Web developers can work as freelancers or in a company team to create websites. These professionals can focus on either front-end development which involves creating content and designing websites, or back-end development, which consists in writing code that makes website features work. A webmaster manages a website’s maintenance, updates, and troubleshooting.
Prospective web developers can use the following information to help them choose a career and understand the steps required for that career. This includes completing education, understanding possible roles and contexts, and understanding the requirements for getting there. Continue reading to learn about the job duties and skills required of web developers, career resources, and salary information.
What does a web developer do
While web development and web designing share many similarities, they differ in critical areas. Web design concerns the appearance and user experience of a website’s front end. Web development is the construction of technical front-end or back-end codes that support site functions. While web developers can work only on the front-end, back-end, or both, many jobs today require an overlap with web design. These professionals can work independently or in collaboration with IT or marketing departments.
Entry-level positions often only require a minimal amount of formal education or training. According to the U.S., this is a great career option because of the growing demand for web developers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that web development jobs are expected to grow by 13% between 2018-2028, much faster than the national average for all occupations.
How to become a web developer
Many web developers start their careers by studying to become web developers. Many choose certificate courses or online developer courses. However, professionals looking for lucrative jobs should earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in web development, information tech, or another related field.
These courses are offered as associate or bachelor’s degree options. They include programming languages that prepare students for certification exams in these languages. The courses offered to vary depending on the program and significance. Typical subjects include website design and business systems analysis.
Bachelor’s in Web Developer typically includes a capstone project that integrates students’ knowledge by creating a web application, database, computer program, or related task. Students can use this project to build a portfolio to show potential employers. Internships at sites related to the student’s industry or focus are encouraged by web development schools.
Get Experience
Web developers looking for work experience may need an internship or a portfolio. A professional portfolio is essential for freelancers, mainly if they depend on it to find work.
Internships are a great way to gain experience in a more traditional job as a web developer. Internships are an excellent way for students to gain practical skills and learn about the industry. Potential web developers may find internships at technology companies beneficial as they provide solid preparation for entry-level positions.
While HTML and CSS skills are sufficient for entry-level web developers, more advanced positions require knowledge of more complicated programming languages such as Python, Javascript, and Ruby. This field requires at least five years of experience.
Earn Credentials
Because technology is constantly changing, web developers often require lifelong learning. While entry-level and freelance jobs don’t need as much certification, many require it. Certification in particular programming languages, web apps, and roles is necessary for many of these jobs. Typical certifications include Java foundations junior associate, Java SE8 programmer, and Microsoft solutions developer.
Passing a certification exam in the area is a common way to earn certifications. These certifications are a way to demonstrate your competence to potential employers. The cost of certification courses and test packages can be higher.
What is the average salary of a web developer
The BLS has collected national data showing web development as a highly lucrative and expanding career. According to the BLS, web developers make an average annual salary of $69,000. It also projects that there will be 13% job growth between 2018 and 2028.
Web developers’ salaries are affected by industry, location, credentials, or industry factors. California and Washington, for example, have the highest number of web developers in their workforce and pay them more than any other state. The table below shows that web developer salaries can vary depending on experience. Experienced web developers make more than entry-level web designers.
The BLS reports that web developers are more common in the computer systems design industry than in other sectors. However, many people work in management, information services, and advertising. According to the BLS, the data management industry has the highest salaries for web developers. Computer systems design and advertising are close behind. This is why many web developers choose to become freelancers. They have high earning potential.
Different types of careers in web development
Web developers have many career options depending on their industry, education, experience, and location. Associate degree holders can get entry-level programming or web developer positions if they hold the appropriate certifications. However, some companies only hire bachelor’s-degree-holders.
While a bachelor’s degree is the standard for software developers and database administrators, a master’s degree can help job applicants stand out when applying for higher-level positions. Employers expect candidates to have a track record of academic success and history when hiring for higher-level positions.
The salary for this job is dependent on the following factors. However, the BLS reported that web developers had a national median wage of $69,000. in May 2018. Candidates with higher education in web development and related fields are more competitive, especially for positions that require relevant degrees. PayScale reports associate degrees with a median income of $60,000, while bachelor’s degree holders make significantly more.