Online and In-Person Coding Bootcamps

What Is a Coding Bootcamp?

If you’re thinking about computer programming as a career and want a fast way to learn the basics of coding, you should look into coding bootcamps. This type of bootcamp typically lasts less than a year—just long enough to teach many of the skills you’ll need for a career in programming, software engineering, and related technology fields. So if you want to start looking for jobs that require coding skills but don’t have time to complete a two- or four-year degree in programming, look for coding bootcamps online and in-person.

This type of bootcamp is known for being immersive and intense, as this is the only way you can learn the required skills for programmers so quickly. Most of the focus of coding bootcamps is on teaching programming languages, such as CSS, HTML, JavaScript, Ruby on Rails, and more. You might also learn some skills related to user interface (UI) and user experience (UX), as well as the basics on data science and data analytics. This kind of knowledge will prepare you for a career in coding and similar jobs in computer and information technology.

If you’re eager to learn the skills described here during a short but intense program, you should think about what kind of coding bootcamp you want. First, you should consider the format you prefer. There are coding bootcamps online and in-person to choose from, so think about whether you want to do all the work online, in a classroom setting, or a mixture of both. If you have to work full time during the bootcamp, an online option may be best for you so you can do the coursework when you have the time after work each day. If your schedule is rather open right now due to having no job or a flexible work schedule, you might prefer an in-person coding bootcamp so you can network with other students interested in the same subject as you.

Another detail to consider with coding bootcamps online and in-person is the length of the program you want. Full-time programs often last about 17 weeks, while part-time programs last about 34 weeks. Generally, the shorter the program, the more time-consuming and immersive it is until the end. After all, you need to learn the same amount of information no matter which program you choose. So a shorter program may be right for you if you can commit most of every day to learning to code, while you might need a longer part-time program if you have other responsibilities, such as work. Either way, here’s what you need to know as you look at coding bootcamps online and in-person.

How Much Does a Coding Bootcamp Cost?  

The price of coding bootcamps varies depending on a few factors, such as whether it’s online or in-person and how long it will take to complete. But overall, the cost of coding bootcamps online and in-person ranges from just under $3,000 to just over $20,000, with online programs averaging about $12,900 and in-person programs averaging $13,600. This means if you want to save a little money, an online coding bootcamp may be right for you.

For example, the full-time in-person coding bootcamp from Coding Dojo costs $16,495, with opportunities to apply for scholarships from the school to bring down the costs of this 14-week program. On the other hand, University of Washington’s online coding bootcamp costs $12,995 whether you take the 12-week full-time program or the 24-week part-time program.

What’s the Average Salary for a Coding Bootcamp Graduate?

One of the most popular jobs people get after graduating from coding bootcamp is a computer programmer. While some employers require a bachelor’s degree for this job, many hire beginners with an associate degree or coding camp certificate. The lowest 10% in this occupation—which usually includes recent graduates in entry-level positions—can make about $51,440, according to the Bureau of Labor Services (BLS).

As they gain experience, they may make closer to the median annual wage for computer programmers, which the BLS reported was $89,190 as of May 2020. After several years of experience, they might move to the top 10% of earners in this field, which the BLS reported is $146,050.

While computer programming is the most common job for coding bootcamp graduates, it’s not the only one. Some people opt for other positions in the computer and information technology field. The median annual wage for such occupations was $91,250 as of May 2020. For instance, software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers earn $110,140 per year as of May 2020.

Additionally, database engineers earn a median annual salary of $98,860 (as of May 2020). So, in general, most positions people get after coding bootcamps online and in-person pay better than average.

What Is the Job Outlook for Coders? 

There will always be a need for people who are adept at advanced technology, and that is especially true for people who know how to code and perform similar tasks for websites and applications. Other skills that will continue to be in demand include data storage, information security, and cloud computing. Fortunately, coding bootcamp graduates tend to gain this type of knowledge as they start their career in technology.

The BLS reported that expected job growth for careers in computer and information technology is about 11% from 2019 to 2029. That’s much faster than the average for all industries, as about 531,200 new jobs will be added in this field during that time.

Courses in Coding Bootcamps

As you look into coding bootcamps that are online and in-person, you’ll likely notice that most feature very similar courses. After all, no matter which school you go to, you can expect to learn the basic information you need to know to get into coding and related jobs.

More specifically, the most common courses in coding bootcamps online and in-person teach popular programming languages you’ll need to know to get into this industry. For example, whether you choose online or in-person bootcamp, you can expect to take courses on the following subjects:

• JavaScript
• Python
• HTML
• CSS
• Ruby on Rails
• Bootstrap
• jQuery
• MySQL
• Node.js

FAQs on Coding Bootcamps Online and In-Person

What jobs require you to complete a coding bootcamp?

If you want to become a computer programmer, you’ll need some type of formal education in this career. That may be a bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science or computer information technology, or it can include a coding bootcamp or associate degree. But completing a coding bootcamp doesn’t mean you have to go into programming, as you can also get into related positions, such as data analyst, software developer, and database engineer.

Does a coder have good job prospects?

The job outlook for roles in computer and information technology will grow by about 11% from 2019 to 2029. This growth is much faster than average compared to all fields.

What are the different fields of coding programs?

No matter which coding bootcamp you choose, you can expect to learn the coding languages, at the very least. But some coding bootcamps online and in-person feature special focuses you can choose from. For example, though most coding bootcamps offer a full stack software developer curriculum, some specialize in back end, front end, or data engineering. Some also offer a focus on data analytics or UX/UI, so choose carefully based on what skills you’re most interested in learning.

How long does it take to complete a coding bootcamp online and in person?

Most coding bootcamps take less than six months to complete. In fact, the average coding bootcamp lasts about 16 weeks, meaning you can finish within four months. But if you don’t have time to take classes every weekday, you may need to try a part-time bootcamp, which can last around nine months. This allows you to take a few classes each work so you can still work or take care of other responsibilities as you learn coding skills.

What does a coding bootcamp curriculum typically include?

Coding bootcamps online and in-person usually focus on teaching programming languages so you can use them once you get a job. As a result, expect the curriculum to include classes on JavaScript, CSS, HTML, Python, and more.

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