2024 Capstone Salary Data Insights with Chris

2024 Capstone Salary Data Insights with Chris

Author: Launch School January 10, 2026 Duration: 1:08:08

In this episode, Chris shares insights from the most recent salary data for Capstone graduates who began Capstone in 2024. He highlights notable trends, including the return to office and the significant salary gap for roles based in New York City and the San Francisco Bay Area.

We then open the floor to student questions, covering a range of topics such as what incoming students can expect when entering Capstone in 2026, how AI is shaping the day-to-day work of software engineers, and how current students can best prepare for those changes.

At Launch School, our goal is to be transparent and provide students with the resources they need to succeed. Discussing the state of the job market and what it means for both enrolled and prospective students is an important part of that mission. We hope you find the discussion insightful and helpful.


For anyone curious about the deliberate, patient path to becoming a true software craftsman, the Launch School Podcast offers a grounded and insightful companion. This isn't about quick hacks or trending frameworks; it's a deep, ongoing conversation about the fundamentals of mastery itself. Each episode connects through the shared experiences of learning to code, drawing on voices from within the Launch School community and beyond. You'll hear from students navigating the curriculum, employers discussing what they truly value in developers, and seasoned engineers reflecting on the principles of long-term career growth. Discussions naturally explore effective study habits, the philosophy of mastery-based learning, and the practical realities of transitioning into a professional role. By focusing on the underlying process of expertise, this podcast provides a unique and thoughtful resource for anyone committed to a meaningful education in technology. Tune in for honest conversations that reframe the journey of learning to code as one of continuous, intentional growth.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 57

Launch School Podcast
Podcast Episodes
S4E7 Bytes: Biggest Takeaways This Year [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:13
In this bytes episode Karis asks Chris and the Launch School community "What was some of their biggest takeaways this year at Launch School?" After the students and staff share their takeways, Karis closes with some Laun…
S4E5: Transforming at Launch School [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:19:54
In this episode Chris and Karis discuss a recent inspirational talk given by Core graduate student Jake. Chris answers some additional Launch School-related questions including how ISAs work. Karis interviews Capstone gr…
S4E3: The Story of Launch School [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:03:41
In this episode Launch School Student Felicia interviews Chris as he shares the origin story of how Launch School came to be. He also offers his unique perspective on how Launch School approaches learning, coding educati…
S4E2: Latest News, Interviews and Catch-up with Mandy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:26
This episode Karis and Chris discuss the all the latest Launch School interviews and presentations. Karis also catches up with the co-host from last season Mandy who now works at Mozilla. Finally they leave you with a nu…
S4E1: Welcome to Season 4! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:19
This season Chris kicks off our first episode by introducing Launch Schools new podcast format and new co-host Karis. Together they discuss the latest events happening at Launch School and some quick reminders students s…
S3E10: Season 3 Final Episode [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:49
In today's episode, our podcast hosts Chris, Callie, and Mandy share their end of the year reflections on Season 3, new updates on where Mandy and Callie are going, upcoming ideas for season 4, and ambitious goals for La…
S3E9: Getting to Know Pete [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:05
In today's episode, Callie chats with Launch School TA Pete about his journey to and through Launch School. He shares about his beloved cats we see glimpses of, what brought him to Launch School, and why he enjoys being…
S3E8: Bytes — Gratitude [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:52
In this Thanksgiving episode, Mandy talks to students who have been at Launch School for over a year. These students share what they are grateful for and how the community has helped them throughout their journey at Laun…