One way people are expanding their coding skill set is by attending a coding bootcamp. These bootcamps are typically a few weeks to several months of instruction and may be in an online, in-person or hybrid setting. 

Tucson and Phoenix may not be your first thought when it comes to tech, but both cities have experienced a large tech-boom, making them an ideal place to attend bootcamp. Learn about coding bootcamps in Tucson and Phoenix.

The desert cities in Arizona are a growing hub for young professionals. Tucson is recognized as a top city for emerging tech companies. Over the past few years, Tucson has experienced 90% growth in tech jobs, accompanied by a 29 percent growth in tech wages.  Tech Launch Arizona, from the University of Arizona, has launched over 80 new companies and produced 1,000 jobs, said Doug Hockstad, assistant vice president of Tech Launch Arizona.

Tucson is also home to the University of Arizona, which hosts research groups, an optics department, and an engineering college.

Tucson offers local tech meetups and events where students and professionals can get together to network and learn about the dynamic industry.

Here’s what employees in computer information sciences in Tucson can expect to earn, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

Phoenix is the fifth largest city in the United States (PDF, 92 KB), according to census data, and home to a number of technology companies. The greater Phoenix area houses the University of Arizona and a number of smaller colleges that provide computer science education. 

According to the BLS, Phoenix area employment was more highly concentrated in computer and mathematical jobs when compared to national data. The mean hourly wage for computer and math workers in Phoenix was $42.49 in 2019, or $98,000 annually.

By attending a bootcamp, you may expect to learn the specialized skills necessary to break into the rewarding computer programming industry. Bootcamps with a rigorous, immersive curriculum may help teach you to become proficient in front-end and back-end technologies of software and web development.

Coding bootcamps prepare you with programming languages and frameworks like Ruby on Rails, Python on Django, JavaScript and PHP stacks. Students may come away from bootcamps with a portfolio of projects, job coaching and interview preparation. Some programs may help with internship or job placement.

Many people who enter coding bootcamps are beginners with no experience as a programmer, but bootcamps can be attended by current and former students of computer science. 

There are a few coding bootcamps in Tucson and Phoenix, and to choose the right one you may want to consider certain aspects. 

Some programs may be delivered in-person, online or in a hybrid format, either full time or part time. You’ll also want to consider your learning style and schedule. Programs may also vary in length, so you should be mindful of the time commitment.

Another factor to consider is the cost of the program and whether scholarships are offered. 

Though anyone can attend a coding bootcamp, the curriculum of the program may also be taken into account. Find out if there are prerequisites for attending and determine the appropriate camp for your level of coding experience.

Coding bootcamp graduates may also be eligible for different tech jobs in Tucson and Phoenix. Consider your career goals and whether your desired program offers a stepping-stone to becoming a software developer, web developer or other computer scientist career. 

Tucson is a budding tech city, with 90% growth in tech jobs. If you are looking to begin your career in coding in Tucson, you are in luck as both veteran and emerging technology companies have chosen Tucson as their home in recent years. 

Downtown Tucson and its outskirts house such companies. Additionally, the University of Arizona’s state-of-the-art Tech Parks Arizona is a 1,300-acre research campus that has attracted several tech giants. 

Phoenix is also a burgeoning tech hub, with 79,390 computer and mathematical jobs. 

Last updated: July 2020