How Much Do Coding Bootcamp Graduates Earn? Bootcamp Salary Potential in 2021

The demand for tech professionals is on the rise, leading to an increase in coding bootcamps. These bootcamps are designed to teach students the necessary skills for a career in tech through a more intensive and accelerated curriculum. They are an excellent alternative to traditional education pathways like a college degree. 

But you may be wondering, what would be your salary after coding bootcamp? In this article, we seek to answer just that. We take a close look at the different jobs in tech that bootcamp graduates can get and how much they pay on average.

What Is a Coding Bootcamp?

A coding bootcamp is a school with fast-paced, immersive programs designed to prepare students for a career in tech in a matter of months. Coding bootcamp programs train students in the tech skills needed to excel in the industry. Bootcamps also cover programming languages, especially those that are in demand in the industry.

The most valuable feature of bootcamps is the career services they offer. Most bootcamps help their graduates during the job search so that they can find a job as quickly as possible. The ultimate goal is to fully prepare students for successful, long careers in the technology field. 

Jobs and Earning Potential of Coding Bootcamp Graduates

Bootcamps are becoming more and more popular due to the rising demand for tech professionals. The career opportunities available in this industry are immense. Not only that, but tech workers are some of the best-paid people in the US.

As a bootcamp graduate, you’d be ready to enter this lucrative industry. Thanks to the sought-after skills they gain during their bootcamp programs, graduates are often able to land high-paying jobs shortly after graduation. In fact, the average salary for coding bootcamp grads is about $70,000.

However, your salary after graduation from a bootcamp will vary considerably according to your location. Different cities have different living costs and average wages. For example, if you are living and working in a tech hub like San Francisco or New York, you are likely to be making a lot more money. It comes as no surprise that workers in San Francisco enjoy the highest tech wages in the nation, earning an average of $155,000 a year, according to an article by Forbes.

To help students get the tech experience they need to stand out among others candidates and get these lucrative job opportunities, bootcamps offer extensive career assistance. This includes services like coaching during the job search, mock interviews, resume writing and personal branding lessons, and much more.

Bootcamp students also have access to many networking opportunities. Bootcamps often boast a wide network of hiring partners and routinely organize events where students can meet potential employers.

Can You Get a Job After a Coding Bootcamp?

Yes, you can most definitely get a job after graduating from a coding bootcamp. According to job placement rates published by the bootcamps themselves, most graduates take about six months to secure a job. 

Flatiron School, for example, boasts a job placement rate of 86 percent. Meanwhile, 84 percent of students at Thinkful are able to find a job within 180 days of graduation. For students at Codesmith LA, the figure stands at 80.6 percent. These student outcomes can give you an idea of the importance of coding bootcamps on the tech industry and the value of their graduates.

How Much Do Coding Bootcamp Graduates Make?

Many coding bootcamp graduates earn up to $70,000 during their first year in the industry. Some make even more. For example, the average starting salary for Flatiron School graduates in the US is $74,962. 

Lambda School graduates, on the other hand, earn a median annual salary of $65,000, according to a report published by the school. Meanwhile, Thinkful graduates have a median salary of $56,532. 

Many bootcamp graduates were professionals with full-time jobs in the field prior to their enrollment and joined to enhance their technical skills. Statistics show that these individuals experienced an increase in their earnings after graduating from coding bootcamps. On average, their salaries rose from $44,350 before the bootcamp to almost $70,000 after graduating. 

Top 5 Tech Jobs and Salaries You Can Get After a Coding Bootcamp

1. Data Scientist

• Entry-Level Salary: $52,950
• Median Salary: $103,930

Data scientists work with computer scientists and IT professionals to gather large amounts of data, solve complex problems, and identify business trends. These professionals study large datasets and create applications to analyze and identify patterns in them. They also create algorithms to organize and manage this data. 

2. Information Security Analyst

• Entry-Level Salary: $60,060
• Median Salary: $103,590

Information security analysts protect an organization’s computer networks and systems from malware, hacking, and any other type of cyber attack. They also help to set, maintain, and update security standards and protocols for organizations. 

3. Software Engineer

• Entry-Level Salary: $65,210
• Median Salary: $110,140

The field of programming has many lucrative job opportunities, such as software engineering. Software engineers develop, design, maintain, update, and debug systems and software for businesses. The products they work on range from business applications and games to network control systems and operating systems. These professionals have expertise in a range of programming languages according to their area of specialization.

4. Computer Research Scientist

• Entry-Level Salary: $72,210
• Median Salary: $126,830

A computer research scientist researches, designs, and improves new and existing technology in a variety of industries. Their goal is to boost computer and data transfer speeds and enhance system security. Many professionals in this area focus on assembling, programming, and linking computers.

5. Data Analyst

• Entry-Level Salary: $56,383
• Median Salary: $61,754

A data analyst collects and dissects data. This data is then used to derive meaningful insights that help organizations improve their operations and grow. Data analysts gather information from a wide variety of sources to maximize accuracy. They possess research, analysis, and reporting skills.

What Do Employers Think of Coding Bootcamp Graduates?

Employers think very highly of coding bootcamp graduates. According to a survey carried out by Indeed.com, 72 percent of employers consider bootcamp graduates to be just as prepared and as likely to perform at a high level than university graduates. 

Twelve percent of the employers surveyed think bootcamp graduates are more prepared and likely to do better, while 17 percent of them are unsure. Eighty percent of the respondents have actually hired a coding bootcamp graduate for a tech role and 99.8 percent of those people said they would do it again.

With these numbers, it is safe to say that employers hold bootcamp graduates in high esteem and would hire them with little hesitation. This shows the value and usefulness of bootcamps for those looking to change careers or improve their skills. There are many opportunities for coding bootcamp grads at tech companies. Below, we take a look at some of the companies hiring bootcamp students.

Top 5 Companies that Hire Coding Bootcamp Graduates

1. JPMorgan Chase

JPMorgan Chase is an American multinational investment banking and financial holding company with headquarters in New York City. It is the largest bank in the US and the fourth-largest in the world. 

The company employs bootcamp graduates in almost every department and for roles ranging from software engineering to web development. JPMorgan also sends its employees to coding bootcamps like Hack Reactor, devCodeCamp, and Zip Code Wilmington to enhance their skills.

2. Access Development

Access Development is a business management consulting company based in Utah that provides high-value, high-impact engagement and loyalty programs for organizations, employer groups, businesses, and associations. It hires qualified bootcamp graduates for different roles and pays them well.

3. PayPal

PayPal is a Fortune 500 American company that operates an online payment system. The company has hired graduates from bootcamps like Hackbright Academy, Thinkful, and Codesmith. PayPal hires graduates to work on software engineering, product management, and front end development, among other areas.

4. Eventbrite

Eventbrite is an American event management and online ticketing company that allows its users to browse, create, and promote local events. In addition, the company charges event organizers a fee for its online ticketing services. Eventbrite has hired many bootcamp graduates and is best for graduates with expertise in UX/UI design.

5. Bank of America

Bank of America is the second-largest banking institution in the US. Its main services are commercial banking, wealth management, and investment banking. The company has hired students from Coding Dojo, The Software Guild, and DigitalCrafts, who now work as software developers, web developers, and software engineers.

Salary After Coding Bootcamp FAQ