Salary for Entry-level / Junior Software Development Engineer during 2024

Salary details

The average entry-level / junior Software Development Engineer salary lies between USD 95,680 and USD 176,580 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 Development Engineer roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with entry-level / junior Software Development Engineer job listings are Python, Engineering and Computer Science. 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 | 39 jobs Engineering | 35 jobs Computer Science | 34 jobs Machine Learning | 31 jobs Agile | 22 jobs Java | 20 jobs Mathematics | 16 jobs Data Analytics | 13 jobs Scrum | 12 jobs Architecture | 12 jobs RDBMS | 12 jobs AWS | 11 jobs Linux | 11 jobs OOP | 11 jobs Deep Learning | 9 jobs SQL | 9 jobs Testing | 9 jobs SAS | 9 jobs Research | 8 jobs Distributed Systems | 8 jobs

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

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with entry-level / junior Software Development Engineer job listings are Career development, Startup environment and Equity / stock options. 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 | 36 jobs Startup environment | 21 jobs Equity / stock options | 13 jobs Health care | 7 jobs Medical leave | 6 jobs Competitive pay | 5 jobs Relocation support | 4 jobs Salary bonus | 4 jobs Insurance | 3 jobs 401(k) matching | 2 jobs Parental leave | 2 jobs Flex vacation | 2 jobs Wellness | 1 jobs Team events | 1 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 1 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for an entry-level or junior software development engineer in AI/ML/Data Science typically consists of a base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or benefits. The base salary is the fixed component and usually makes up the majority of the total compensation package. Performance bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company’s policies and individual performance, often ranging from 5% to 15% of the base salary. Additional remuneration might include stock options, especially in tech companies or startups, and benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. The composition can vary by region, with tech hubs like Silicon Valley offering higher base salaries and stock options, while other regions might offer more balanced packages. Industry and company size also play a role; larger companies might offer more comprehensive benefits, while startups might compensate with equity.

Increasing Salary

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

• Skill Enhancement: Continuously update your skills in AI/ML and data science. Learning new programming languages, frameworks, or tools can make you more valuable.
• Advanced Education: Pursuing a master's degree or specialized certifications can open up higher-paying roles.
• Networking: Building a strong professional network can lead to opportunities for higher-paying positions.
• Performance Excellence: Consistently exceeding performance expectations can lead to promotions and salary increases.
• Negotiation Skills: Develop strong negotiation skills to better advocate for salary increases during performance reviews or when switching jobs.

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 positions might accept candidates with degrees in other disciplines if they have relevant experience or skills. A strong foundation in programming, mathematics, and data analysis is essential. For more competitive roles, a master's degree or Ph.D. can be advantageous.

Helpful Certifications

While not always required, certain certifications can enhance your resume and demonstrate your expertise:

• Certified Data Scientist (CDS)
• TensorFlow Developer Certificate
• AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty
• Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate
• Google Professional Machine Learning Engineer

These certifications can validate your skills and knowledge in specific tools and platforms, making you more attractive to 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. Experience with programming languages like Python or R, familiarity with machine learning frameworks such as TensorFlow or PyTorch, and experience with data analysis and visualization tools are often expected. Demonstrating experience through a portfolio of projects or contributions to open-source projects can be beneficial.

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