Salary for Entry-level / Junior Software Engineer in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average entry-level / junior Software Engineer salary lies between USD 81,000 and USD 124,000 in the United States. 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.

Region represents the primary country of residence of an employee during the year (or residence for tax purposes). All data shown are full-time equivalent (FTE) salaries. Part-time salary information has been extrapolated to its FTE value.

Last updated: Nov. 24, 2024

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, Cloud 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 | 41 jobs Cloud | 40 jobs Computer Science | 33 jobs Agile | 27 jobs C | 26 jobs Java | 26 jobs Kubernetes | 18 jobs Automation | 17 jobs Linux | 15 jobs AWS | 14 jobs Privacy | 13 jobs Monitoring | 13 jobs JavaScript | 12 jobs Clearance | 12 jobs Docker | 11 jobs Security Clearance | 11 jobs PostgreSQL | 11 jobs APIs | 11 jobs DevSecOps | 10 jobs Windows | 9 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, Equity / stock options 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 | 44 jobs Equity / stock options | 21 jobs Health care | 21 jobs Startup environment | 18 jobs Medical leave | 16 jobs Flex hours | 14 jobs Flex vacation | 14 jobs Parental leave | 12 jobs 401(k) matching | 11 jobs Competitive pay | 11 jobs Team events | 10 jobs Insurance | 10 jobs Transparency | 7 jobs Salary bonus | 7 jobs Wellness | 3 jobs Signing bonus | 3 jobs Fertility benefits | 3 jobs Relocation support | 2 jobs Flexible spending account | 2 jobs Conferences | 1 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for an entry-level or junior software engineer in the InfoSec/Cyber Security field typically consists of a base salary, potential 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. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company and its performance, and they may be tied to individual performance metrics or company-wide goals. Additional remuneration might include stock options, especially in tech companies, or benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

Regional differences can also impact salary composition. For instance, salaries in tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City might be higher due to the cost of living and demand for talent. Industry can also play a role; financial services or healthcare companies might offer different compensation packages compared to tech startups. Larger companies might offer more comprehensive benefits and bonuses, while smaller companies might provide more stock options or equity.

Increasing Salary

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

• Skill Development: Continuously improve your technical skills and stay updated with the latest trends in cybersecurity. This could involve learning new programming languages, mastering security tools, or understanding emerging threats.

• Certifications: Obtaining advanced certifications can demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field, making you more valuable to employers.

• Networking: Build a professional network within the industry. Attend conferences, join professional organizations, and connect with peers and mentors who can provide guidance and opportunities.

• Performance: Consistently perform well in your current role. Exceeding expectations can lead to promotions and salary increases.

• Negotiation: When the opportunity arises, negotiate your salary based on your contributions, market research, and the value you bring to the company.

Educational Requirements

Most entry-level positions in InfoSec/Cyber Security require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, cybersecurity, or a related field. Some employers may accept candidates with degrees in other disciplines if they have relevant experience or certifications. A strong foundation in computer science principles, programming, and network security is essential.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can significantly enhance your qualifications and demonstrate your expertise to potential employers. Some common and valuable certifications for entry-level positions in cybersecurity include:

• CompTIA Security+: A widely recognized certification that covers foundational security concepts and practices.
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Focuses on understanding and identifying vulnerabilities in systems.
• Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate: Provides knowledge of cybersecurity operations and monitoring.
• GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC): Validates knowledge of information security beyond simple terminology and concepts.

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 relevant projects. Experience with programming, network security, and understanding of security protocols is often required. Demonstrating hands-on experience with security tools and technologies can also be beneficial.

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