ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Programmer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Harris Group

Associate Electrical Engineer

Lafayette, CA · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

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 ...

Beta Soft System Inc.

Entry level jobs

Fremont, CA

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 ...

GCX

Mechanical Engineer - Entry Level

Petaluma, CA · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

... Entry-Level Mechanical Engineer to join our engineering team. This role is well suited for early-career engineers who are excited to contribute to product development efforts while building hands-on ...

Kindling LLC

Back-End Engineer

San Francisco, CA

About the role We're looking for an entry-level back-end engineer to join our engineering team. He/she would work closely with our existing team to help build our various projects as well as our ...

BRM.ai

Entry Level Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

... Entry Level Software Engineer Why we need you We're at a pivotal moment with a roadmap brimming with opportunity. We're looking for ambitious junior engineers and new graduates who are eager to ...

Picogrid

Entry-Level Electrical Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$115K - $150K/yr

About the Role As an Entry-Level Electrical Engineer at Picogrid, you will design, build, and test our hardware product lineup. This is a hands-on hardware engineering role at our headquarters in El ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsProgrammer JobsEntry Level Programmer JobsEntry Level Programmer Jobs in California

Entry Level Programmer information

See California salary details

$14

$26

$78

How much do entry level programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 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.

Can I become a programmer with no experience?

Entry level programmers can start without prior experience by learning programming languages such as Python or Java, completing online courses, and practicing coding skills. Many employers value problem-solving ability and willingness to learn, and some roles offer on-the-job training or internships for beginners.

Is 25 too old to start coding?

Entry level programmers can start coding at any age, including 25. Many successful developers begin learning programming languages like Python or JavaScript in their twenties or later, and employers value skills and experience over age. Continuous learning and building a portfolio are key to entering the field regardless of age.

Is 27 too late to start coding?

Entry level programmers can start coding at any age, including 27, as many successful developers begin learning later in life. Building skills through online courses, coding bootcamps, and practice projects can lead to entry-level positions regardless of age.

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.

Is AI replacing coders?

AI tools are increasingly automating certain coding tasks, but entry level programmers are still essential for designing, testing, and maintaining software. AI can assist with code generation and debugging, allowing programmers to focus on complex problem-solving and creative aspects. Overall, AI complements human programmers rather than replacing them entirely.
More about Entry Level Programmer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Programmer jobs in California? The most popular types of Programmer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Programmer jobs in California? For Entry Level Programmer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Programmer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level 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:
Entry Level Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Programmer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 31% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 17% Contract, and 33% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,866 per year, or $26.4 per hour.
Associate Electrical Engineer

Associate Electrical Engineer

Harris Group

Lafayette, CA • On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Harris Group thrives on providing expert engineering for some of today's most complex challenges. We are creative in our approach by delivering multi-discipline services across a wide range of project types. Our successes are directly related to high-quality collaboration, across all offices, expertise, and backgrounds. Harris Group is a 100% Employee-Owned company with our eyes focused on the people in the company, the clients we serve, and the communities in which we live.
Harris Group is seeking an Associate Electrical Engineer to join the California region in our Lafayette, CA office. 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 values and supports professional development.
The Job Summary
The Associate Electrical Engineer position provides opportunities to problem-solve and apply standard engineering techniques, procedures, and criteria on varied and diverse projects. The ideal candidate will have a background in Electrical Engineering and a passion to develop in the Electrical discipline. Bring your curiosity and problem-solving mindset to this exciting role!
The Responsibilities
  • Assisting power systems analysis
  • Developing drawings and specifications for construction, and assisting field investigations
  • Supporting teams in lighting layouts and lighting control system designs
  • Participating in formal, informal and project team meetings
  • Ability and willingness to travel to an off-site location and/or accept client site assignments when required

The Requirements
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering and 1 - 3 years of electrical design experience in the design of power distribution, lighting, and grounding systems for production, manufacturing and industrial facilities preferred.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Self-starter with a strong work ethic.
  • Ability to use a computer and computer software programs, such as AutoCAD and Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook

The Benefits
  • Salary Range: $80,000-$95,000/year depending on location, education, experience, and any certifications that are directly related to the position.
  • Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, 401K retirement savings plan (with company matching), PTO & paid holidays.
  • Harris Group is proud to be an employee-owned company; the ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) provides an exciting employee wealth building opportunities of our employees.

Equal Opportunity Employer
Harris Group provides a competitive compensation and benefits package and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
Drug Free Workplace
Harris Group, Inc. is a 100% drug free workplace. For the safety of our employees, customers, and our customer's facilities, we do a pre-employment drug test and may require random testing to meet specific client needs. Please note that Marijuana, even if prescribed by a physician OR allowed under a state law regulating Marijuana, remains illegal under federal law and is against Harris Group's policy.
We look forward to receiving your resume!

Apply