What are the benefits of pursuing a coding bootcamp?

A coding bootcamp is an immersive training program aimed at preparing students for employment in tech roles such as software or web developer. Bootcamps offer several advantages to students compared with traditional academic programs: It’s an intensive learning experience for those who want to change careers quickly. Some bootcamps, including Fullstack Academy’s, offer online and part-time options, for students who want to maintain their job while they study. Fullstack Academy bootcamps focus on programming languages widely in demand by employers, such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, as well as tools like the Node.js environment, the React library, the Bash language, and Google Chrome Dev. There are some, such as Fullstack Academy’s, that provide instruction from industry-experienced professionals. Most bootcamps offer career support services for students, such as career coaching or job search assistance. Four out of every five students get coding jobs after graduation, according to a 2021 survey by Course Report.

What is the typical salary for coding graduates?

The typical salary for coding graduates can vary depending on factors such as location, skills, and experience level. However, here are some general ranges for a few common roles according to 2022 Lightcast™ data: The median annual salary for web developers was $93,114. However, in the San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward metro area, it was $106,429. The median annual salary for network engineers/solutions architects was $102,411. In the San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande metro area, they earned a median annual salary of $108,483.

How long is a coding bootcamp?

According to a survey by Course Report, the average bootcamp runs 14 weeks. At Fullstack Academy, our bootcamps range from 17 to 31 weeks in length, depending on the program. Online bootcamps offer a wide range of quality, lengths, depth, skills, and support. Short tech bootcamps may be fast, full-time intensives aimed at providing surface-level knowledge of a field. Longer bootcamps can offer more schedule flexibility and cover a wider range of material, as well as provide more opportunities for hands-on, project-based learning. When searching for a bootcamp, find a program that fits your unique educational needs and goals. For instance, Fullstack Academy offers part-time and full-time live online tech bootcamps with immersive curricula and career support to help beginners and seasoned professionals looking to gain the skills employers want. Although longer than average bootcamps, graduates of Fullstack Academy programs leave with foundational and advanced skills, receive job-search guidance, and have portfolios to show prospective employers.

Coding Bootcamps in California Guide

With tech’s growing influence in business and society, the time to be part of the tech sector is right now. In a state like California, a central global tech hub, opportunities abound: the state employs more computer programmers than any other, withalmost 24,000 coders working in May 2021, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This number is nearly double the amount of computer programming jobs in the following two highest states with computer programmer employment: Texas and New York.

Demand for individuals with coding and software development skills is high in the state. But with talent shortages across tech fields, there is a shortfall of candidates to fill open roles. When it comes to adopting emerging technologies, companies cite the inability to find talent for tech roles as a greater barrier than implementation costs, according to a 2021 Gartner report.

The question that arises is, How hard is it to move from nontech employment to a tech career? Competition in technology is fierce. But for individuals looking to break into the tech field, a coding bootcamp in California can help them stand out.

Growth projections for roles in the tech sector look favorable for individuals looking to transition to a career in coding. In just the last few years, even amid the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, the number of open tech positions increased by 81% from 2020 to 2022, according to a Forbes report.

As for the future of computer and information technology (IT) occupations, the BLS projects growth of 15% between 2021 and 2031, a much faster rate than that of most occupations, which stands at 4%.

Coding Bootcamps in California: The Need for Coders

While some may think that a computer science degree and tech experience are must-haves for a career in coding, that’s not necessarily the case. According to a 2022 McKinsey & Company report, 44% of tech professionals started their careers in nontech roles.

What tech companies are looking for are individuals with a range of talents. Employers want to hire individuals who are intelligent and can learn quickly. This means that individuals can have a successful career in coding based on their creativity and problem-solving skills, as well as their technical capabilities, all of which a coding bootcamp in California can help individuals acquire.

What Is a Coding Bootcamp?

Coding bootcamps are intensive, immersive programs that teach individuals the foundations of coding languages, such as HTML, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), and JavaScript, in a matter of weeks to months.

Students can also learn more advanced programming languages, such as Python, and dig into topics such as database design, object-oriented programming, computer networking, mobile development, and data analytics and structures.

Additionally, many coding bootcamps offer courses on user interface/user experience (UI/UX) design and software engineering principles. Bootcamps are offered throughout the U.S., both in person and online.

Cost-Effectiveness

According to Course Report, bootcamps cost an average of $14,000—but they can pay off quickly. In Course Report’s 2021 survey, graduates around the country had an average starting salary of $69,000.

The expense can also pale in comparison to that of a college degree in computer science. Tuition and fees for a four-year degree range from $43,800 at an in-state public institution to $157,600 at a private one, according to the College Board.

Hiring Success

Coding bootcamps are highly successful in getting graduates into the workforce, with 79% of graduates getting jobs in programming, according to Course Report.

That’s partly because most bootcamps offer a combination of career coaching, networking opportunities, internships, and job placement services. They help students write resumes and post-professional profiles on sites like LinkedIn and GitHub.

In-Demand Skills

Top bootcamps teach the programming languages and development frameworks that employers are looking for, such as Ruby, Python, JavaScript, and PHP.

Students learn those skills by doing as well as reading. Top bootcamps offer project-based learning, in which students collaborate with others to create apps and design websites. Students graduate with not only a certificate of completion but also a portfolio of work that demonstrates what they’re capable of doing.

Accelerated Career Change

Most bootcamp students aren’t new to the workforce. The average student has at least a bachelor’s degree and seven years of work experience, according to the Course Report survey.

What they are new to is programming. Many bootcamp students are transitioning from careers in unrelated fields, and they’re looking to do it with a minimum of time and expense.

Financial Assistance

While bootcamps do involve a financial commitment, most help students research various payment options.

Scholarships may reduce the cost of tuition.
Employers may offer reimbursement for bootcamp tuition.
Local or regional government assistance programs may be available, depending on income and location.
For some Fullstack Academy coding bootcamps in NYC, veterans can get aid from the Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses (VET TEC) or Veteran Rapid Retraining Assistance Program (VRRAP) programs.
Personal loans may also be available to pay for bootcamp at the student’s discretion, either through various lending options or the student’s personal financial institution.

Why Choose a Coding Bootcamp?

Bootcamps are ideal for those who choose not to pursue a traditional four-year degree in computer science but want to break into the tech industry. Individuals choose coding bootcamps—in particular—for various reasons, including upskilling quickly, learning to code, or transitioning to a career in software development.

Thanks to its focused curriculum, these short, intensive education programs can provide individuals with a more efficient and cost-effective way to learn to code and prepare for the tech employment landscape. Coding bootcamps teach specialized skills currently in demand in the job market so that students can be competitive when looking for career opportunities.

Coding bootcamps can be an effective way for individuals to quickly acquire the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in a career in software development and tech in general. However, prospective bootcamp students in California and beyond should do their research to learn which program is a great fit for their lifestyle and professional goals. For example, individuals should consider the curriculum and ask themselves whether a program aligns with their career aims. Another key consideration is whether a program has a strong track record of graduates landing jobs in the field.

Typical Coding Salaries in California

Compensation can vary based on factors such as experience and skills, industry, and specific role. Here are the nationwide median annual salaries for two roles that require coding skills, based on 2022 data from Lightcast™:

Web developers: $93,114
Software developers: $98,936

Salaries can vary considerably based on location. Here are the median annual salaries for the same roles in different regions of California, according to Lightcast™:

San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande Metro Area

Web developers: $90,965
Software developers: $90,324

San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward Metro Area, California

Web developers: $106,429
Software developers: $109,441

San José-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara Metro Area

Web developers: $107,439
Software developers: $113,740

San Diego-Carlsbad Metro Area

Web developers: $95,571
Software developers: $101,998

For those looking to earn a rewarding salary, a coding bootcamp in California may provide a pathway to an exciting career that pays well.

Types of Coding Bootcamps

When considering a coding bootcamp, a few things should be kept in mind. First, individuals should determine whether they have the time to participate in a full- or part-time program. Those who work or have other life commitments should consider part-time programs, as full-time bootcamps require a significant time investment each day.

Among the critical signs that a bootcamp offers a high-quality education is that its graduates feel confident that they have acquired the skills to thrive in the tech industry. Individuals should spend time verifying the program's reputation and reading graduate reviews. Also, individuals should check whether the program is tailored to the type of job they’re interested in. For example, some bootcamps offer courses in data analytics or machine learning. Others may focus on web development or software engineering.

In researching the types of coding bootcamps and determining which one may be the right fit, students should consider the alumni network. Bootcamps with a high rate of graduates securing jobs in the field may have alumni who can help other students get their foot in the door.

Whether you’re just beginning your journey to a career in coding or looking to gain new skills to elevate your coding career to a new level, Fullstack Academy provides various types of coding bootcamps that can help you stand out and reach your professional goals.

All Fullstack Academy coding bootcamp programs are divided into three phases:

Foundations: The first phase focuses on topics such as HTML and CSS, JavaScript programming, web development environments, and industry-standard tools.
Junior: The second phase prepares individuals to master technical skills and professional coding communication. Topics can include front- and back-end development and databases.
Senior: The third phase prepares students to use their new skills and knowledge to build fully functional applications. This phase includes a guided team project, a personal project, and a capstone project. Students also benefit from career coaching.

Full-Time Software Engineering Immersive

The full-time Software Engineering Immersive is a 16-week program that helps students of all skill levels advance their coding careers. Through a comprehensive curriculum and a project-based approach, students are exposed to the latest software development technologies. The program focuses on JavaScript-based technologies, such as Node.js and React.

Part-Time Software Engineering Immersive

The part-time Software Engineering Immersive is designed for individuals of all skill levels who need to balance everyday life commitments, such as careers and families. It offers the same software engineering material as the full-time bootcamp, spread out over 28 weeks.

The Grace Hopper Live Online Coding Bootcamp

The Grace Hopper Program is a career-oriented web development bootcamp focused on empowering women and non-binary coders and helping address the gender gap in tech. The program, which follows the same curriculum as the Web Development Bootcamp, is a gender-allied learning experience that teaches useful coding skills, individualized guidance, and a culture of openness. Designed for all backgrounds and levels of expertise, it prepares individuals to become professional web developers in 16-28 weeks.

University Coding Bootcamps Powered by Fullstack Academy

Fullstack Academy also has partnered with leading institutions in California to prepare students for the future of coding jobs. These programs provide students with an accelerated way to gain the skills and knowledge needed to enter the tech industry.

University coding bootcamps in California include the following:

Top Employers Hiring in California

From tech giants to financial institutions, opportunities for those looking to start or advance a career in coding are abundant in California. The reason is that the state is home to top global companies, such as Apple, Google, Facebook, and Intel.

For example, Apple is one of the top employers in California. With its innovative products, competitive salaries, and excellent benefits, Apple is an attractive option for individuals looking to land a job as a coder.

Google is another top employer in the state. The company’s innovative work environment, forward-thinking technology developments, and career development opportunities make it a top choice for California coders.

According to Lightcast™, as of December 2022, the following companies are top employers in California, specifically hiring software developers, engineers, and web developers:

These tech companies offer various software services and products, from e-commerce and cloud computing to artificial intelligence (AI), machine automation, and financial services. As tech continues to evolve, these and other California companies are likely to develop software solutions across a wide range of industries, creating demand for individuals with up-to-date coding skills.

Coding Events in California

Coding events in California come in all shapes and sizes. Some of the most popular are conferences, which are typically large events geared toward bringing together industry leaders, professionals, and experts to discuss topics related to the tech industry. Attendees can learn about the latest trends, gain new skills, and network with their peers.

Industry competitions are another type of event. Top tech companies often host these events, which provide a space for individuals and teams to showcase their tech skills. From hackathons to coding challenges, various competitions are available to explore and attend.

Hackathons provide a space for individuals to come together and create apps, websites, and other products.

Other coding events in California include developer meetups and networking events. Here’s a list of coding events in California that students in coding bootcamps should consider attending:

Fullstack Academy Events: Free intros to Fullstack Academy bootcamps, along with career-focused seminars offering interview preparation advice and job-hunting strategies.
AI & Big Data Expo North America: A showcase of next-generation technologies with a focus on AI and big data trends and strategies.
DeveloperWeek: The world’s largest developer and engineering tech conference and expo in San Francisco, California, with workshops, opportunities to earn certificates, and a hackathon.
Droidcon San Francisco: A conference focused on sharing what’s new in Android, covering topics such as AI, machine learning, and UI/UX, with courses and other events.
Game Developers Conference: A gathering of gaming professionals, from programmers and artists to audio professionals and business leaders in San Francisco to assess the future of the industry, with opportunities for education and networking.
Google’s Coding Competitions: Three competitions—Code Jam, Hash Code, and Kick Start—that challenge and test coders.
SPIE AR, VR, MR: A glimpse of the future of augmented, virtual, and mixed reality in San Francisco, with talks and courses.
SREcon23 Americas: An exploration of the latest in site reliability, systems engineering, and complex distributed systems in Santa Clara, California.
Worldwide Developers Conference 2023: The 34th annual gathering of developers from all over the world at Apple’s Cupertino, California headquarters.

FAQs

A coding bootcamp is an immersive training program aimed at preparing students for employment in tech roles such as software or web developer. Bootcamps offer several advantages to students compared with traditional academic programs:
- It’s an intensive learning experience for those who want to change careers quickly.
- Some bootcamps, including Fullstack Academy’s, offer online and part-time options, for students who want to maintain their job while they study.
- Fullstack Academy bootcamps focus on programming languages widely in demand by employers, such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, as well as tools like the Node.js environment, the React library, the Bash language, and Google Chrome Dev.
- There are some, such as Fullstack Academy’s, that provide instruction from industry-experienced professionals.
- Most bootcamps offer career support services for students, such as career coaching or job search assistance.
- Four out of every five students get coding jobs after graduation, according to a 2021 survey by Course Report.
The typical salary for coding graduates can vary depending on factors such as location, skills, and experience level. However, here are some general ranges for a few common roles according to 2022 Lightcast™ data:
- The median annual salary for web developers was $93,114. However, in the San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward metro area, it was $106,429.
- The median annual salary for network engineers/solutions architects was $102,411. In the San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande metro area, they earned a median annual salary of $108,483.
According to a survey by Course Report, the average bootcamp runs 14 weeks. At Fullstack Academy, our bootcamps range from 17 to 31 weeks in length, depending on the program.
Online bootcamps offer a wide range of quality, lengths, depth, skills, and support. Short tech bootcamps may be fast, full-time intensives aimed at providing surface-level knowledge of a field. Longer bootcamps can offer more schedule flexibility and cover a wider range of material, as well as provide more opportunities for hands-on, project-based learning.
When searching for a bootcamp, find a program that fits your unique educational needs and goals. For instance, Fullstack Academy offers part-time and full-time live online tech bootcamps with immersive curricula and career support to help beginners and seasoned professionals looking to gain the skills employers want. Although longer than average bootcamps, graduates of Fullstack Academy programs leave with foundational and advanced skills, receive job-search guidance, and have portfolios to show prospective employers.