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Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, remote working has become a luxury enjoyed by few of the rising standard. With this trend, many people are turning to careers like web development, which not only allows remote work, but earns above-average pay.
But how do you become a web developer? Keep reading to find out.
What is Web Development?
Simply put, web development involves creating and maintaining websites. Web developers are responsible for the speed of a website and the amount of traffic the website can handle. Some web developers also create content for the websites they manage.
In 2020, there were approximately 199,400 web developer jobs in the United States, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS predicts 13% growth for web developer positions from 2020 to 2030. Salaries for web developers range from approximately $70,790 to $123,870 depending on factors such as expertise, skills and experience. location.
Types of Web Developers
Back-end web developers
Average annual salary: Approximately $87,000
Projected job growth (2020-2030): 13%
Education needed: Proficiency in programs such as Python, Java, PHP, SQL, GIT, HTML, CSS and JavaScript; often preferred bachelor’s degree
Job description: Back-end web developers create and maintain the mechanisms that process data and perform actions on websites. They’re involved in data storage, security, and other server-side functions that you can’t see.
Front End Web Developers
Average annual salary: Approximately $77,000
Projected job growth (2020-2030): 13%
Education needed: A bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field; courses in web development, programming, web design, database management, networking, and math are also recommended
Job description: Front-end web developers use their knowledge of programming languages to code user-side applications such as menu bars, clickable buttons, and general website layout. They also communicate with customers to identify their needs and ensure websites are performing optimally.
Full Stack Developers
Average annual salary: Approximately $79,000
Projected job growth (2020-2030): 13%
Education needed: Degree in software management or a related field such as data analysis and management; proficiency in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP Python and Ruby also required
Job description: A full-stack developer operates on both the front-end and back-end processes of a website. These professionals work on both design and functionality, and they often oversee entire projects from start to finish.
How to become a web developer
There are several paths to becoming a web developer. Some developers earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Others attend bootcamps to learn the coding skills needed for their job. Read on to find out which path to web development is right for you.
earn a degree
For those who want to follow the traditional college route, an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in computer science, software management, data analysis and management, or a related field can be a great first step towards a career in web development. Once you’ve decided whether you’re most interested in front-end, back-end, or full-stack development, you can pursue a degree specific to your career goals.
Note that a traditional degree is a big financial investment. The average bachelor’s degree at a public institution in the state costs around $40,000 in tuition and fees.
Consider honing your skills with a Bootcamp
If you’re looking to change careers or jump into the job market quickly, a coding bootcamp might be the right path for you. On average, coding bootcamps cost around $12,000 in tuition and last less than 14 weeks.
Companies like 4Geeks Academy, Actualize, App Academy, Boolean, and Brain Station all offer coding bootcamps. Some even offer free introductory coding courses to give you an idea of the relevance of web development before writing a tuition check.
Build a portfolio
A coding portfolio that showcases your work is essential for getting hired as a web developer. If you haven’t worked as a web developer yet, you can use school projects or a bootcamp, or you can even create web pages for imaginary clients to build your portfolio. You can also volunteer to work on a local nonprofit’s website for free as part of a portfolio-building project.
The important thing is that you have examples of your work in web development to show potential employers.
View certifications and certificates
A certification or certificate can be another feather in your hat as a web developer, especially if you don’t have a degree in computer science or a related field. These credentials demonstrate your pro-level proficiency in a particular web development skill.
Certifications and certificates are available for AJAX, HTML, MySQL, MongoDB, React.js, Mongoose, Node.js, Linux, CSS, JavaScript, and Python, among other coding languages and skills. Quality is more important than quantity when it comes to these appellations. Look for a degree that complements and enhances the skills required for your future career as a web developer.
Web Developer Frequently Asked Questions
What skills do I need to be a web developer?
Web developers should at least know the basics of programs such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for the front-end and PHP or Node.js for the back-end. They must constantly learn and keep up to date with the industry.
Do you need a degree to become a web developer?
No, a degree is not necessary to be a web developer. While an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a field like computer science or software engineering is preferred for some positions, many professionals make their way in the industry through intensive coding bootcamps.
What is the salary of a web developer?
Salaries for various front-end, back-end, and full-stack web developer positions can range from around $70,000 to over $160,000. Salaries vary depending on your company, location, years of experience, and specific skills.
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