Hey there, savvy learner! Are you intrigued by the world of coding but also wondering if you can make some bucks while you’re at it? Well, you’re in the right place! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the exciting opportunities that allow you to get paid while you learn to code. From potential earnings to companies that are eager to invest in your learning journey, we’ve got it all covered. Stick around, and you might just find that learning to code can be both rewarding and, quite literally, rewarding!
Can I Get Paid to Learn Coding?
Is It Even Possible?
Absolutely, it’s possible! Various avenues can actually pay you while you’re still in the “learning the ropes” phase. Companies, particularly in the tech and startup sectors, often have internship or apprenticeship programs specifically designed to help you learn coding while getting paid for it.
The Types of Programs Available
Different routes can lead to a paycheck at the end of the month while you’re learning to code. These could include:
- Paid Internships: Many tech companies offer internships that not only teach you coding skills but also pay you for your time.
- Bootcamps with Stipends: Some coding bootcamps provide stipends to cover living expenses while you’re enrolled.
- Company-Sponsored Education: Some employers offer to pay for coding classes as part of their employee benefits package.
Where to Look
So, where can you find these opportunities? Job boards like Indeed or Glassdoor are great places to start, but you can also look at specific company websites, tech meetups, and forums where these types of opportunities are often advertised.
By diving into these options, you’ll find that not only is getting paid to learn coding achievable, but it’s also more common than you might think. So yes, you can absolutely get paid to learn coding. It’s not a myth – it’s a very attainable reality!
How Much Can You Make Learning to Code?
What’s the Earning Potential?
The earnings can vary widely based on the route you take. But let’s cut to the chase: You can generally expect to earn anywhere from $15 to $25 an hour as a paid intern in a tech company. Bootcamps that offer stipends generally provide around $1000 to $2000 per month to cover living expenses.
Factors That Influence Earnings
Your earning potential while learning to code can depend on various factors such as:
- Geographical Location: Companies in big tech hubs like San Francisco, New York, or Seattle generally pay higher stipends or hourly rates.
- The Company Itself: Larger, more established companies usually offer better compensation compared to startups or smaller enterprises.
- Skill Level: The more you know, the more you can earn. Some internships pay more for interns with some prior coding knowledge or other relevant skills.
Additional Perks and Benefits
Remember, when we talk about ‘earnings,’ it isn’t just about the money. Many companies also offer other perks such as mentorship, networking opportunities, and even job placement upon successful completion of your learning journey.
So there you have it! While you’re not going to get rich learning to code, you can definitely earn some respectable pocket money and gain valuable experience simultaneously. Shall we move on?
What Companies Will Pay You to Learn to Code?
- Devmountain
- Type of Assistance: Free housing
- Eligibility Requirements: You have to be enrolled in a full-time, in-person program. Availability is limited.
- Location: Lehi, Utah & Dallas, Texas
- 42
- Type of Assistance: Free housing
- Eligibility Requirements: Must be 18 years old or older.
- Location: Silicon Valley, California
- V School
- Type of Assistance: Free housing and free public transportation
- Eligibility Requirements: Full-time Career Changer students.
- Location: SLC, Utah
- Big Nerd Ranch
- Type of Assistance: Free housing, meals, and transportation
- Eligibility Requirements: Some courses require prior coding experience.
- Location: New York City
- Hacker Paradise
- Type of Assistance: Free housing
- Eligibility Requirements: Must enroll in one of the school’s bootcamp programs.
- Location: Global
- Institute of Code
- Type of Assistance: Housing and meals included in tuition
- Eligibility Requirements: None specified, but limited to 16 students per bootcamp.
- Location: Bali, Indonesia
- Hack Reactor
- Type of Assistance: Living stipend
- Eligibility Requirements: Students belonging to underrepresented communities in tech.
- Location: Various
- Thinkful
- Type of Assistance: Deferred tuition with a living stipend
- Eligibility Requirements: Must be at least 18, a U.S. citizen or green card holder, and pass a background check.
- Location: Online
- Fullstack Academy
- Type of Assistance: Living stipend
- Eligibility Requirements: Varies depending on program or scholarship.
- Location: New York
- Deep Dive Coding
- Type of Assistance: Subsidized housing
- Eligibility Requirements: None specified.
- Location: Albuquerque, NM
- Recurse Center
- Type of Assistance: Need-based living expense grant
- Eligibility Requirements: Grants available to people who identify as women, trans, genderqueer, non-binary, Black, Latinx, Native American, or Pacific Islander.
- Location: Not specified
- LearningFuze
- Type of Assistance: Subsidized housing, meals, and more
- Eligibility Requirements: None specified.
- Location: Irvine, CA
Is Learning to Code a Good Side Hustle?
Coding can indeed be a rewarding and financially beneficial side hustle. It offers flexibility, opportunities for skill development, and the potential for good income. However, it’s not without its drawbacks, such as the time investment required and inconsistent initial earnings. It’s essential to weigh the pros and cons carefully and consider how well it will fit into your current lifestyle and future plans.
Pros
- Flexibility: One of the biggest advantages of coding as a side hustle is the flexibility it offers. You can work on projects during your free time and from virtually anywhere.
- Skill Development: Not only can you earn money, but you also continue to improve and diversify your coding skills, which could be beneficial in your primary job or future endeavors.
- Low Start-up Costs: All you really need is a decent computer and an internet connection. With a wealth of free resources available online, the barrier to entry is quite low.
- Demand: The tech industry is booming, and skilled coders are in high demand. With a solid portfolio, you can attract clients willing to pay well for your services.
- Scalability: As you grow your skills and client base, there is the potential to turn your side hustle into a full-time endeavor if you choose to.
Cons
- Time-Intensive: Learning to code and becoming proficient takes time. It can be challenging to balance a full-time job, learning to code, and personal responsibilities.
- Initial Learning Curve: Coding comes with a steep initial learning curve, and the industry is always evolving. Continuous learning is a must.
- Inconsistent Income: Especially in the beginning, income from side projects can be irregular and may not be substantial.
- Competition: While there is a lot of demand for coders, there’s also plenty of competition, both from other freelancers and from established agencies.
- Job Security: Unlike a traditional job, a side hustle does not usually come with benefits like health insurance or retirement plans.
Are Coding Bootcamps Worth It?
The Benefits of Attending a Coding Bootcamp
- Fast-Track Learning: Coding bootcamps are designed to teach you practical coding skills in a short period, usually ranging from a few weeks to a few months. This accelerated pace can be beneficial for those looking to enter the workforce quickly.
- Structured Learning: Bootcamps provide a structured learning environment that can be extremely helpful for those who struggle with self-directed learning.
- Networking Opportunities: Attending a bootcamp allows you to network with industry professionals and fellow students, opening doors for job opportunities and collaborations.
- Job Placement: Many coding bootcamps offer job placement assistance, sometimes even guaranteeing a job upon completion of the program.
- Hands-On Experience: Bootcamps often focus on real-world projects, giving you practical experience that you can showcase in your portfolio.
The Drawbacks of Attending a Coding Bootcamp
- Cost: Coding bootcamps can be expensive, with prices ranging from a few thousand to over $20,000. This is a significant investment and may not be feasible for everyone.
- Quality Variances: Not all bootcamps are created equal. Some may offer outdated or incomplete curricula, poor instruction, or lackluster job placement services.
- Time Commitment: While the duration is shorter compared to traditional education, the intensity of bootcamps means you’ll need to commit a significant amount of time to get the most out of the program.
- No Substitute for Experience: While you’ll gain practical skills, many employers still place a premium on formal education and years of experience, which a bootcamp cannot provide.
- Financial Risk: If the bootcamp doesn’t lead to a job or increased earning potential, you’re left with the financial burden without the expected return on investment.
