The City of Angels is home to many big tech headquarters—Snapchat, Tinder, Hulu, and SpaceX, if we’re name dropping—not to mention a dreamy destination for world-class innovators like Disney, Mattel, and Northrop Grumman. Coding skills are in high demand here—to release new products, streamline operational efficiency, and keep pace with ever-evolving security demands.
Looking to train as a software engineer? Los Angeles is the perfect place to start.
- Size—Home to 6,399 venture-backed firms and 43 unicorns, LA is the third-largest startup ecosystem.
- Community—42,000+ Los Angelenos say they’re software engineers on LinkedIn.
- Infrastructure—14 Fortune 500s are headquartered in the region.
- Economy—Tech powers 10%, or $91.4 billion, of the city’s economic output.
- Pay—LA pays the nation’s 10th highest tech salaries—$112,167 for a software engineer in 2024.
And when you’re not coding, Los Angeles offers a rich lifestyle, with:
- Over 100 museums, including the Getty Center and Grammy Museum
- More than 230 performing arts venues like the Hollywood Bowl
- 75 miles of beaches and thousands of parks, including Griffith Park’s miles of trails and iconic views
- World-renowned dining options from 4,000 famed food trucks to 178 Michelin-star restaurants
Plus, the cost of living is almost 40% more affordable than NYC and 18% more affordable than San Francisco.
Excited to break into L.A.’s booming tech scene? Good news: you can get the essential coding skills you need in just three months with General Assembly’s Software Engineering Bootcamp.
Discover why coders are in demand in Los Angeles, how bootcamps equip you for the field, where locals are landing software engineering jobs, and what you can expect to earn in one of the country’s top tech markets.
LA’s casting call for tech talent
Presently, there are over 9,900 open roles for software engineers in Los Angeles posted on Dice.com—and more than half of those positions are entry-level hires.
Wondering what Los Angeles coding jobs exist? A quick look on SimplyHired reveals roles you may land:
- Full-stack software engineer (Creative Artists Agency)
- Product engineer (Meta)
- Special agent in cybersecurity (FBI)
- Entry-level software engineer (Property Matrix)
- IT coordinator (Next Health)
- Automation engineer (Ellison Institute of Technology)
- Front-end engineer (Amazon)
- Gameplay specialist (Trailer Park Group)
- Research Bioinformatician (Cedars-Sinai)
- Application software engineer (SpaceX)
So, the question remains: How do you quickly ramp up your coding knowledge from zero to pro?
| SOAR HIGHER WITH A GLORIOUS CODING CAREER: CHOOSE LA’S TOP TECH INCUBATOR  For 12+ years, General Assembly’s expert-led Los Angeles coding classes and award-winning software engineering bootcamp have been launching the careers of aspiring junior and senior software engineers, team leaders, executives, and entrepreneurs. |
How to work as a software engineer in LA—in five scenes
You no longer need a college degree to break into tech—even for top employers like Google, Apple, and IBM. Employers are increasingly shifting towards skills-based hiring practices, focusing on candidates’ actual abilities rather than their educational backgrounds or previous job titles. This approach allows companies to identify talent more effectively, especially in a job market where technical skills are ever changing.
- Gauge your interest in software engineering.
– Get your feet wet with an info session, coding workshop, or short course. - Decide how much time you can commit.
– You can choose full-time (8 hours a day of live lectures, 12 weeks).
– Or you can choose part-time (6 hours a week of live lectures, 24 weeks). - Pick your start date.
– Visit the Software Engineering Bootcamp homepage and click “apply now.” - Complete your online course of study.
– Develop your resume and portfolio while you learn and earn a certificate of completion. - Work with career services.
– Get job hunting tips from your mentor, prep for interviews, apply, and land your dream job.
Courses to coding: choose your premiere date and script your path
If you’re driven by a passion for problem-solving, you can play a crucial role in shaping LA’s tech landscape. General Assembly’s accelerated tech training programs have been transforming the workforce since 2011, and they’re gaining renewed attention for the upskill and reskill potential at a time when it’s needed most.
Through a mix of live online classes, small group study, self-paced modules, and independent projects, you’ll:
| YEARN Discover new “languages” Craft digital experiences Architect, test, and optimize Tackle modern challenges | LEARN Python and JavaScript Agile and Scrum project management Testing and debugging Version control Cloud computing AI programming | EARN Junior or senior software engineer Full-stack developer Front-end developer Solutions engineer UX/UI Developer Implementation engineer Web developer JavaScript developer AI programmer |
Land a leading role in LA’s coding scene
Step into the spotlight of LA’s vibrant tech industry, where it’s not just what you know, but who you know and how you present yourself that sets you apart in the competitive tech landscape. General Assembly tech bootcamps provide an immersive, transformative learning experience that equips you to excel.
Success in software engineering goes beyond mastering JavaScript and other technical skills. It’s about cultivating the confidence, connections, and career opportunities to leverage your newfound expertise. Having a strong network and the right support can open doors to exciting roles where you can truly make an impact.
Gain all-star soft skills.
Beyond cracking the code, a GA coding bootcamp sprinkles in some soft-skill-building magic with coursework designed to cultivate essential soft skills like communication, time management, and personal branding. With these skills in your toolkit, you’ll have a competitive edge that sets you apart in the LA tech scene.
Network like an A-lister.
Bootcamp learners are encouraged to take their passion for tech beyond the classroom by connecting with GA alumni on LinkedIn and attending local events like:
- Techspo LA: A dynamic job fair that connects tech talent with innovative companies, featuring industry leaders and exciting startups.
- LA Tech Week: An annual celebration of innovation, showcasing panels, workshops, and networking opportunities that attract thousands of tech enthusiasts.
General Assembly’s exclusive online workshops, coding events, and info sessions are designed to help you navigate this bustling landscape and make invaluable connections that can elevate your career in the tech industry.
Secure VIP support.
As part of the Adecco Group, the world’s second-largest staffing firm, General Assembly provides a comprehensive career services program that equips you with the confidence and skills to successfully navigate the LA job market. With dedicated career coaches, 400+ employer partnerships, and a wealth of resources from LHH, the global leader in talent solutions, most program grads get hired in relevant roles within 180 days.
Learning to code could be just the opening act.
While you might make your debut as a software engineer, the show doesn’t stop there. With General Assembly’s bootcamps, you can explore budding interests in data analysis, data science, UX design, and information technology.
| Data Analytics Bootcamp | Data Science Bootcamp | UX Design Bootcamp |
| Guide business decisions by interpreting data and creating visualizations based on trends. | Solve complex problems and uncover patterns using statistical methods, algorithms, and machine learning. | Combine research, strategy, and design to enhance how people interact with products and services. |
| Python codingData cleaningDescriptive statisticsData visualizationSQL proficiencyBusiness acumenReporting skills | Python coding Machine learning Statistical inference Big data technologies Data engineering Natural language processing Deep learning | HTML/CSS coding Wireframing Prototyping User research Usability testing Visual design User interface design |
| LEARN DATA ANALYSIS | LEARN DATA SCIENCE | LEARN UX DESIGN |
Bootcamp, college, or self-study—How will you rise to stardom?
With one in three companies now rolling out the red carpet for talented coders (regardless of whether they have a college degree or not), aspiring programmers are exploring a blockbuster lineup of learning options.
A coding bootcamp offers speed, flexibility, and affordability—perfect for those ready to take center stage in new tech careers. Check out how General Assembly’s wealth of resources stacks up to other paths:
| Self-Study: IBM Full-Stack Web Developer Certificate in Los Angeles | Short Course: Front-End Developer Course or Full-Stack Web Development Course in Los Angeles | Instructor-Led Online Program: Full-Time or Part-Time Coding Bootcamp in Los Angeles | College: Software Development Bachelor of Science Degree in Los Angeles | |
| Duration | 4-6 hours 32 weeks | 40-60 hours 10 weeks | 12 weeks, full-time 32 weeks, part-time | 4 years, full-time |
| Format | Self-paced | Self-paced | Live instructor-led + self-paced | Instructor-led |
| Flexibility | Low | High | High | Low |
| Curriculum | Covers a specific set of generally high-demand skills like GitHub, Django, React, and Python coding | Covers both front-end and back-end applications | Covers 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 | Intensive, with a fast-paced learning environment | Manageable pace, designed to accommodate working professionals | Structured pace, with courses typically spread over 8 semesters |
| Cost | Relatively low, out of pocket | Relatively low, out of pocket | 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 | 1:1 mentor support, LHH resources, + 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 Programming React Development | Certificates in: Software Engineering Data Analytics Data Science UX Design | BS degrees in: Computer Science Software Engineering Information Technology |
From code to cash: the ROI of a software engineering bootcamp
With education costs climbing, more Los Angeles residents are rethinking the value of a traditional college degree. At USC, for example, tuition for the 2024-2025 school year increased 4.9% to $69,904 per year. Assuming you finish in that time, a four-year degree could cost you $279,616. The reality is, many students take five or six years to graduate, adding to the cost. Who wants to begin their career with that kind of debt?
Bootcamps, on the other hand, wrap up in three months’ time and cost less than half of one semester at USC. Instead of paying down debt for 20 years, bootcamp alumni land a job in their field where they get paid a good salary and recoup ROI from their educational investments almost immediately.
For instance, say you start out at the low end for entry-level software engineers in Los Angeles, making $106,000 a year—that’s 544%% ROI!
Best of all, you don’t have to finance a tech bootcamp yourself. GA accepts scholarships, financial aid, discounts, GI bills, and payment plans—just like USC.
LEARN MORE ABOUT FINANCING & TUITION
Catch your big coding career break in Los Angeles
There’s a wide range of employers hiring entry-level coding talent in the City of Angels.
- You might find your next software engineering role at one of the 7,000+ tech companies, including Taboola, Warner Brothers, Thrive Market, and Magento.
- Or you might look to Snap, Beyond Meat, HeadSpace, ZipRecruiter, and others—as every industry is a tech industry these days. Often, the “best places to work” in Los Angeles depend upon your interests.
- Or maybe you’ll work at one of LA’s thriving unicorn startups, including newcomers to the list: auto manufacturing startup Divergent 3D, cleantech company Newlight Technologies, and cloud platform Restaurant365.
Consider a Los Angeles coding bootcamp as your backstage pass to a job you love.
Hear from GA alumni
Although I had a CS bachelor’s degree, I decided to invest in this program to step up my game into trending technologies like ReactJS and backend languages like Ruby and Python. I met some amazing instructors who polished and helped me sharpen my programming skills as well as design patterns. I truly believe I’ve learned fundamental skills that have benefited my career and aided me on the job hunt.
Yanny, mid-level software engineer and GA graduate, Los Angeles
USE A TOP LA TECH BOOTCAMP TO START YOUR CAREER WITH A TOP LA EMPLOYER.
Ready for action?
Starting a coding bootcamp is your first big scene—it’s thrilling, a little daring, and your chance for a fresh start. And who says you need to jump in without a screen test?
- Get a feel for the spotlight: attend a free event.
- See if the role fits: Try an online Python short course to see if software engineering is right for you.
- Meet the cast: Connect with GA’s Admissions team for personalized coaching.
And if you’re still deciding, that’s okay—a tech education just might be your biggest plot twist yet. Take a deep dive into the software engineer career path—including the skills and tools you’ll need, education and salary info, and portfolio and resume tips. Or explore the FAQ below.
Los Angeles 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 LA’s thriving tech community and bootcamp alumni.
WHY IS A SOFTWARE ENGINEERING BOOTCAMP RELEVANT IN LOS ANGELES? Every company, not just Silicon Valley titans, is evolving into a tech-driven business. The demand for software engineers in LA 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 General Assembly’s Software Engineering Bootcamp in Los Angeles, 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 LA, the USA, and globally.
WHAT ARE THE PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUNDS OF LA 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 tech 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 whether this software engineering bootcamp aligns with your goals.
WHAT DOES MY TUITION COVER? Our LA 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 and integrates 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 LOS ANGELES 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 Los Angeles, CA tech 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 Los Angeles.