads, managers) who can help you launch your career. Here\u2019s an example of what a programming intern job posting looks like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What You\u2019ll Do<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll help developers write and debug code, learn programming languages<\/a>, run code reviews, test software applications, and participate in training programs. You will learn the end-to-end software development life cycle<\/a> under the supervision of experienced engineers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Much Can You Make<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

According to Indeed, the average salary for a software engineer intern is $55,636 per year<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"entry-level
Source: Indeed<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Basic Requirements for This Role<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Companies appreciate interns who can think on their feet and complete assignments with minimal supervision. They need a strong understanding of computer science<\/a> fundamentals and proficiency in several programming languages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Junior Software Developer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Junior developers work with senior developers to create software solutions. Knowledge of design patterns, architecture, and automated testing distinguishes senior developers from entry-level developers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"entry-level
Source: Vitamin T<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What You’ll Do<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Most junior developers address minor bug issues, write reports, and attend daily standups before being offered bigger projects. They may conduct paired programming with senior developers (a collaborative coding approach where one person writes the code while the other reviews it).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Much Can You Make<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

According to Salary.com, the average salary for a junior developer is $81,442<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"entry-level
Source: Salary.com<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Basic Requirements for This Role<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Junior devs must know how to code using C++, Javascript, and HTML5. Employers will want to see that you have an active GitHub account, a strong portfolio site, and evidence that you are willing to learn new skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Junior Software Engineer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"junior
Source: Rays<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Entry-level software engineers do system-level design. Instead of focusing on one part of the code, as developers do, engineers consider the entire codebase of a computer system or application software during the design process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"entry-level
Source: LinkedIn<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What You\u2019ll Do<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Software engineers design the infrastructure behind web and mobile applications. They approach projects in a systematic manner to modify existing applications and create new ones from scratch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Much Can You Make<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

According to Built In, the average base salary for a junior software engineer in the US is $87,784<\/a>, with additional cash bonuses averaging $10,341.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"entry-level
Source: Builtin<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Basic Requirements for This Role<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Junior engineers must know how to navigate graphical user interfaces, operate Integrated Development Environments (IDEs), and handle the most frequently used APIs. They should also know the most popular frameworks in their chosen language.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Related Read: How To Land an Entry-Level Software Engineering Job<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n

Get To Know Other\tSoftware Engineering Students<\/h4>
\"Rafael<\/a>

Rafael Alvarado<\/p>

IT Support Engineer at Amazon<\/p><\/div>

<\/div>

Read Story<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/div>

\"Alexander<\/a>

Alexander Aboutanos<\/p>

Software Development Consultant at Sogeti<\/p><\/div>

Read Story<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/div>

\"Tetyana<\/a>

Tetyana Ilyichova<\/p>

Software Engineering Apprentice at Affirm<\/p><\/div>

Read Story<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Junior Web Developer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Junior web developers create new websites and applications. Most web developers are full-stack, meaning they know both frontend and backend development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"entry
Source: Dice<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What You’ll Do<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\"role
Source: Openxcell<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Web devs create new websites and update existing applications using scripting languages, and assist with testing and maintaining backend and front-end applications. They convert video, audio, written, and graphic components into compatible formats for the web.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Much Can You Make<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

According to Talent.com, the average web developer’s salary in the US is $65,000<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Junior
Source: Talent.com<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Basic Requirements for This Role<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Web developers must know Bootstrap, HTML, and CSS to design the fundamentals of a website. Knowledge of advanced Javascript is essential to making websites interactive. An understanding of server-side programming languages, including Python, JQuery (for database design), JSON, and Ajax qualifies you for full-stack developer jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Junior Database Programmer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"entry
Source: Salary.com<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Database programmers design, program, and implement database systems to meet business requirements using a database management system (DBMS). A database is an organized collection of structured information or data that is stored electronically and controlled using a database management system (DBMS).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What You’ll Do<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Database administrators install, configure, and maintain database programs to permit rapid access by authorized users.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Much Can You Make<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

According to Indeed, the average base salary for a database developer is $92,996\/year<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"junior
Source: Indeed<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Basic Requirements for This Role<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll need to know best practices for designing, implementing, and maintaining database systems. Experience with the Oracle system is a must, as is knowledge of non-relational databases like NoSQL. You also need to be familiar with programming languages including C++, Java, and C#, and scripting languages like Python<\/a>, Javascript, and PHP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Junior Mobile Developer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"entry-level
Source: Indeed<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Mobile developers create, test, and program applications for computers and mobile devices. Software can be written for a particular operating system, such as Android, iOS, or Windows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What You’ll Do<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\"Mobile
Source: Springer<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll work with UX\/UI designers and other developers to design, test, and implement solutions. After the app goes into production, you\u2019ll create patches for periodic releases and provide user support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Much Can You Make<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

According to Payscale, the average salary for an application developer is $72,510\/year<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"entry-level
Source: Payscale<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Basic Requirements for This Role<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

If you specialize in a specific operating system, you must know the core programming languages (Java for Android, Objective-C for iOS, and C# for Windows). Most app developers hold a combination of the following certifications: Certified Scrum Master (CSM), Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD), and Microsoft Certified Application Developer (MCAD).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Junior Game Developer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"entry
Source: Angel<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Game developers are responsible for designing, programming, and testing games. They create the visual content of the game and write the code that supplies the logic necessary to implement its features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What You’ll Do<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\"game
Source: Freelancermap<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The main responsibility of a game developer is to create a base engine that can be used by designers to create the world. They prototype, iterate, and test games to find bugs and ensure the game is ready for market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Much Can You Make<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

According to Glassdoor, the average base salary for a junior game developer is $77,957<\/a>, with estimated additional pay of $55,665 per year from cash bonuses, commissions, and profit sharing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"entry-level
Source: Glassdoor<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Basic Requirements for This Role<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Aspiring game developers must master at least one programming specialty. If you\u2019re interested in game mechanics, you need to know animation and physics. For multiplayer support, you need to master web services and networking. Most game devs use object-oriented programming languages including C++ and C#.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Junior Programmer Analyst<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"entry
Source: Indeed<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Programmer analysts develop company-specific software systems such as in-house payroll and accounting software or CRM systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What You’ll Do<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Develop new programs, test and maintain existing software programs, and implement security measures to safeguard internal data. You\u2019ll work closely with the IT department and execute custom software requests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Much Can You Make<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

According to Zip Recruiter, the average salary for a junior programmer analyst is $61,210\/year<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"junior
Source: ZipRecruiter<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Basic Requirements for This Role<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Programmer analysts<\/a> must know several programming languages, understand database management systems (DBMS), and manage large volumes of data. Project management skills are a plus seeing as they often work on long-term, complex projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Junior Data Analyst<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Junior
Source: Jobonom<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Junior data analysts work with a team of data analysts to translate data into actionable insights for businesses and government agencies. They help organizations understand aspects of their data such as costs, market research, or sales figures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What You\u2019ll Do<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\"entry
Source: Data Science Central<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Junior data analysts analyze and interpret the data using statistical analysis techniques and related software. They also create visualizations including dashboards, charts, and reports to relay their observations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Much Can You Make<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

According to Salary.com, junior data analysts earn an average annual salary of $56,383<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"junior
Source: Salary.com<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Basic Requirements for This Role<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

You must have knowledge of math, statistics, and relational databases for this role. Get familiar with data visualization tools like Tableau. Programming languages to learn to include R, Python, and SQL. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Skills Do You Need to Land an Entry-level Job as a Programmer?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Programmers need a variety of hard and soft skills<\/a> that demonstrate technical proficiency as well as teamwork and communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hard Skills<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\"hard
Source: The University of North Carolina<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Recruiters will expect you to have the following hard skills:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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