Many embark on the journey of learning to code with the aspiration of landing high-paying programming jobs in the future. But what if you could start earning money while still in the learning phase? The question arises: is it actually possible to Get Paid To Learn Code?
In this article, we’ll explore how you can make money coding as a beginner. Drawing insights from real-world experiences, we’ll show you practical tips and strategies to get paid to learn code, potentially even before you feel fully proficient.
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Is It Realistic to Get Paid to Learn Code?
Absolutely! It’s a common misconception that you need to be an expert programmer to start earning. Joe Previte’s experience, earning $5,000 in his first year of learning while spending minimal amounts on education, demonstrates that it’s not only possible but achievable. He secured an internship and teaching assistant roles, proving that beginner coding skills are valuable and in demand.
Here’s a snapshot of Joe’s earnings in his first year:
- 💻 $3,510 – Internship at a web design agency ($25/hour)
- 👨🏫 $1,338 – TA/Instructor for local meetup ($15/hour for TA, $25/hour for instructor)
- 💰 Total: $4,848
These figures aren’t extraordinary, but they vividly illustrate that you can begin to earn money coding much earlier than you might think. Even individuals with just basic HTML/CSS skills have managed to secure paid gigs. The key is to understand where to look and how to position yourself.
By the end of this guide, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge of where to start your coding journey, how to monetize your skills as you learn, and strategies to maintain motivation throughout the process.
Setting the Stage: How to Begin Learning Code
Before diving into earning, laying a solid foundation in coding is essential. The first step is often the most daunting: “Where do I even begin?” A popular starting point is freeCodeCamp. Its free, well-structured curriculum and supportive community make it an excellent resource for beginners.
freeCodeCamp offers a gamified learning experience through challenges and projects, leading to certifications. This structured approach helps beginners grasp complex concepts in manageable steps and provides a clear learning pathway.
💸 Enhancing Free Learning with Paid Resources
While numerous free resources are available, investing in paid resources can significantly accelerate your learning and provide deeper knowledge. Consider paid courses as a way to build upon the foundational knowledge gained from free platforms.
A highly recommended course is The Web Developer Bootcamp by Colt Steele. This comprehensive course covers a wide range of technologies, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and backend technologies like Node.js and MongoDB, providing a robust skillset in a relatively short time.
Supplementing free resources with paid options is beneficial because free resources often provide introductory knowledge, whereas paid courses offer in-depth exploration and advanced learning. This combination ensures a well-rounded and accelerated learning experience, making you more competent and job-ready faster.
💡 For a structured learning path, explore Codecademy’s Web Development Career Path. It’s designed to take you from zero coding knowledge to a job-ready junior web developer.
Other reputable paid platforms for advanced coding courses include:
- Udacity
- Coursera
- edX
- Pluralsight
Explore more about top-rated coding courses on Coursera for aspiring programmers here.
🤝 The Power of Community: Join Coding Communities
Community support is invaluable when learning to code. Coding can be challenging, and having a network of peers and experienced developers can make the journey significantly smoother. Connecting with others facing similar challenges or those who have already overcome them provides encouragement, advice, and even potential job leads.
Chingu is a notable online community that emerged from freeCodeCamp. It offers focused groups where you can join cohorts of learners at similar skill levels, fostering collaboration and accountability.
Joe Previte highlights the impact of community, mentioning the friendships and accountability he gained from Chingu, leading to collaborative projects and mutual growth.
💯 Another excellent community is the #100DaysOfCode movement on Twitter. This challenge encourages daily coding and provides a supportive network. Twitter is a vibrant platform for coders, offering opportunities for learning, networking, and discovering resources.
Many online coding bootcamps and courses also offer private communities. Launch School, for example, provides a forum for students to share tips, solve problems, and discuss coding concepts.
For in-person connections, Meetup is a great platform to find local coding groups. Facebook also hosts freeCodeCamp groups, some of which are location-specific.
Danny Thompson, who transitioned from a fry cook to a Google employee, emphasizes the importance of meetups, stating, “Through meetup communities through freeCodeCamp and many other websites, I was able to learn how to program. I was able to create an amazing network of developers and people that I could tap into in a moment’s notice.”
Surrounding yourself with a coding community accelerates learning, boosts motivation, and opens doors to opportunities, including potential beginner programming jobs through connections made within these groups.
🎧 Leverage Podcasts for On-the-Go Learning
Podcasts are a convenient way to learn about coding when you’re away from your computer. They allow for passive learning during commutes or other activities, keeping coding concepts fresh in your mind even when you can’t actively code.
Consider these coding podcasts to start:
- Learn to Code With Me Podcast
- CodeNewbie
- Syntax.fm
- The Changelog
👩💻 Make Coding a Daily Habit
Consistency is key in learning to code. Establishing a daily coding habit, even for a short duration, is more effective than sporadic long sessions. This regular practice builds momentum and reinforces learning.
The #100DaysOfCode challenge, initiated by Alexander Kallaway, encourages coding for at least an hour every day for 100 days. While an hour might seem daunting initially, even dedicating just 30 minutes or even 5 minutes daily can make a significant difference in building a consistent habit.
Developing a daily coding habit not only accelerates your learning but also prepares you for the discipline required for paid coding work, where consistent effort is crucial.
8 Proven Tips to Get Paid to Learn Code
Many aspiring coders wonder, “When will I be ready to earn money from coding?” A pivotal piece of advice from an experienced developer is to start applying for opportunities sooner rather than waiting for a feeling of complete readiness. Often, by the time you feel ready, you were actually ready months prior.
Joe Previte’s first internship began just six months into his coding journey. The critical step was deciding to start looking for beginner programming jobs and internships. Don’t let the fear of rejection hold you back; the worst outcome is simply not getting a particular job, which is just a signal to keep learning and trying.
Here are eight actionable tips to help you find your first paid coding gig while you are still learning:
🏢 Tap into Local and Family Businesses
Starting with local businesses or family-owned enterprises is a great way to gain initial paid coding experience in a less pressured environment. Reach out to friends, family, or local business owners and inquire if they need assistance with website development or updates. Many small businesses have outdated or non-existent websites and are often looking for affordable solutions.
Offer to build or revamp websites for local coffee shops, salons, or restaurants at competitive beginner rates. This approach not only provides valuable experience and portfolio pieces but also helps your community and allows you to get paid to learn code.
Danny Thompson secured a $1,800 project by simply talking to a local Mexican restaurant manager about their website needs. This highlights how approachable and effective direct outreach can be in landing freelance programming jobs for beginners.
📱 Leverage Social Media and Personal Networks
Actively share your coding journey and progress with friends and on social media platforms. This visibility informs your network about your skills and makes you top-of-mind when they or someone they know needs coding assistance.
Joe Previte mentioned that several friends contacted him for website help after seeing his coding updates on Twitter and Facebook, with some offering to pay for his services. Sharing your progress, even helping for free initially, can lead to exposure, references, and future paid opportunities.
Sarah Greer, a freelance developer, started by informing her friends about her coding journey, which led to her first website project. Similarly, Adda Birnir’s friend recommended her for a website project, highlighting the power of word-of-mouth and networking through personal connections.
Getting paid to learn code means you don’t need to be an expert to start. These initial gigs serve as paid learning experiences.
💻 Utilize Freelancing Platforms
Freelancing websites connect freelancers with clients seeking coding services. Platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and Freelancer are excellent for finding beginner programming jobs.
Start by bidding on simpler coding jobs and set your rates competitively, especially when starting. Upwork allows filtering by experience level to find entry-level opportunities. As you gain experience, you can take on more complex and higher-paying projects.
Focus on freelance jobs like building basic websites or modifying existing ones. Entry-level web development gigs on Upwork often pay between $20-$40 per hour, offering a viable way to make money while learning.
To succeed on these platforms, avoid common freelancing mistakes and learn how to write compelling proposals to stand out from the competition.
Chris Misterek doubled his previous full-time salary using Upwork by consistently applying for projects, demonstrating the platform’s potential for significant income growth. Kyle Prinsloo’s freelancing side gig eventually matched his full-time salary within two years, showcasing the long-term earning potential of freelancing.
💬 Engage with Local Slack Groups
Local tech Slack groups are valuable resources for finding paid programming jobs. Search for tech organizations in your area; they often have Slack groups where job opportunities are shared.
In Arizona, Joe Previte found internship and teaching positions through local Slack groups, specifically the Arizona WordPress Slack group and #yesphx Slack group. These groups often have dedicated job channels where opportunities are posted.
Joining local tech communities on Slack can open doors to immediate paid coding gigs. Research local tech communities, join their Slack channels, and actively engage in conversations to discover opportunities.
💭 Consider Hybrid Roles in Tech
Be open to hybrid roles that combine coding with other skills. Your coding abilities can be a valuable asset in roles that are not strictly programming-focused.
Joe Previte’s first full-time tech job was in digital marketing, a role he secured because of his coding skills. His coding knowledge allowed him to take on a hybrid role involving both marketing and web development, even negotiating a higher salary due to his tech skills.
Hybrid or “tech-adjacent” roles can be excellent entry points into the tech industry, even if coding is not the primary responsibility initially. Examples include:
- Technical Support
- Digital Marketing roles requiring web skills
- Quality Assurance (QA) testing
- Content creation for tech companies
These roles offer a way to get your foot in the tech door, gain industry experience, and potentially transition into more coding-centric roles over time. Logan Tran, for instance, started in quality assurance before becoming a junior software engineer.
✍️ Start a Coding Blog
Blogging can establish your personal brand, build credibility, and attract clients. Write about your coding journey, share industry insights, or explore topics you’re passionate about. A blog can become a platform to showcase your expertise and attract freelance opportunities.
Once your blog gains traction, you can monetize it through ads, sponsored content, or affiliate marketing. Creating a “Services” or “Contact” page can also signal to potential clients that you are available for paid coding gigs.
While initial ad revenue might be modest, successful blogs can generate substantial income. Ryan Robinson’s blog, for example, earns over $327,000 annually, demonstrating the long-term potential of blogging.
Platforms like Bluehost, DreamHost, WP Engine, or HostGator make it easy to start your own blog.
🏆 Participate in Coding Competitions
Coding competitions offer a fun and challenging way to test your skills and win cash prizes. While they may require a bit more experience, they can be a rewarding way to get paid to code, especially as you advance your skills.
CodeChef and HackerEarth are platforms that host coding contests with cash prizes for top performers. Prizes can range from $100 for top rankings in regular competitions to thousands of dollars for winning larger challenges.
Participating in these competitions is excellent practice, can enhance your portfolio, and provides an opportunity to earn money while challenging yourself.
📱 Develop and Monetize Your Own Apps
If you are learning mobile app development, creating your own apps can be a direct path to monetization. You can develop free apps with ads or create paid apps.
While generating substantial income from apps requires effort in marketing and treating it as a business, the potential is significant. Even if you’re still learning, consider using no-code or low-code tools to build apps initially. Alternatively, create plugins, WordPress themes, or other online tools that can be sold on marketplaces.
Top apps on app stores can earn tens of thousands of dollars daily, highlighting the lucrative potential of app development if you find the right niche and build a valuable product.
Staying Motivated: How to Persevere While Learning and Earning
Learning to code and seeking paid opportunities can be challenging. It’s crucial to maintain motivation and resilience to overcome obstacles.
🤓 Cultivate a Growth Mindset
Programming is a field of continuous learning. Adopt a growth mindset, understanding that intelligence and skills are not fixed but can be developed through dedication and effort. Remember, you are not inherently “good” or “bad” at coding; you are always capable of learning and improving.
Angela Duckworth’s book, “Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance,” emphasizes that passion and persistence, not just talent, are key to achievement.
Embrace lifelong learning and remember Gandhi’s quote: “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”
Looking at the journeys of successful developers can be inspiring. Review their early blog posts or social media to see their starting points and appreciate their progress.
For instance, Oxana Ivanchenko, co-founder of a successful app earning $40K monthly, learned to code just before building the app. Her early tweets reveal her initial fears and struggles, contrasting with her later achievements, demonstrating that everyone starts somewhere and faces challenges along the way.
Engage with supportive communities like freeCodeCamp’s “You Can Do This!” forum, where developers share encouragement and stories of overcoming challenges.
⏰ Maximize Learning Time by Waking Up Early
If you feel time-constrained, consider waking up earlier to dedicate more time to coding. Even a short period of focused study in the early morning can significantly boost your progress.
Joe Previte adopted a 5:30 am wake-up time to code for half an hour before his day started, which he found instrumental in accelerating his learning. While it might require adjusting your routine, the benefits in terms of focused learning time can be substantial.
Kazumi Karbowski (@Kaziski_) on Twitter shared her positive experience switching from late-night to early-morning coding, finding it more effective, especially with family and work commitments.
Robin Sharma’s book, “The 5AM Club: Own Your Morning. Elevate Your Life,” offers further insights into leveraging early mornings for productivity and personal growth.
🖥️ Re-engage with the #100DaysOfCode Challenge
Consider doing another round of the #100DaysOfCode challenge to maintain momentum and continue learning. Programming is a constantly evolving field, with new technologies and tools emerging regularly. There is always more to learn and new ways to improve.
Embrace the continuous learning nature of programming. You don’t need to know everything to start earning; focus on continuous growth and skill development.
Key Takeaways on Getting Paid to Learn Code
This guide highlights three crucial points:
- Self-taught coding is viable: You can learn to code effectively on your own. Minimal investment in paid resources, combined with self-discipline and readily available free resources, can launch your coding career.
- Earning potential is immediate: You can start making money coding sooner than you think. Your current skills are likely already valuable. Explore opportunities to apply your skills and offer help to others.
- Persistence is essential: Coding and job seeking can be challenging. Maintain perseverance, continue learning, and stay dedicated. Your consistent effort will pave the way to success.
How to Get Paid to Learn Code: FAQs
What Coding Specializations Offer the Highest Pay?
According to Stack Overflow’s 2021 developer survey, top-paying programming languages in the U.S. include Clojure, F#, Elixir, Erlang, Perl, Ruby, Scala, Rust, Go, and LISP.
However, earnings while learning depend on project types, complexity, location, and client workload.
Best Strategies for Finding Your First Freelance Client?
Finding your first freelance client requires effort, especially without referrals or a portfolio. Leverage your network, announce your freelance availability, build a portfolio with personal projects, and utilize platforms like Upwork to market your services.
Earning Potential for Beginner Coders?
As demonstrated by Joe Previte, earning $5,000+ in your first year is achievable through internships, teaching roles, and freelance work. Earnings increase with experience and skill development.
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome While Earning?
Imposter syndrome is common, even among experienced programmers. To combat it:
- Visualize success.
- Journal your feelings.
- Focus on accomplishments.
- Use positive self-talk.
- Learn from mistakes.
- Build a support network.
- Recognize your value.
Remember, everyone starts somewhere. You don’t need to be perfect to get paid to learn code.
Next Steps: Explore resources like LTCWM’s free technical side gig training to learn a 4-step framework for landing technical side gigs and further your journey to get paid to learn code.
About the Author
Joe Previte is a self-taught front-end developer, traveler, and language enthusiast. He is passionate about sharing his journey and supporting others in tech. Connect with him on Twitter @jsjoeio.
