The demand for coding is HOT right now—especially in the Windy City. With fast-growing salaries, a highly diverse group of tech founders, and a forward-looking big city vibe, Chicago’s scene is a roaring blaze of technological innovation. For jobseekers with a background in coding, Chi-Town has all the fuel you need to keep a burgeoning tech career going strong:
- Size—with 6,151 tech companies and 90,000+ STEM jobs created since 2010
- Diversity—with 26% of the workforce represented by Blacks and Latinos
- Inclusion—with the highest concentration of women-owned startups in the world (34%)
- Infrastructure—with 37 Fortune 500s and 23 tech unicorns headquartered in the region
- Pay—as the third fastest-growing tech hub by salary, which increased 12.6% from 2021–2022
- Opportunity—with over 8,000 open roles posted on Dice as of October 2024
And when you’re not coding, there’s deep dish pizza, 60+ museums, 500+ art and music venues, 600 parks, and 15 miles of sandy beaches to keep you busy. Condé Nast readers named Chi-Town the “Best Big City” five years in a row, and Timeout says it’s the “Best Food and Drink City in the World.” Plus, your money stretches farther here with a cost of living 35% lower than San Francisco, 30% lower than NYC, and rent 20% lower than other major US cities.
Eager to dive into the Chicago coding scene? Good news: you can gain the foundational knowledge and skills you need in as little as three months with 足球竞彩网 Assembly’s Software Engineering Bootcamp.
Get ready to learn about the demand for coders in Chicago, how bootcamps equip you with the skills you need, where Chicagoans are finding software engineering work, and how much you can expect to earn in the field.
Chicago tech talent: demand’s hot now
Coding pros, software engineers, data analysts, data scientists, UX designers, and IT specialists are in soaring demand around the world. A deficit of 85 million global tech jobs and $8.5 trillion in annual losses is predicted by 2030—if something doesn’t change right now.
Chicago’s bustling tech scene is a microcosm of this greater trend. Though our world-class technology hub has expanded 18% over the past decade, the tech sector’s record-low 4% unemployment rate signals there’s more tech talent demand than supply. Even with rampant post-Covid layoffs two years ago, the Chicago Business Journal reported 161,000 unfilled tech positions in the city.
So, where do you fit in?
Pick a date and let’s ignite your Chicago coding career
If you’ve got a burning desire to solve complex problems, you could be part of Chicago’s solution.
Accelerated tech learning pathways have been around since 2011, but they’re getting renewed attention in recent years due to their effectiveness at upskilling, reskilling, and deploying a robust tech workforce quickly.
Fuel your success as a coder in Chicago
足球竞彩网 Assembly’s Coding Bootcamp equips individuals—often with no prior tech experience—with essential skills through hands-on projects, personalized mentorship, and small classes. In just three to six months, you’ll master everything you need to launch your coding career, all from the convenience of an online platform.
But landing your dream coding job takes more than technical expertise. You’ll also build the confidence to excel in interviews and coll in your new role. Our bootcamp covers crucial soft skills like communication, time management, and personal branding, giving you a competitive edge that goes beyond code.
| FIND YOUR FIRE Ignite new “languages”Craft digital experiences Architect, test, and optimizeTackle modern challenges | KINDLE YOUR CODING SKILLS Python and JavaScript Agile and Scrum project management Testing and debugging Version control Cloud computing AI programming | BLAZE YOUR TRAIL Junior or senior software engineer Full-stack developer Front-end developer Solutions engineer UX/UI Developer Implementation engineer Web developer JavaScript developer AI programmer |
HEAT UP YOUR CODING CAREER:
CHOOSE CHICAGO’S TOP TECH INCUBATOR
Over the last 12+ years, 足球竞彩网 Assembly’s expert-led Chicago coding classes and award-winning coding bootcamp have empowered 100K+ students in 50 countries globally, propelling them to new heights as junior and senior software engineers, team leaders, executives, and entrepreneurs.
Chicago coding bootcamp highlights:
- 足球竞彩网 from beginner to proficient software engineer
- Accelerate your career trajectory with immersive study
- Pick up programming languages to craft modern digital experiences
- Learn the hottest skills and tools with continuously refreshed curriculum
- Build a portfolio and gain hands-on experience as you learn
- Mentor instructors from the field who are in-touch with hiring manager needs
- Access to exclusive career advancement support resources
Sometimes learning to code is only the beginning
Coding isn’t just for aspiring software engineers and developers. It’s the gateway into a range of exciting fields, from data analysis and data science to UX design and information technology, giving you the skills to pursue your passion and make an impact in the tech world.
| Data Analytics Bootcamp | Data Science Bootcamp | UX Design Bootcamp | Information Technology Bootcamp |
| Unleash the power of data, turning information into actionable insights. | Empower executives to make data-driven decisions. | 足球竞彩网 designs into intuitive digital experiences users navigate easily. | Learn the foundational IT skills you need to become A+ and Network+ certified. |
| Gain essential skills in data mining, statistical analysis, and AI. Establish proficiency in SQL, Excel, Tableau, Power BI, and Python. | Gain skills to extract insights, leverage AI, and enhance operations. Identify new business opportunities, fueling marketing and sales. | Gain skills in research, strategy, and design to enhance user interactions. Harness AI to optimize designs and develop a standout portfolio. | Gain essential IT skills in hardware, networking, and data security. Develop proficiency in software troubleshooting, scripting, network design, and data management. |
| LEARN DATA ANALYSIS | LEARN DATA SCIENCE | LEARN UX DESIGN | LEARN IT |
Rise to the top: Explore the hottest Chicago software engineering trends
Bootcamp learners are encouraged to take their love of the game beyond the classroom by networking with GA alumni on LinkedIn and attending local events.
Dive into Chicago’s vibrant tech community by joining buzz-worthy networking and industry mixers like:
- Tech in Motion Chicago: Meetups for tech professionals with engaging speakers and topics.
- Chicago Tech Week: A showcase of innovation, attracting thousands for panels and workshops.
- DevOps Days: Talks, lightning sessions, and open spaces focused on DevOps culture and tools.
足球竞彩网 Assembly’s exclusive online workshops, coding events, and info sessions are geared to help you sharpen your skills, meet others in the space, and boost your job prospects. Chicago might be a bustling city of 2.6 million, but it feels a lot smaller when you’re networking with fellow tech enthusiasts and future coders.
Soar past other jobseekers with personalized support
Beyond the bootcamp, 足球竞彩网 Assembly is backed by the strength of the Adecco Group, our parent company and one of the world’s largest staffing firms, and enhanced by our exclusive partnership with LHH, the global leader in talent solutions. From the start, students build portfolios and develop job search skills—and post-graduation, they gain two months of personalized career coaching, priority access to LHH’s job board, and lifetime networking support. This powerful support network helps over 90% of our graduates land coding roles within 180 days.
Compare coding paths: Bootcamp, college, or self-study—how will you ascend?
With one in three companies no longer requiring college degrees, the modern crop of coders are exploring alternate learning paths. A coding bootcamp in Chicago provides that perfect sweet spot of speed, flexibility, and affordability, offering robust resources to help you locate the right career opportunity and succeed with your new skill set. See how your options stack up in the chart below.
| Self-study full-stack web developer certificate in Chicago | Front-End Developer Course or Full-Stack Web Development Course in Chicago | Full-Time or Part-Time Coding Bootcamp in Chicago | Bachelor’s degree in Software Development at UChicago | |
| Duration | 27 hours 4 weeks | 40-60 hours 10 weeks | 12 weeks, full-time 32 weeks, part-time | 4 years, full-time |
| Format | Live, instructor-led | Self-paced | Live instructor-led + self-paced | Instructor-led |
| Flexibility | Low | High | High | Low |
| Curriculum | Can be general or tailored to specific skill sets or technologies | Covers both front-end and back-end applications | Comprehensive foundational knowledge, high-demand skills, and specialization tracks—can be customized to the employer | Covers a broad range of topics including software engineering principles, programming languages, and project management |
| Learning pace | Leisurely with 3 hour sessions 2x per week | Intensive, with a fast-paced learning environment | Manageable pace, designed to accommodate working professionals | Structured pace, with courses typically spread over 8 semesters |
| Cost | Varies by institution, but relatively low | Varies by institution, format, and duration of the program | More affordable than a traditional degree, with financial aid options | Highest cost option due to long duration, material costs, and additional fees |
| Certificate | Industry certificate | Course completion certificate | Bootcamp completion certificate | Bachelor’s degree |
| Career support | Little to no guidance | Some guidance | Mentor support + access to a network of employers looking to hire recent grads | Internships, guidance counselor support, and access to alumni network |
| Credentials | Certificate in: Full Stack Web Development | Certificates in: JavaScript Development Python ProgrammingReact Development | Certificates in: Software Engineering Data Analytics Data Science UX Design | BS in Computer Science BS in Software Engineering BS in Information Technology |
From learning to earning: the ROI of coding bootcamps
The cost of education is ever rising, making some question whether a traditional university degree is worth it. Local Chicagoans pay $64,260 a year for tuition—or $257,040 for a bachelor’s degree. And that’s if you’re lucky, as the average student takes five or six years to earn a four-year degree these days.
Bootcamps, on the other hand, wrap up in a few months’ time and cost less than one-third of one semester at UChicago. Instead of paying down debt for 20 years, bootcamp alumni land a job in their field where they get paid a decent salary and recoup ROI from their educational investments much quicker.
For instance, a software engineer in Chicago makes an average annual salary of $109,946—that’s 450% ROI!
And just like universities, bootcamps accept scholarships, financial aid, discounts, and payment plans.
LEARN MORE ABOUT FINANCING & TUITION
Catch wind of coding career opportunities in Chicago
There’s a wide range of employers hiring entry-level coding talent in Chicago.
- You might find your next software engineering role at one of the 7,000+ tech companies, including Meta, Cisco, SAP, Sprout Social, BigTime Software, ServiceNow, and Monday.com.
- Or you might look to Boeing, Grubhub, Capital One, Uber, Tempus, and others—as every industry is a tech industry these days. Often, the “best places to work” in Chicago depend upon your interests.
- Or maybe you’ll work at one of Chicago’s thriving unicorn startups, like ShipBob, which became the latest to hit a $1 billion valuation, alongside G2, ActiveCampaign, Enfusion, Project44, Bringg, Relativity, Cameo, and Amount.
As a software engineer, you may work on sustainable food systems, gender equality, molecular data, manufacturing advances, or cost-saving initiatives. These are just a few of the many storylines making Chicago a beacon for tech innovation today.
Consider a Chicago coding bootcamp as your stepping stone to a job you love.
Birds of a feather flock together: Hear from GA alumni
The delivery of information in easy to digest chunks of information was very helpful, as were the coding exercises with helpful hints after each section. This new JavaScript knowledge has opened a whole new world to me that works hand in hand with my HTML/CSS, visual design and UX design skills. I would highly recommend the course.
Lena, GA graduate
USE A TOP CHICAGO TECH BOOTCAMP TO START YOUR CAREER WITH A TOP CHICAGO EMPLOYER.
Ready for your transformation?
Starting a coding bootcamp can feel like a leap of faith, but it’s also a chance to start fresh. And who says you need to plunge headfirst?
- Test the headwinds by attending a free event or exploring your options with our Chicago team.
- Float an online Python short course to decide if this transformative journey is right for you.
- Connect with GA’s Admissions team for a tailored guidance strategy that aligns with your ambitions.
And if you’re still weighing your options, that’s ok too. Education is a life-changer. Explore FAQs below.
Chicago coding bootcamp FAQ
HOW DO I KNOW IF I’M BOOTCAMP-READY? You might be bootcamp ready if:
- You’re passionate about tech, problem-solving, and continuous learning.
- Project-based, hands-on work excites your curiosity and creativity.
- You’ve dabbled in basic programming concepts like HTML and CSS.
- You’re eager to master programming languages like Python or JavaScript.
- You’re ready to commit several hours a day to learning and practicing coding.
- You’re interested in networking with Chicago’s thriving tech community and bootcamp alumni.
- You’ve explored career options and interests through our Meet Your Match quiz.
WHY IS THIS CHICAGO SOFTWARE ENGINEERING BOOTCAMP RELEVANT? Every company, not just Silicon Valley titans, is evolving into a tech-driven business. The demand for software engineers in Chicago and beyond is skyrocketing as industries seek professionals who can craft innovative, sustainable solutions. No matter your previous background, there’s a growing opportunity to carve out a tech career that’s fulfilling and future-proof.
WILL I EARN A SOFTWARE ENGINEERING CERTIFICATE? Yes. Upon completing 足球竞彩网 Assembly’s Chicago Software Engineering Bootcamp, you’ll receive a certificate of completion. Many alumni leverage this certificate to demonstrate their skills to employers—including our hiring partners—and showcase it on LinkedIn. GA’s bootcamps are highly regarded by top employers across Chicago, the U.S., and globally.
WHAT ARE THE PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUNDS OF CHICAGO SOFTWARE ENGINEERING BOOTCAMP STUDENTS? Our students come from a variety of fields—sales, marketing, finance, and project management—but they all share a passion for transitioning into tech. Many students aim to become software engineers or web developers, while others blend their new coding skills with past experiences to take on more specialized roles.
DO I NEED ANY PREREQUISITES TO LEARN SOFTWARE ENGINEERING? This beginner-friendly bootcamp doesn’t require prerequisites, though many students have prior self-learning or tech-adjacent experience. Whether you’re new to coding or seeking formal training, our program equips you with the programming skills, tools, and frameworks needed for today’s job market. Our Admissions team is happy to discuss if this bootcamp aligns with your goals.
WHAT DOES MY TUITION COVER? Our Chicago Software Engineering Bootcamp tuition includes:
- Expert instruction in essential software engineering skills.
- Pre-course materials to familiarize you with foundational concepts.
- Access to project toolkits, professional-grade coursework, and a portfolio to showcase to employers.
- One-on-one feedback from instructors and teaching assistants.
- Career services, including interview prep, resume reviews, and networking events.
- A GA course certificate to display on your LinkedIn profile and job applications.
WHAT PROJECTS WILL I WORK ON? You’ll work on a full-stack capstone project, collaborating with peers to build and deploy an application that meets specific requirements, integrating functionality from third-party APIs. Your portfolio will also include solo and group projects, giving you hands-on experience with front-end and full-stack applications.
HOW DOES THIS CHICAGO SOFTWARE ENGINEERING BOOTCAMP RELATE TO OTHER GA COURSES? This bootcamp is for those serious about transitioning into tech. If you’re interested in testing the waters, consider our Front-End Web Development or JavaScript courses, which provide a taste of what it’s like to work in the industry.
WHAT IS THE FORMAT OF THIS SOFTWARE ENGINEERING BOOTCAMP? Our Chicago bootcamp offers both full-time (12 weeks) and part-time (24 weeks) options, all available online. Experience live learning and expert-led practice to master the tools needed to thrive in the tech world.
HOW CAN I LEARN MORE? Our Admissions team is here to help. Join an info session, explore financing options, or apply today to kick-start your coding journey in Chicago.