Salary for Entry-level / Junior Software Developer during 2024

Salary details

The average entry-level / junior Software Developer salary lies between USD 44,000 and USD 93,000 globally. It represents the overall compensation/gross salary amount for the working year (before deductions like social security, taxes and other contributions), not including equity/stock options or similar benefits.

All data shown are full-time equivalent (FTE) salaries. Part-time salary information has been extrapolated to its FTE value.

Last updated: Nov. 17, 2024

Top 20 Job Tags for Entry-level / Junior Software Developer roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with entry-level / junior Software Developer job listings are Python, Engineering and Machine Learning. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Python | 89 jobs Engineering | 66 jobs Machine Learning | 59 jobs Computer Science | 59 jobs Java | 52 jobs Testing | 37 jobs JavaScript | 35 jobs Research | 31 jobs Docker | 30 jobs Linux | 29 jobs Security | 27 jobs SQL | 26 jobs Architecture | 24 jobs Agile | 23 jobs APIs | 23 jobs TensorFlow | 19 jobs Kubernetes | 19 jobs Git | 19 jobs Big Data | 17 jobs DevOps | 17 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Entry-level / Junior Software Developer roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with entry-level / junior Software Developer job listings are Career development, Flex hours and Health care. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 74 jobs Flex hours | 32 jobs Health care | 28 jobs Startup environment | 17 jobs Competitive pay | 16 jobs Equity / stock options | 13 jobs Insurance | 13 jobs Team events | 11 jobs Relocation support | 9 jobs Flex vacation | 7 jobs Wellness | 7 jobs Salary bonus | 6 jobs 401(k) matching | 4 jobs Parental leave | 4 jobs Transparency | 4 jobs Medical leave | 4 jobs Fitness / gym | 2 jobs Signing bonus | 2 jobs Home office stipend | 1 jobs Visa sponsorship | 1 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for an entry-level or junior software developer in AI/ML/Data Science typically consists of a fixed base salary, which is the primary component. Depending on the region, industry, and company size, additional remuneration may include performance bonuses, stock options, or other incentives. In tech hubs like Silicon Valley, companies might offer higher base salaries and more substantial stock options, while smaller companies or those in less competitive regions might focus more on bonuses or other benefits. Industries such as finance or healthcare may offer higher salaries due to the specialized nature of the work, whereas startups might compensate with equity or flexible work arrangements.

Steps to Increase Salary

To increase your salary from an entry-level position, consider the following strategies:

• Skill Development: Continuously upgrade your technical skills, especially in high-demand areas like deep learning, natural language processing, or big data technologies.
• Advanced Education: Pursue further education, such as a master's degree or specialized certifications, to enhance your qualifications.
• Networking: Build a strong professional network by attending industry conferences, joining relevant online communities, and connecting with mentors.
• Performance Excellence: Consistently exceed performance expectations and take on challenging projects to demonstrate your value to the organization.
• Negotiation Skills: Develop strong negotiation skills to effectively advocate for salary increases during performance reviews or when offered new positions.

Educational Requirements

Most entry-level positions in AI/ML/Data Science require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, data science, mathematics, statistics, or a related field. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master's degree, especially for roles that involve more complex data analysis or algorithm development. A strong foundation in programming, mathematics, and statistics is essential.

Helpful Certifications

While not always mandatory, certain certifications can enhance your resume and demonstrate your commitment to the field. Some valuable certifications include:

• Google Professional Machine Learning Engineer
• Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate
• AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty
• IBM Data Science Professional Certificate
• TensorFlow Developer Certificate

These certifications can validate your skills in specific technologies and platforms, making you more attractive to potential employers.

Experience Requirements

For entry-level roles, employers typically look for candidates with some practical experience, which can be gained through internships, co-op programs, or personal projects. Demonstrating hands-on experience with data analysis, machine learning models, and relevant programming languages (such as Python or R) is crucial. Experience with tools like TensorFlow, PyTorch, or scikit-learn can also be beneficial.

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