Bootcamp Careers

A coding bootcamp can open the door to tech jobs. After comparing the time and financial investment of bootcamps vs. degrees, some students may choose a bootcamp. Bootcamps can provide intensive, skills-based training in a short timeframe.

Bootcamp graduates can apply for software developer, web developer, and data scientist jobs. Some of these positions may require a college degree. Job opportunities vary by the student's experience level, education, and bootcamp focus.

This page explores possible career options for bootcamp graduates. We cover job search strategies and what to expect from popular coding bootcamp jobs.

Getting a Job After a Coding Bootcamp

Employers are increasingly recognizing the value of bootcamps. A 2017 Indeed survey of more than 1,000 human resource managers and recruiters found that 84% of employers thought coding bootcamp graduates were just as or more prepared than candidates with computer science degrees.

However, many employers list a bachelor's degree as a requirement for many careers in computer science careers. In some cases, degree-holders may have an advantage in landing a job or advancing in their careers than those with only technical training.

Yet, some employers may hire bootcamp graduates for junior positions because of their career-relevant, up-to-date skills. Ultimately, the job hunting experience will vary depending on your past experience, education level, and location.

Other factors that can impact landing a job after a bootcamp include the program's focus, skills taught, and available career support services.

Bootcamp providers commonly provide data about what percentage of graduates land a job, how long it usually takes, and their average salaries. Prospective students should contact the bootcamp directly if they have questions. Choosing a program where a higher percentage of graduates find jobs in the industry can indicate a higher level of training and support.

The Council on Integrity in Results Reporting (CIRR) is a nonprofit organization that offers transparent reporting on bootcamp graduate outcomes, including salaries and employment. CIRR is an excellent tool for researching bootcamp graduate data from a third-party source.

The timeline for getting jobs in tech after a coding bootcamp varies, but many providers claim that most grads find a position within six months. For example, Grand Circus reports that nearly 90% of its graduates find a job within six months. Companies sometimes hire bootcamp participants before graduation

Salaries for bootcamp graduates also vary. Hack Reactor reported its 2021 graduates made a median annual salary of $95,000. According to Thinkful, their full-time engineering bootcamp graduates earned a median annual salary of $66,070.

Coding bootcamp graduates can pursue careers in many different industries, including tech, finance, healthcare, and education. Companies like Google, Apple, IBM, and Amazon all hire bootcamp graduates.

What Jobs Can You Get?

The focus of your bootcamp can impact job opportunities after graduation. More general coding bootcamps, like full-stack or software engineering, may help keep your job options open. Specialized training programs in web development or user experience, user interface (UX/UI) may help you pursue more targeted job openings.

The list below includes the most common coding bootcamp jobs for graduates. Many other careers are also available to bootcamp grads not listed here.

Software Developer

Software developers make computer applications that enable systems to run and let users complete tasks. Duties include recommending software upgrades, analyzing user needs, and documenting applications. Software developers work in software publishing, management, data processing, and consulting.

Bootcamps provide students with a strong programming background. Bootcamp graduates can strengthen job prospects by completing professional certifications and gaining experience.

Median Salary (2021): $110,140
Projected Growth (2018-2028): +25.6%
Recommended Bootcamp Concentrations: Full-stack, front-end development, web development, software engineering

Full-Stack Developer

Full-stack developers work on the front-end and back-end of web development. A bootcamp can prepare graduates to be full-stack developers by helping them master multiple computer programming languages and development stacks. Major employing industries include information technology, software publishing, and finance.

Full-stack developers can showcase their skills through a portfolio of work.

Average Salary (May 2022): $79,650
Projected Growth (2018-2028): +25.6%
Recommended Bootcamp Concentrations: Full-stack, software engineering

Web Developer

Web developers make websites, including appearance, layout, and technical details. A bootcamp can help prepare students for web developer roles by teaching them programming and multimedia publishing tools. Web developers work in computer system design, publishing, and management. Web developers can demonstrate their skills through past work.

Median Salary (2021): $77,200
Projected Growth (2018-2028): +13%
Recommended Bootcamp Concentrations: Web development

Front-End Developer

Front-end developers focus on the technical aspects of a website. A bootcamp helps graduates get a job in this field by covering HTML and CSS, JavaScript, and frameworks and libraries. Major employers include the computer systems design, publishing, and advertising industries.

Average Salary (May 2022): $77,175
Projected Growth (2018-2028): +25.6%
Recommended Bootcamp Concentrations: Front-end development, software engineering

UX/UI Designer

UX/UI designers improve how users navigate and interact with an application or device. Duties include creating wireframes, testing prototypes, and coding. Employers often assess job candidates for UX/UI design roles based on a portfolio of past work. Bootcamps can help prepare graduates for the field by developing communication, teamwork, and critical thinking skills.

Average Salary (May 2022): $75,800 (UX designer), $66,070 (UI designer)
Recommended Bootcamp Concentrations: UX/UI

Data Scientist

Data scientists find ways to make meaning out of large quantities of data using advanced and experimental tools. Tasks include creating predictive models and data visualization tools and writing data processing programs.

Many data scientists earn master's degrees. Bootcamp grads may face knowledge gaps compared to someone with a college degree. Taking additional courses or workshops on statistics, advanced data analysis, or other topics can help.

Median Salary (2021): $97,320
Recommended Bootcamp Concentrations: Data science

Data Analyst

Like data scientists, data analysts extract meaning from large amounts of data. Data analysts usually work with data in a more structured way than data scientists. Their tasks include collecting, cleaning, and analyzing data using existing data visualization software, programming tools, and statistical analysis.

A bootcamp education can help launch a career in this field, but additional knowledge of statistics, data analysis, and math may help those without degrees.

Median Salary (2021): $102,600
Projected Growth (2018-2028): +31.5%
Recommended Bootcamp Concentrations: Data science

Product Designer

Product designers often work on teams and oversee the design of new tech products. They consider the product's user experience, branding, and aesthetics. Bootcamps can help students develop UX/UI, coding, and software engineering skills. Product designers often learn on the job and through collaboration.

Average Salary (May 2022): $86,480
Recommended Bootcamp Concentrations: Mobile app development, game design, software engineering, UX/UI

Computer Engineer

Computer engineers research, create, and test computer hardware. They work in computer systems design, semiconductor manufacturing, and research and development. Bootcamps help develop strong programming and problem-solving skills. Bootcamp grads may need to supplement their general computer science knowledge.

Median Salary (2021): $128,170
Projected Growth (2018-2028): +6.2%
Recommended Bootcamp Concentrations: Software engineering

Application Developer

Application developers create, test, and design apps using programming languages. Bootcamps prepare people for this career by focusing on programming and development. Bootcamp students typically get hands-on experience creating apps.

Average Salary (May 2022): $71,885
Projected Growth (2018-2028): +25.6%
Recommended Bootcamp Concentrations: Mobile app development

Bootcamp Career Resources

Consult our guides below to choose the right bootcamp to meet your needs. You can also find information on tech employers and tips on how to improve your chances of getting hired.

How to Choose a Bootcamp

Learn More

Companies that Don't Require a College Degree

Learn More

How to Get a Job in Computer Science

Learn More

Best Computer Science Jobs

Learn More

Questions About Coding Bootcamp Jobs

How hard is it to get a coding job?

Bootcamp graduates with programming knowledge usually find their skills in high demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects faster-than-average growth for software developer jobs between 2020 and 2030.

How much money can you make after a coding bootcamp?

Salaries for coding bootcamp jobs vary by occupation, industry, specialization, and location. Your level of education and experience also impact how much money you can make after a coding bootcamp. Software developers, one of many potential jobs after coding bootcamp, make a median annual salary of $110,140, according to the BLS.

Do employers take coding bootcamps seriously?

Yes, many employers take coding bootcamps seriously according to an Indeed survey of human resources professionals. The tech field welcomes job candidates who can demonstrate skills mastery and experience through a portfolio of work.

Are coding bootcamps worth it?

Yes, they can be. Students who research top coding bootcamps and invest significant time and effort into their programs can pursue various tech in-demand jobs after graduation. Only you can decide if the return on investment for a bootcamp is worthwhile.