Front end developers have a big job. As each role in programming, development, design tends to focus on one specific area of implementing a website or app, a front end developer helps bring the pieces together.
Given the vast platform of a website, the work is often broken down into two parts—the front end and back end. While the back end navigates behind-the-scenes of a project, the front end developer focuses on the visible and external elements of website implementation. Some may even venture into addressing both sides, called a full stack developer.
Front end developers often have a unique eye for design and approach to problem-solving that fulfills both technical constraints and user’s needs. If you’ve ever analyzed or played around with website navigation, chances are you’d enjoy the interactivity produced by a front end developer. Web development is a field that’s growing fast and offers a wide range of opportunities across organizations.
Five Things About Front End Developers You’ll Want to Know
Whether you’ve had your mind set on pursuing your career as a front end developer, are on your way to becoming a full stack developer, or are still sorting through your options for your next career move, we’re here to help. Next, we share five key things you’ll want to know as you consider and pursue a role as a front end developer.
1. They Have an Eye for UX
As the gateway that connects users to your organization, a website or application has significant value in delighting and converting visitors and customers. Your role as a front end developer ensures that the user’s experience is as intended. From an initial concept to wireframes to implementing ideas into a live site, front end developers carry the web development process along with an external focus.
Their eye for design and best practices in user experience (UX) helps to determine background colors, navigation features, and font sizes that fit with organizational initiatives. This essential interior design is created by front end developers, with the back end support of actually making their ideas and concepts happen.
2. They Work With Other Departments
A company’s website doesn’t belong to just one department or division. Even with subpages, the website helps connect users to information and resources that can relate to each aspect of the company. As a front end developer, you may often get the opportunity to collaborate with teams across the organization in representing them well through a website.
From a development standpoint, you’ll certainly work with other members in web development like back end and full stack developers, programmers, coders, and others involved in your team. In addition to your tech team, you may also have conversations with your marketing team in aligning content, design, and user’s pathways in a way that accomplishes their goals as well.
You may connect with human resources for select projects and senior leadership to confirm the direction your website is heading. Keeping these departments involved in the website development process can help ensure a smooth and effective web development process.
3. They Know Front End Languages
As a front end developer, you’ll use specific tools that help you accomplish your projects. This side of development mainly incorporates three major programming languages. These include Javascript, HTML, and CSS. Other foundations like AngularJS or Bootstrap can also help you move forward successfully with credibility and effective project management.
4. They Rely On and Incorporate Analytics
To confirm the strategic direction of a website’s navigation and design, front end developers rely on their data analysts to formulate an effective plan. Analytics can help pinpoint issues in the user’s experience, identifying target audience information and behavior, and other important data relevant to web development.
As front end developers make decisions about screen size, user interface, and other areas relevant to the client’s side, they incorporate their findings from experience and analytics to make informed conclusions. Whether the user is accessing through a desktop platform or mobile device, these analytics serve an important role in the effective work of the front end developer.
5. They Have High Earning Potential
Like most careers in technology, front end developers have a positive outlook in the job market and earning potential. According to Indeed, the average salary for a front end developer is $107,373 in the United States. While this amount will vary based on your location, level of experience, and your organization, this career path can bring impressive financial benefits.
Beyond salary, careers in technology like a front end developer also brings a positive growth in opportunities in the future. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers in web development are expected to grow 13% from 2018-2028.
Pursue Your Next Step as a Front End Developer
As someone responsible for the front end of a website or app, a front end developer focuses on the external user experience in bringing wireframes to life. These developers are responsible for ensuring an effective and delightful journey for a user as they encounter your online presence. As you explore career opportunities in technology, a front end developer can be a highly rewarding path that promotes tangible results for your organization and its clients.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
