How long has the average software developer or engineer worked in the field? The latest Stack Overflow Developer Survey offers some crucial insight into that question—and the data could help inform how newer tech professionals search for a job.
According to the survey, nearly a quarter of developers or engineers (24.5 percent) have worked in tech for four years or less; slightly more (26.2 percent) have between five and nine years of experience. (It’s worth noting that very small percentages—0.3 and 0.2 percent—have put more than 45 years into tech, which is amazing). Here’s a full breakdown:
For tech professionals everywhere without a lot of experience, breaking into the tech industry can seem like an intimidating quest. However, some data suggests companies are interested in hiring newbie tech pros: Last month, for example, CompTIA’s latest exhaustive Jobs Report posited that nearly a quarter of employer job postings (22 percent) are targeted at tech professionals with 0-3 years of experience, while 29 percent ask for between 4-7 years of experience.
But according to Hired’s 2023 State of Software Engineers report, the demand for engineers with zero to four years’ experience dropped to 8 percent last year, offset by a bigger demand for engineers with six or more years’ experience. Meanwhile, a 2024 analysis of LinkedIn data showed that listings for “entry-level” software engineers generally wanted candidates with 4.5 years of experience.
In other words, companies are competing for tech professionals with experience, but there are plenty of openings for junior tech pros who can demonstrate they have the knowledge necessary to succeed.
Regardless of your stance on the junior developer job market, one thing's clear: building a strong foundation of skills and experience is crucial for landing your dream role. Even if it means prioritizing personal projects and coursework, this investment will pay off. Here are some effective strategies to showcase your abilities if you’re just starting out:
- Open Source Contributions: Go beyond simply contributing to open-source projects and target initiatives aligned with your career goals. Immerse yourself in the developer community, actively participate, and demonstrate your passion for the technology. This dedication is a major plus for potential employers.
- Personal Projects with Depth: Personal projects are a powerful platform to highlight your skills and enthusiasm. However, quality trumps quantity. Instead of creating basic projects, focus on in-depth applications that solve real problems. Your ability to see a concept through to completion is a valuable asset.
- Build a Compelling Portfolio: Create a professional online portfolio that clearly communicates your projects to a non-technical audience. Use visuals, descriptions, and quantifiable results to showcase your accomplishments. A well-structured portfolio can significantly enhance your job prospects.
If you keep learning—especially cutting-edge skills such as artificial intelligence—you could stand a solid shot of working in the tech industry for many years.
