Stress is part of the job for health care workers
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Most people think web developers only build websites, but there’s so much more to the job than that. They also coordinate content and troubleshoot problems that arise within a webpage. The skillset of a web developer isn’t just analytical; they also need to be creative and serve as advisors to other members within the company. Often, members of the marketing and sales departments make requests that would damage the website or slow down its performance, and the web developer has to understand the effects these changes have.
The answer to “what is a web developer?” is complex , and is easier to answer by looking at their daily responsibilities. They need to work with different departments and even different clients to create a blueprint and execute a website through completion. Once the website is built, they need to continue maintaining it with the addition of new content and continue fixing bugs, errors, and other problems as they arise. A few other skills include:
Web developers either work in-house for a single company or have many clients within an agency. Many web developers opt for agency work because it tends to provide a more unique work environment. More agencies are also incorporating perks into their office environments and might provide breakfast or lunch for employees, let them bring their dogs to work, or have flexible schedules.
While many web developers have their own offices, agency work might mean working in an open floor plan or in a cubicle close to their peers. They will be provided with a computer and may be given a laptop to taken home with them or to carry around to meetings. Working as a web developer requires meeting with different departments and clients throughout the week, and they may have several conference calls and meetings each day.
Some web developers choose to start their own businesses and work as contractors for multiple companies. As freelancers, they’re able to create their own work environment and dictate how, where, and when they work. While this lifestyle seems alluring, it’s not for everyone, and requires a significant amount of dedication and responsibility.
Web developers traditionally work Monday through Friday from morning to evening, but they may have to work late and on weekends if they’re on a deadline for a picky client. Many developers have to take on a “hurry up and wait” mentality, where they will have low periods when they’re not busy followed by periods where they have several deadlines at once.
If a website is compromised because of security, the web developer may need to work late and through the night until the website is recovered and the content is returned to normal. As a result, the schedule of web developers tends to be hectic within some companies. Contract web developers may not be responsible for security, but can have equally hectic schedules as their demand from clients peaks during some seasons and ebbs during others.
Many web developer job descriptions require either an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree. Very few companies require a master’s degree, though candidates may want to pursue higher education if they want to rise to the management level within a company. There are a few majors that can help a web developer land a job, even though experience usually beats out education when choosing between candidates. Here are a few helpful majors:
Web developers learn several coding languages, which is why a computer science degree tends to be the most useful. However, it’s possible to take classes for coding outside of your major and teach yourself how to code to understand the basics. Web development is a skill that comes with experience, and the more time you spend trying to build it, the more you will learn.
Web developers tend to be some of the youngest professionals in the market. In fact, 83 percent of web developers have fewer than 10 years of experience, while 57 percent have fewer than five years in the field. Fewer than one percent of web developers have more than 20 years of experience in the industry.
For the most part, this has to do with the age of the internet and the rise of website usage. The world’s first website is only 25 years old, which means there wasn’t any demand for web developers three decades ago. As the internet has grown, so has the demand for web developers, and the ability to manipulate code is one of the most sought-after skills employers look for today.
Below are some of the skills employers look for when they’re hiring web developers.
When asked “how much do web developers make?” the answer depends on the experience and job requirements. Most entry-level web developers make $35 to $80k when they’re still building their skill sets, but can make an average of $106k when they reach the mid-level of their careers. Salaries vary from $60k to $175k based on what kind of web content the developer is building and what languages are required for completion.
Experienced web developers can make more than $110k if they’re building complex websites or creating databases with millions of logs and records. The salary is so high because the expectations are demanding and the web developer is expected to create tools that can significantly increase the revenue of a company. Often, contract web developers will get paid based on the difficulty of the work.
According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, web developer jobs are expected to grow much faster than others within the next 10 years. Between 2014 and 2024, there are expected to be 39,500 more positions opening, a 27 percent increase from the current job market of 148,500. This is a great time to build your skill set and learn to code, as more jobs will be opening in most cities across the nation.
Web developers who continue to grow their experience can become software engineers or senior programmers within the company. As their careers advance they will be able to guide what is made and set a schedule instead of following what their managers set before them. Some web developers might become software developers and create systems or tools to aid companies in their logistics and production.
Once a web developer builds out his experience, he can feel more comfortable starting his own business and building websites on a contract basis. This offers more flexibility than working for a company and lets the developer set his prices.
Web development is a great way to get your foot in the door when you understand coding languages and want to create pages and sites for the Web. This position combines attention to detail with creativity and a designer eye, which is why it attracts both artists and logical planners.
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