The Council on Integrity in Results Reporting has released its 2026 outcomes data showing coding bootcamp graduates are commanding average starting salaries of $78,000, a 12% increase from 2025 driven by demand for AI-adjacent skills.
Key Findings
The report analyzed placement data from 42 accredited bootcamps covering 18,000 graduates.
- Average starting salary: $78,000 (up from $69,500 in 2025)
- Job placement rate within 6 months: 82%
- Highest-paying specializations: AI/ML engineering ($95,000), cloud DevOps ($88,000), full-stack ($76,000)
- Average bootcamp tuition: $16,500 for 14-week programs
ROI Analysis
For career changers, the return on investment remains compelling — the average graduate recoups tuition costs within 4 months of employment. Income share agreements, which charge no upfront tuition but take 10-17% of salary for 2 years after placement, remain popular among students from lower-income backgrounds.
