Get Paid To Learn Code: 8 Legit Ways To Earn While Learning

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More people are realizing they can earn money while mastering code – no degree, no student loans, just real income while gaining a valuable skill. Thanks to high demand in the tech industry, platforms, programs, and companies now offer flexible paths where beginners can earn while they learn. You can be switching careers or starting from scratch – either way, it’s now possible to build your programming skills while making money.

Let’s explore 8 ways you can do it.

1. Apprenticeship programs that pay you to learn to code

Apprenticeship programs are one of the most legitimate ways to get paid for learning coding. These aren’t just unpaid internships – you earn a real paycheck while gaining hands-on experience in programming. Companies like Revature, Multiverse, and Accenture offer paid apprenticeships that train you in areas like web development, app creation, and software engineering.

These programs are perfect for:

Career switchers with no formal background
Young adults exploring tech instead of college
High school students, teens, or college students ready to commit to a developer career

Expect a full-time schedule, especially during the early training phases. Some programs are in-person and location-based, while others are remote. Most will require concentration, consistency, and a willingness to take on real projects, because they’re preparing you for real tech roles.

This route helps you build coding skills, earn steady money, and gain valuable job experience – all at once.

Not all bootcamps ask you to pay upfront. Some help you earn money while learning, through stipends or income-sharing agreements (ISAs). These programs let you prioritize your coding journey and only pay tuition once you’ve landed a job.

A few well-known options include:

Bloom Institute of Technology – Offers ISAs and job guarantees with a full-time remote structure.
Launch School – Lets students defer payment until they’ve completed the full mastery-based curriculum and secured a developer role.
Microverse – Global remote bootcamp with no upfront costs and ISA-based repayment once you’re hired.

Some bootcamps even provide living stipends during training, helping cover essentials while you focus on building real coding skills. They're ideal for students with limited resources or anyone trying to shift into the tech industry without taking on debt.

The requirements are often full-time and fast-paced, but the payoff is strong: you gain skills, build projects, and take real steps toward a high-paying career.

3. Get paid to learn code through remote internships

Remote internships allow you to master code while working on real-world projects. Many startups and remote-first companies hire junior developers for paid internships, even if you only have beginner or intermediate experience.

These internships offer:

Flexible, remote schedules that work around classes or other jobs
Mentorship and guidance from experienced developers
Exposure to production-level code and collaborative workflows
Hands-on learning through tasks like bug fixes, testing, and basic feature builds

You don’t need to be advanced – just show that you're eager to learn and ready to contribute. These roles are especially beginner-friendly and ideal for early-stage coders looking to grow quickly.

Check open calls on platforms like AngelList and Remote OK. Startups often post listings for junior dev interns with basic skills who can grow into larger roles.

You’ll gain real experience, improve your process, and learn a new skill – all while getting money to level up your future.

4. Government-funded coding programs with stipends

If you worry about affordability, government-funded coding programs can be a great option. These initiatives don’t just offer free training – many also include living stipends or reimbursements to cover expenses during the learning period.

In the U.S., the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds eligible learners to attend approved tech programs. This can include bootcamps, certifications, and digital literacy training. Participants may also qualify for help with transportation, internet access, or essential supplies during training.

Across Europe, EU-funded digital programs offer similar support to help people gain in-demand tech skills and enter the workforce. These are often geared toward unemployed individuals, low-income learners, or those changing careers.

To qualify, you must meet specific location or income-based criteria, and some programs may require a full-time effort.

These options are ideal for anyone serious about growing in tech without the financial strain. They offer structure, accountability, and real financial support to turn an interest into a hobby that pays.

5. Scholarships and grants that include living stipends

Some coding programs go beyond just free tuition – they also offer living stipends, helping students prioritize their training without financial stress. These scholarships and grants are designed to support learners from underrepresented backgrounds, career switchers, and those without access to traditional education routes.

Two standout options:

Recurse Center – A self-directed coding retreat in New York offering need-based living expense grants.
Ada Developers Academy – A U.S.-based initiative for women and gender-diverse adults, offering tuition-free training and a paid internship.

Most of these programs require an application, a personal essay, and a clear demonstration of commitment to your coding journey. Some may prioritize applicants from marginalized communities or those transitioning from unrelated careers.

These opportunities are competitive but transformative, letting you develop high-value coding skills while removing financial barriers that often stop people from getting started.

6. Learn coding and earn on the side with microtask platforms

Learning to code takes time, and for many, earning a little extra on the side helps make that journey possible. Microtask platforms offer a practical way to support yourself without needing experience or a full-time commitment. These platforms pay users for simple tasks like reviewing content, testing apps, or categorizing data.

JumpTask is one of the most user-friendly options. It allows you to earn through quick, mobile-friendly tasks that fit your breaks or study downtime. You can explore microtasks based on your preferences and availability, with no formal application process.

While the income won’t replace a salary, it’s a helpful way to offset costs like internet bills, snacks, or online learning resources. Many learners use microtasking to build discipline and earn small rewards while developing more advanced skills.

Think of it as a side strategy to help fund your growth – one that keeps you moving forward while learning to code and eventually land bigger opportunities.

Keep learning and earning

With JumpTask you can take surveys, test apps, and complete simple online tasks while building coding skills.

7. Build coding skills by contributing to open-source coding projects

Open-source contributions are a great way to build practical coding skills and even get money through programs like Google Summer of Code and Outreachy. These initiatives offer stipends to accepted contributors working on coding projects alongside experienced mentors.

They're open to beginner and intermediate coders, but require an application, early communication with mentors, and commitment to the full agenda.

Tips for first-time applicants:

Start by exploring beginner-friendly repositories
Join forums or chat groups early
Reach out to mentors before submitting your application
Prioritize small, manageable bugs or documentation issues first
Show your progress and enthusiasm consistently

You’ll build confidence, expand your coding knowledge, and complete projects that look great on your resume – all while earning and learning.

8. Begin your coding journey with remote freelance gigs

Once you’ve built some basic coding knowledge, you don’t have to wait for a full-time job to start earning – freelance gigs are a great entry point. Freelancer platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and PeoplePerHour make it easy for new coders to land small, paid tasks online and find paying clients.

Junior developers often start with projects like:

Fixing simple bugs
Making website concepts/edits
Adding contact forms
Updating layouts or formatting
Web development

These tasks may seem small, but they help you earn money and gain real experience with every completed gig. Many of them don’t require advanced skills – just consistency, communication, and a willingness to learn.

It’s a smart way to test the waters, build a potential business idea, and gradually become a freelancer with a growing portfolio.

Each project contributes to your progress and helps you find more clients and bigger opportunities in the future.

FAQs

Yes, even though learning to code takes time, many people earn money through apprenticeships, internships, or stipend-based programs. These roles typically offer hands-on experience and mentorship while covering basic costs. It's a growing trend, especially in industries facing developer shortages.

Some coding bootcamps and nonprofit programs offer income-share agreements or stipends. Look for options like Multiverse or government-sponsored initiatives. For earning side income while studying, consider combining learning with freelance sites or microtask platforms.

Yes. Many entry-level coding paths are designed for people with zero experience. Paid options typically focus on motivation and learning potential rather than formal credentials. You might need to pass a basic assessment or interview, but prior knowledge isn't always required.

Earnings vary widely. Some internships pay minimum wage or stipends, while freelance gigs may offer $15–$50 per hour, depending on the task. Beginners typically earn less, but rates grow quickly with skill level and portfolio strength.

Many are legit, but not all. Reputable programs clearly outline tuition terms, job guarantees, or payment models. Look for programs with verified outcomes, transparent policies, and student reviews. Be cautious of any that require large upfront fees without credible result

Gabriele Zundaite

Digital Marketing Manager

Meet Gabriele, a marketing specialist focused on digital growth and social media. As a Digital Marketing Manager at JumpTask, she helps others discover new ways to earn online by turning creative ideas into real results. With a degree in Marketing Management and a background in growth marketing and community building, Gabriele shares clear, practical advice for anyone ready to start earning or grow their online presence.