Chicago is one of America’s most exciting places to be if you're in the market for a tech job, with over 6,000 tech companies in the area and more than 375 start-ups founded in the last five years alone.

If you’re looking to join the tech industry in Chicago, there’s no better place to start than a Chicago coding bootcamp.

Whether you’re looking for better pay, more growth and job opportunities, or a fresh start with a second career, coding could be the answer.

In this article, we’ll cover what a coding bootcamp involves and help you decide whether an online or in-person coding bootcamp in Chicago is the best fit for you.

Learn more about the Altcademy Full-Stack Web Development course

Coding Job Opportunities in Chicago

The Chicago area is full of tech companies looking to hire coding bootcamp graduates for various positions, from web development to web design and computer programming. You can choose from a wide variety of roles at tech companies such as Google, LinkedIn, Salesforce, and many more that are headquartered or that have offices in the Chicago area.

Let’s look at a couple of the openings available in the city.

Spectrum Communications & Consulting

Lead generation company Spectrum is recruiting for a junior back-end software developer. They are looking for someone who is detail-oriented, with knowledge of programming languages.

ACTICO

Software company ACTICO is recruiting for an entry-level software engineering consultant. No specific work experience is required, although they regard good Java programming skills as very desirable.

With your Altcademy graduate certificate, you’ll be perfectly positioned to land a tech job in Chicago or anywhere else in the U.S.

What Is a Coding Bootcamp?

These immersive programs focus on fast-tracking aspiring web developers and software engineers to practical proficiency in coding.

Forget the traditional computer science courses which require years of commitment - coding bootcamps are shorter and more affordable. And, the best part? You'll still be able to add a well-respected bootcamp certificate to your resume, proving your ability to hit the ground running on any software development or engineering job.

Hundreds of successful graduates have increased their earning potential and landed their dream careers with a coding bootcamp.

In-Person vs. Online Coding Bootcamps

Coding bootcamps in Chicago and elsewhere are either run in person, or online, or as a combination of these two formats.

In-person coding bootcamps: For those who thrive in a structured and social learning environment, in-person coding bootcamps offer a traditional classroom feel with a set schedule and physical presence requirements. However, these rigid requirements can exclude individuals with work or family commitments looking to gain new coding skills.

Online bootcamps: These digital classrooms offer ultimate flexibility with tools like video conferencing, chat, and forums that allow you to engage with the course content at any time, from anywhere. You'll have the freedom to go at your own pace and learn at lightning speed or take your time, whichever feels best for you!

Plus, online bootcamps save you money on transportation, housing, and meals, making it a more affordable and accessible option no matter where you are in the world.

Explore Altcademy’s Full-Stack Web Development course

What Skills Will I Learn at a Coding Bootcamp?

If you're looking for a comprehensive educational experience, a full-stack developer course may be your best bet. Get ready to dive deep into the world of back-end and front-end development. Upon completion of the course, you'll have all the necessary tools for securing your dream job as a developer.

The best Chicago coding bootcamps will cover:

Programming languages

You'll immerse yourself in the fundamentals of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and various other stack development tools used by both front-end and back-end web developers.

Web development courses

Many coding bootcamps focus on building dynamic and responsive websites and web applications.

Software engineering

Dive headfirst into the world of software engineering through learning about object-oriented programming, statistical modelling, data structures, data analytics, and database architecture.

Computer science basics

You'll gain a deep understanding of the inner workings of technology, from computer systems to databases. You'll also be equipped with the knowledge needed to navigate networks and security with confidence.

Career services

You will have the opportunity to build a professional portfolio, allowing you to confidently stride into interviews feeling prepared and ready to showcase your talents.

How Long Does a Coding Bootcamp Take to Complete?

Coding bootcamps in Chicago and elsewhere can take three to six months to complete, depending on whether you're a full-time or part-time student.

Altcademy offers self-paced online programs, which means that you set your own timeline. For example, you can learn full-stack web development in 25 or 50 weeks, depending on whether you spend 5 or 10 hours per week on learning.

Key Benefits of Learning Coding with Altcademy

Our fully online coding bootcamp offers immersive programs designed for beginners learning from scratch. Whether you want to focus on front-end, back-end, or full-stack web development, Altcademy programs have got you covered. Plus, our career advice ensures you'll be ready to hit the ground running with a portfolio that'll wow potential employers. It's no wonder that over 85% of Altcademy graduates land a tech job within six months of completing the program.

Learning coding with Altcademy allows you to:

• Save time: Altcademy offers flexible schedules and self-paced programs. Learn from your home, at the pace that suits you.
• Save money: Altcademy is more affordable than comparable coding bootcamps.
• Learn from anywhere: As long as you have your laptop and a stable Internet connection, you can complete the online classes wherever you are.
• Get constant feedback from mentors and engage with classmates: Altcademy offers private one-on-one chats during office hours and fast response rates to any questions.
• Enjoy lifetime access: Access our entire curriculum whenever you want, for as long as you want—at no extra cost. Pay once, learn for life.
• Build a great portfolio: Your mentor will ensure your portfolio conveys your knowledge and capabilities to potential employers.

Designed by industry experts, Altcademy’s programs are recognized as one of the top bootcamps in the industry. The curriculum is regularly updated to keep up with the latest technology trends.

Here are just some of our accolades:

🏆 The Best Coding Bootcamps of 2023: Forbes

🏆 Top 3 Best Online Bootcamps 2021: SwitchUp

🏆 Best Coding Bootcamp 2022: Course Report

🏆 Best coding Bootcamp 2022 and Best Online Bootcamp 2022: Career Karma

Learn to code with Altcademy now

Coding Bootcamp FAQs

Is a coding bootcamp worth it?

Coding bootcamps offer tailor-made programs specifically designed to set you on the road to success. Whether you're a rookie looking to break into the market or an experienced professional ready for something new, you'll find the ideal combination of valuable skills and practical experience at the top coding bootcamps.

What does a coding bootcamp cost?

With coding bootcamp prices ranging from a whopping $20,000 to under $3,000, it can be difficult to know what to expect to fork out. Luckily, Altcademy is a budget-friendly option that doesn't skimp on quality.

Can you get a job with just a coding bootcamp?

The demand for skilled coding professionals is higher than ever, and bootcamps provide a great opportunity to enter the industry quickly as a web developer, software developer, or engineer. Altcademy has trained remarkable alumni, who have gone on to become QA analysts at Knak, associate software developer consultants at Thrivent, API product managers at MyCase, innovation engineers at Elastic, and front-end developers at Influx Marketing, to name just a few.

How much money will I make after completing a coding bootcamp?

Attending a coding bootcamp can be a lucrative investment for those looking to break into the tech industry. The salary you'll earn upon graduation depends on a variety of factors – your background knowledge, your practical experience, and the specific corporate culture you choose to join. Even without a college degree, you can expect to start earning a salary range between $52,000 and $72,000 per year, thanks to the skills you've gained through the bootcamp experience.