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Entry Level Developer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer

Elgin, IL ยท On-site

$65K - $82K/yr

Position: Entry- Level Manufacturing Engineer Job Type : Direct Hire Pay: $65,000 - $82,000 depending on experience Hours: Day Shift (Occasional Off-Shift or On-Call Support Required) Location

Naperville, IL Contract- 1 Year Client- Nicor Gas Position Overview The Engineer 1 role is an entry-level engineering position responsible for supporting the design, planning, and construction of ...

Civil Engineer/Surveyor/Construction Professional We are looking for new college graduates to fill entry-level roles in multiple disciplines for offices in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, South Bend, and ...

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Entry Level Developer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$29.3K

$99.7K

$240.1K

How much do entry level developer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level developer in Chicago, IL is $99,687.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,100.00 and $105,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level developer?

Entry level developers are individuals who are starting their careers in software development, typically with less than two years of professional experience. They are responsible for writing, testing, and maintaining code under the guidance of more experienced developers. Entry level developers often work on basic coding tasks, bug fixes, and learning new technologies as part of a development team. Their role is crucial for gaining practical experience and building foundational skills needed for advancement in the tech industry.

What does an entry level developer do?

As an entry-level developer, your duties are to work as part of a team to develop a piece of software or an application for a computer or web browser. Your responsibilities vary depending on your specific assignment. As an entry-level developer, you may assist in multiple aspects of the project while you determine a more specific career path. Your duties include working with QA testers to troubleshoot bugs in your programs, programming specific portions of the app or software, and collaborating with programmers, developers, and other technical professionals to understand and clarify the goals of the application.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Developer, you need a solid understanding of programming languages (such as Java, Python, or JavaScript), problem-solving abilities, and a relevant degree or coding bootcamp certification. Familiarity with version control systems like Git, basic knowledge of databases, and exposure to development environments or frameworks are typically required. Strong communication, teamwork, and a willingness to learn new technologies help set candidates apart. These skills and qualities are essential for contributing effectively to projects, adapting to evolving technical requirements, and collaborating within development teams.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level developers during their first year on the job?

Entry level developers often encounter challenges such as adapting to new codebases, learning company-specific development workflows, and collaborating effectively with more experienced team members. Balancing the need to ask questions with the desire to solve problems independently can also be tricky. Additionally, keeping up with frequent technology updates and understanding project requirements thoroughly are important hurdles. Most organizations offer mentorship, code reviews, and regular feedback to help new developers overcome these challenges and grow their skills quickly.

What is the difference between Entry Level Developer vs Junior Software Engineer?

AspectEntry Level DeveloperJunior Software Engineer
Required CredentialsAssociate degree or coding bootcamp certificationSimilar; often an associate degree or equivalent experience
Work EnvironmentEntry-level projects, supervised tasksCollaborative team settings, basic coding tasks
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, startups, IT departmentsSoftware firms, tech departments, consulting firms
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Both roles typically require similar foundational skills and certifications, with slight differences in job responsibilities. Entry Level Developers focus on learning and supporting projects, while Junior Software Engineers often have more technical responsibilities. The terms are often used interchangeably, but understanding these nuances helps in job search and career planning.

What are the most commonly searched types of Developer jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Developer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Entry Level Developer jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Entry Level Developer job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Developer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 20% Internship, 40% Full Time, 20% Temporary, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $99,687 per year, or $47.9 per hour.

Entry-level Engineer, Structural Engineering

Simpson Gumpertz & Heger

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Do you want to help engineer what's next?
Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (SGH) is a national engineering firm committed to delivering holistic advice for our clients' most complex challenges. We leverage our collective and diverse experience, technical expertise, and industry knowledge of structures and building enclosures, advanced analysis, performance & code consulting, and applied science & research to deliver unrivaled, comprehensive solutions that drive superior performance. With 800 employees in offices nationwide, SGH's industry-leading teams constantly seek to advance the meaning of what's possible.
What makes careers at SGH so special?
The only way to advance is to question and explore. Every member of the SGH team is both a learner and an educator, committed to advancing ourselves, our teams, and our industry. Together we are creating a community that never settles for what is but always seeks what could be.
There are many reasons to love SGH:
  • Our Work: Our clients trust us to bring clarity and deliver outstanding solutions for their most complex projects.
  • Our People: We are bold thinkers and compassionate teammates, committed to lifelong learning and professional growth.
  • Our Commitment: We live with integrity and embrace an obligation to give back to our professions and communities.
  • Our Contribution: We offer a comprehensive and rich compensation and benefits package with company-paid and voluntary programs to help build healthy lifestyles, strong relationships, and future prosperity.

We want someone passionate about structural engineering and problem-solving.
Our Structural Engineering division is looking to hire entry level candidates with a Master's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering in our Chicago office.
What You'll Be Doing:
The Structures Division provides structural engineering services with emphasis on new design, repair, and rehabilitation of constructed works, and investigation and performance evaluation of structures. As an entry-level hire, you will assist with new design, evaluation, investigation, and design of repairs for existing buildings. Essential duties include performing a wide range of structural engineering analysis and design tasks in steel, concrete, masonry and wood structures, assisting senior staff in on-site investigations to document existing conditions and determine root of problems; aiding senior staff during the construction administration phase of projects, and managing the preparation of drawings and specifications. A strong technical education, professional demeanor, and desire to learn are essential to this position.
What You'll Need:
  • MS in Civil or Structural Engineering.
  • Excellent written, oral, and verbal communication skills required.
  • FE/EIT certification, preferred.
  • Strong attention to detail with excellent analytical and judgment capabilities required.
  • Ability to work effectively independently and in a team environment is required.
  • Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines.
  • Familiarity with computer analysis software preferred (e.g., ETABS, SAP, RISA, RAM, SAFE, etc.)
  • Must have a valid driver's license and an acceptable Motor Vehicle Report.
  • Enthusiasm and passion - consistently maintain high levels of activity and productivity
  • Communication - conveys information to internal and external clients clearly with excellent writing or oral skills.
  • Problem-solving - capability to solve minor or complex problems using data, logic, judgment, and problem-solving tools.
  • Accountability and responsibility - self-starter with willingness to interact as a team player and take independent initiative to ensure tasks are completed.
  • Teamwork- work with others toward a shared goal, participating actively, sharing responsibility and rewards, and contributing to the capability of the team.
  • Teachable - passionate and willing to continue learning new ideas and concepts.

Benefits Overview:
SGH provides the following benefits to eligible employees:
  • Paid Time Off (Vacation time, Sick leave, Holidays)
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Profit Sharing and 401(k) plan with a discretionary company contribution
  • Health Insurance (Medical, Dental & Vision)
  • Short and Long-Term Disability (company paid)
  • Employee Basic Life and AD&D insurance (company paid)
  • Optional Life Insurance
  • Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Fertility, Family Forming, and Hormonal Health benefit
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Empathy Bereavement Support
  • Pre-tax Commuter Benefit
  • AFLAC Accident & Cancer Insurance
  • Legal & Identity Theft plans
  • Tuition Reimbursement

Compensation:
This compensation range is a good faith estimate pursuant to applicable equal pay and pay transparency laws. The pay range below is effective for 2026 and based on highest degree achieved. The actual salary offered will be based on several factors including the candidate's experience, qualifications, and work location.
  • Bachelor's Degree: $79,560 - $81,640
  • Master's Degree: $83,200 - $85,280

Base salary is a part of SGH's industry leading Total Compensation package. Our Total Compensation package includes base salary, pay for extra hours worked, an annual discretionary bonus program, generous paid time off, and health and wellness benefits with a special emphasis on substantial SGH contributions to medical insurance premiums and SGH's Profit Sharing & 401(k) Plan.
This position is eligible for a $5,000 sign-on bonus.
Associate Project Consultant:
$79,560-$85,280 USD
SGH is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal opportunities to all job applicants and employees. We consider all qualified applicants and encourage individuals with disabilities and protected veterans to apply. If the application system is not accessible to you, or you need a reasonable accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email or call and ask for Human Resources.
TO ALL RECRUITMENT AGENCIES: SGH does not accept unsolicited agency resumes or candidate profiles. Please do not forward resumes or profiles for any of our job postings to our career site or to any Simpson Gumpertz & Heger employee. SGH is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.