Junior Web Developer looking for some advice. (job market, school)

[Cyber Surfer]

I've been checking out some places as I plan my leave of Arizona before the end of summer.

From what I read (not just here) that most of So Cal has become so expensive and crowded that the job market is tough to break in, as far as web developers are concerned now that bootcamps are all the rage these days. Currently, I have a Comp Sci degree from a few years back and pursued indie game development over the past few years, since then I've retaught myself HTML, CSS, and getting a good grasp of Javascript, JQuery and Bootstrap, also learned a little Sass. I've built a couple web pages, though one of them is lost to the pixels of time since I've lost interest.

I'm seeking employment and was encouraged to go further West Coast as opposed to Texas or Colorado.

Would it be wise for a fresh on the market web developer try his luck in LA or would I be better served to go somewhere else? Many AZ jobs seem to want more people on the senior end, and I don't feel my skillset is there until I get actual on the job exp.

Thanks!

[BRinSM]

front end work doesn't pay nearly as well as the back end. I'd learn something like python or ruby and try your luck going that route if you want to live somewhere as expensive as LA. I knew some front end guys who got by in LA on contract work, but their rate was half that of someone who used PHP or Python or even C#.

[adr3naline]

Front end work in LA is very competitive. Contracted or full-time, the vast majority of openings will demand Sr. talent and a killer portfolio. It makes perfect sense... high COL = high employee demands = employers expect tenured talent for the $ they shell out.

It is true that bootcamps like General Assembly are flooding the market with talent. Rightfully so. I've interviewed a few GA grads and hired one...all were competent. These guys leave "schooling" w/less than $20k in student debt vs. the guys w/CS degrees who have what...$40k+? This allows them to accept lower salaries while maintaining the same QOL. After their introductory year their salaries match those with CS degrees.

From your post I gather you're more of a mid level developer? Is that right? If so, I don't suggest jumping into the LA talent pool. Finding a short contract (1-3 months) is entirely within the cards, but stringing enough of them back-to-back to make life in LA worthwhile will be difficult. I'd suggest building your knowledge base & portfolio using UpWork/etc and then reassessing a move to any of the big tech hubs like LA.