Beyond its reputation for NASA’s mission control, Tex-Mex, and rodeos, Houston is staking a quiet-but-powerful claim as a top destination for software engineers. While cities like Austin and Dallas often steal the spotlight, Houston’s unique foundation in aerospace and energy, combined with fresh investment in tech innovation, makes it a rising star. And it’s a win for professionals with coding skills, offering top-tier salaries and a lower cost of living than coastal hubs like Silicon Valley and New York.
Here’s what the numbers show about Houston’s tech boom:
- $6 billion: Venture capital pouring into Houston in just five years.
- 80+: Tech incubators, accelerators, makerspaces, and coworking communities across the city.
- 230,800+: Strong and growing tech workforce.
- $1.6 billion: Economic impact of the tech industry on Houston.
- $137,987: Average Houston software engineer salary, ranked No. 2 in Texas.
- $7,827: Extra pay above the national average compensation for software engineers.
With nationwide demand projected at 409,500 new software engineers by 2030, there’s no better time to get off to the races, acquire coding skills, and launch your tech career. See how Houston’s market is primed for software engineers—and how General Assembly’s Software Engineering Bootcamp can take you from learning to earning in just three months.
Houston’s tech talent roundup
Houston is a dynamic market for tech talent, with nearly 50,000 job postings in 2023. Tech roles make up 4.4% of the city’s workforce, and emerging tech positions account for 17.5% of new listings, reflecting a growing interest in innovative skill sets.
In Texas, the demand for software developers is projected to grow 36% from 2020 to 2030, outpacing the national growth rate of 18% for software developers during the same timeframe.
Mosey on over to Dice.com and you’ll find 8,670 open software engineering roles in Houston, with over half available for entry-level candidates.
Looking to join the ranks?
Wrangle your way into Houston’s tech frontier
One in three employers, including top tech employers like Google, Apple, and IBM, no longer require a college degree for software engineers.
You will, however, need to possess technical skills, such as:
- Proficiency in Java, Python, C++, and SQL coding languages
- Familiarity with development methodologies like Agile and Scrum
- A solid grasp of data structures, algorithms, and object-oriented programming principles
- Experience with cloud computing, DevOps practices, and version control systems like Git
- Generative AI skills
As the demand for skilled professionals continues to grow, the right training can help you stay competitive. Whether you’re starting fresh or upskilling, coding bootcamps offer a practical path to success in this evolving landscape.
| SADDLE UP FOR A THRIVING CODING CAREER: CHOOSE HOUSTON’S TOP TECH INCUBATOR  For 12+ years, General Assembly’s expert-led Houston 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. |
Take the reins: choose your coding bootcamp date start date
If you have a natural curiosity and a desire to innovate, a career in software engineering might be the perfect fit for you. Since 2011, General Assembly has been at the forefront of transforming the workforce, offering accelerated tech training programs that are especially relevant now, as many seek to upskill or reskill.
Our online coding programs blend live online classes, small group collaborations, independent study, and a variety of individual and group projects so you can:
| YEARN Discover new “languages” Craft digital experiences Architect, test, and optimize Tackle modern business challenges | LEARN Python and JavaScript Agile and Scrum project management Testing and debugging 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 |
How to become a Houston software engineer in three to six months
A lot can change in the four to six years it takes to earn a college degree—including the skills you need to thrive in your role. That’s why many learners choose accelerated bootcamp programming to get them up to speed in a matter of months. If you’re weighing this option, try the following steps:
- Gauge your interest in coding with an info session, coding workshop, or short course.
- Decide how much time to commit (40 hours/12 weeks full-time or 6 hours/24 weeks part-time).
- Pick your start date and apply now.
- Complete your course of study online, developing a resume and portfolio as you learn.
- Gain mentor job-seeking support—and explore opportunities with GA’s 400+ employer partners.
Hitch your wagon: get support on Houston’s tech trail
General Assembly’s tech bootcamps provide a hands-on, transformative learning experience. Success in software engineering goes beyond mastering coding languages like JavaScript; it’s about building the confidence, connections, and career opportunities to thrive.
Round up star-quality soft skills.
In addition to coding, a GA bootcamp equips you with essential soft skills that give you the edge in the field. By focusing on communication, time management, and personal branding, you’ll develop the skills necessary to stand tall in Houston’s tech landscape.
Network like a true Texan.
Bootcamp participants have every opportunity to connect with GA alumni on LinkedIn and attend events like:
- Houston Tech Fest Live: A premier job fair where tech talent meets innovative companies, giving you a chance to mingle with industry leaders and up-and-coming startups.
- Houston Tech Week: An annual celebration of innovation that features panels, workshops, and networking opportunities to help you forge valuable connections with fellow tech enthusiasts.
- Techspo Houston: A two-day technology expo featuring cutting-edge innovations, top developers, and new technologies to fuel collaboration and growth.
General Assembly’s exclusive online workshops, coding events, and information sessions can also help you get acclimated to the industry, make connections, and commit to a growth mindset that’ll fuel your career.
Forge your future with top-tier guides.
As part of the Adecco Group, the world’s second-largest staffing firm, General Assembly provides a robust career services program designed to help you navigate the wilds of Houston’s job market with confidence. With experienced career coaches, hands-on workshops, and a wealth of resources from LHH, a global leader in talent solutions, over 90% of our graduates lasso relevant job opportunities within 180 days.
Learning to code—your first rodeo in the tech arena
At General Assembly, every bootcamp offers top-notch coding instruction, empowering you to expand your skill set to new frontiers—like data analysis, data science, and UX design.
| 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 codingMachine learningStatistical inferenceBig data technologiesData engineeringNatural language processingDeep learning | HTML/CSS codingWireframingPrototypingUser researchUsability testingVisual designUser interface design |
| LEARN DATA ANALYSIS | LEARN DATA SCIENCE | LEARN UX DESIGN |
Bootcamp, college, or self-study—How will you blaze your trail?
A coding bootcamp provides a quick, flexible, and economical way forward—perfect if you’re chomping at the bit to start a new coding career. Consider out how General Assembly training compares to other options:
| Self-Study: IBM Full-Stack Web Developer Certificate in Houston | Short Course: Front-End Developer Course or Full-Stack Web Development Course in Houston | Instructor-Led Online Program: Full-Time or Part-Time Coding Bootcamp in Houston | College: Software Development Bachelor of Science Degree in Houston | |
| 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: reap the rewards of your software skill prospecting
With education costs climbing, more Houstonians are rethinking the value of a conventional college degree. At University of Houston, for example, tuition for the 2024-2025 school year is $11,888 for in-state students and $27,926 for out-of-staters. Assuming that you graduate on-time, a four-year degree could set you back anywhere from $47,552 to $111,704.
By comparison, GA’s coding bootcamp wraps up in three months’ time and costs roughly one semester at the University of Houston. Instead of paying down debt for 20 years, bootcamp alumni can recoup ROI from their educational investments almost immediately.
For instance, if you start out at the low end for entry-level software engineers in Houston, making $90,000 a year—your ROI is over 447%. And just like colleges, GA offers scholarships, financial aid, discounts, GI Bill benefits, and flexible payment plans, easing the financial load and allowing you to focus on learning.
LEARN MORE ABOUT FINANCING & TUITION
Corral your dream coding job in Houston
Houston’s tech landscape offers abundant opportunities for entry-level software engineers across diverse industries. Here are just a few employers actively seeking new coding talent:
- KBR – Entry-level software developer
- LegalEASE – Junior software developer
- IBM – Entry-level QA test developer
- JPMorgan Chase – Java full stack engineer
- Discover – Application engineer
- Aspen Technology – Software architect
- Cisco – Full stack software engineer
- PwC – Portal developer
- Intel – System engineer
- GitLab – Field CTO
- Galaxy Technology Hires LLC – Flight software engineer
- Hungryroot – Operations research engineer
- CertifID – Staff software engineer
- Smartcat – Solutions architect
- Dropbox – Backend product engineer
- Garner Health – Software engineer
After completing a Houston coding bootcamp, you’ll have the freedom to find a role you’re passionate about in an industry that excites you, from healthcare and finance to aerospace and beyond.
Where to work as a software engineer in Houston, TX
Known as Space City for its aerospace and defense roots, Houston continues to be a destination for tech talent with local employers like Aspen Technology, Cisco, Intel, Microsoft, and SAP actively hiring.
Tech giants like Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Siemens, and BMC Software have established a strong presence, while niche firms like HCSS in construction software and Crown Castle in telecommunications diversify the job market, allowing engineers to make a significant impact across multiple sectors.
You might consider applying to top-rated Houston companies hiring software engineers or America’s Best Employers for Tech Workers.Two Houston-based companies made Forbes’ 2024 list: Boardwalk Pipeline Partners (construction) and Sysco (food/beverage).
Tales from GA’s coding campfire
The tech stack used to teach the students (Github Repos, Slack, Zoom) has been organized and well planned, allowing the students to really focus on learning. The teachers are some of the most relatable people, but they are experts in their knowledge of the coding concepts necessary to start coding. After leaving this bootcamp for Software Engineering, I feel thoroughly equipped knowing the basics of web development, and feel that I have a solid foundation to go and chase bigger and better projects with the skills I’ve obtained.
Anthony, GA graduate
CHOOSE A TOP HOUSTON TECH BOOTCAMP AND START YOUR CAREER WITH A TOP HOUSTON EMPLOYER.
Ready to roll on out?
Get started with a coding bootcamp education. Then throw your hat into the ring—and see where you land. If you’re just getting a feel for the field, attend a free event or connect with our Houston team to explore your interest. Or rustle up a few skills with an online Python short course before committing full or part-time.
And if you still have questions? 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.
Houston 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 HOUSTON? Every company, not just Texan titans, is evolving into a tech-driven business. The demand for software engineers in Houston 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 Houston, 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 Texas, the USA, and globally.
WHAT ARE THE PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUNDS OF HOUSTON 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 Houston 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 HOUSTON 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 Houston, TX 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 Houston.