All about entry-level software developer

You read an indie hacker’s post on X (Twitter) about how they shipped their software, or you see someone working their dream job at Microsoft, and it makes you wonder how to get started. Today, let’s dive a bit deeper into this.

In the ever-evolving world of technology, especially with the rise of AI, if you're an aspiring professional looking to make your mark in software development, entry-level software engineer positions are a great starting point.

In this article, we’ll explore the intricacies of this role, discussing what it’s like to be a junior software engineer, your potential roles and responsibilities, how to find a job as an entry-level software engineer, salary expectations, and the trending roles within the field.

What is an Entry Level Software Engineer?

An entry-level software engineer, often referred to as a junior software engineer, is a professional at the beginning of their career in software development. These individuals have typically just completed their formal education or training and are taking their first steps into the professional world of coding and software creation.

Entry-level software engineers possess a foundational understanding of programming languages, software development methodologies, and basic computer science principles. They are eager to apply their theoretical knowledge to real-world projects and are poised to grow their skills through hands-on experience and mentorship from more seasoned professionals.

What Does an Entry Level Software Engineer Do?

The responsibilities of an entry-level software engineer can vary depending on the company and industry. However, some common tasks and duties include:

1. Writing Code: This is the core responsibility. Entry-level engineers write, test, and debug code for various software applications or systems.

2. Collaborating with Teams: They work alongside more experienced developers, designers, and project managers to contribute to larger projects.

3. Maintaining Existing Systems: Often, junior engineers are tasked with maintaining and updating existing codebases, fixing bugs, and implementing small feature enhancements.

4. Learning and Adapting: A significant part of the role involves continuous learning. This includes staying updated with new technologies, programming languages, and best practices in software development.

5. Participating in Code Reviews: They take part in code review processes, both having their code reviewed by seniors and learning to review others' code.

6. Documentation: Writing and maintaining documentation for code, processes, and systems is often a key responsibility.

7. Testing and Quality Assurance: Conducting unit tests, integration tests, and sometimes participating in user acceptance testing.

8. Problem-Solving: Analyzing and resolving technical issues that arise during development or in production environments.

How to Get an Entry Level Software Engineer Job

Securing a position as an entry-level software engineer requires a combination of education, skills, and strategic job searching.

To get started, you can find entry level software engineer jobs here.

Here are some key steps to increase your chances:

1. Obtain Relevant Education: While not always mandatory, a bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field is often preferred by employers. However, many successful engineers come from bootcamps or are self-taught.

2. Develop Technical Skills: Focus on learning popular programming languages such as Python, Java, JavaScript, or C++. Familiarize yourself with version control systems (like Git), databases, and web development frameworks.

3. Build a Portfolio: Create personal side projects or contribute to open-source projects to showcase your skills and passion for coding. You can also build your Peerlist Profile as your developer portfolio.

4. Internships and Co-op Programs: These provide valuable experience and can often lead to full-time positions.

5. Network: Attend tech meetups, conferences, and join online communities to connect with professionals in the field.

6. Practice Coding Challenges: Websites like LeetCode, HackerRank, and CodeSignal offer coding challenges that are often used in technical interviews. If you are confused about where to start with, we recently hosted a 30 day LeetCode Challenge, you can get started with this one.

7. Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter: Highlight relevant projects, skills, and any internship experience.

8. Apply Strategically: Look for entry-level positions or internships at companies of various sizes, from startups to large tech firms.

9. Prepare for Interviews: Be ready for both technical interviews and behavioral questions.

10. Consider Freelancing or Contract Work: These can be good ways to gain experience and build your portfolio.

Salary of an Entry Level Software Engineer?

Salary is often a crucial factor for those entering the field and if you are wondering how much does an entry level software engineer make, let me share details. The compensation for entry-level software engineers can vary widely based on factors such as location, company size, industry, and individual skills.

What is the Entry Level Salary for a Software Engineer?

As of 2024, entry-level software engineers in the United States can expect to earn a base salary ranging from $60,000 to $120,000 per year. However, this range can fluctuate significantly based on the aforementioned factors.

What is the Average Salary for an Entry Level Software Engineer?

The average salary for entry-level software engineers in the U.S. as of 2024 is approximately $85,000 per year. This figure includes base salary, bonuses, and sometimes stock options or other forms of compensation.

Historic Data and Trends

• In 2023, the average entry-level software engineer salary was around $80,000, showing a modest increase in 2024.

• Over the past few years, there has been a consistent upward trend in salaries for entry-level positions in software engineering.

• The COVID-19 pandemic initially caused some uncertainty in the job market, but the demand for software engineers quickly rebounded, maintaining steady salary growth.

It's important to note that these figures can vary significantly based on location. For instance, entry-level software engineers in tech hubs like San Francisco or New York City often command higher salaries compared to those in smaller cities or rural areas.

Additionally, total compensation packages often include benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and sometimes equity in the company, which can significantly increase the overall value of the compensation package.

Trending Roles in Entry Level Software Engineering

As technology continues to evolve, certain roles within entry-level software engineering have gained prominence. Here are some trending roles as of 2024:

1. Full Stack Developer: Entry-level engineers who can work on both front-end and back-end development are increasingly in demand.

2. Mobile App Developer: With the continued growth of mobile technologies, developers skilled in iOS and Android development are highly sought after.

3. Cloud Engineer: As more companies move to cloud-based infrastructures, entry-level positions in cloud engineering and DevOps are becoming more common.

4. Machine Learning Engineer: While often requiring more specialized knowledge, some entry-level positions are opening up in the field of machine learning and AI.

5. Cybersecurity Specialist: With the rising importance of digital security, entry-level roles in cybersecurity within software development teams are emerging.

6. Blockchain Developer: As blockchain technology gains traction, some companies are offering entry-level positions in this specialized field.

7. Data Engineer: With the increasing importance of big data, entry-level roles in data engineering are becoming more prevalent.

8. UX/UI Developer: Combining coding skills with user experience design is a growing trend for entry-level positions.

How to find job as an Entry Level Software Developer?

If you are actively looking for an entry level software engineer role, you can search on Peerlist Jobs. You will find 100+ jobs from the companies and startups near you. Also, while in the process of applying for different jobs, do not forget to keep sharing your work, learnings and side projects. Sharing and showcasing your work help you stand out of the crowd and improve your chances of getting hired.

In conclusion, the role of an entry-level software engineer offers exciting opportunities for growth, learning, and innovation. While the path to securing such a position requires dedication and continuous learning, the rewards – both in terms of professional development and financial compensation – make it worth all efforts. As the field continues to evolve, staying adaptable and committed to lifelong learning will be key to long-term success in software engineering.