Do you love designing and developing websites? You can learn how to become a web developer and enter into a lucrative and rewarding career. As a web developer, you’ll have many job duties to enjoy.
You might be entering into the perfect career for your needs. As a web developer, you will get to help others with their websites. Let’s look at the job duties of a web developer and how you can become one.
Job Duties of a Web Developer
As a web developer, you will have many different things you do each day. Most of your job will have to do with web applications and websites. Some of the job duties you will take on include:
- Using different programming languages including CSS and HTML to create webpages, images, and more
- Working with clients to ensure their website functions and look the way they prefer
- Implementing JavaScript to ensure webpages are responsive and dynamic
- Working with graphic designers and copywriters to create an easy-to-read and use the website for clients
- Performing maintenance on applications and websites
- Diagnosing errors and bugs, along with troubleshooting them
Many web developers work for employers, but some are freelancers. You will have similar duties, either way. These job duties will be common in your everyday work if you become a web developer.
How To Become a Web Developer in 2 Steps
Step #1 – Finish High School
You will likely need a high school diploma to land a job as a web developer. Whether you get a degree or not, you will likely need a high school education. This will be important on your resume, but can also help you get into college.
Step #2 – Get the Necessary Education
There are several ways to go about getting the necessary education. You can do your studies online, on a college campus, or in many other ways.
Getting a College Degree
There are several options if you choose this route to become a web developer. You can get an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree.
An associate’s degree will likely come from a technical college or a community college. You can get this degree in web development and design. It will take about two years and courses will include website design, computer programming, software development, desktop publishing, and more. You will likely complete many practical projects and gain experience with design and development tools, along with much more.
Some of the associate’s degree programs will also require you to complete an internship. This can lead to an entry-level position as a web developer.
You can also choose to get a bachelor’s degree. This type of degree will take about four years to complete. It will likely be a degree in computer science.
With a bachelor’s degree, you can gain better employment. You will likely need to complete an internship, which can help you land a job, as well.
Certifications
You don’t have to get a degree to become a web developer. You can use certifications to gain the necessary credentials. These are also available if you have a college degree.
Some of the certifications you can get include:
- Oracle certified professional– You can become certified in Oracle, which will show your Java skills. There are different levels to this type of certification. Each level will require passing an exam on Java coding practices.
- Red Hat Certification– You will gain this certification when you can show your knowledge and skills with Red Hat software. You will need to pass an exam to get these certifications. As a web developer, the many Red Hat certifications can be very helpful with landing a job.
- Professional Scrum Developer Certification– Scrum is known as a project management process. When you get this certification, you will be showing that you know how to use Scrum practices for problem-solving and delegation. You will need to pass an exam to get this certification.
These are just three of the many certification options you can get as a web developer. Certifications show you know how to use specific coding, software, or other tools within this industry.
Some colleges and universities also offer general certifications for web developers. These may be quicker programs to gain the skills you need faster.
Self-Study Programs and Boot Camps
Another way to get the education you need to become a web developer is with a self-study program or a boot camp. Self-study programs come in many forms. You can complete these programs online, through web development books, or with online coding challenges. This educational path provides a good way to gain the knowledge you need.
A boot camp is a faster way to become a web developer. You can take programs in basic coding, such as HTML, C#, JavaScript, CSS, and more. Most boot camps will last 10 weeks to a few months. Many are found at technology training schools. You can complete boot camps online or in person.
Common Types of Web Developers
If you become a web developer, you can work in multiple positions. You can specialize or remain as a general web developer. Some of the common types of web developers include:
- Front-End Web Developers – You will work on the design of the website and write code to create the look of the layout. Front-end developers work on the images, content, layout, and graphics of the website or application.
- Back-End Web Developers – As a back-end developer, you will work on the architecture of a website. This includes creating efficiently and making sure the website or application does what it’s supposed to when a user accesses it.
- User Interface Developers – As a UI developer, you will work on the initial design of a website. Your focus will be the style, navigation, branding, and color of the website. Your main job will be to translate the needs of the user into an attractive, accessible, and functional website. Many UI developers actually become UI/UX developers.
- User Experience Developers – Also known as UX developers, this type of web developer will work on the navigational structure of the website or application. UX developers create wireframes or blueprints for the content organization. They also test the structure for functionality.
- Webmasters – When you become a webmaster, you are a web developer that works on the maintenance of a current website. You will work on the current pages by updating them, along with troubleshooting any errors. This important position will perform routine maintenance and make sure things run smoothly.
Along with these options, you can also become a PHP developer, Java Developer, Python Developer, or a Full Stack Developer. These are all specialized options you can go into as a web developer.
There are several options when you learn how to become a web developer. You can specialize in any of these areas or learn them all.
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Web Developer
How much can I earn as a web developer?
With so many different web developer positions, you might have a salary higher or lower than the average. According to Indeed.com, the average salary for a web developer is about $72K per year. However, your actual salary will be based on your location, employer, actual web developer position, and experience.
If you become a specialized web developer, you may earn more. Back-end developers tend to be the highest-paid with average salaries closer to $126K. Front-end developers earn, on average $101K per year. If you become a UX developer, you can earn around $90K per year. The UI developers can earn a little higher than the average at about $77K per year.
Webmasters are paid the lowest when it comes to web developers. This type of web developer earns an average salary closer to $51K per year.
Some larger employers may pay significantly more with average web developers making well over $130K per year with a top employer. Those working in New York, Massachusetts, Colorado, and California will also earn a higher salary.
If you have specific skills and experience, you can earn a higher salary, as well. Backbone.js, Angular, Node.js, React, and Java are the best skills you can get. These skills all help you earn a higher salary as a web developer.
What type of benefits do web developers usually get?
When you work for an employer, you will likely gain access to many benefits. Health insurance with dental, vision, and life insurance is a very common benefit. You will also get paid time off, a 401(k), and possible relocation assistance. Many web developers work from home, too.
Getting the right education and training is the most important part of how to become a web developer. Whether you choose to get a college degree or some type of certification, you want to learn the necessary skills. Of course, specializing in a specific area of web development can help determine the type of training and education you need to be successful as a web developer.
Jordan Fabel
Covering different 'paths' that people's lives can take. Creative, foster parent, ticket dismissal, you get the idea. Exploring the requirements, certifications, exams, and obviously, approved courses along each path.