Entry-Level Developer Salary Guide 2026

Landing your first developer job is exciting — but knowing your market value ensures you don't leave money on the table. Here's what entry-level developers can expect to earn in 2026.

Average Entry-Level Developer Salaries by Role

Role	US Average	Remote Average
Frontend Developer	$65k–$85k	$60k–$80k
Backend Developer	$70k–$90k	$65k–$85k
Full-Stack Developer	$70k–$95k	$65k–$90k
Mobile Developer	$65k–$85k	$60k–$80k
DevOps Engineer	$75k–$95k	$70k–$90k
Data Analyst	$55k–$75k	$50k–$70k
QA Engineer	$55k–$75k	$50k–$70k

Salary by Location

Location still significantly impacts salary, even for remote roles:

• San Francisco / NYC — Highest salaries, typically 20-40% above national average.
• Austin / Seattle / Denver — Strong tech markets with 10-20% premium.
• Midwest / South — Generally at or slightly below the national average.
• Remote (location-independent) — Companies like GitLab and Automattic pay the same regardless of location.
• Remote (location-adjusted) — Many companies adjust salary based on cost of living.

Highest-Paying Tech Stacks for Juniors

1. Go + Kubernetes — DevOps/backend roles using Go consistently pay above average for juniors.
2. TypeScript + React + Node.js — The most common full-stack combination, with strong demand.
3. Python + ML/Data — Data engineering and ML roles pay a premium even at entry level.
4. Rust — Niche but high-paying. Companies hiring Rust developers often pay 10-15% above market.
5. Swift / Kotlin — Native mobile development still commands solid salaries.

Beyond Base Salary: Total Compensation

Base salary is just one piece. Entry-level total compensation often includes:

• Equity/Stock options — Startups offer equity that could be worth significant amounts if the company grows.
• Signing bonus — Common at larger companies, typically $5k–$20k.
• Annual bonus — 5-15% of base salary at many companies.
• Benefits — Health insurance, 401k match, learning stipends, and remote work stipends.

How to Negotiate Your First Developer Salary

1. Research the market — Use salary data from Levels.fyi, Glassdoor, and Blind.
2. Know your range — Have a minimum you'll accept and an ideal target.
3. Negotiate respectfully — "Based on my research and skills, I was hoping for a range of X to Y" works well.
4. Consider total comp — Sometimes a lower salary with better equity or benefits is the smarter choice.
5. Get it in writing — Always get the final offer in writing before accepting.

Ready to find entry-level developer jobs? Browse entry-level positions on JobsClix.