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Programmer Trainee Jobs in Santa Maria, CA (NOW HIRING)

Programmer Trainee information

See Santa Maria, CA salary details

$12

$40

$70

How much do programmer trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for programmer trainee in Santa Maria, CA is $40.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.35 and $52.74 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Programmer Trainees?

Programmer Trainees are entry-level professionals who are learning the fundamentals of programming and software development, typically as part of a structured training program within a company. They work under the supervision of experienced developers, assisting with coding, debugging, testing, and documentation tasks while gaining practical experience. The role is designed to help them develop technical skills, understand software development processes, and prepare for more advanced programming positions.

What types of projects and tasks can I expect to work on as a Programmer Trainee?

As a Programmer Trainee, you will typically start by assisting with coding, debugging, and testing tasks under the guidance of more experienced developers. You'll often work on smaller modules or features within larger projects and may be tasked with maintaining documentation, fixing bugs, or writing unit tests. Collaboration with team members such as senior programmers, testers, and project managers is common, providing valuable exposure to the software development lifecycle. This hands-on involvement helps you build foundational technical skills and prepares you for more complex responsibilities as you grow in the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Programmer Trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Programmer Trainee, you need a basic understanding of programming languages (such as Java, Python, or C++), problem-solving abilities, and at least a relevant degree or coursework in computer science or IT. Familiarity with code editors, version control systems like Git, and debugging tools is typically expected. Strong communication, eagerness to learn, and teamwork skills help you adapt quickly and collaborate with mentors and peers. These skills and qualities are essential for building a solid programming foundation, contributing effectively to projects, and progressing in a technical career.

What is the difference between Programmer Trainee vs Software Developer?

AspectProgrammer TraineeSoftware Developer
Required CredentialsBasic programming knowledge, often a student or recent graduateFormal education in computer science or related field, experience preferred
Work EnvironmentTraining programs, internships, entry-level projectsFull-time employment, project development, team collaboration
Employer & Industry UsageInternship programs, training institutes, tech companiesTech firms, software companies, startups
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level roles, training opportunitiesCareer growth, job responsibilities, skill requirements

The main difference between a Programmer Trainee and a Software Developer lies in experience and responsibilities. Programmer Trainees are typically beginners undergoing training or internships, focusing on learning and assisting in projects. Software Developers are experienced professionals responsible for designing, coding, and maintaining software solutions. While Programmer Trainees aim to develop skills, Software Developers actively contribute to software development lifecycle.

What are the most commonly searched types of Programmer jobs in Santa Maria, CA? The most popular types of Programmer jobs in Santa Maria, CA are:
What cities near Santa Maria, CA are hiring for Programmer Trainee jobs? Cities near Santa Maria, CA with the most Programmer Trainee job openings:
Infographic showing various Programmer Trainee job openings in Santa Maria, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,293 per year, or $40.5 per hour.
PASSENGER ENGINEER TRAINEE - 90299192 - San Luis Obispo

PASSENGER ENGINEER TRAINEE - 90299192 - San Luis Obispo

Amtrak

San Luis Obispo, CA • On-site

$34.42 - $35.62/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 25 days ago


Amtrak rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 144 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 96 rated public transport


Job description

Your success is a train ride away!

As we move America's workforce toward the future, Amtrak connects businesses and communities across the country. We employ more than 20,000 diverse, energetic professionals in a variety of career fields throughout the United States. The safety of our passengers, our employees, the public and our operating environment is our priority, and the success of our railroad is due to our employees.

Are you ready to join our team?

Our values of 'Do the Right Thing, Excel Together and Put Customers First' are at the heart of what matters most to us, and our Core Capabilities, 'Building Trust, Accountability, Effective Communication, Customer Focus, and Proactive Safety & Security' are what every employee needs to know and do to be most impactful at Amtrak. By living the Amtrak values, focusing on our capabilities, and actively embracing and fostering diverse ideas, backgrounds, and perspectives, together we will honor our past and make Amtrak a company of the future.

Job Summary

Consistently and safely operate locomotives and trains in compliance with federal regulations and corporate policies. Operates equipment during varying work hours within a 24/7 transportation environment maintaining alertness, situational awareness and vigilance. Thinks and functions independently and utilizes clear and effective verbal communication skills in interaction with fellow crew members and other personnel responsible for safe and efficient train movement.

Minimum Qualifications
  • H.S. Diploma or GED Required.
  • Some work experience demonstrates the ability to maintain alertness, awareness and vigilance, as well as clear, effective verbal communication skills in the performance of work. Satisfactory attendance and safe work record. Prior railroad operating experience and work history that demonstrates the ability to adapt to variable and often changing work hours preferred.
  • Although a driver's license is not required, applicants with a driver's license must provide a certified copy of motor vehicle driving record from the chief of the state driver's licensing agency in which the applicant was last issued a license and any license(s) issued or reissued from other state(s) within the preceding 60 months. Motor vehicle records must be void of any drug and alcohol violations within the previous 36 months. 2. Must have a motor vehicle driving record void of any convictions or state action canceling, revoking, suspending or denying a driver's license for operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of or impaired by alcohol or a controlled substance within the last 36 months or a record of refusal to undergo such testing as required by state law within the last 36 months. 3. Must sign a release of records authorizing all previous railroad employees to provide Amtrak with background information, if applicable. In accordance with FRA regulations, previous railroad service records must be void of any drug and alcohol violations within the previous 60 months.
  • If selected, incumbent will be required to successfully complete Engineer Training as follows: 8-10 weeks classroom and field work while headquartered at Amtrak's Training Center in Wilmington, DE; followed by extensive qualifying and on-the-job training associated with the Crew Base for which hired; paid at the student training rate until incumbent achieves certification as a Class 1 Train Service Engineer.
  • Individuals currently certified as Class 1 Train Service Engineers are paid at the rate determined by the agreement schedule. 
  • Incumbents are subject to periodic medical examinations including random drug and alcohol screenings.
  • Applicants for this position will be expected to meet the criteria for vision, color vision, and hearing set forth by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) in 49 CFR 240.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Some college or vocational training.
Communications and Interpersonal Skills

Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills.

The hourly range is $34.42 - $35.62 (with opportunity for increases, as per the applicable collective bargaining agreement, after beginning employment). 

Health and Wellbeing Financial and Retirement Work and Family Life Support Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance 401K  Rail Pass Privileges Wellness Programs Railroad Retirement Benefits Employee Assistance Program Medical Plan Opt-out Credit Life Insurance Commuter and Flexible Spending Accounts No-cost Personal Health Advocate No-cost Financial Advisor Session Fertility and Family Building Benefits

Some benefits are subject to the collective bargaining agreement. Learn more about our benefits offerings here.

Requisition ID:166670
Posting Location(s):California

Relocation Offered:No
Travel Requirements:Up to 100%
You power our progress through your performance.

We want your work at Amtrak to be more than a job. We want your career at Amtrak to be a fulfilling experience where you find challenging work, rewarding opportunities, respect among colleagues, and attractive compensation. Amtrak maintains a culture that values high performance and recognizes individual employee contributions.


Amtrak is committed to a safe workplace free of drugs and alcohol. All Amtrak positions requires a pre-employment background check that includes prior employment verification, a criminal history check and a pre-employment drug screen.

Candidates who test positive for marijuana will be disqualified, regardless of any state or local statute, ordinance, regulation, or other law that legalizes or decriminalizes the use or possession of marijuana, whether for medical, recreational, or other use. Amtrak's pre-employment drug testing program is administered in accordance with DOT regulations and applicable law.


In accordance with DOT regulations (49 CFR 40.25), Amtrak is required to obtain prior drug and alcohol testing records for applicants/employees intending to perform safety-sensitive duties for covered Department of Transportation positions. If an applicant/employee refuses to provide written consent for Amtrak to obtain these records, the individual will not be permitted to perform safety-sensitive functions.

In accordance with federal law governing security checks of covered individuals for providers of public transportation (Title 6 U.S.C. 1143), Amtrak is required to screen applicants for any permanent or interim disqualifying criminal offenses.


Note that any education requirement listed above may be deemed satisfied if you have an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Amtrak is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race/color, to include traits historically associated with race, including but not limited to, hair texture and hairstyles such as braids, locks and twists, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related conditions, such as lactation), national origin/ethnicity, disability (intellectual, mental and physical), veteran status, marital status, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, genetic information, citizenship or any other personal characteristics protected by law.


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About Amtrak

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

As we move America's workforce toward the future, Amtrak connects businesses and communities across the country. We employ more than 20,000 diverse, energetic professionals in a variety of career fields throughout the United States. The safety of our passengers, our employees, the public and our operating environment is our priority, and the success of our railroad is due to our employees.

Industry

Travel arrangement services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

Year founded

1971