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Entry Level Programmer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Express Employment Professionals

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CNC Programmer Operator machinist

Dekalb, IL · On-site

$25 - $40/hr

EXPERIENCED CNC Programmer / Operator - Full Time M-F 7am-3:30pm some weekends & Overtime - $25-$40 ... Our staffing agency recruits job candidates from entry level to highly experienced and from all ...

Prairie Engineers

Entry Level Civil Engineer

Columbia, IL · On-site

$62K - $90K/yr

Build your career with Prairie Engineers, an award-winning firm! Join a collaborative team that fuels your growth and rewards your dedication. We're a team looking to make a lasting impact and want ...

Prairie Engineers

Entry Level Civil Engineer

Champaign, IL · On-site

$62K - $90K/yr

Build your career with Prairie Engineers, an award-winning firm! Join a collaborative team that fuels your growth and rewards your dedication. We're a team looking to make a lasting impact and want ...

langan

Civil Engineer - Entry Level

Chicago, IL · On-site

$65K - $84K/yr

Langan provides expert land development engineering and environmental consulting services for major developers, renewable energy producers, energy companies, corporations, healthcare systems ...

langan

Civil Engineer - Entry Level

Chicago, IL

$65K - $84K/yr

Langan provides expert land development engineering and environmental consulting services for major developers, renewable energy producers, energy companies, corporations, healthcare systems ...

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All JobsEntry Level Programmer JobsEntry Level Programmer Jobs in Illinois

Entry Level Programmer information

See Illinois salary details

$13

$25

$76

How much do entry level programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level programmer in Illinois is $25.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.54 and $22.36 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.

More about Entry Level Programmer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Programmer jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Programmer jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Programmer jobs in Illinois? For Entry Level Programmer jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Programmer jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Programmer jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Entry Level Programmer jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Entry Level Programmer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Programmer jobs in IL? For Entry Level Programmer jobs in IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Entry Level Programmer jobs near you
CNC Programmer Operator machinist

CNC Programmer Operator machinist

Express Employment Professionals

Dekalb, IL • On-site

$25 - $40/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

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Job description

EXPERIENCED CNC Programmer / Operator – Full Time M-F 7am-3:30pm some weekends & Overtime - $25–$40/hour based on experience. Sycamore, IL


We are seeking a skilled CNC Programmer to develop, optimize, and maintain CNC programs to support precision machining operations. This role requires strong mechanical knowledge, CAD/CAM proficiency, and the ability to interpret technical drawings to ensure high-quality production.


Responsibilities

Create and modify CNC programs using CAD/CAM software

Interpret engineering drawings and schematics

Operate CNC milling machines and measuring equipment

Inspect parts using calipers, gauges, and other tools

Perform test runs, troubleshoot issues, and adjust machine settings

Maintain setup, tooling, and programming documentation

Support lean manufacturing and collaborate with engineering teams


Qualifications

Experience with CAD/CAM programming

CNC milling and tooling setup experience

Strong mechanical aptitude and blueprint reading skills

Detail-oriented with strong problem-solving abilities

Able to work independently and in a fast-paced team environment

Ability to stand for long periods and lift as needed


REQUIRMENTS

1+ year CAM programming, blueprint reading, forklift experience, valid driver’s license


Benefits:


Health Benefits

Competitive Pay

401k

Company Description

With over 40 years of experience in staffing and employment, Express Employment Professionals of DeKalb, IL connects hardworking job-seekers with great local companies. Our staffing agency recruits job candidates from entry level to highly experienced and from all industries.
When you choose Express Employment Professionals of DeKalb, you're not just getting the expert input of our local franchise. You're also getting access to the resources and time-tested employment systems of our global headquarters. With flexible staffing options that include part-time, full-time, contract, and temporary hires, we work closely with job-seekers and businesses.
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About Express Employment Professionals

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Express Employment Professionals, based in Oklahoma City, OK, USA, operates in the staffing industry and is renowned for providing robust and reliable staffing solutions. Their official website - expresspros.com - details their variety of services, which include temporary and full-time staffing, human resources services, and professional search. The company was established in 1983 with the aim of helping as many people as possible to find good jobs, and since then, it has grown exponentially, expanding its reach to various domains within the job market.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Oklahoma City, OK, US

Social media

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