The demand for entry-level software engineers is rising again, particularly for those just beginning their careers. Recent data from Lightcast shows that job postings for engineers with 0–3 years of experience have grown by 47% since October 2023.
This resurgence highlights the essential role entry-level developers play on teams across industries. These engineers contribute not only technical expertise, but also bring fresh perspectives and interpersonal skills like problem-solving, communication, and creativity.
In this post, we’ll dive into the data, explore industry trends, and discuss how our coding bootcamps equip aspiring developers to take advantage of this momentum.
Job Growth: What the Numbers Say
At Hack Reactor, we’re committed to understanding the evolving software development job market to ensure our graduates are prepared. This includes tracking trends in programming tools, the adoption of AI, hiring patterns, and more.
At the start of the 2020 pandemic, the demand for software engineers and other coding professionals surged, but as companies adjusted to new norms, those numbers declined. Additionally, recent fears about AI replacing engineers have raised questions about the overall demand for engineers and coders.
However, the latest data shows that companies increasingly seek entry-level developers to meet business needs and harness emerging technologies. Here are some key takeaways from the Lightcast data gathered between October 2023–November 2024:
- 47% growth in job postings for entry-level software engineers (titles like “software engineer” and “software developer”)
- 71,184 unique job listings for developers with 0–3 years of experience in the U.S.
Additionally, the median advertised salary for these posted jobs was $118,100, a 32.5% increase compared to October 2021.
Alignment with Broader Projections
The Lightcast data aligns closely with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projections, which forecast an 18% growth in software developer jobs between 2023 and 2033, adding approximately 304,000 new roles during that time.
This projected – and current – growth shows that software engineering remains a dynamic and essential field.
Building In-Demand Skills: How Hack Reactor Prepares You
The rise in entry-level job postings reflects how companies embrace software engineers (rather than replacing them with AI). Our coding Bootcamp curriculum includes exposure to AI-productivity tools like GitHub Copilot to help graduates effectively leverage AI in future roles.
Additionally, our bootcamps teach many other in-demand skills, according to the Lightcast data, which tracks the skills employers are looking for in entry-level candidates. These include:
- Specialized/Software Skills: Python, SQL, HTML, CSS, Restful APIs, JavaScript, React, and more.
- Soft Skills: Communication, troubleshooting, and problem-solving.
We cover all of the above and more through hands-on learning, expert instruction, and comprehensive career preparation. Alumni like Cise Babatisi, now a Software Developer at Thryv, appreciate this approach:
“The program helped me to discover the problem-solver inside of me. I became more confident in my ability to tackle difficult challenges and learned to enjoy the process of finding solutions to complex problems,” she said.
Our 2024 Alumni Survey backs this up, with 87% of graduates expressing satisfaction with their current jobs.
The alumni survey covers responses from 1,200+ graduates who live in 37 U.S. states and 20 countries. It shows that Hack Reactor graduates earn an average of $162,055 per year (including graduates between 2014 and 2024), demonstrating that this career path has longevity and increased earnings potential. Additionally, 48% of respondents have been promoted at least once since graduation, including 23% who work in leadership positions.
Why Now Is a Great Time to Become an Entry-Level Software Engineer
The combination of increasing demand, competitive salaries, and industry growth makes 2024-2025 an ideal time to pursue a career in software engineering.
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