As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Entry Level Software Engineer in Waterloo, IA is $77,834 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $37.
However, an Entry Level Software Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Entry Level Software Engineer's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, skills and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Entry Level Software Engineer's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Lev... Level Entry Level Software Engineer | $77,399 |
| Software ... Level Entry Level Software Engineer | $99,606 |
| Software ... Level Entry Level Software Engineer | $121,982 |
| Software ... Level Entry Level Software Engineer | $141,127 |
| Software ... Level Entry Level Software Engineer | $162,237 |
What Am I Worth?
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 2.82% |
| Python | 4.66% |
| Linux | 2.71% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Coaching
|
$94,179 |
21%
|
|
Code Review
|
$86,395 |
11%
|
|
Kubernetes
|
$86,395 |
11%
|
|
Project Management
|
$86,395 |
11%
|
|
API
|
$86,395 |
11%
|
|
AWS
|
$86,395 |
11%
|
For Entry Level Software Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Insurance sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Entry Level Software Engineer positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Entry Level Software Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $97,292 | $47.0 | 25% |
| Insurance | $93,400 | $45.0 | 20% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $89,509 | $43.0 | 15% |
| Internet | $89,509 | $43.0 | 15% |
| Energy & Utilities | $85,617 | $41.0 | 10% |
Understanding how an Entry Level Software Engineer's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Entry Level Software Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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