Coding Bootcamps in Baltimore Guide
Located centrally on the East Coast, just 40 miles from Washington D.C., Baltimore is known for its rich culture and prominent historical sites. Over the last several years, Baltimore has also established itself as an innovative community, named one of the 20 best cities for tech jobs by Indeed.
In late 2023, the Biden administration designated the city as a federal tech hub, which will help further the city’s commitment to innovation. The designation will catalyze tech job growth within the region and is predicted to create nearly 52,000 jobs in Maryland by 2030.
For Baltimore residents, there are many tech opportunities available. According to Investopedia, web and software developers are two of the best tech jobs in the industry based on government statistics. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) also reports that software developer roles are expected to grow 25% by 2032, which is much faster than average.
If you’re interested in launching a coding career, there are a variety of coding programs in Baltimore that can help you gain the skills and knowledge to launch a lucrative career as a software engineer or developer. One option is a coding bootcamp.
In this guide to coding bootcamps in Baltimore, you’ll discover:
What a coding bootcamp is
Why you should choose a coding bootcamp over other coding programs in Baltimore
Typical coding salaries in Baltimore
Types of coding bootcamps in Baltimore
Top employers hiring in Baltimore
Guide to Coding Bootcamps in Baltimore
For aspiring software engineers and web developers, Baltimore can be a great place to call home. As of late 2023, there are over 10,000 job postings on LinkedIn for those with coding skills. Maryland also ranks in the top 20 of the best states for software engineers, according to online recruitment agency Zippia.
According to LinkedIn, software development is one of the most in-demand technical skills employers are seeking. If you know how to code, you’ll be qualified for a variety of rewarding roles across a range of industries. Enrolling in a coding bootcamp in Baltimore can help you develop the necessary skills and experience to meet the demand for professional coders. Continue reading to learn how a coding bootcamp can help put you on the path to a meaningful career.
What is a Coding Bootcamp?
No matter your skill level, a coding bootcamp in Baltimore can help advance or launch a career as a software developer. So, what is a coding bootcamp? These immersive, short-term programs provide hands-on learning opportunities and build a portfolio of projects to share with potential employers.
Most coding bootcamps can be completed in just a few short weeks or months, allowing you to start a lucrative career in software development or software engineering more quickly. Plus, many high-quality coding bootcamps in Baltimore are led by industry-experienced instructors who can share their experiences and provide insight into the coding landscape.
Why Choose a Coding Bootcamp?
When looking at coding programs in Baltimore, there are many options you can choose from. If you’re a working professional who wants a fast, flexible, and affordable program, then a coding bootcamp is likely the right choice.
So why choose a coding bootcamp? While each coding bootcamp in Baltimore will offer a unique learning experience, here are just a few reasons why you should choose a coding bootcamp:
Hands-On Learning: While the curriculum for each bootcamp will differ, you’ll develop hands-on experience with the latest coding tools and concepts. Plus, you’ll build a portfolio of projects to showcase to employers.
Shorter Time to Completion: Most coding bootcamps take just a few short weeks or months to complete, which can help you launch your career as a coding professional much more quickly than a traditional degree program.
Experienced Instructors: Many high-quality coding bootcamps in Baltimore are led by professionals who have ample experience within their field. They help enrich learning through real-world examples and unique insights.
Flexible Scheduling: Coding bootcamps in Baltimore are offered in various formats to help you balance work, learning, and other commitments. Most coding bootcamps provide full-time, part-time, and online options to help accommodate your busy schedule.
Career Support: Whether you’re looking to advance your current career or transition into a new field, the job search can be daunting. Some coding bootcamps offer career support services to help you optimize your resume and prepare for interviews.
Typical Coding Salaries in Baltimore
By enrolling in a coding bootcamp in Baltimore, you’ll unlock the door to many career opportunities. With your newly developed coding skills, you’ll qualify for some of the highest-paying tech roles like web developer, front-end developer, and mobile developer.
Typical coding salaries in Baltimore will vary based on several factors, including job title, years of experience, and location. Here is a breakdown of the average annual salaries for a variety of coding roles in Baltimore:
Web Developer: $69,643 (Payscale, October 2023)
Software Engineer/Software Developer: $147,524 (ZipRecruiter, October 2023)
As of November 2023, here’s how those same salaries in Baltimore vary based on years of experience using data from Glassdoor:
- Web Developer:
Entry-Level (0-1 year): $67,719
Intermediate (7-9 years): $89,409
Advanced (15+ years): $104,150
- Software Developer:
Entry-Level: $81,472
Intermediate: $107,616
Advanced: $126,175
- Software Engineer:
Entry-Level: $94,071
Intermediate: $124,545
Advanced: $146,419
Types of Coding Bootcamps in Baltimore
There are many types of coding bootcamps in Baltimore, and the right one for you will ultimately depend on your schedule, career goals, and learning preferences. When researching the different types of coding bootcamps in Baltimore, there are important features to consider:
Reputability: Regardless of the type of coding bootcamp you choose, you should ensure they are reputable. Read student and alumni reviews and explore their curriculum.
Student Outcomes: If your goal for enrolling in a bootcamp is to start a new career, you should research student outcomes to see what roles graduates are landing and where they work. This can help you better gauge which bootcamp you want to attend and what they can help you achieve.
Format and Cost: To be successful in bootcamp, you’ll need to find a coding program in Baltimore that fits into your schedule and budget. Look at what class times and payment options each bootcamp offers to help you decide which one is right for you.
To jumpstart your research, here is a list of coding bootcamps in Baltimore:
Fullstack Academy Coding Bootcamps
The Fullstack Academy Software Engineering Immersive Bootcamp offers a transformative learning experience online and in real time. The comprehensive curriculum focuses on building the skills, experience, and professional network to thrive in various entry-level coding roles. Throughout bootcamp, you’ll work on group projects, solve coding challenges, and create a portfolio of assignments to showcase to potential employers.
The Fullstack Academy Software Engineering Immersive Bootcamp is offered both full-time and part-time. The full-time bootcamp can be completed in just 16 weeks. Due to the rigorous schedule, it is recommended that you don’t pursue full-time employment while attending bootcamp.
For those who want or need to maintain employment while attending bootcamp, there is a part-time option. The part-time Fullstack Academy Software Engineering Immerseive can be completed in 28 weeks, with classes held three days a week.
Regardless of which Fullstack Academy bootcamp option you choose, you’ll develop in-demand skills and knowledge in the following areas:
Front-End Development
Development Libraries
Back-End Engineering
Full-Stack Development
JavaScript
SQL
HTML5, CSS, and Advanced CSS
Git and GitHub
And more!
Plus, you’ll receive job search support for up to a year following graduation from Fullstack Academy Career Success Coaches, who can help you tailor your resume, optimize your LinkedIn, prepare for interviews, and more.
The Grace Hopper Software Engineering Immersive Bootcamp
The Grace Hopper Program is an online coding bootcamp for women and non-binary students. This inclusive and supportive program offers the same rigorous curriculum as the Fullstack Academy Coding Bootcamp but with an added gender-allied experience. The Grace Hopper Program provides full-time and part-time schedule options that can be completed in 16-28 weeks.
What You'll Learn
The Fullstack Academy Software Engineering Bootcamp utilizes an in-demand, JavaScript-based core curriculum.
You’ll also learn how to apply generative AI in web development using ChatGPT, Bing AI, and more with a free elective course.
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Foundations On-Ramp
The Software Engineering Immersive begins with a comprehensive Foundations on-ramp to support both intermediate and beginner coders. Designed to help all students reach a uniform skill level, Foundations covers the basic tenets of programming to prepare for the core curriculum—which moves through more advanced, specialized JavaScript concepts at a rapid bootcamp pace.
Foundational Software Engineering Curriculum
HTML and CSS
Introduction to JavaScript programming
Advanced JavaScript including closure, prototypical inheritance, and recursion
Web development environment and industry-standard tools
Foundations On-Ramp Features
Supports learners of all skill levels
Student-centered, inquiry-based learning in teams
Instructor-facilitated, live online classroom format
Immersive digital learning tools
At the end of this unit, you will complete a project to apply your skills
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You’ll study HTML5, CSS, and advanced CSS—and go beyond with fundamental Javascript concepts.
Technologies
HTML5
CSS
JavaScript
Git and GitHub
Concepts
- Web Interface and Design - You’ll learn how content and imagery are best displayed on a website.
- Front-End Framework - You’ll start to understand pre-written modules and their primary use cases in web development.
Features
- Pair Programming - Working with a fellow student, you’ll each use your newfound knowledge to write and optimize front-end code. This helps you build real-world experience and prepare for technical coding interviews.
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You’ll apply your JavaScript skills with the amazing ecosystem of libraries that have made JavaScript the industry standard of web engineering. We’ll also teach you to use APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) to connect to vast amounts of data to power your web applications.
Technologies
JavaScript
JavaScript APIs
React, React Router, and React Hooks
Redux
Concepts
- Test-Driven Development (TDD) - Particularly relevant in JavaScript development, the TDD methodology allows developers to test new code before writing it—preserving its former iteration in case of incompatibilities or errors.
Features
- Prototyping - Throughout bootcamp, you’ll begin each project by scoping, researching, and beginning to build full stack web applications—touching on every stage of a typical, real-world prototype development process.
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You’ll master data organization and storage by working with SQL relational databases and learn how to integrate them into your applications. Then, it’s time to start building your own full stack application!
Technologies
JavaScript
SQL
Projects
- Full Stack Capstone Project - You will work with a team of students to come up with an ambitious idea for an app, and start building it out. This will be the most impressive project in your portfolio and will demonstrate your full understanding of software development and industry best practices.
- Full Stack Project Pitching - After formulating your own idea for a web or mobile application, you’ll pitch it to the class. Taking market, design, and utility considerations into account, you’ll understand through your pitch process how development projects come to fruition in real-world scenarios.
Features
- Portfolio Development - As you complete your full stack web development projects, all your code will be housed in GitHub to demonstrate your technical prowess and creativity to potential employers.
- Career Coaching - Fullstack Academy Career Coaches are your one-stop professional development resource. They’ll work with you on core aspects of the job search–from interview preparation to resume optimization–throughout the final stages of your bootcamp experience and beyond.
Top Employers Hiring in Baltimore
Baltimore is a robust city with employment opportunities in a variety of exciting industries. The city is home to prestigious universities, nationally ranked healthcare organizations, prominent financial institutions, and innovative technology companies. As a rising tech hub, many organizations are looking for highly skilled coders. To familiarize yourself with these endless career opportunities, here are some of the top employers hiring in Baltimore:
Amazon: A global leader in technology and e-commerce, Amazon needs no introduction. Considered one of the “Big Five” U.S. technology companies, Amazon offers a broad range of employment opportunities for those looking to break into tech.
Leidos: As a Fortune 500 company, Leidos helps its customers leverage technology to enhance its business strategies. In 2016, Leidos merged with Lockheed Martin’s IT sector to create the largest IT services provider in the defense industry, making it an excellent opportunity for coding professionals looking for meaningful employment.
Booz Allen Hamilton: A leading professional services company, Booz Allen Hamilton helps solve challenges within government, military, and business. The company provides services and solutions in engineering, technology, and management, which provides ample opportunities for coders looking to enter the field.
Northrop Grumman: As one of the largest military technology providers, Northrop Grumman is always looking for skilled tech professionals, including software engineers and developers.
Coding Events in Baltimore
To thrive as a coding professional, it’s wise to network and stay up to date with the latest tools, technologies, and strategies. The best way to do that is by attending in-person and virtual events. Here are some popular coding events in Baltimore and online to help get you started.
Events and Groups
Fullstack Academy: Get information on the Fullstack Academy Coding Bootcamp and gain helpful tips for kickstarting your coding career.
DevTernity: As a top international software development conference, DevTernity hosts talks, discussions, and classes led by leaders in the industry.
JDKon: A top conference for Java developers, JDKon features demos, discussions, and masterclasses to help developers learn to create efficient and maintainable applications with Java.
DeveloperWeek: The world’s largest developer conference hosts virtual workshops, talks, and expos to keep you up-to-date on the latest technologies.
Meetups
Meetups are another great way to connect with other coders. Here are a few coding meetups in Baltimore and online:
Baltimore Code and Coffee: These co-working sessions help you meet other coding professionals while working on your own projects.
DC Python Meetup: This meetup group hosts regular “An Evening of Python Coding” online events that bring coders together to work on projects and share advice.
Computer Science and Software Development of Baltimore: Participate in interactive learning sessions and workshops with other software developers.
Baltimore Indie Game Developers: If you love to create video games, this group is for you. You’ll get to share your projects, receive feedback, and test other attendees’ games.
Coding Bootcamp FAQs
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Coding bootcamps offer an excellent opportunity to break into the industry or advance an existing tech career. There are many benefits to pursuing a coding bootcamp. Students can expect to:
Gain hands-on experience with the latest coding tools and software
Learn fundamental knowledge from industry-experienced instructors
Acquire critical skills and build a professional portfolio of projects
Receive career support and job search assistance
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The typical salary for coding bootcamp graduates can vary depending on factors such as location, skills, certifications, and experience level. However, here are some average salaries for common entry-level coding positions, according to Glassdoor:
Web Developer: $62,013
Software Developer/Engineer: $87,054
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Coding bootcamps provide an accelerated learning path that typically lasts several weeks to a few months. Some bootcamps follow a strict schedule with live classes, while others may offer a self-paced option.
Fullstack Academy offers two coding bootcamp options: 16 weeks full-time or 28 weeks part-time. All classes are held live online to facilitate an immersive, active learning approach.
