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Coding bootcamps can fast-track professionals to new careers in the growing computer and information technology (IT) field. Bootcamps offer intensive, short-term web development training that often takes less time and money to complete than a traditional college degree in computer science.
Coding bootcamp participants learn practical, job-relevant skills to help them qualify for in-demand positions. The tech industry faces a major shortage of skilled workers, making now a smart time to enter the field. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects computer and IT occupations will grow 13% between 2020 and 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.
Students looking for a coding school in Portland can choose from many high-quality options. This roundup of Portland coding bootcamps is a great place to start your search.
What Is a Coding Bootcamp?
Coding bootcamps provide fast, focused IT training. Most bootcamps are dedicated to web and software development and developing career-relevant skills. Students learn to use programming languages to solve problems and create or modify software, websites, games, and applications.
Coding bootcamps often require significantly less time and money than an associate or bachelor's degree in computer science. Schools provide online, in-person, and hybrid bootcamps with part-time, full-time, and self-paced options. Independent institutions and universities both offer coding bootcamps.
The Portland metropolitan area, sometimes called Silicon Forest, is home to tech companies that produce hardware parts like computer chips, printers, and electronic displays. The region's plethora of tech professionals may be one reason why so many high-quality Portland coding bootcamps exist.
Students who complete a Portland coding bootcamp may find more local internship, mentoring, and job opportunities than those who enroll in bootcamps in other cities.
Skills Learned in Portland Coding Bootcamps
Portland coding bootcamps help students develop practical technical skills that they can use in entry-level computer and IT jobs immediately after graduating. Bootcamp participants learn popular programming languages and frameworks. Students who attend coding school in Portland also gain important soft skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and communication.
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Programming Languages and Frameworks: Most coding bootcamps teach JavaScript. Other commonly taught cover programming languages include Python, Ruby on Rails, and .Net/C#. Frameworks include Bootstrap, Foundation, and AngularJS. Besides learning specific languages and frameworks, students acquire the tools and strategies for learning a new computer language. -
Problem-Solving Skills: Problem-solving is a major component of many coding jobs. Bootcamp participants learn how to identify and solve tech problems by breaking them down into smaller, more manageable tasks. -
Teamwork and Collaboration: Many IT jobs require teamwork and interdepartmental collaboration to create applications, software programs, and games. Developers often work alongside legal teams, user experience experts, and product designers. Bootcamp participants get experience working with others on real-world coding projects and group exercises. -
Communication: Working in the tech industry requires good communication skills. Developers often need to explain their work and thought processes to others with less tech knowledge, like clients. Coding bootcamps teach students how to communicate their ideas and projects clearly and concisely to both tech and non-tech audiences.
What Will a Coding School in Portland Cost?
The cost for a coding school in Portland varies. Factors that can impact price include: level of prestige, institution type (public or private), program length, and education format (online, in person, or hybrid).
Typical coding bootcamp tuition can range from $3,000 to over $20,000. Community colleges and nonprofit groups may offer more affordable or even free bootcamps. Some private coding programs cost significantly more.
Typical coding bootcamp tuition can range from $3,000 to over $20,000.
When calculating the cost of a Portland coding bootcamp, make sure to consider the overall costs, not just tuition. This may include application fees and the cost of required hardware and software.
When deciding on a bootcamp, consider the cost against your potential salary after graduating to determine how long it takes to get a return on investment. Some Portland coding bootcamps may provide job guarantees or require no upfront tuition. These arrangements let students complete coding bootcamps with less financial risk.
- Get more details about bootcamp costs
- Learn how to pay for a coding bootcamp
- Explore financial aid and scholarship options
- Use the GI Bill® to pay for a coding bootcamp
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What Jobs Can I Get After a Portland Coding Bootcamp?
Completing a Portland coding bootcamp can prepare students for many technical computer careers. Attending a bootcamp does not guarantee a job, as education and experience requirements vary by career and employer. Below, we describe some potential careers for graduates, including typical duties, job outlook, required skills, and average salary.
Computer Programmers
Although the BLS projects the job outlook for this career will decline from 2020 to 2030, computer programmer positions will likely still open when people retire or move to other jobs. Computer programmers write and test code. Typical duties include creating, testing, and updating computer programs.
Software Developers
The BLS projects much-faster-than-average growth for software developers between 2020 and 2030. Developers design and develop software. They need excellent problem-solving, communication, and analytical skills. Creativity and a knack for details also leads to success.
Web Designers
Web designers create the front-end experience for websites. They make sites engaging and user-friendly. Important skills include familiarity with HTML, JavaScript, Adobe Dreamweaver, and Adobe Photoshop. They often need graphic design experience. Many web designers work remotely.
Video Game Designers
Video game designers write code and test game software. Creative, detail-oriented problem-solvers succeed in this field. Game designers may specialize as art directors, graphic designers, multimedia artists, or software developers.
- Average Annual Salary: $66,580
Data Scientists
A relatively new and lucrative career, data scientists help organizations make decisions using data. Important skills for data scientists include data mining, Java, big data analytics, and SQL. Data scientists also need communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Average Annual Salary: $97,000
Other Computer Science Education Options
Instead of completing a coding school in Portland, some people pursue a formal degree in computer science instead. Higher education programs take much longer to complete than a Portland coding bootcamp. Earning a degree can increase the number of potential jobs available to you after graduation. Below, we explain other educational paths.
Associate Degree in Computer Science
An associate degree in computer science often takes two years or fewer for full-time students. Associate programs prepare graduates for transfer to a bachelor's program, or for entry-level IT roles like computer support specialist.
Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science
A bachelor's degree in computer science provides a broad theoretical foundation in computing. Students also develop practical skills and can apply for jobs like computer programmer, information security analyst, and software developer.
Master's Degree in Computer Science
Computer science master's programs cover advanced topics in the field and let students develop expertise in a narrow subdiscipline. Graduates qualify for high-level positions like computer and information research scientist.
Ph.D. in Computer Science
A Ph.D. in computer science helps students reach the highest research and teaching positions in the industry. Doctoral candidates spend years doing research and completing a dissertation and developing expertise in a narrow area of computer science.
Explore Other Coding Bootcamps
Schools offer many types of bootcamps. Students may want to consider coding bootcamps in another city, ones that take place online, or that offer the best value.
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Learn MoreTop Coding Bootcamps in Portland
A number of online, in-person, and hybrid coding bootcamps in Portland are currently open to new students. Please note that these are not short courses meant for casual information.
Portland coding bootcamps are intense and demanding, meant for those who want to start or advance a career in computer science. Some of these bootcamps rack up high prices as well. A few of these Portland coding bootcamps require a commitment of 25-40 hours a week to in-person or virtual classes, projects, and practice.
Alchemy Code Lab
Founded in 2016, Alchemy Code Lab is one of the best-rated coding bootcamps in downtown Portland. Cohort sizes range from 20-30 students, with a standard of six cohorts every year.
Software Developer Training Program
Serving beginner and junior web developers seeking to further their careers, Alchemy Code Lab's software developer training program includes four courses and covers full-stack Javascript, HTML, jQuery, CSS, SQL, and other advanced software developer tools.
Enrollees need prior coding and web development experience. They must take a placement test and interview as part of the application process. The 25-week, full-time, online program is led by industry professionals. All training is live with no part-time or self-paced courses. The bootcamp offers financial aid and scholarships, plus robust career development services to make students industry-ready.
- Cost: $24,000
- Format: Online; full time
- Length: 25 weeks
- CIRR Member: No
Other Courses Offered by Alchemy Code Lab
- Developer 101
Alchemy Code Lab's Job Placement Assistance
Although the bootcamp makes no job guarantees, it offers career assistance to every student, from preparing resumes to landing interviews. Alchemy Code Lab boasts an 88% placement rate. Alchemy graduates make a median starting salary of $80,000 annually.
Epicodus
An affordable Portland coding bootcamp, Epicodus started in 2012 and boasts over 2,000 students and alumni. Courses are open to anyone with a high school diploma or GED certificate. The class size is 30, with one primary instructor.
Introduction to Programming
Available both full and part time, the Introduction to Programming bootcamp caters to beginners who want to get started in tech. Subjects include HTML, CSS, Git, Command line, Markdown, JavaScript, jQuery, and Bootstrap. The course also includes job prep and five weeks of internship with a partner tech company.
Classes are live and hands-on. Students typically work in pairs, with a few hours of independent projects every week. The full-time course is 27 weeks long, while the 40-week, part-time course is offered as evening classes.
- Cost: $11,700
- Format: Online, on campus; full and part time
- Length: 27 weeks full time; 40 weeks part time
- CIRR Member: Yes
Other Courses Offered by Epicodus
- C# and React (part time)
- Ruby and React (part time)
Epicodus' Job Placement Assistance
Epicodus includes an internship in the bootcamp. While the company aims to help graduates land a job after they finish the course, Epicodus makes no placement guarantees.
PDX Code Guild
Founded in 2013, Portland-based PDX Code Guild offers short computer programming courses for a head start in tech. Open to all experience levels, the bootcamp carries licensure from the Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission.
Full Stack Developer Day Bootcamp
The immersive beginner coding bootcamp in Portland focuses on HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Python, offering both in-person and online course delivery. The bootcamp includes group projects, pair programming, and independent projects to help students build a solid portfolio.
The course ends with a capstone project involving the skills students learn at the bootcamp. This Portland coding bootcamp does not require previous coding skills. Still, applicants must complete the Guild's two-week introductory course as a prerequisite. The bootcamp also offers job prep and career assistance.
- Cost: $21,400
- Format: Online and on campus; full time
- Length: 14 weeks
- CIRR Member: No
Other Courses Offered by PDX Code Guild
- Full Stack Evening Boot Camp
- Advanced Javascript
- Programming 101
PDX Code Guild's Job Placement Assistance
At the end of the bootcamp, PDX Code Guild has the career services advisor assist grads with landing their first job. However, there is no placement guarantee.
Tech Academy
Looking for a flexible Portland coding bootcamp? Tech Academy is for you. Founded in 2014, the bootcamp features campuses in Portland and Salt Lake City. Tech Academy offers open enrollment and a variety of affordable courses for tech careers.
Software Developer Bootcamp
An intense and comprehensive program, the software developer bootcamp teaches more than programming languages. These languages can help students prepare for a number of junior-level career options in software and web development. Although classes are hybrid, the courses are self-paced, and students set their own schedules.
Instructors are available online during normal hours over phone, video, and email. Courses conclude with live projects, job prep, and career assistance. Tech Academy is licensed through the Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission. The academy is in the process of gaining accreditation.
- Cost: $11,660 (full time); $14,000 (part time)
- Format: Hybrid; full or part time, self-paced
- Length: 22 weeks full time; 40 weeks part time
- CIRR Member: Yes
Other Courses Offered by Tech Academy
- Game Developer Bootcamp
- Mobile App Developer Bootcamp
- Javascript Developer Bootcamp
Tech Academy's Job Placement Assistance
Tech Academy offers job assistance to graduates. According to the CIRR H2 2020 report, 48.8% of grads landed a job within 90 days with a median salary of $60,000.
FAQ About Coding Schools in Portland
Are coding bootcamps in Portland worth the investment?
Portland coding bootcamps can be an excellent investment. Graduates learn the skills they need to apply for many lucrative, in-demand IT positions.Where can you get hired after going to a Portland coding bootcamp? true
After completing a Portland coding bootcamp, students find work at diverse organizations inside and outside the tech industry. Potential jobs include software developer, web developer, or computer programmer.Are coding schools in Portland better than other bootcamps?
A coding school in Portland benefits from its location in the "Silicon Forest." Students can take advantage of the high concentration of tech companies and workers to network, get internships, and apply for jobs.How much do bootcamp coders make?
The typical salary for Portland coding bootcamp graduates varies. The BLS reports computer and IT occupations earned a median annual salary of $91,250 as of 2020. Factors that can impact earnings include previous education, level of experience, specialization, and location.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 website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/.
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