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Entry Level Programmer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Plumbing Engineer I

San Diego, CA · Hybrid

$90K - $113K/yr

We currently have an entry level opportunity for a Plumbing Engineering Graduate. Our dynamic work environment provides the optimal setting to start your career. From our supportive culture, diverse ...

Job Summary Performs entry-level engineering tasks under supervision, supporting the design, development, testing, installation, integration, and maintenance of electronic, mechanical, and software ...

This is an exciting opportunity for an entry-level Engineer to learn and grow! Harris Group offers a competitive compensation and benefits package and a friendly, flexible, collaborative culture that ...

Programming experience in any language such as C/C++, VB, VBScript, Java, Perl, Python, Shell ... JOB Title - Beta Soft Systems is looking to hire Entry level QA Engineers. ( ) Beta Soft Systems is ...

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Entry Level Programmer information

See California salary details

$14

$26

$78

How much do entry level programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level programmer in California is $26.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $22.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Programmer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Programmer, you need a solid understanding of programming fundamentals, algorithms, and at least one programming language, often demonstrated by a relevant degree or coding bootcamp experience. Familiarity with version control systems like Git, basic database management, and development environments is typically expected. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with team members and learn quickly. These skills are crucial for successfully building, testing, and maintaining software while adapting to evolving project requirements.

What are entry level programmers?

Entry level programmers are individuals who are just starting their careers in software development. They typically have a basic understanding of programming languages and software development practices, often gained through education or internships. Entry level programmers are usually responsible for writing simple code, fixing bugs, and assisting more experienced developers on projects. Their role is to learn on the job, gain experience, and gradually take on more complex tasks. Employers often look for candidates with problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn.

What types of projects and tasks can an entry level programmer typically expect to work on during their first year?

As an entry level programmer, you will often be assigned to support tasks such as debugging code, writing simple scripts, developing small features, and assisting with software testing. You may also update documentation and collaborate with more experienced developers on larger projects. This hands-on experience helps you become familiar with company coding standards, version control systems, and agile development processes while building a foundation for more complex assignments in the future. Teamwork and communication are important, as you’ll regularly interact with other programmers, QA testers, and sometimes project managers.

What is the difference between Entry Level Programmer vs Software Developer?

AspectEntry Level ProgrammerSoftware Developer
Required CredentialsAssociate's degree or coding bootcamp certificationBachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field often preferred
Work EnvironmentEntry-level coding tasks, supervised projectsDesign, develop, and maintain software applications
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, startups, IT departmentsSoftware firms, tech companies, enterprise IT teams

While both roles involve coding and software development, an Entry Level Programmer typically focuses on basic coding tasks under supervision, whereas a Software Developer often handles full project cycles, including design and testing. The roles overlap in skills and industry usage, but the Software Developer position generally requires more experience and responsibility.

What Is an Entry-Level Programmer?

As an entry-level programmer, you use software programming languages to create and maintain applications for in-house, proprietary use or clients. You go through an onboarding process to learn your company’s code base and their processes for software development. You work on a team with other programmers and developers, and your job duties include writing code to develop software according to required specifications, testing and debugging code, creating and rolling out fixes, and publishing finished code to the production server. As you gain experience and your skillset expands, you can take on jobs with more autonomy and responsibility.

What are the most commonly searched types of Programmer jobs in California? The most popular types of Programmer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Programmer jobs? Cities in California with the most Entry Level Programmer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Programmer jobs in CA? For Entry Level Programmer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Programmer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Internship, 67% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $54,866 per year, or $26.4 per hour.
Plumbing Engineer I

Plumbing Engineer I

Syska Hennessy Group

San Diego, CA • Hybrid

$90K - $113K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Watch your work come to life in landmark projects around the world when you partner with Syska Hennessy Group! As a global leader in consulting, engineering, and commissioning services, we specialize in MEP, information and communication technology, architectural lighting, vertical transportation, and commissioning. We currently have an entry level opportunity for a Plumbing Engineering Graduate.

Our dynamic work environment provides the optimal setting to start your career. From our supportive culture, diverse workforce, and competitive compensation to our flexible work schedules and fun social events, it is everything you will need for an exciting, challenging, and rewarding career.

Job Responsibilities:

As an entry level engineer, you will support our engineering teams working towards our designs that are inspiring, demanding and highly collaborative. You will learn from others, and they will expect to learn from you. You will share in the responsibility, rewards, and recognition of producing truly innovative solutions and complete client satisfaction.

Some responsibilities include:

  • Create basic designs under the direction of the senior engineer and/or senior designer
  • Learn drawing organization and company standards.
  • Perform CAD/BIM-drafting for a variety of projects and project sizes to begin to understand architectural engineering design and documentation.
  • Coordination with the designs of other trades (architectural, engineering / internal, and external) under the guidance of more senior technical staff
  • Support the design and engineering efforts of systems for new installations, system retrofits, system replacement and system upgrades for a wide variety of projects and project types.
  • Take ownership of completeness, accuracy, and timeliness of the work assignments.
  • Assists engineers with field investigations and construction site visits to observe and attend project coordination meetings.
  • Participate and regularly attend the EDT program training sessions and support activities that are part of the EDT program.
  • Attending our Engineering Development Program continuing education seminars on technical and professional enhancing topics.

Job Requirements:

The ideal candidate will enjoy a team environment and be flexible enough to work independently where needed. Candidates for this role will be eager to learn and will expand their knowledge and hands-on experience by challenging themselves and using the highly technical resources around them.

Additional job requirements:

  • Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university in Mechanical engineering with a graduation date of Winter 2025, Spring or Summer of 2026
  • Previous engineering internship, a plus
  • Knowledge of the latest version of MEP Auto CAD; REVIT experience is a plus.
  • Proficient in design and calculation software; MS Office Suite
  • FE or EIT preferred.

Benefits:

As an employee at Syska Hennessy, you will be part of a global firm with an amazing history! We are committed to being the best, to advancing engineering design practice, and to supporting our clients with integrity. To make all of that happen, we rely on the talent, drive, enthusiasm, and the total job satisfaction of the great people who work here.

Our Company is committed to developing engineers into respected technical experts and versatile business leaders through our Engineer Development Program (EDT).

About the EDT Program

Recent graduates interested in our Engineering Development Training (EDT) program can expect to participate in an accelerated, but thorough training curriculum. This curriculum will teach not only the technical aspects of our profession, but industry specific business aspects as well. Our senior engineers will work closely with each participant to foster a strong mentor/apprentice relationship.

This time-honored program is a trademark of Syska's commitment to the development and education of young engineers through mentoring and technical training.

As a member of our highly collaborative team, we provide our full-time employees with a flexible benefits package that reflects our respect for your workplace contributions, professional goals, and personal priorities. The personal benefits program at Syska Hennessy Group includes:

  • Robust, comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life insurance and supplemental benefit plans
  • 401(k) plan with a generous employer matching program
  • Training and professional development courses
  • Professional development incentive bonuses
  • Dynamic Employee Resource Groups
  • Competitive Paid Time Off (PTO) policy
  • Transit/parking employer stipend
  • day work from home Fridays all year long

At Syska, we have cultivated a community that supports learning and provides guidance for professional development and furthering our culture of excellence. We promote an environment that is committed to embedding diversity and equality into the core of our business and culture. We empower our employees so they can take ownership of their work and development and strive to continually improve themselves and our firm. We rely on the talent, drive, enthusiasm and the total job satisfaction of the great people who work here for our success! Syska is a place where you can build an exceptional career and have a lasting impact on the world.

Syska Hennessy Group

Integrating the best minds and technology to help clients create exceptional environments.