It is essential for all kinds of organizations in every industry to have a website to showcase their brand, grow their customer base, and share information about services. The importance of a good website has created high demand for web developers. So, how do you get a job in web development?
If you want to start a career in web development, keep reading to learn about different education options and key web development skills. We’ll also share information on the highest-paying web development jobs.
What Is Web Development?
Web development is the process of designing, building, testing, and maintaining websites and web applications that run on a browser. Web development involves web design, graphic design, publishing, programming, and database management.
The three categories of web development are front end development, backend development, and full stack development. Front end development creates the user interface of the web app, while backend development builds the unseen mechanisms behind the web app. Full stack development is the integration of both kinds of development.
Web Development Job Outlook
Web developer employment is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations at a rate of 13 percent according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This means that an average of 17,900 web developer jobs will be created each year between 2020 and 2030.
What Education Do I Need to Become a Web Developer?
To become a web developer, you used to need a minimum of an Associate Degree in Web Development, Computer Science, or other related fields. You can also become a web developer by attending a coding bootcamp to get relevant web development skills.
Can I Get a Web Development Job Without a Bachelor’s Degree?
Yes, you can become a web developer without a bachelor’s degree. You will need some kind of education, either from a coding bootcamp, online classes, or associate degree from a community college, but you don’t need a four-year college degree.
Can a Coding Bootcamp Help Me Get a Job in Web Development?
Yes, a coding bootcamp can help you get a job in web development. Coding bootcamps are intensive programs designed to teach students the knowledge and skills necessary for a career in technology. By attending a web development bootcamp, you will learn in-demand skills in a short period of time.
Bootcamps are well respected by many employers in the industry. In 2017, Indeed conducted a survey that showed 72 percent of employers considered coding bootcamp grads to be just as prepared as university graduates. Many coding bootcamp graduates have been hired by top tech companies like Google, Microsoft, Apple, and Facebook. Most bootcamps offer career services to help you land your first tech job.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Job in Web Development?
It could take anywhere between eight weeks to four years to get a job in web development, depending on your educational path and career goals. Online classes could take as few as two months before you start applying for jobs, and most coding bootcamps take between three months to nine months to complete.
Earning a degree through formal education will take a little longer. Most bachelor’s degrees take four years to complete, while an associate degree takes two years. After getting an education, the strength of your resume and portfolio will also influence how long it will take to land your dream job.
Common Web Development Education Paths
There are several educational paths that you can take to prepare you for a job in web development. You can join a coding bootcamp, take online classes, attend a community college, or get an associate degree. All of these are good options, so you can decide what works best for your schedule and budget.
Web Development Bootcamps
Web development bootcamps are designed to equip students with the relevant knowledge and skills required to start a career soon after graduation. They are short-term, fast-paced, immersive training programs that provide hands-on training to students interested in a technology career. A typical full-time web development bootcamp takes about three months.
Community College
Community colleges are two-year institutions designed to provide students with the necessary skills required for a career. They offer associate degrees, and the credits earned during these programs can be transferred to a four-year college or university to count towards a bachelor’s degree.
You can attend a community college to get the web development training you’ll need to start a career. Associate degree programs in web development, computer science, information technology, and computer engineering will prepare you for a career in web development.
Web Development Degrees
Traditional universities are the most popular way to start a web development career. You can apply to a college of your choice for a Bachelor’s Degree in Web Development, Information Technology, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or other IT-related fields.
It is also common to find web development professionals with master’s degrees. These degrees are typically used for career advancement after you have worked in an entry-level position. While advanced degrees aren’t required, earning a graduate degree after a few years in the industry can help you grow your career.
Key Web Development Skills to List on Your Resume
There are specific skills that hiring managers want to see on your web developer resume. These skills will show that you have what it takes to get the job done. Key web developer skills include programming, communication, UX/UI design, front end design, attention to detail, analytical thinking, and problem-solving ability.
Programming
Programming is an essential skill for a web developer. You need to be proficient in more than one programming language to build websites. A web developer should know two or more of the most common programming languages such as HTML, JavaScript, Python, CSS, TypeScript, PHP, and Ruby.
UX/UI Design
UX/UI is an industry term that describes how a consumer interacts with an application. UX stands for user experience, and UI stands for the user interface. UX/UI is an essential aspect of web development since one of the primary purposes of web development is to ensure that the users have a satisfying experience using a website.
UX/UI design is a crucial skill for web developers because it shows you can work with the end-user in mind. Potential employers want to see that you can create a marketable product for potential clients.
Attention to Detail
As a professional web developer, you need to have great attention to detail so you can deliver flawless systems and software to your clients. Any product you design has an end goal of providing users with a satisfying experience, and small errors can add up to a frustrating user experience.
Paying attention to detail means that you can code accurately to prevent errors, quickly identify mistakes, and fix bugs while maintaining the desired final product. Employers want to see this soft skill on resumes because they need to hire someone who can find errors and deliver excellent products.
Where to Find Web Development Jobs
Finding a web development job isn’t hard when you know where to look. Web developers are in high demand across many industries, so you will need to look in several places. This section covers the best places to find web development jobs.
Job Boards
Job boards are large platforms used to share job openings in many different fields, locations, and companies. They have a wide range of job listings for every industry and skill level. While some fields have their own specific job boards, there are many general job boards, such as Indeed, LinkedIn, ZipRecruiter, SimplyHired, Zippia, and Glassdoor.
Company Websites
Company websites are one of the best ways to find specific jobs. Brainstorm a list of companies in the industry that you want to work for, and visit their websites’ career pages frequently to check for job openings. If you can’t find a company’s careers page, use a search engine to search for the name of the company and the title of the jobs you are interested in.
Online Marketplaces
An online marketplace is a platform where employers post job openings for short-term and medium-term job opportunities. These platforms are good for web developers who want to work as freelancers or contractors. Using a platform like Upwork and Fiverr, you can sell your services to individuals and companies and be your own boss.
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How to Prepare for Your Web Development Interview
To prepare for your web development interview, read through the job posting thoroughly so you really understand the job description. You should also read the company’s website and research its company culture, mission, and values. Come to the interview prepared to answer common interview questions and to ask your own questions about the job and company.
Web Development Interview Questions
- In your own words, what is the role of a web developer?
- What do you think are the most important programming skills for web developers?
- What are the benefits of HTTP 2.0 over HTTP 1.1?
- How do you keep up with the latest trends in web development?
The Five Highest-Paying Web Development Jobs
| Web Development Jobs | Average Salary | Projected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Software Developer | $110,140 | 22% |
| Game Developer | $101,644 | 22%* |
| Database Administrator | $98,860 | 8% |
| Application Developer | $93,825 | 22%* |
| Web Developer | $77,200 | 13% |
*These occupations are listed under the same job category as software developers.
Software Developer
- Salary: $110,140
Software developers design, build, test, and maintain software applications for computers, mobile devices, and websites. These professionals work alone or with a team to ensure that the software is high-quality, functional, and meets the specifications.
Game Developer
- Salary: $101,644
Game developers, or video game developers, are responsible for designing, building, testing, and maintaining video games for computers, game consoles, and mobile devices. Game developers use coding skills and creativity to design characters, gameplay, levels, and animations.
Database Administrator
- Salary: $98,860
Database administrators are in charge of maintaining, managing, and securing companies’ databases. They install and update software, extract data, and monitor overall performance. Database administrators handle specialized data and work to confirm the authenticity of data.
Application Developer
- Salary: $93,825
Application developers create new applications. This process requires coding, designing, developing, installing, testing, and maintaining software applications. After the app is created, application developers monitor the application for possible bugs while also providing end-user support.
Web Developer
- Salary: $77,200
Web developers are in charge of designing the layout of a website based on a company’s specifications and bringing the website to life. After the website launches, they test and maintain the website in case of bugs or security threats.
Web Development Career Path
The web development career path is fairly straightforward. The entry-level roles require one year or less of experience, while the mid-level positions require between three and five years of experience. Senior-level roles are the most advanced, they require several years of experience and usually additional education.
Entry-Level Web Development Jobs
- Computer Programmer – This is an entry-level role that most tech specialists start with. It involves writing code to build software and ensure that they function adequately.
- Front End Developer – Front end developers work to design the user-side of a software application. They use programming languages to develop the overall layout of the application.
- Backend Developer – Backend developers work to design the client-side or server-side of a website application and integrate it with the user-side of the application.
Mid-Level Web Development Jobs
- Full Stack Developer – Full stack developers are proficient in both front end and backend development. They can design both the user-side and the server-side of a website.
- Web Designer – Web designers are responsible for creating the design and layout of websites and web pages. They plan, design, and write the code required to make an attractive web page.
- Software Architect – Software architects write code to design and develop software applications, while also planning the app’s different features and integrating them into the system.
Senior-Level Web Development Jobs
- Software Engineer – Software engineers combine the principles and techniques of engineering with software development. They create, maintain, and improve systems and applications based on the client’s needs.
- Senior Web Designer – Senior web designers manage a team of junior designers to design, build, and maintain websites and web pages. They have to ensure that the applications meet the client’s specifications and requirements.
- Project Manager – Project managers monitor and oversee projects to ensure that they go according to plan and stay within the estimated budget. They plan the projects, supervise them, check the quality of the product, and ensure that products are delivered to the client on time.
Web Development Certifications
Certifications serve as evidence of your skills in a field. They are used to demonstrate to current employers or potential employers that you can perform key job tasks. Each field has recognized certifications that employers respect and will give you an edge in the job market. You can find below some common web development certifications.
Certified Web Professional – Web Developer
This group of certifications is offered by the International Web Association (IWA). The organization provides the most reputable certifications in the industry as it is the creator of the industry’s guidelines for ethical and professional standards. You can become a Certified Web Professional (CWP) in site design, ecommerce, service administration, and more.
AWS Certified Developer – Amazon Web Services
This certification is offered by Amazon Web Services and is used to demonstrate the skills of professionals in developing cloud initiatives. This certification will prove to your potential employer that you can write and deploy cloud-based applications.
Microsoft 365 Certified: Developer Associate
This certification offered by Microsoft shows that professionals can build, test, and maintain applications using the Microsoft 365 platform. Web developers with this skill can work with Microsoft identity, Microsoft Graph, and build apps for Microsoft Teams.
Tips on How to Get a Job in Web Development
Getting a job in web development and starting a rewarding career doesn’t have to be difficult. We’ve put together these tips to help you navigate the labor market and land your first web development job.
Take relevant courses
A job in web development does not require a college degree, in fact, many professionals today started their web development careers by taking online courses. These courses teach you the basics and give you space to practice your web development skills.
Develop your skills
Once you have taken some classes, it’s time to practice your skills by working on small web development projects. Try to find a mentor to help you learn the right skills fast by sharing their experience in the field.
Build your portfolio
When your skills have become strong enough to handle an independent project, start building your portfolio. You can do this by completing beginner-level development projects, taking freelance projects from clients, or working for friends. These options will help you create a portfolio of work to show to potential employers.
Get experience
Employers like to see that they are hiring a professional capable of handling real-world projects. While you’re not expected to have years of experience as a beginner, you should still have some evidence to show that you can do the job. You can get experience early in your career by working as a freelancer or joining an internship or apprenticeship program.
Get certified
Certifications are evidence of your skills, and the right certifications will prove to employers that you are the right candidate for the job. Certifications show that you have specific skills and will make your resume stand out from the competition.
Should You Get a Job in Web Development in 2022?
Yes, you should get a job in web development in 2022. Most companies across the world have a website and can’t function without one. As a result, the demand for web developers continues to rise as companies seek to reach their target market and grow their business.
If you are interested in web development, then you should start taking steps towards securing your first job in web development. It is easier than ever to pursue this rewarding career, since it doesn’t require a degree. You jumpstart your education now by taking online programs or joining a coding bootcamp.
Web Development FAQ
Yes, you can become a web developer without a degree. Coding bootcamps and online programs are both accepted educational paths in the industry.
It isn’t hard to get into web development. As long as you are prepared to learn the required knowledge and skills, you can start a career without too much trouble.
Ye, web development is a good career. The job outlook for this field is growing faster compared to the average growth across occupations, and professionals in the field earn high salaries.
The skills you need to be a web developer include coding, front end design, web development, strong communication skills, an eye for design, attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and analytical thinking.
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