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Entry Level Programming Jobs in Santa Cruz, CA (NOW HIRING)

Rosendin Electric, Inc.

Engineer I

San Jose, CA · On-site

The Engineer I is an entry-level engineering position and is expected to learn and develop competency in the Essential Duties and Responsibilities. Part of the responsibility will be to provide ...

Rosendin

Engineer I

San Jose, CA

The Engineer I is an entry-level engineering position and is expected to learn and develop competency in the Essential Duties and Responsibilities. Part of the responsibility will be to provide ...

Etched

Technical Recruiter (Entry Level)

San Jose, CA · On-site

$2.0K/mo

Backed by hundreds of millions from top-tier investors and staffed by leading engineers, Etched is ... Job Summary Technical Recruiter - Entry Level This role is for someone early in their career who is ...

Etched

Technical Recruiter (Entry Level)

San Jose, CA · On-site

$2.0K/mo

Backed by hundreds of millions from top-tier investors and staffed by leading engineers, Etched is ... Job Summary Technical Recruiter - Entry Level This role is for someone early in their career who is ...

Evolver

GenAI Engineer (Python)

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

Role Overview: We're looking for a motivated Software Developer who's ready to jump into the world ... Competitive Entry-Level Salary: Reflecting your skills and potential. * Flexible Work: Work options ...

Evolver

GenAI Engineer (Python)

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

Role Overview: We're looking for a motivated Software Developer who's ready to jump into the world ... Competitive Entry-Level Salary: Reflecting your skills and potential. * Flexible Work: Work options ...

KEYENCE

Field Application Engineer '27

Campbell, CA · On-site +1

$53K - $80K/yr

Locations | Entry-Level | Full-Time Are you ready to launch your career with one of the world's most innovative companies? KEYENCE is looking for driven, adaptable engineers to join our Field ...

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Entry Level Programming information

See Santa Cruz, CA salary details

$16

$30

$91

How much do entry level programming jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level programming in Santa Cruz, CA is $30.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.71 and $26.63 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, familiarity with at least one programming language (such as Python, Java, or C++), and a relevant degree or coursework in computer science or a related field. Experience with version control systems like Git and exposure to integrated development environments (IDEs) are commonly expected. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work well in a team help new programmers stand out. These skills and qualities are essential for writing efficient code, collaborating on projects, and adapting to new technical challenges in a professional environment.

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

AspectEntry Level ProgrammingJunior Software Developer
Required CredentialsBasic coding skills, possibly a degree or certificationSame as Entry Level Programming, often with some project experience
Work EnvironmentInternships, apprenticeships, or entry-level positions in tech companiesProfessional team settings, contributing to ongoing projects
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in tech startups, small firms, and large corporationsWidely used in software development teams across industries

Both roles typically require foundational programming skills and are entry points into software development careers. The main difference lies in the job title's emphasis: 'Entry Level Programming' often refers to the initial learning phase, while 'Junior Software Developer' indicates a role with some professional experience and responsibilities.

What are entry level programming jobs?

Entry level programming jobs are positions designed for individuals who are new to the software development field, typically requiring little to no professional experience. These roles often involve writing and testing code, debugging applications, and assisting more experienced developers on projects. Entry level programmers usually work under supervision and may be tasked with maintaining existing software or developing simple features. They frequently use languages such as Python, Java, or JavaScript, and these jobs are a great way to gain hands-on experience and learn industry best practices.

What types of projects or tasks are commonly assigned to entry level programmers, and how do these contribute to skill development?

Entry level programmers are typically assigned tasks such as debugging, writing simple code modules, updating existing software, or assisting with code reviews. These responsibilities allow new programmers to become familiar with the codebase, development tools, and team workflows. Working on these foundational tasks helps build practical programming skills, encourages attention to detail, and provides exposure to collaborative practices like version control and peer feedback. Over time, these experiences lay the groundwork for tackling more complex projects and advancing within the team.
What are the most commonly searched types of Programming jobs in Santa Cruz, CA? The most popular types of Programming jobs in Santa Cruz, CA are:
What cities near Santa Cruz, CA are hiring for Entry Level Programming jobs? Cities near Santa Cruz, CA with the most Entry Level Programming job openings:
Entry Level Programming jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Programming job openings in Santa Cruz, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,193 per year, or $30.9 per hour.

Entry-level Transportation Engineer/Planner (Summer 2026)

Fehr & Peers

San Jose, CA • On-site

$91K - $94K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

If you are interested in multiple locations please only apply once, your preference will be discussed during the screening process.
At Fehr & Peers, we are a diverse group of individuals with one thing in common-a passion for transportation. We highly value that same passion in candidates for our team. Our Entry-Level Engineers and Planners may expect to build a career foundation through a wide variety of experiences. Our emphasis on the early development of project management and technical skills provides the tools for success as well as a foundation for increasing career growth. These opportunities for personal and professional growth are maximized through experience in both planning and engineering project work and by exposure to a multitude of project types and tasks, including the following:
- Transportation impact studies
- Bicycle and pedestrian planning
- Access, circulation, and parking studies
- Multimodal operations assessments
- Complete streets planning, operations, and design
- Cost estimates and project specifications
- Transit forecasting and operations
- Travel behavior forecasting
- Vehicle miles of travel (VMT) assessments
- Systemic safety studies
- Highway interchange/corridor studies
- Climate action plans
- Freight planning
- Transportation demand management (TDM) plans
- Design drawings from the conceptual stage all the way to construction-ready documents, including the following:
- Bikeways/complete streets
- Signing and striping
- Traffic signals/ITS
- Street lighting
- Roundabouts
- Temporary traffic control
Please review the responsibilities below.
Ongoing:
  • Conduct transportation analysis and write reports
  • Participate in meetings, including preparing presentations and public outreach materials
  • Handle project management responsibilities
  • Participate in professional organizations
  • Conduct site visits and collect field data
  • Explore the Fehr & Peers internal Research and Development program

By the end of the first month:
  • Participate in on-the-job training and mentoring
  • Work on a few different projects
  • Seek additional work from project managers

By the end of six months:
  • Work on a variety of projects with most staff in the office
  • Use several technical software programs
  • Prepare deliverables, including memos, reports, and presentations

By the end of the first year:
  • Attend multiple client meetings
  • Increase responsibility for managing small projects

Qualifications (We encourage all applicants to apply, even if you don't meet all of the qualifications listed below)
  • An entrepreneurial spirit and proactive approach to communication and getting work done
  • Genuine curiosity for the work and familiarity with the challenges of day-to-day travel within your community
  • Completed bachelor's or in-progress master's degree in transportation, civil or electrical engineering, urban and regional planning, or a related major (e.g., geography, math, statistics, economics)
  • Coursework in transportation, engineering, urban and regional planning, geography, math, statistics, economics, or other related courses (an EIT for engineering candidates is preferred)
  • Experience or exposure related to the following topic areas (note that experience in all these areas is not required) Topic Areas: Field work, traffic operations analysis, signal design, transportation planning (e.g., bicycle or transit plans, infrastructure finance, transportation and land use policy, and/or travel demand modeling)
  • Experience or exposure to relevant software (note that experience with all software is not required). General-Microsoft Excel, GIS (ArcGIS, QGIS), and/or CAD (AutoCAD, Microstation). Traffic Operations Analysis-HCS, Synchro/SimTraffic, Vistro, VISSIM, and/or Sidra. Travel Demand Modeling-Cube/Voyager, TransCAD, VISUM, and/or Emme. Programming-Python and/or R.
  • Previous work experience in an office setting related to a topic area listed above
  • Experience with technical writing and public speaking through school and/or work experience
  • Interpersonal skills, a desire to collaborate, and a creative approach to problem-solving
  • Organizational skills and the ability to balance priorities between multiple tasks within a defined timeline

$91,500 - $94,500 a year
Placement within the stated pay range will be determined based upon education, experience, and qualifications.
Benefit Highlights:
Medical, Dental, Vision, Life and Disability Insurance.
401(k) Plan with matching and profit sharing.
Flexible Spending Accounts.
Commuter Benefits.
Paid Vacation, holidays and sick leave.
8 weeks of Paid Parental Leave.
Mentoring and Career Development programs.
Research and Development group participation, and more.
Full information about the benefits we offer can be found by visiting our careers page.
EEO: Fehr & Peers is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. We recruit, hire, develop, and promote employees based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We do not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, disability, genetic information, veteran or military status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
We value the unique experiences, perspectives, and contributions of our employees and are committed to creating an environment where everyone can thrive.
Nondiscrimination: Fehr & Peers ensures nondiscrimination in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. If you need more information or special assistance for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency, contact Human Resources.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

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