Coding Bootcamps in D.C.

Washington, D.C. is a hub for policy leaders and industries. As a tech hub, the city offers the unique opportunity to partner business opportunities with the local and federal government. The city houses over 1,000 tech startups and features a highly-competitive workforce in cybersecurity due to the proximity of Washington, D.C.’s tech world to high-value information used in government and the military.

Coding bootcamps help professionals advance current careers in tech or find new careers in the field. Most bootcamps do not require any previous experience in tech. Professionals can earn hands-on, practical knowledge in coding, cybersecurity, and data science, often for less time and money than a traditional degree program.

In the following sections, readers will discover some of the top Washington, D.C. bootcamps for tech. Readers can find bootcamps in cybersecurity, data analysis, digital marketing, and web development.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 13% growth in computer and information technology careers from 2021-2031, a rate much faster than the national average for all occupations. The median annual salary for computer and information technology careers reached $97,430 in 2021.

The Washington, D.C. metro area and suburbs account for 31,000 tech jobs, not including tech careers in other industries, including healthcare and education. Many jobs in the city focus on cybersecurity. The BLS projects that information security analysts will experience 33% growth from 2021-2031. The median annual salary for a cybersecurity professional was $102,600 as of May 2021.

The BLS found that Washington, D.C. has the second-highest location quotient of information security analysts and has the fifth-highest annual mean wage for information security analysts. Cybersecurity professionals in Washington, D.C. earned a median annual wage of $124,980 as of May 2021.

Graduates from tech bootcamps based in Washington, D.C. gain access to career services and hiring partners in the area. Many bootcamps provide career counselors who offer resume reviews and interview prep. Readers can also find bootcamps that provide local internship opportunities so students can network with businesses and build connections.

Each coding bootcamp sets its tuition fees. Bootcamp prices may range from $3,000-$16,000. Readers can also find nonprofit bootcamps that provide services for free. Coding bootcamps also typically offer financial assistance in the form of payment plans, scholarships, and loans.

Readers should always research tuition costs and financial assistance options before applying to a bootcamp.

Yes, there are free coding bootcamps in Washington, D.C. Ada Developers Academy, for example, is a nonprofit organization that provides free bootcamps for women and gender-expansive adults.

Even bootcamps that charge tuition may offer free classes or materials. While students would not gain access to full bootcamp materials, these free courses can help students begin their coding education.

According to Payscale, the average salary for a web developer in Washington, D.C. was $71,510 as of July 2022. The BLS found that the national median wage for all web developers and digital designers was $77,200. Readers should note that salaries often differ based on factors like the professional’s experience level and education.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://benefits.va.gov/gibill/index.asp.

Feature Image: John Baggaley / Moment / Getty Images