Coding Bootcamps in Dallas Guide
Dallas, Texas, is a sprawling hub of commerce and technology due to its strategic location, which allows businesses to access both national and international markets. Beyond location, several factors contribute to the rapid rise of Dallas as a growing tech hub, including:
The state economy
Employment
Affordable housing
Qualified workforce from reputable educational institutions
Tech incubators
Fortune 500 companies
Tech investments
With the many benefits of living in Dallas and the advancement of technology dramatically influencing various industries and society at large, individuals with coding skills can find many opportunities for career success in this area. In 2021, the Dallas-Fort Worth area's net tech employment ranked sixth nationally, with over 313,000 workers. Since then, the tech labor pool in the area and hiring demand have increased, according to the annual Scoring Tech Talent report by CBRE, a global leader in commercial real estate services and investments.
Coding programs in Dallas, such as Fullstack Academy’s online software development bootcamps, can equip you with the in-demand skills to help you launch or enhance a tech career. Find out more about coding bootcamps in Dallas in this guide and why they might be a good fit for you.
Guide to Coding Bootcamps in Dallas
In today's job landscape, many employers are seeking individuals with technical and interpersonal experience over a formal education. In a CompTIA survey conducted in 2022, 85% of human resource leaders supported the decision to eliminate or reduce four-year degree requirements in tech job listings. This shift can be attributed to:
Rapid Tech Innovation and Expansion: Technology is advancing at an unprecedented rate, leaving less time for traditional education systems to develop talent to meet demand.
Skill-Centric Roles: Many tech jobs depend heavily on being able to perform specific tasks or make effective use of specific technologies. A resume or previous work experience that shows these skills is preferable to employers.
Cost and Accessibility of Education: Many individuals prefer alternative education paths, especially those who are financially limited or seeking a quicker entry into the workforce, such as taking online courses, attending bootcamps, or completing self study, causing employers to set different education expectations.
Demand for Problem Solvers: Employers are often looking for candidates with good critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. Rather than relying solely on formal education, real-world experiences and collaborative projects are being recognized as ways to develop and demonstrate these skills.
Coding bootcamps in Dallas and beyond can provide an accelerated, cost-effective pathway to tech education.
What is a Coding Bootcamp?
Tech bootcamps are training programs that rapidly teach you the practical and technical skills needed to succeed in high-growth tech jobs. Coding bootcamps are tech programs that focus on training you in skills for software engineering or web development and programming languages, such as HTML, CSS, C++, SQL, and JavaScript. Depending on the bootcamp, you can also learn more advanced programming skills and explore topics such as database design, computer networking, mobile development, and more.
Coding bootcamps can be a great alternative to lengthy, traditional degree programs due to their flexible, short-term nature and skill-focused curriculum. Some bootcamps, like those offered by Fullstack Academy, may offer live online instruction and other benefits, which some learners prefer over self-paced courses or learning.
When choosing the best coding program in Dallas for you, keep in mind your individual goals, learning style, and circumstances. A coding bootcamp in Dallas may gain you entry into a tech field sooner, and better fit your needs than a traditional or self-paced program.
Financial Assistance for Coding Bootcamps
Although coding bootcamps come with a financial investment, they often offer opportunities to explore different ways to pay for your bootcamp education. These options include:
Scholarships: Bootcamps frequently provide scholarships to help mitigate tuition expenses.
Employer Reimbursement: Some employers offer reimbursement for coding bootcamp tuition as part of their employee development programs.
Government Assistance: Local or regional government programs may offer assistance to support individuals in covering the costs of coding bootcamps in Dallas.
Veteran Support in Dallas: For certain coding programs in Dallas, like select Fullstack Academy bootcamps, military veterans can get aid through the Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses (VET TEC) program.
Personal Loans: Personal loans may also be available at the student’s discretion.
Why Choose a Coding Bootcamp?
You might be pondering, "Why choose a coding bootcamp?" Well, the bootcamp model comes with a range of advantages. Coding bootcamps in Dallas offer an outstanding chance to break into the local industry, immersing individuals in hands-on experience with the latest tools and techniques. Some formats enable students to learn directly from industry-experienced instructors in live online classes. A number of these programs also offer career success services and job search assistance.
The key to selecting the right bootcamp for you is to know the benefits and the hiring outcomes of the program you are considering and weigh them against your goals. For instance, Fullstack Academy Software Engineering Immersive Bootcamps offer the following benefits:
Focus
All coursework in the bootcamps is industry-specific, skills-based, and directly job-related.
Format
The bootcamps are project-based and incorporate a hands-on, active learning approach that encourages participation and engagement through thinking, discussing, investigating, and creating.
Flexibility & Accessibility
With immersive online learning, students can join live classes and learn from nearly any location.
Networking
The bootcamps can open doors to meeting other professionals who can provide support, industry connections, or job search assistance.
Portfolio Building
During bootcamp, students will create a portfolio of projects to show potential employers.
Skill Validation
Students will validate their knowledge and apply new skills in the bootcamps through real-life scenarios.
While Fullstack Academy Software Engineering Immersives have the potential to help individuals gain coding skills quickly and can be rewarding—they are rigorous. If you’re considering a Fullstack Academy program or another coding bootcamp in Dallas, dedication, time management, and the ability to ask for help will go a long way toward your success in and outside of bootcamp.
Typical Coding Salaries in Dallas
As a result of the dynamic nature of the tech job market, salaries for coding bootcamp graduates are subject to a wide range of influencing factors. Along with geographic location and specialized skills, experience in the field, job market demand, and negotiation skills, all contribute to salary ranges.
In February 2023, LightcastTM reported 140,000 open jobs for Web Developers and Software Engineers had been posted in the Dallas-Fort-Worth-Arlington Metro Area. According to the Projections Managing Partnership, employment of software developers in Texas is projected to grow by 36% from 2020 to 2030. Many top employers hiring in Dallas are offering competitive salaries to attract professionals with coding skills.
Here are some typical coding salaries in Dallas, according to 2023 Lightcast™ data:
Average Coding Salaries in Dallas
Web Developer: $62,013
Software Developer/Engineer: $75,600
Median Coding Salaries in Dallas
Web Developer: $94,128
Software Developer/Engineer: $99,762
Compared to the entry-level Dallas salary of $29,980 (ZipRecruiter; May 2023), these salaries are significantly higher.
Types of Coding Bootcamps in Dallas
Coding bootcamps come in different modalities to accommodate various learning preferences and schedules. Here are some common types of coding bootcamp modalities:
In-Person Bootcamps
Online Bootcamps
Hybrid or Blended Bootcamps
Self-Paced Bootcamps
Remote Bootcamps
When considering enrolling in a coding bootcamp in Dallas, modality is one of many factors to think about. You should also determine the program's duration, opting for either a full-time or part-time commitment based on your schedule and objectives. Other factors include:
Career Support: Explore how a bootcamp aids its students in their job search through career success services such as coaching, resume and cover letter optimization, interview prep, employer partnerships, and more.
Curriculum: It is essential to evaluate the program's course content, ensuring that the curriculum, skills, and programming languages taught align with your desired career trajectory.
Alumni Network: Bootcamps boasting a successful rate of graduates and hiring outcomes may offer valuable connections through alumni who can provide support and guidance for aspiring students seeking entry into the industry.
During your research on coding bootcamps in Dallas, it's prudent to consider each of these factors to pinpoint the best fit. Tailoring your choice to match your goals is vital for a successful learning experience.
Fullstack Academy Coding Bootcamps
Whether you're embarking on a career change or enhancing your existing tech skills, Fullstack Academy coding bootcamps are designed to support you in achieving your objectives.
Full-Time Software Engineering Immersive Bootcamp
Fullstack Academy’s flagship program, the Full-Time Software Engineering Immersive, is a rigorous, 16-week career accelerator for students of all starting skill levels. Students are exposed to the latest JavaScript-based software development technologies through a comprehensive curriculum and project-based approach.
Part-Time Software Engineering Immersive Bootcamp
The Part-Time Software Engineering Immersive is designed for individuals of all skill levels who need to balance everyday life commitments with career development. It offers the same rigorous curriculum as the full-time bootcamp, spread out over 28 weeks.
The Grace Hopper Software Engineering Immersive Bootcamp
The Grace Hopper Program offers a gender-allied learning experience for women and non-binary coders. The bootcamp follows the same high-quality curriculum as the Fullstack Academy Software Engineering Immersive, teaching useful coding skills, providing individualized guidance, and fostering a culture of openness and empowerment. Designed for individuals of all backgrounds, it prepares students to become professional web developers in 16-28 weeks.
Coding Bootcamp Curriculum
All Fullstack Academy coding bootcamps cover the same core, JavaScript-based curriculum and are designed to support all starting skill levels. The projects and prototypes completed throughout bootcamp come together to form a comprehensive coding portfolio and GitHub profile.
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.
Curriculum (Units)
Units
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
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.
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.
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.
University Coding Bootcamps powered by Fullstack Academy
Fullstack Academy is a trusted name in bootcamp education and partners with leading institutions nationwide as part of its mission to transform lives and communities by teaching technologies that power the future.
The University of Texas at Dallas Coding Bootcamp, powered by Fullstack Academy, provides condensed, immersive career training taught by industry-experienced instructors in convenient formats. Live online classes are offered on a full-time or part-time schedule with multiple class time options to choose from. The UT Dallas Coding Bootcamp is designed for students of all starting skill levels, including seasoned professionals looking to advance their skills and beginners switching careers.
Top Employers Hiring in Dallas
According to projections by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment landscape for software developers in the United States is expected to see a notable growth of 33 percent from 2022 to 2032 (Lightcast™; 2022). This surge in demand is greatly influenced by the rapid evolution of technology and its integration into various sectors. Businesses must expand their digital capabilities to meet evolving consumer expectations and operational needs.
In this dynamic environment, the state of Texas stands out as a significant hub for technological advancements. With a multitude of Fortune 500 companies and a burgeoning ecosystem of tech startups, Dallas provides a fertile ground for innovation and growth within the technology sector. The state's vibrant tech landscape is expected to contribute significantly to the nationwide surge in software developer jobs.
These are the top employers hiring in Dallas for coding professionals, as reported by Lightcast™:
Capital One Financial Corporation: Capital One Financial Corporation, a prominent and well-established financial services company, is proactively seeking software development talent. As the industry evolves, tech-savvy individuals play a critical role in driving innovation and meeting the changing demands of financial consumers.
United Services Automobile Association (USAA): This company offers a range of financial products and services, including banking, insurance, investments, retirement planning, and financial advice.
Citibank: Citibank is a major global banking institution and a subsidiary of Citigroup Inc., one of the largest financial services conglomerates in the world.
A specific focus of these companies is on hiring web developers, software developers, and software engineers. Tech professionals can prepare for these types of roles and more by enrolling in coding programs in Dallas.
Coding Events in Dallas
In addition to bootcamps providing the necessary skills and qualifications for many coding jobs, networking also plays a key role in maximizing career success. There are many coding events and groups in Dallas and across Texas that offer meetups, challenges, networking opportunities, and more.
Here are a few of the coding events and groups in Dallas and surrounding cities to explore:
Events and Groups
Fullstack Academy Events: Free virtual events and workshops for individuals interested in learning about tech skills, how to launch a tech career, and more.
CollaboraCode San Antonio: A team programming group for people of all levels of experience who get together and create small projects using programming languages like Javascript.
TECHSPO Dallas Technology Expo: This event unites developers, brands, marketers, and innovators, as well as explores cutting-edge advancements in Internet, Mobile, AdTech, MarTech, and SaaS technologies.
We All Code for Dallas: A volunteer-led civic technology organization that brings together developers, designers, data enthusiasts, and problem solvers to focus on government matters and advocate for open data.
Meetups
The Dallas, Texas, tech community offers a variety of meetups, events, and networking opportunities for tech enthusiasts, professionals, and aspiring software developers. These events benefit attendees by providing a forum for networking, knowledge sharing, and keeping up with the latest technologies and trends. Here are some popular tech meetups in Dallas:
Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) Python Meetup: A group for Python developers and enthusiasts to discuss Python-related topics, frameworks, and best practices.
Dallas Open Coffee Club (BigDOCC): A casual meetup for tech entrepreneurs, developers, and investors to connect and discuss startups and tech ventures.
Google Developers Group Dallas: A community-run developer group supported by Google Developers that meets one to two times a month and features speakers, coding challenges, workshops, and more.
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.
Sources
The Business Journal, “Dallas tops country for tech employment job gains”
Dallas Business Journal, “New report names Dallas-Fort Worth as top emerging technology market”
