Post job

What does a junior software engineer do?

Updated January 8, 2025
8 min read
Quoted expert
Frank McCown Ph.D.
What does a junior software engineer do

The role of junior software engineers is to aid and support with software design and computer coding. As a software developer, you are expected to attend and contribute to company meetings, learn the codebase and improve your coding skills, and monitor the technical performance of systems. Other duties include responding to the development team's requests, preparing reports, and performing development tests. Most employers prefer to hire someone with a bachelor's degree in computer science, in-depth knowledge of coding languages such as JavaScript and HTML5, and previous work experience.

On this page

Junior software engineer responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real junior software engineer resumes:

  • Used the controls and components from the AJAX control toolkit to achieve rich user experience.
  • Contribute to implementing microservices used to manage entities and maintain a synchronize state between supplier and distributor.
  • Used HTML, JavaScript, AJAX and JSP to create the UI development for web application.
  • Extract data in UI for different clients using JSON format.
  • Automate build processes to allow developers to build for multiple Linux distributions with each code commit using Jenkins.
  • Contract as a subject matter expert on Node.js, cloud computing, and big data base on Hadoop.
  • Involve in writing build scripts using UNIX.
  • Participate in daily and weekly scrum planning team meetings.
  • Used agile methodologies as a member of the scrum team.
  • Used JSON to parse tweets to get require input for database.
  • Resolve bugs and document the issue and its technical solution in JIRA.
  • Used JIRA for bug tracking and process automation across the development life cycle.
  • Assist in the architecture of virtualization of the data center using VMware tools.
  • Implement highly interactive JQuery features and redesign some parts of products by write plain JavaScript.
  • Develop of reporting system using python and shell for scripting and sql for backend is used.

Junior software engineer skills and personality traits

We calculated that 16% of Junior Software Engineers are proficient in Java, C++, and Python. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Creativity.

We break down the percentage of Junior Software Engineers that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Java, 16%

    Developed in Java programming language.

  • C++, 14%

    Teamed with senior software engineers to optimize and test software algorithms, mainly using C# and C++.

  • Python, 10%

    Created a program using Python and PHP to crawl and scrape government websites, downloading data without user interaction.

  • Object Oriented Programming, 7%

    Developed prototype of application, and started development of the application using Visual Basic, object oriented programming.

  • CSS, 6%

    Created Master Pages, CSS Styles Sheets and Integrated to SilverLight and got approval from Business Stake holders.

  • GIT, 4%

    Leveraged Git version control, code reviews, and spring planning to organize work across teams.

Most junior software engineers use their skills in "java," "c++," and "python" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential junior software engineer responsibilities here:

Analytical skills. One of the key soft skills for a junior software engineer to have is analytical skills. You can see how this relates to what junior software engineers do because "developers must analyze users’ needs and then design software to meet those needs." Additionally, a junior software engineer resume shows how junior software engineers use analytical skills: "involved in html pages development - developed table data mapping for oracle - converted each customer table into java. "

Communication skills. Another essential skill to perform junior software engineer duties is communication skills. Junior software engineers responsibilities require that "developers must be able to give clear instructions to others working on a project." Junior software engineers also use communication skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "worked with java messaging services (jms) for reliable and asynchronous communication. "

Creativity. junior software engineers are also known for creativity, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to junior software engineer responsibilities, because "developers are the creative minds behind new computer software." A junior software engineer resume example shows how creativity is used in the workplace: "tested and optimized inventory software program along with documenting various test cases"

Detail oriented. For certain junior software engineer responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "detail oriented." The day-to-day duties of a junior software engineer rely on this skill, as "developers often work on many parts of an application or system at the same time and must therefore be able to concentrate and pay attention to detail." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what junior software engineers do: "object oriented programming with core java, groovy and grails frameworks, maven and testng. "

Interpersonal skills. Another crucial skill for a junior software engineer to carry out their responsibilities is "interpersonal skills." A big part of what junior software engineers relies on this skill, since "software developers must be able to work well with others who contribute to designing, developing, and programming successful software." How this skill relates to junior software engineer duties can be seen in an example from a junior software engineer resume snippet: "generated a map of interpersonal relationships from an xml file. "

Problem-solving skills. Lastly, "problem-solving skills" is an important element of what a junior software engineer does. Junior software engineer responsibilities require this skill because "because developers are in charge of software from beginning to end, they must be able to solve problems that arise throughout the design process." This resume example highlights how junior software engineer duties rely on this skill: "worked small scrum team to improve and maintain base paywall (ecommerce solution for collecting revenue for virtual goods/money). "

See the full list of junior software engineer skills

Choose from 10+ customizable junior software engineer resume templates

Build a professional junior software engineer resume in minutes. Our AI resume writing assistant will guide you through every step of the process, and you can choose from 10+ resume templates to create your junior software engineer resume.
Junior Software Engineer Resume
Junior Software Engineer Resume
Junior Software Engineer Resume
Junior Software Engineer Resume
Junior Software Engineer Resume
Junior Software Engineer Resume
Junior Software Engineer Resume
Junior Software Engineer Resume
Junior Software Engineer Resume
Junior Software Engineer Resume
Junior Software Engineer Resume
Junior Software Engineer Resume
Junior Software Engineer Resume
Junior Software Engineer Resume
Junior Software Engineer Resume
Junior Software Engineer Resume

Compare different junior software engineers

Junior software engineer vs. Software analyst

A software analyst is responsible for creating and designing software programs and applications, as well as modifying existing ones for optimization according to business requirements. Software analysts work with the technical team to draw system codes, analyze programming languages, and ensure the stability and efficiency of software navigation by running multiple quality checks to the system. They inspect the application's performance, configure servers, and improve software infrastructure according to quality findings. A software analyst records resolution reports and provides progress updates, ensuring that the project adheres to budget limitations and set timetables.

The annual salary of software analysts is $496 higher than the average salary of junior software engineers.Even though junior software engineers and software analysts are distinct careers, a few of the skills required for both jobs are similar. For example, both careers require java, c++, and object oriented programming in the day-to-day roles and responsibilities.

These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a junior software engineer are more likely to require skills like "python," "git," "html css," and "json." On the other hand, a job as a software analyst requires skills like "software development," "troubleshoot," "test data," and "business process." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.

Software analysts earn the highest salaries when working in the manufacturing industry, with an average yearly salary of $86,986. On the other hand, junior software engineers are paid more in the finance industry with an average salary of $85,019.On average, software analysts reach similar levels of education than junior software engineers. Software analysts are 1.3% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.4% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Junior software engineer vs. Software programmer

A software programmer is an information technology expert who specializes in programming software and generating codes, ensuring quality and efficiency. In a company setting, they typically perform research and analysis to understand and identify the projects' needs, develop and implement test structures, troubleshoot and resolve issues, write technical instructions, and provide technical support to staff as needed. Most of the time, a software programmer works in a team setting, which requires an active communication line for a smooth workflow.

Software programmer positions earn lower pay than junior software engineer roles. They earn a $6,292 lower salary than junior software engineers per year.While the salary may differ for these jobs, they share a few skills needed to perform their duties. Based on resume data, both junior software engineers and software programmers have skills such as "java," "c++," and "python. "

In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, junior software engineer responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "git," "jira," "commercial off-the-shelf," and "visualization." Meanwhile, a software programmer has duties that require skills in areas such as "javascript," "software development," "database design," and "xml." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.

Software programmers may earn a lower salary than junior software engineers, but software programmers earn the most pay in the technology industry with an average salary of $74,047. On the other hand, junior software engineers receive higher pay in the finance industry, where they earn an average salary of $85,019.In general, software programmers achieve higher levels of education than junior software engineers. They're 5.9% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.4% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for junior software engineers in the next 3-5 years?

Frank McCown Ph.D.Frank McCown Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Associate Professor, Harding University

Software continues to move to mobile devices and the web and away from desktop applications. The pandemic has encouraged growth in applications that make in-person transactions go away, and that trend will likely continue. Obviously AI-enabled or assisted applications will continue to grow.

Junior software engineer vs. Software developer

A software developer is responsible for designing application systems to support the user and business' needs. Duties of a software developer include testing software codes, performing diagnostic programs and troubleshooting, interpreting system data and establishing efficient parameters, and ensuring the compatibility of the systems. A software developer must have an excellent knowledge of computer programs and programming languages to understand its complexities, especially on detecting system defects and malfunctions. A software developer must have strong attention to detail, communication, and decision-making skills to coordinate with the team and also work independently under minimal supervision.

On average, software developers earn higher salaries than junior software engineers, with a $9,617 difference per year.By looking over several junior software engineers and software developers resumes, we found that both roles require similar skills in their day-to-day duties, such as "java," "c++," and "python." But beyond that, the careers look very different.

There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a junior software engineer is likely to be skilled in "sql server," "mvc," "client websites," and "test scripts," while a typical software developer is skilled in "software development," "javascript," "database," and "api."

Software developers earn the highest salary when working in the finance industry, where they receive an average salary of $96,138. Comparatively, junior software engineers have the highest earning potential in the finance industry, with an average salary of $85,019.When it comes to education, software developers tend to earn similar degree levels compared to junior software engineers. In fact, they're 4.9% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.6% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Junior software engineer vs. Data engineer

A data engineer is someone who makes data science possible. This IT job requires the search for data set trends and algorithm development to make raw data more beneficial to the enterprise. Data engineers are responsible for establishing and maintaining an environment that permits other data functions. The necessary skills for the job include in-depth knowledge of multiple programming languages and SQL database design. Among the other skills data engineers should develop include data warehousing and architecture, data mining and modeling, and statistical regression analysis.

Data engineers typically earn higher pay than junior software engineers. On average, data engineers earn a $31,771 higher salary per year.While their salaries may vary, junior software engineers and data engineers both use similar skills to perform their duties. Resumes from both professions include skills like "java," "python," and "object oriented programming. "Each job also requires different skills to carry out their responsibilities. A junior software engineer uses "c++," "css," "c # .net," and "scrum." Data engineers are more likely to have duties that require skills in "cloud," "etl," "scala," and "kafka. "The technology industry tends to pay the highest salaries for data engineers, with average annual pay of $125,579. Comparatively, the highest junior software engineer annual salary comes from the finance industry.In general, data engineers hold higher degree levels compared to junior software engineers. Data engineers are 7.7% more likely to earn their Master's Degree and 1.7% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of junior software engineer

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

What a junior software engineer does FAQs

Search for junior software engineer jobs

Browse computer and mathematical jobs