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Entry Level Backend Developer Jobs in Tacoma, WA

Entry Level Backend Developer information

See Tacoma, WA salary details

$12

$62

$90

How much do entry level backend developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level backend developer in Tacoma, WA is $62.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50.87 and $73.32 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level backend developer do?

An entry level backend developer is responsible for building and maintaining the server-side logic, databases, and APIs for web or mobile applications. They work closely with front-end developers to ensure that data flows smoothly from the server to the user interface. Typical tasks include writing and testing code, debugging issues, and collaborating with team members to implement new features. Entry level backend developers often use programming languages such as Python, Java, or Node.js, and work with databases like MySQL or MongoDB. Their role is essential for ensuring that applications run efficiently and securely behind the scenes.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level backend developers in their first year, and how can they overcome them?

Entry level backend developers often encounter challenges such as understanding legacy codebases, adapting to new frameworks or technologies, and ensuring their code integrates smoothly with front-end components. To overcome these, it's helpful to ask questions early, review documentation thoroughly, and participate in code reviews with more experienced team members. Collaborating closely with QA and front-end teams can also clarify requirements and improve overall product quality, making the onboarding process smoother and more effective.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level backend developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Backend Developer, you need a solid understanding of programming languages such as Java, Python, or Node.js, along with knowledge of databases and algorithms, typically supported by a computer science degree or coding bootcamp experience. Familiarity with version control systems like Git, RESTful APIs, and frameworks such as Express or Django is important. Problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication help you collaborate with other developers and troubleshoot issues efficiently. These skills ensure you can build reliable server-side applications and contribute effectively to development teams.

What is the difference between Entry Level Backend Developer vs Junior Backend Developer?

AspectEntry Level Backend DeveloperJunior Backend Developer
Required CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field; some certifications like AWS or Java may helpSimilar credentials; often includes internships or limited work experience
Work EnvironmentEntry-level roles in tech companies, startups, or agencies; focus on learning and support tasksSimilar environments; often involves assisting senior developers and gaining hands-on experience
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in software development, tech, and IT industriesWidely used in similar industries, often interchangeable in job listings

Both roles are entry-level positions requiring foundational programming skills and a basic understanding of backend technologies. The terms are often used interchangeably, but 'Junior Backend Developer' may imply slightly more experience or familiarity with specific tools. Both roles serve as stepping stones toward more advanced backend development careers.

What are the most commonly searched types of Backend Developer jobs in Tacoma, WA?

The most popular types of Backend Developer jobs in Tacoma, WA are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Backend Developer jobs in Tacoma, WA?

For Entry Level Backend Developer jobs in Tacoma, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Backend Developer jobs in Tacoma, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Backend Developer jobs in Tacoma, WA are:

What cities near Tacoma, WA are hiring for Entry Level Backend Developer jobs?

Cities near Tacoma, WA with the most Entry Level Backend Developer job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Backend Developer job openings in Tacoma, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $128,964 per year, or $62 per hour.

Entry level Java spring boot developer/ data scientist

SynergisticIT

Tacoma, WA • On-site

$54.75 - $70.75/hr

Other

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Your Tech Career Is Still Within Reach? Rebuild Momentum With a Placement Process Even if you’ve been rejected, laid off, or out of the field for years, your tech career is still within reach. SynergisticIT helps you rebuild your confidence and sharpen your skills through hands‑on real‑world projects. You’ll also receive interview coaching and resume optimization that highlight your strengths. Also get marketed directly to Fortune 500 companies, giving you access to opportunities that most job seekers never see. Your career isn’t over — it’s waiting for the right opportunity. Synergisticit helps you reach it faster. A career gap doesn’t disqualify you — outdated skills do. But the job market can still feel brutal: you apply daily, watch automated rejections roll in, and wonder why your experience isn’t translating into interviews. The truth is that hiring has shifted. Employers want candidates who match current stacks, show recent hands-on proof, and interview strongly. If you’ve been out for 3–6+ months, that gap can become an extra filter—unless you deliberately rebuild momentum. We’re actively engaging candidates for full-time opportunities aligned to client needs: software programming, Java full stack development, Java/Python roles, DevOps engineering, and data roles spanning analytics, engineering, science, and ML/AI. Our primary focus remains Java/Full Stack/DevOps and Data/Engineering/Analytics/ML. SynergisticIT since 2010 has helped candidates land full-time roles at major organizations (examples often listed include Google, Apple, PayPal, Visa, Western Union, Wells Fargo, Intel, JPMC, Citi, Bank of America, Wayfair, and others), with offers in the $95k–$154k range depending on role and stack. Why laid-off candidates often struggle (even with experience) After a layoff, two things happen: Your skills may be solid, but your keywords and tools may be slightly behind the market. Your interview performance may drop because stress makes you second-guess. Also, employers increasingly expect hybrid capability: not just “I coded,” but “I can build + deploy + collaborate + document + explain.” That’s especially true for Java full stack, DevOps, data engineering, and ML/AI. What roles are commonly in demand right now Laid-off candidates often do best targeting roles that map to consistent enterprise demand. The main lanes include: Entry-level to mid-level software engineering roles (especially backend/full stack) Java full stack roles (enterprise stability) Java/Python developer roles (flexibility across teams) DevOps/Cloud roles (automation, pipelines, reliability) Data roles (analytics → engineering → ML/AI) why placement support matters rebuild a job-ready portfolio fast adjust your resume and LinkedIn for ATS practice interviews under real conditions get scheduled interviews through structured outreach A layoff recovery plan that actually works A smart recovery plan is not “apply more.” It’s: Re-stack: align skills to today’s demand (Java/full stack/devops or data/ML). Rebuild proof: projects that look like work, not homework. Rehearse interviews: DSA, system design, SQL, behavioral storytelling. Re-enter pipelines: structured outreach that leads to scheduled interviews. If you follow that with consistent coaching and iteration, your layoff becomes a pivot point—not a pause. If you’re ready to stop refreshing job boards and start rebuilding momentum with support, begin here: If you want to explore here are the key links: please read our blogs Why do Tech Companies not Hire recent Computer Science Graduates | https://www.synergisticit.com/why-tech-companies-dont-hire-recent-cs-graduates/ Technical Skills or Experience? | Which one is important to get a Job? | https://www.synergisticit.com/tech-skill-or-experience-which-one-is-more-important-for-a-jobseeker/ Please check below links: Event videos (OCW, JavaOne, Gartner): https://fast.wistia.com/embed/channel/k4mlq69ekl USA Today feature Discover JOPP: https://www.synergisticit.com/jopp/ Contact: https://www.synergisticit.com/contact-us/ Layoff reality: It can happen to anyone. Career recovery is a strategy problem, not a worth problem. In tech, it’s not only what you know—it’s how you position it and who guides you that determines how quickly you return stronger. Please note: Resume databases are shared with clients and interested clients will reach out directly if they find a qualified candidate for their req. Resume submissions may be shared with our JOPP team database also. Please unsubscribe if contacted or if you don’t want to be contacted please don’t submit your resume.