Technology · How to become
How to become a Junior Software Engineer
The realistic routes in, the skills and credentials that actually move the needle, and roughly how long it takes. It pays a median of $124,000 (US, indicative).
Skills that matter
- Programming fundamentals + data structures/algorithms · foundations
- Ship production code in one language/framework · foundations
- Version control + code review workflow · tooling
- Effective use of AI coding assistants without over-reliance · ai-leverage
Credentials that help
Credentials help with entry and specialisation; scope drives seniority.
- CS / related bachelor's degree · $10k-$40k+/yr public in-state to private; highly variable
- Coding bootcamp (e.g. Hack Reactor, App Academy, Nucamp) · $13,584
Keep going
Figures are indicative, in USD, and never a guarantee of an outcome.