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Entry Level Programmer Jobs in Dubuque, IA (NOW HIRING)

Quality Engineer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$37 - $39/hr

Experience in a union environment Role Scope * Entry-level quality engineering role * Supports fabrication and welding operations * Works with production, quality, and engineering teams * Focuses on ...

Showing results 21-40

Entry Level Programmer information

See Dubuque, IA salary details

$13

$25

$74

How much do entry level programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level programmer in Dubuque, IA is $25.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $21.78 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 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 Dubuque, IA? The most popular types of Programmer jobs in Dubuque, IA are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Programmer jobs in Dubuque, IA? For Entry Level Programmer jobs in Dubuque, IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Programmer jobs in Dubuque, IA look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Programmer jobs in Dubuque, IA are:
What cities near Dubuque, IA are hiring for Entry Level Programmer jobs? Cities near Dubuque, IA with the most Entry Level Programmer job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Programmer job openings in Dubuque, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,424 per year, or $25.2 per hour.

Design Engineer - Electrical Systems

RFA Engineering

Dubuque, IA • On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

RFA Engineering (www.rfamec.com) is an engineering service provider dedicated to delivering our clients with timely engineering support and expertise. We are seeking an Entry-Level to Experienced candidate to become an integral part of our engineering team. The selected candidate will work with an experienced engineering staff using state-of-the-art engineering tools & processes. This position will operate onsite at our customer's world-class engineering and manufacturing facility.
This is a full-time position with a full benefit package listed below that includes opportunities for professional growth, direct hire by our customers, and additional opportunities within our own organization.
Design Engineer - Electrical Systems
Design Engineer is a professional responsible for creating and developing the layout and design of electrical wire harness systems used in off-highway equipment. They work on the configuration, routing, and integration of wires, connectors, and other electrical components, ensuring efficient and organized assembly.
Job Description
  • Manage execution of small projects related to harness changes
  • Create designs and modify existing designs using Creo Cabling
  • Work with manufacturing and quality engineers to identify improvements to designs
  • Interact with other design teams and the electrical team to coordinate co-effective changes
  • Work with supplier(s) to determine best design practices and components
  • Pull part numbers and decisions for parts being designed using PTC Windchill/SAP
  • Review and approve two dimensional harness drawings
  • Participate on a cross functional team and perform design reviews

Requirements
  • Bachelor's of Science in Mechanical or Agricultural Engineering or related degree
  • Strong mechanical aptitude demonstrated through work experience or hobbies
  • Excellent communication both written and verbal
  • Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and commitments
  • Strong analytical, problem solving and troubleshooting skills
  • Ability to thrive in a team environment

Desired Attributes
  • Experience in 3-D Modeling Software; Creo 7.0 experience (Preferred)
  • Previous experience with Windchill or PDMLink
  • Strong understanding of GD&T
  • Design experience or exposure to off-road mobile equipment
  • Desire to work in an engineering environment focusing on robust & cost effective designs
  • Experience with ProCable
  • Wire harness or cable design for vehicles
  • Experience with Capital Harness Systems (CHS)
  • Read electrical schematics to relate to wire harness designs

Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position.
Pay Range: $60,000-$80,000 - Commensurate with experience
About RFA Engineering
RFA Engineering has provided product development and engineering services to industry leading customers since 1943. Our primary focus is the development of off highway equipment including agricultural, construction, mining, recreational, industrial, and special machines. Our work includes concept development, product design, documentation, problem-solving, simulation, optimization, and testing of components, systems and complete machines. Our engineering staff is located at our Engineering Center in Minneapolis, branch office in Dubuque, IA, and at numerous customer sites throughout the U.S.
Competitive Benefits
  • Health and Dental Insurance
  • TelaDoc Healthiest You
  • Supplemental Vision Insurance
  • Company Paid Life Insurance
  • Company Paid Long-Term Disability
  • Short-term Disability
  • Retirement Savings Account (Traditional 401k & Roth 401k)
  • Flexible Spending Plan Dependent Care
  • HSA for Medical Expenses
  • Bonus Plan (Exempt Employees Only)
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid Holidays
  • Bereavement Leave
  • Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
  • Education Assistance

Equal Opportunity and Veteran Friendly
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.