Coding bootcamps have experienced substantial levels of growth over the past few years. These fast-paced and hands-on tech education programs, designed to teach students practical coding skills fast, have been growing in popularity, as more people look to upskill with the goal of staying relevant and competitive in today’s job market. In fact, the coding bootcamp market was valued at $556.2 million in 2024 and is predicted to grow to $1,398.7 million by 2031.1
But do coding bootcamps work? And do their graduates actually get tech jobs?
The short answer: yes, they often do, but there are several factors that come into play.
Key Takeaways
- Coding bootcamps are designed for students who want to enter or move up in the computer science industry with less time and less expense than is required by a formal education.
- These programs are available in a variety of formats–online, in-person, hybrid, full-time, and part-time–so you can choose an option that suits your schedule.
- The top coding bootcamps can offer in-depth knowledge of the specific programming skills you need to gain to meet your professional goals.
- In many cases, they also often provide career support, and some bootcamp providers offer job guarantees to help graduates land a job—though you’ll want to look closely at any claims and stipulations.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job market for computer and information technology roles is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations over the 2023 to 2033 period.2 This high demand for tech professionals bodes well for the outlook of job opportunities for both new and experienced web developers.
In this article, we’ll discuss the nature of coding bootcamps, what makes the best ones effective, and where a prospective applicant needs to use more scrutiny when evaluating their options.
Read on to learn how to choose and take advantage of a coding bootcamp.
What Is a Coding Bootcamp?
A coding bootcamp is an intensive, hands-on learning program designed for students with little to no tech background, as well as those in the middle of their career looking to upskill and stay sharp. There are many different bootcamps with varying focuses and formats, training students in a variety of disciplines. Most bootcamps last a few months, which can make them a great option for students who want to learn coding, advance their skills, or pursue a career change in the computer science field in a short amount of time. The learners in these programs come from a range of different backgrounds, as some have previous coding experience under their belts, some are self-taught, and other students who have faced barriers to getting a coding education are only just now able to get their foot in the door.
With coding bootcamps offered both online and in-person—and with full-time, part-time, and even self-paced courses available—students can pursue fields like data science, cyber security, software engineering, and more regardless of their location or schedule.
Industry Growth and Demand for Coding Bootcamps
With the growth of the tech industry over the last several years, the demand for skilled software developers, software engineers, and data scientists has grown alongside it. And as companies across all sectors continue to digitize their operations, the job market for tech professionals is expanding rapidly. As such, coding bootcamps have emerged as a powerful alternative to the traditional computer science degree, offering a streamlined path to gaining the coding skills needed for today’s most in-demand roles.
This surge is fueled by the increasing need for professionals in web development, software engineering, and data science—fields where bootcamp graduates are making a significant impact. Many bootcamp grads have managed to utilize their training to land jobs at leading tech companies, startups, and other businesses looking to bring their processes into the digital age.
One of the key advantages of coding bootcamps is their ability to deliver practical, job-ready training in a fraction of the time and cost of a college degree. Most bootcamps focus on hands-on learning, real-world projects, and mentorship, aiming to help students not only learn theoretical knowledge and soft skills needed to thrive in an entry level position as a junior developer or software engineer, but also to give them the opportunity to work on real-life projects that will build our their portfolios and showcase their abilities to hiring managers.
However, it’s important to remember that as with traditional CS degrees, not all coding bootcamps are created equal. With so many bootcamps emerging over the past years, some will fall short in areas like curriculum quality, instructor expertise, or job placement support. Prospective students should carefully research each program to determine which ones will likely provide the best bootcamp experience—some even offer free resources online, so you can test out their curriculum before committing.
Ultimately, coding bootcamps have become a vital part of the tech education ecosystem, helping countless people meet the demands of today’s job market. Whether you’re looking to break into software development, data science, web development, or beyond, a good bootcamp can provide the skills, experience, and connections you need to succeed in the ever-evolving tech industry, as long as you choose the right school for you and use their resources to their full advantage.
What Makes a Coding Bootcamp Worth Your Time?
Depending on your program, a coding bootcamp can offer comprehensive, hands-on classes; connections to other people in the coding scene, whether they be industry professionals or your peers also trying to break into the field through the bootcamp route; career support to assist with your job search and help you get a job; and the flexibility to learn the coding skills that hiring managers look for. And you don’t even have to quit your job or move to San Francisco or New York to do it—it’s accessible whenever and wherever. The immersive environment and project-based approach of bootcamps are made with the goal of helping students get the most our of their short-term training program, whether they’re entering with previous coding experience, are making a transition from a prior career, or are seeking their very first job and are looking for entry level jobs in tech to begin their professional lives.
Let’s review what a bootcamp experience offers:
Coding Bootcamps Can Help You Build Connections
Coding bootcamps let you learn alongside other prospective developers, which is a great way to make long-term friendships and build business relationships.
While the earlier weeks of a coding bootcamp feature solo projects and lessons to ramp up your knowledge of programming languages, the later weeks usually involve group projects that build a tighter relationship with your cohort.
In addition, alum networks are great resources to tap into when you’re just starting.
Coding Bootcamps May Offer Job Assistance
Many bootcamps offer career services such as resume workshops, interview prep, networking opportunities, and job placement assistance to bootcamp grads. However, the success of these programs for students is a bit murky, largely because the statistics for the effectiveness of these programs are self-reported without a transparent methodology.
It’s best to review the Council on Integrity in Results Reporting (CIRR) standards and data for bootcamps that are independently audited, as well as look closely at the reporting methodology for bootcamps that self-report.
Coding Bootcamps Have Many Formats and Scheduling Options
Coding bootcamps often allow students to take part-time or full-time courses. Some bootcamps offer even more flexible schedules, allowing students to learn at their own pace.
They also usually offer students different format options—in-person, online, or hybrid.
Coding Bootcamps May Be Cheaper Than Traditional College Degrees
On average, a six-month coding bootcamp can be completed eight times faster and cost far less than a four-year computer science degree from a university. However, there’s more to consider than just tuition. When evaluating the total cost of being a bootcamp grad vs. a college grad, prospective students should also factor in living expenses such as housing and food, additional supplies or certification fees that may be required, and also opportunity costs such as missed wages should they pursue a full-time program. While bootcamps are often a more accessible alternative to formal education for many aspiring software engineers, software developers, web developers, and data scientists, it’s important to take into account all of the potential costs and benefits, not just the upfront cost.
Choosing the Right Coding Bootcamp for You
Choosing the best coding bootcamp for you means finding a program that fits your skill set, preferred learning format, desired job outcome, and budget. There are many different bootcamps available, each with varying focuses, durations, and formats.
Here are some questions to ask yourself when looking through coding bootcamp options:
- What career do I want to build after completing this bootcamp? (For example, do I want to become a software developer or data scientist?)
- Does this bootcamp teach the programming languages, frameworks, and skills that I need to succeed in my desired career? Will I also have the opportunity to learn other languages beyond the primary one taught?
- Will I get both theoretical lessons and hands-on experience that will help me get a job in my desired field?
- How long is the bootcamp, and can I commit to the required course schedule? Some bootcamps promise results in a few weeks, but be realistic about the time required to build strong foundational skills.
- Is this course offered in-person, online, or a combination of both?
- Is this bootcamp within my budget, or are there financing options?
- Will this bootcamp give me the opportunity to network with alums and other tech professionals?
- Is this bootcamp accredited by an authoritative body like the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training (ACCET)?
- What do coding bootcamp graduates say about this program, and where are they now?
These questions will help you choose a program that not only prepares you for your desired career, but also fits your current skill level, your learning style, and any location/schedule/financial constraints.
Before enrolling, consider using free online resources and YouTube tutorials to build foundational skills. Some bootcamps include skill tests as part of their application process, and platforms like these can help you prepare and get a head start with programming.
And after choosing a program, ask your admissions counselors if they have partnerships or act as a feeder program for any of the companies you’re interested in.
"Career Karma entered my life when I needed it most and quickly helped me match with a bootcamp. Two months after graduating, I found my dream job that aligned with my values and goals in life!"
Venus, Software Engineer at Rockbot
Now Is the Time to Find Your Coding Bootcamp
Remember, it’s important to thoroughly research your bootcamp options, so you can find a program that fits your needs. By comparing curricula and services offered, reading student reviews and third party evaluations, and keeping a critical eye on any outcomes data published, you’ll be well-equipped to choose a program that matches your skills, teaches the programming languages you want to learn, and has a good roster of graduates who have found success. Whether you’re looking for your first job, making a career change, or are looking to level up in your existing tech job, doing careful research to find the coding bootcamps worth investing your time and money can ultimately help you succeed in your career.
Sources
2https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
