New Grad Jobs in Chicago, IL

• Junior Software Engineer: $70,000–$90,000 (US, 2024). • Junior Data Analyst: $65,000–$85,000. • Junior DevOps Engineer: $80,000–$100,000. • Junior QA Engineer: $60,000–$80,000. • Junior Security Analyst: $75,000–$95,000. These ranges reflect public data from Glassdoor and company disclosures for entry‑level roles.

Key programming skills: Python, JavaScript, SQL, Git, Docker, Kubernetes, AWS, Azure or GCP. Strong fundamentals in data structures, algorithms, and object‑oriented design give a competitive edge. Certifications that signal readiness include AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, Google Associate Cloud Engineer, Certified ScrumMaster (CSM), and CompTIA Security+. Combining a portfolio of GitHub projects with these credentials demonstrates both technical depth and practical experience.

Remote work is common for New Grad roles. Companies such as GitHub, Automattic, Zapier, Stripe, Atlassian, and Slack offer fully remote or hybrid placements. Many entry‑level programs allow candidates to work from any location, provided they meet time‑zone requirements and have a reliable internet connection. Check the job posting for “remote” or “telecommute” tags to confirm availability.

Typical path: 0–1 year as a Junior Engineer, 1–3 years to Mid‑Level Engineer, 3–5 years to Senior or Lead Engineer, then optional transition to Engineering Manager, Technical Program Manager, or specialized roles such as Solutions Architect. Promotion timing depends on skill mastery, project impact, and mentorship quality. Prioritizing high‑visibility projects and learning new stacks accelerates progression.

Key trends: AI/ML integration across products, cloud‑native microservices, container orchestration with Kubernetes, DevSecOps security practices, edge computing for IoT, and a growing emphasis on data privacy and GDPR compliance. Staying current on these topics through online courses, hackathons, and contributions to open‑source projects positions New Grads for high‑growth roles.