How Much Do Entry-Level Coders Make?
If you’re thinking about a career in tech, if you’re fresh out of college, or if you’ve just graduated from a coding bootcamp and are ready to start looking for your first job, you might be wondering what an entry-level coder salary looks like. Luckily, entry-level coding jobs are available at all types of companies, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to find a job that’s a good fit for your skills, career goals, and salary aspirations.
In this guide, we will discuss the most common entry-level jobs you can land, the average coding salary for each one, and the typical requirements for these positions. We’ll also give you some tips to help you successfully land your first coding job.
What Defines an “Entry Level” Position?
Entry-level roles are designed for candidates with little to no experience and basic education, whether a degree or other forms of training. It is a type of role that gives new professionals a chance to start accumulating experience so they can potentially move to mid and senior-level roles down the line.
When you land an entry-level coding job, you’re not expected to know everything, manage your own team, or see projects from conception to completion. You’re just expected to write solid code and learn from your mistakes. Entry-level coders are usually a part of a coding team and work a lot through pair programming and collaborating with others through ideation sessions.
Requirements for Entry-Level Coding Jobs
Typical requirements for entry-level coding jobs include some form of education that ensures you’re able to code, such as a bachelor’s in computer science or the successful completion of a software development or coding bootcamp. In addition, you’ll need to be willing to learn and collaborate with peers and senior developers, have strong technical and problem-solving skills, and be able to stick to deadlines.
The Best Entry-Level Coding Jobs and Salaries
Now that we’ve covered what entry-level coding jobs entail and what the basic requirements are, let’s take a look at some of the most common positions you can land. We will also discuss the average entry-level coding salary for each one.
Web Developer
Average Entry-Level Salary: $76,603
Web developers are in charge of designing, creating, and maintaining websites. They usually work with common programming languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to do this. They are also in charge of ensuring that websites perform efficiently and are free of errors.
Web developer jobs are available at major tech companies around the world. The average web developer salary for someone in an entry-level position typically ranges from $62,000 to $95,000, according to Glassdoor.
Software Developer
Average Entry-Level Salary: $89,211
Software developers use their coding skills to design, create, and test software to fulfill specific tasks or tackle particular user needs. They are often tasked with updating and maintaining the software they create. If you’re considering a job as an entry-level software engineer, you’ll be happy to know that the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the job outlook for these professionals is expected to grow by 25 percent between 2021 and 2031.
UX/UI Designer
Average Entry-Level Salary: $80,417
User experience and user interface designers are responsible for making apps and websites intuitive and visually appealing. They use their coding skills to ensure interfaces are friendly and easy to understand for users of all experience levels. The typical entry-level UX/UI designer salary can range from $64,000 to $103,000, according to Glassdoor.
Data Scientist
Average Entry-Level Salary: $125,199
Data scientists are responsible for collecting, organizing, and sifting through massive amounts of data. They then gain insights from the data gathered that can be translated by organizations into actionable steps to help them come closer to their goals. Data scientists usually have strong skills in several coding languages and machine learning, and you can quickly gain practical experience in these areas through entry-level data science jobs.
Computer Programmer
Average Entry-Level Salary: $63,235
Computer programmers use their skills to craft code that allows communication between humans and computers. This communication is enabled through instructions in the form of code that allows apps and software to work effectively. An entry-level computer programmer salary can range between $50,000 and $80,000.
Game Developer
Average Entry-Level Salary: $79,801
As a game developer, your job is to leverage your programming skills to create entertaining and engaging video games. Game developers work in various roles involved in the field, such as concepting, creation, and testing. This can be a highly rewarding career for those interested in gaming and coding, with the average entry-level game programmer salary ranging from $62,000 to $103,000, according to Glassdoor.
Tips for Landing an Entry-Level Coding Job
If you’re looking to land your own entry-level coding job, there are several ways you can jumpstart your job search and increase your chances of success. Keep reading to learn our top tips to help you land your first coding job.
- Master Coding Skills
In order to land an entry-level coding job, you will need to sharpen your coding skills. This includes becoming fluent in at least one common programming language and getting as much practical experience as you can. Putting your skills to the test through projects is a great way to gain confidence and show potential employers that you understand what coding is all about.
- Build a Strong Resume and Portfolio
Make sure to spend enough time building a strong coding resume and portfolio, as these will serve to introduce you to potential employers. Make sure to tailor your resume to the role you’re applying for, and to select the best pieces for your coding portfolio that showcase your coding abilities, your passion for your field, and your ability to solve problems and think outside the box.
- Stay Determined
It might take several tries before you start hearing back from companies when you first apply for coding jobs. Keep this in mind and don’t be discouraged if you don’t get any responses in the beginning. Remember what made you enter the field and stay consistent in your application efforts. Don’t stop looking for openings and keep trying, and you will surely land an entry-level role that is right for you.
- Prepare for Your Interviews
The interview process can be daunting for many, but you can increase your chances of success by preparing for a coding interview. To do this, make sure to research the company and the role, be clear on the ways that you would be a good fit, and practice your answers to the most common coding interview questions with a trusted friend.
- Negotiate Your Contract
Don’t be afraid to know your worth and ask for what you want. It’s always a good idea to use sites such as Glassdoor or Indeed to help you see the salaries of other people in similar job roles. This will help you know what the industry standard salary is for your position and give you the confidence you need to negotiate for a good salary.
How to Get Started as a Coder
To get started as a coder, there are several tech education options you can choose from. Once you gain the necessary skills, you can start applying for jobs that will help you get your foot in the door and start gaining experience. But even as a beginner, you can earn a competitive entry level coder salary. All you need is some dedication and a bit of patience.
Tech Education Options
To learn coding, you can follow the traditional path and obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or Software Engineering. This road takes four years on average and equips you with everything you need to break into the industry.
You can also opt for less conventional paths, such as enrolling in a coding bootcamp. Bootcamps are designed to provide you with intensive, short-term training that prepares you to apply for entry-level positions in the tech industry. It is an excellent choice for those looking to learn industry-relevant skills without investing the time and money required for a college degree.
How Much Do Entry-Level Coders Make FAQ
Once you’ve acquired basic coding skills, you can apply for entry-level roles. As you gain more experience, you will gain access to positions with additional responsibilities, such as coordinating small teams of programmers or overseeing projects. Executive positions are available to coders who have also demonstrated skills in people management or the ability to oversee large-scale projects.
The responsibilities of entry-level coders typically include testing code or software, completing specific coding tasks that are part of larger projects, and collaborating with peers and managers to create tech products for clients.
To find entry-level coding jobs, you can use sites such as LinkedIn or Indeed to find open roles. You can also search for positions in specific organizations you are interested in by looking at their websites. You can also work on projects through sites like Upwork to start gaining some experience and create some projects for your portfolio.
Your entry-level coder resume should include any relevant experience you have working on coding projects, the programming languages you’re comfortable with, as well as any relevant education you have completed. You should also highlight soft skills such as communication and problem-solving.
