Junior Developer
Entry-level software development role focusing on learning programming fundamentals, working on smaller features, and growing technical skills under experienced mentorship.
What you need to know
Overview
Junior developers are entry-level software developers beginning their professional careers in technology. They work under the guidance of senior developers and team leads, contributing to projects while continuously developing their programming skills. This role is the starting point for most software development careers.
Ireland offers excellent opportunities for junior developers, with many multinational tech companies and Irish startups actively recruiting graduates and career-changers. The Irish tech sector values mentorship and invests heavily in developing junior talent, with structured graduate programs at companies like Google, Microsoft, and numerous Irish firms.
Junior developers typically spend 2-3 years in this role before progressing to mid-level developer positions. The role provides crucial experience in real-world software development, professional best practices, and team collaboration.
What do junior developers do?
Junior developers work standard full-time hours, typically 9am-5:30pm, with many Irish tech companies offering flexible start times and hybrid working arrangements.
Some of the things a junior developer might do:
- Write and test code for smaller features and bug fixes
- Participate in code reviews to learn best practices
- Debug existing code and resolve simple issues
- Learn company codebases and development processes
- Collaborate with team members on projects
- Write technical documentation
- Attend daily stand-ups and team meetings
- Use version control systems (Git) for code management
- Learn new programming languages and frameworks
- Seek mentorship and feedback from senior developers
What skills are needed?
Basic Programming
- • At least one programming language (Python, JavaScript, Java)
- • Understanding of data structures
- • Basic algorithms knowledge
- • HTML/CSS fundamentals
- • Object-oriented programming concepts
Development Tools
- • Git version control basics
- • Code editors (VS Code, IntelliJ)
- • Command line/terminal usage
- • Basic debugging techniques
- • Testing fundamentals
Soft Skills
- • Willingness to learn
- • Problem-solving mindset
- • Communication skills
- • Teamwork and collaboration
- • Attention to detail
What is the pay?
Average Salary in Ireland
€28,000 - €40,000
Junior developers in Ireland typically start at €28,000-€33,000, with those in Dublin or at larger tech companies earning €35,000-€40,000. After 1-2 years of experience, salaries increase to €40,000-€45,000 as developers move towards mid-level roles.
Graduate programs at major tech companies often include comprehensive benefits: health insurance, pension contributions, learning budgets for courses/conferences, flexible working, and career development opportunities. Many Irish companies also offer annual performance bonuses and salary reviews.
What is the career outlook?
Job Growth in Ireland
Ireland actively seeks junior developers, with over 1,000 graduate and junior developer positions advertised annually. The ICT Skills Action Plan targets increasing graduates in computing and IT to meet industry demand.
Many Irish companies run structured graduate programs (IBM, Accenture, Fidelity Investments) offering excellent career progression. The supportive tech community in Ireland provides numerous meetups, networking events, and mentorship opportunities for junior developers.
Why the opportunity?
- • Strong demand exceeds supply of developers
- • Tech companies actively hiring graduates
- • Government support for tech education
- • Excellent career progression opportunities
- • Supportive tech community and mentorship
- • Remote work opportunities expanding
What education is required?
Educational Pathways
Level 8 Degree (Preferred)
Computer Science or related degree from Irish universities. Most graduate programs require a Level 8 degree, though practical skills and portfolio also valued.
Higher Certificate/Diploma
Level 6/7 qualifications in Software Development acceptable for many positions. Strong portfolio of projects can compensate for shorter qualification.
Bootcamps & Self-Taught
Coding bootcamps (Code Institute, General Assembly) or self-taught route possible. Strong portfolio demonstrating skills is essential for employment.
Key Skills to Develop
- • Core programming language proficiency
- • Git and version control
- • Data structures and algorithms basics
- • Web development fundamentals
- • Database basics (SQL)
- • Problem-solving skills
- • Reading and understanding code
- • Debugging techniques
- • Communication and teamwork
- • Portfolio of personal projects
Ready to Start Your Development Career?
Explore our resources and discover how to begin your journey as a junior developer.
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