Coding bootcamps promise a faster, cheaper path into tech. But does the data actually back that up? Whether you are weighing the cost, figuring out how long the job search really takes, or calculating what you will earn on the other side, this guide breaks it all down.
Let’s dive in 👇
Overview
ROI of Coding Bootcamps at a Glance (2026)
Here’s the TL;DR if you’re in a hurry:
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Median coding bootcamp tuition (US, 2025) | ~$14,000 |
| Average first-job salary for US bootcamp grads | $70,698 |
| Median salary increase over pre-bootcamp income | +51% |
| Bootcamp grads employed full-time (Course Report 2025) | 79% |
| CIRR audited in-field placement within 180 days | 64% to 78% |
| Median time to first job post-graduation | 3 to 6 months |
| Typical breakeven timeline | Month 15 to 19 |
| BLS projected growth: software developer roles (2024 to 2034) | +15% |
| Employers who rate bootcamp grads equal to CS degree holders | 72% |
| Share of bootcamp students who are career changers | ~72% |
Cost
What Does a Coding Bootcamp Actually Cost?
How Much Does a Coding Bootcamp Cost in 2025?
The average tuition for a full-time coding bootcamp in the US sits at $14,142 in 2025. Programs vary significantly by format and delivery method:
- In-person full-time programs: $10,000 to $20,000
- Online programs: $7,000 to $15,000
- Part-time programs: average $11,000 (SwitchUp 2025)
- Program length: 12 to 16 weeks full-time; 20 to 40 weeks part-time
What Payment Options Do Coding Bootcamps Offer?
Most programs offer two main paths. Income Share Agreements (ISAs) let graduates defer payment entirely, repaying 10 to 17% of salary once earning above $50,000 annually, capped at 1.5 to 2x the original tuition. Upfront payment avoids that premium but requires capital on hand. Free or subsidized options exist through employer partnerships, though these typically target underrepresented groups.
What Are the Hidden Costs Most Bootcamps Don’t Advertise?
Tuition is only part of the real investment. Opportunity cost is the number most bootcamp marketing skips entirely. For someone earning $45,000 before enrolling, a 6-month full-time program means $22,500 in forgone income on top of tuition. Add a typical 3-month post-graduation job search and the total investment climbs to approximately $48,750 before a single tech paycheck arrives.
Before committing financially, audit whether the format suits how you actually learn. The cost of the wrong program is not just tuition — it is months of your time.
Outcomes
Coding Bootcamp Job Placement Rates
What Is the Job Placement Rate for Coding Bootcamp Graduates?
CIRR (the Council on Integrity in Results Reporting) is the gold standard for bootcamp outcomes data. Schools that report through CIRR use standardized, independently audited definitions covering employment at 90, 180, and 360 days post-graduation, in-field vs. out-of-field roles, and median salaries.
- Course Report 2025: 79% of bootcamp alumni are employed full-time within 1 to 6 months post-graduation
- CIRR audited data: 64% to 78% in-field employment within 180 days under strict full-time, in-field definitions
- Self-reported rates from unaudited schools: 70% to 90%, frequently including any job, not just coding roles
- Ada Developers Academy: 94% within six months — top CIRR performer
- Industry average via CIRR: ~71%
Important: CIRR’s definition of “employed” means full-time, professional work in a field requiring the skills taught. Part-time jobs, internships, and freelance work do not count — making these numbers far more trustworthy than self-reported rates that often claim 90%+ without transparent methodology.
Do Coding Bootcamps Actually Help You Get a Job?
Yes, with nuance. Outcomes vary significantly by program quality, prior experience, geographic market, and specialization. Career services intensity is the #1 differentiator between strong and weak programs — daily mock interviews, resume rewrites, and employer demo days consistently add double-digit points to hire rates.
Always cross-reference self-reported placement rates against CIRR data before you commit. Programs unwilling to publish audited outcomes should be treated with significant skepticism.
Time to Hire
How Long Does It Take to Get a Job After a Coding Bootcamp?
What Is the Median Time to Hire After a Coding Bootcamp?
Short answer: longer than most bootcamp websites suggest. The median job search post-graduation runs 3 to 6 months, with 79% of alumni hired within 1 to 6 months overall per Course Report 2025. CIRR reports 71% hired within 180 days under its strict methodology.
Important: If your search stretches past 6 months, every additional month without a tech salary extends both lost income and the payback window on your original investment. Build a 6-month financial runway before you start, not after.
What Factors Speed Up Your Post-Bootcamp Job Search?
Several variables consistently move time-to-hire in the right direction:
- Prior degree: Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in any field typically shorten their search by 1 to 2 months. Employers treat it as a signal of follow-through, not a technical qualifier
- Tech stack choice: React and Python yield 15% to 25% better outcomes than niche or legacy tools. Sanjay Prajapat of igmGuru notes the best programs focus specifically on tools currently used in industry — JavaScript, Git, and React — which reduces the transition gap significantly
- Networking and alumni channels: Graduates who actively work demo days and alumni networks cut search timelines by 30 to 45 days versus those relying only on job boards
- Geographic market: San Francisco and New York City average 2 to 4 months to first hire; smaller markets stretch to 4 to 6 months or more
- AI fluency: LinkedIn’s 2025 Workforce Report shows AI skills accelerate hire speed by 20% to 30% in competitive tech fields
- Post-graduation hustle: Bootcamp graduates who contribute to open-source projects, write about what they learn, and seek active feedback consistently outperform those who stop at the certificate
Salaries
Coding Bootcamp Salaries in the United States
What Is the Average Coding Bootcamp Salary in the US?
According to Course Report’s 2025 survey, the average starting salary for a bootcamp graduate in the US is $70,698 at their first job — rising to $80,943 at their second tech role and $99,229 at their third.
80% of bootcamp graduates report a salary increase post-graduation, with nearly 40% seeing a $10,000 to $30,000 raise and almost 30% jumping $30,000 to $50,000. TripleTen’s 2025 outcomes report a median US salary of $76,600 across graduates, with software engineering roles specifically at $75,100.
What Is the Average Coding Bootcamp Salary by Role in the US?
Different tracks produce meaningfully different starting salaries. Full-stack and DevOps roles command the strongest entry-level pay, while AI and ML roles have become the fastest-growing and highest-compensated segment.
| Role | Avg. Starting Salary (US) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Full Stack Developer | $70,000 to $90,000 | Entry level often $90K to $110K at strong employers |
| Back-End Developer | $75,000 to $95,000 | Junior backend avg. ~$90K; overall backend ~$103K to $117K |
| Front-End Developer | $65,000 to $80,000 | Junior front-end avg. $81K to $86K; overall ~$101K to $122K |
| Data Analyst | $64,000 to $75,000 | Strong demand in fintech and healthtech verticals |
| UX Designer | $70,000 to $76,180 | Varies heavily by company size and specialization |
| Cybersecurity Analyst | $75,000 to $95,000 | Entry cyber range $73K to $131K; overall analyst ~$127K |
| DevOps and Cloud Engineer | $85,000 to $110,000 | Entry DevOps avg. ~$118K at high-demand firms |
| AI and ML Engineer | $100,000 to $140,000 | Fastest-growing segment; entry AI avg. ~$125K |
US Regions
Coding Bootcamp Salary by US City and Region
How Does Location Affect Coding Bootcamp Salary Outcomes?
Geography is one of the strongest salary predictors for US bootcamp graduates. The Bay Area and New York City lead by a wide margin. Emerging tech hubs in the Midwest and Southeast offer lower absolute salaries but significantly lower cost of living, which can make real-world ROI highly competitive.
| US Region | Average First Salary |
|---|---|
| Bay Area, CA | $85,000 to $110,000+ |
| New York City, NY | $80,000 to $100,000 |
| Seattle, WA | $78,000 to $95,000 |
| Austin, TX | $70,000 to $85,000 |
| Chicago, IL | $65,000 to $80,000 |
| Atlanta, GA | $62,000 to $75,000 |
| Midwest, General | $60,000 to $70,000 |
| Remote, National Average | $68,000 to $80,000 |
Does Remote Work Change the Salary Picture for Bootcamp Graduates?
Significantly. A graduate based in a lower-cost city who lands a remote role at a Bay Area employer can now access coastal compensation without coastal cost of living. This is one of the most underappreciated ROI shifts in the current bootcamp market, and it is available to any graduate who targets remote-first companies from day one of their job search.
How Do Coding Bootcamp Salaries Grow Over Time in the US?
The trajectory beyond the first role matters as much as the starting number. Graduates who specialize early in cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, or AI-adjacent development consistently compress their progression, reaching six-figure salaries within 2 to 3 years rather than 4 to 5.
ROI
Coding Bootcamp ROI vs. College
Are Coding Bootcamps Worth It Compared to College?
According to Course Report, the average 4-year CS degree at a public university costs approximately $163,140 in total (tuition, room, board, fees). The average paid bootcamp tuition? Around $14,000.
| Coding Bootcamp | 4-Year CS Degree (Public) | |
|---|---|---|
| Average total cost | ~$14,000 | $40,000 to $163,000 |
| Time to complete | 3 to 6 months | 4 years |
| Opportunity cost (lost wages) | ~$20,000 | $120,000 to $200,000 |
| Average 1st-job salary | $70,698 (Course Report 2025) | $75,000 to $95,000 |
| Salary at job #2 | $80,943 avg. | Converges after 2 to 3 yrs experience |
| Employer recognition | 72% of hiring managers value equally | Universal |
| Federal funding (2025+) | Pell Grant eligible (accredited programs) | Yes |
The salary gap narrows significantly with 2 to 3 years of experience. Many bootcamp grads at the 3-year mark earn comparable or higher salaries than degree holders in the same role. The real question is not which path is better — it is: Do you want to invest $14K and 4 to 6 months to be job-ready now, or $100K+ over 4 years for a traditional credential?
How Do You Calculate Your Personal Coding Bootcamp ROI?
Here is what the average scenario looks like with real numbers:
- Pre-bootcamp salary: $45,000
- Tuition: $15,000
- Forgone income during 6-month program: $22,500
- Forgone income during 3-month job search: $11,250
- Total real investment: $48,750
- First-job salary: $75,000 — a $30,000 annual lift
| Milestone | Cumulative Net |
|---|---|
| End of program | $15,000 spent on tuition |
| After 6 months of lost income | $37,500 total invested |
| After 3-month job search | $48,750 total invested |
| Year 1 post-hire ($30K annual lift) | ~$30,000 recovered |
| Full breakeven | Month 15 to 19 |
If you land within 1 to 2 months post-graduation, breakeven moves to Month 15. Course Report notes 79% of graduates report positive ROI by year two. That tracks with the math above.
Variables
Key Variables That Affect Coding Bootcamp ROI
What Factors Improve Coding Bootcamp ROI?
Your ROI is not a fixed number. It is a direct result of decisions made before, during, and after the program:
- CS-adjacent background (IT support, QA, database work): boosts placement rates by 20% to 30% and first salaries by $10,000 to $15,000
- Full-time format: full-time programs average 85% placement vs. part-time’s 75%, though part-time meaningfully reduces opportunity cost
- Stack selection: React and Python produce 15% to 25% higher outcomes than niche or legacy tools
- Self-directed projects: graduates who build deployed projects alongside the curriculum consistently shorten time-to-hire and raise starting offers
- Domain pairing: graduates who combine coding with expertise in fintech, healthcare, or legal tech consistently outperform generalist peers
- AI fluency: LinkedIn data shows hybrid skills including AI fluency increase hire speed by 20% in competitive markets
What Lowers Coding Bootcamp ROI?
Market saturation has reduced entry-level role volume by roughly 35% in some US metros, driven partly by AI tooling that enables smaller teams to ship more with fewer junior hires. Two expert warnings stand out:
Job Market
Job Market for Coding Bootcamp Graduates
Do Employers Actually Hire Coding Bootcamp Graduates?
Yes. According to SwitchUp, 72% of employers think bootcamp graduates are just as prepared and likely to be high performers as candidates with computer science degrees. A 2025 industry survey found 84% of companies that recently removed degree requirements called it a successful decision.
The picture changes at the very top of the market. Only around 6% of hires at leading technology companies come from bootcamp backgrounds. Robert B., Founder of Trackity, represents a real employer perspective: “A bootcamp will only give you the foundation for coding and nothing else. Meanwhile, a bachelor’s degree will teach you a wide variety of topics and fields.” That view is most relevant in enterprise, government, and legacy industry roles.
What Is the Job Market Like for Bootcamp Graduates in 2026?
The BLS projects software developer roles to grow 15% from 2024 to 2034 — more than 5x the average for all occupations. Computer and IT occupations overall are expected to generate roughly 317,700 job openings per year. The median annual wage for IT occupations was $105,990 in May 2024, more than double the US median of $49,500.
Which Industries Hire Bootcamp Grads the Most?
| Industry | Hiring Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Startups and Scale-ups | Very High | Most flexible on credentials; skills-first culture |
| SaaS and Software Companies | High | Portfolio and GitHub matter most here |
| Web3 and Crypto | Very High | Almost entirely skills-based; degree largely irrelevant |
| Fintech and Financial Services | Medium-High | Strong demand for cybersecurity and data roles |
| Healthcare Technology | Medium | Growing demand for health app developers |
| Enterprise and Fortune 500 | Medium | Some still require a 4-year degree at entry level |
| Government and Defense | Low to Medium | Security clearance and degree often required |
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it actually take to get a job after a coding bootcamp?
The median post-graduation job search runs 3 to 6 months. Course Report 2025 shows 79% of alumni employed within 1 to 6 months. CIRR’s audited definition puts 71% hired within 180 days under a stricter full-time, in-field standard. Graduates who network aggressively, build strong GitHub portfolios, and target in-demand stacks consistently land faster than those relying on job boards alone.
What is the average coding bootcamp salary in the United States?
The average first-job salary for a US bootcamp graduate is $70,698 — roughly a 51% lift over the average pre-bootcamp income of $46,974 per Course Report 2025. By the second tech role, average salaries rise to $80,943, and by the third, $99,229. Bay Area and NYC graduates regularly see first salaries of $80,000 to $110,000, while Midwest and smaller markets typically start between $60,000 and $75,000. Remote roles now allow graduates in lower-cost cities to access higher coastal salary bands regardless of location.
How long does it take to break even on a coding bootcamp investment?
For an average scenario at $45,000 pre-bootcamp salary, $15,000 tuition, a 6-month program, and a 3-month job search into a $75,000 first role, breakeven arrives around Month 19. If time-to-hire is 1 to 2 months post-graduation, breakeven moves to Month 15. Course Report notes positive ROI by year two for 79% of graduates. The timeline extends considerably for anyone taking more than 6 months to find their first role.
Are coding bootcamp job placement rates accurate?
With significant caveats. Self-reported rates from unverified programs frequently claim 85% to 100% using loose definitions that include part-time work, unrelated roles, and extended post-graduation windows. CIRR audited rates, which require full-time, in-field employment within 180 days, show 64% to 78% for verified member schools. Ada Developers Academy reaches 94%. Always check whether a school reports through CIRR before treating any placement figure as reliable data.
Which US cities pay the most for coding bootcamp graduates?
The Bay Area leads nationally with median first salaries above $85,000, followed by New York City at $80,000 to $100,000 and Seattle at $78,000 to $95,000. Austin and Chicago offer strong mid-range outcomes. For graduates targeting maximum ROI without major metro cost of living, remote roles paying $68,000 to $80,000 from lower-cost cities represent a highly competitive option through 2026.
Will a part-time coding bootcamp get you a job?
Yes, if the program is structured and career-focused. The most effective part-time bootcamps guide students through building real-world projects, preparing for technical interviews, and connecting with hiring networks. The financial advantage is significant: keeping your current income during the program dramatically lowers total investment and improves your breakeven timeline. With consistent effort and strong career support, landing a role from a part-time program is a realistic and increasingly common outcome.
Sources
Sources & References
Every statistic in this article is drawn from the following primary sources. Where possible, data is linked directly to the original publication or dataset.
| # | Source | What It Was Used For |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Course Report — Are Coding Bootcamps Worth It? (2025) | Placement rates, average salaries, pre/post-bootcamp income, career progression data |
| 2 | CIRR — Council on Integrity in Results Reporting: School Data | Audited in-field placement rates (64% to 78%), 180-day employment definitions |
| 3 | CIRR — About & Methodology | Explanation of CIRR’s reporting standards and what counts as “employed” |
| 4 | CIRR — For Students | Guidance on how students can use CIRR data to evaluate programs |
| 5 | Bureau of Labor Statistics — Software Developers Outlook (2024–2034) | 15% projected job growth, 317,700 annual openings, median IT wage of $105,990 |
| 6 | Bureau of Labor Statistics — Computer & IT Occupations | Broader IT sector employment projections and wage benchmarks |
| 7 | SwitchUp — Best Coding Bootcamps 2025 | Tuition ranges, part-time program averages, employer perception data |
| 8 | SwitchUp — Bootcamp vs. CS Degree | Cost comparison between bootcamps and 4-year CS degrees |
| 11 | Metana — Are Coding Bootcamps Worth It? 13 Expert Insights | Expert quotes from Patric Edwards, Geoffrey Bourne, Matt Mayo, Xi He, Vin Thomas, Vipul Mehta, Roman Milyushkevich, Arslan Naseem, Sanjay Prajapat |
| 12 | LinkedIn — Workforce Report 2025 | AI fluency accelerating hire speed by 20% to 30% in competitive tech markets |
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