Thinking About A Job in Web Development?

If you want a job that encourages creativity, lets you work independently, and is one of the hottest jobs on the market right now, web development might be a good fit for you.

Why is being a web developer in demand right now? Web developers deal heavily in user experience, or how consumers feel about the easiness or pleasantness of products they use. The value placed on consumerism has fueled an increased need for professionals that work to create a better user experience.

The digital world we live in relies heavily on a good user experience, which means we have an increased need for quality web developers. Companies are placing a greater emphasis on user experience to benefit their customers, and deliver consistent results for their business.

Job Growth

The Bureau of Labor Statistics recently reported that the need for web developers will increase 27% by 2024. For professionals looking to create digital magic, that’s good news. That amount of job growth shows incredible job stability, and is encouraging to anyone looking into web development.

Salary

Glassdoor reports a salary range for web developers between $56,000 and $128,000 annually, with the average salary being about $88,000. As the need for better web developers increases, and the competitive field grows, many believe this number will go up even more.

Skills and Education

Many people believe that having a degree in computer science or a similar field is not as important today as it was a few years ago. There are a lot of available programs online that can teach you the basics of web development and get you started without having the specific degree. The important thing to remember is that, the more you know, the better you’ll be and the more you can make. While having an education might not be essential to being a web developer, it sure will make you more competitive than others in your field who chose not to attend college.

If you’re just getting started as a web developer, it’s important that you’re familiar with a few different programming languages: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and jQuery. You’ll also want to be familiar with web design applications, Photoshop, version control, and cross-browser compatibility.

It’s important that you have your own portfolio of completed projects and ideas so you can showcase your work to potential employers. If you’re new to web development, pick up what you can and save all your old work. This will show your marked improvement over time, and give hiring managers something to go off of when they interview you. The best place to host this portfolio is a custom website. Having your own website serves to showcase your work, and can also show your skill as a web developer.

Any job that involves technology is constantly changing. It’s important that you stay on top of the changes. Being the best web developer involves knowing how to use cutting edge tech, and being able to showcase that could mean the difference between having and not having a job. You can work on constantly refining your skills by doing pro-bono or freelance work. This will also give you a variety of projects to be involved in.

Web developers have become the masters of user experience. Every time you open a browser, play a game, or run an app online, web developers are responsible for your entire online experience. Come join the ranks of web developers and help customize the online user experience. Here at MiSource, we can help you find the best fit web development opportunity for you.