Salary for Entry-level / Junior Software Engineer during 2024

Salary details

The average entry-level / junior Software Engineer salary lies between USD 82,000 and USD 147,000 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: Jan. 12, 2025

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

The three most common job tag items assiciated with entry-level / junior Software 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 | 700 jobs Engineering | 662 jobs Computer Science | 597 jobs Machine Learning | 525 jobs Java | 347 jobs Architecture | 288 jobs Research | 266 jobs Testing | 239 jobs JavaScript | 208 jobs Security | 197 jobs Agile | 179 jobs AWS | 169 jobs Kubernetes | 166 jobs SQL | 164 jobs APIs | 160 jobs Linux | 159 jobs Pipelines | 159 jobs Mathematics | 156 jobs LLMs | 147 jobs Privacy | 143 jobs

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

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with entry-level / junior Software Engineer job listings are Career development, Health care and Startup environment. 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 | 636 jobs Health care | 285 jobs Startup environment | 247 jobs Equity / stock options | 214 jobs Team events | 202 jobs Flex hours | 183 jobs Medical leave | 180 jobs Flex vacation | 147 jobs Competitive pay | 142 jobs Insurance | 135 jobs Parental leave | 104 jobs 401(k) matching | 100 jobs Salary bonus | 73 jobs Flexible spending account | 59 jobs Wellness | 52 jobs Transparency | 49 jobs Relocation support | 48 jobs Conferences | 41 jobs Fertility benefits | 25 jobs Gear | 23 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for an entry-level or junior software engineer in AI/ML/Data Science typically consists of a base salary, performance bonuses, and sometimes 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. Performance bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company’s policy and your individual performance. In tech hubs like Silicon Valley, companies might offer stock options as part of the compensation package, which can be a significant addition to the overall remuneration. In smaller companies or startups, the base salary might be lower, but equity compensation could be more substantial. In contrast, larger companies might offer more stable salaries with structured bonus plans.

Increasing Salary

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

• Skill Enhancement: Continuously upgrade your skills in AI/ML through online courses, workshops, and certifications. Specializing in a niche area can make you more valuable.
• Networking: Build a strong professional network by attending industry conferences, meetups, and joining relevant online communities. Networking can open up opportunities for higher-paying roles.
• Performance Excellence: Consistently exceed performance expectations in your current role. Demonstrating your value can lead to promotions and salary increases.
• Advanced Education: Pursuing a master's degree or Ph.D. in a related field can significantly boost your earning potential.
• Job Hopping: Sometimes, moving to a new company can result in a substantial salary increase, especially if you have gained valuable experience and skills.

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 companies might also consider candidates with degrees in engineering or physics, provided they have relevant skills and experience. A strong foundation in programming, mathematics, and statistics is essential. While a bachelor's degree is often sufficient for entry-level roles, a master's degree can be advantageous and may be required for more advanced positions.

Helpful Certifications

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

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

These certifications can validate your skills and knowledge, making you a more attractive candidate to potential employers.

Required Experience

For entry-level positions, 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 such as Python or R, and familiarity with machine learning frameworks like TensorFlow or PyTorch, is often expected. Additionally, experience with data manipulation and analysis using tools like SQL, Pandas, or NumPy can be beneficial.

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