what is a front end developer
Whenever you browse a website, you're looking at a front end developer's work. Front end developers use code and software to make websites easy and convenient to use. You also remove errors, blank pages, glitches, and other issues that turn people off. A well-designed site makes a strong first impression, turning visitors into clients.
Businesses hire you alongside graphic designers and back end developers to build a new website. They also hire you to make their existing site easier to use. You place essential information front and center, remove cluttered text, rearrange graphics, and reduce the number of clicks that visitors have to take. Every second counts when it comes to conversions, and you'll make the most out of potential customers' visits.
With the rise of smartphones, mobile pages are just as important as desktop sites. Companies need your help to optimize their sites for smartphones and tablets. You'll rearrange content and make pages clean and scrollable instead of smaller versions of the existing websites. As a result, you'll need to learn about mobile-friendly software and programming languages.
Some front end developers specialize in this field whereas others master back end development as well. In any case, you could start with small business sites and end up working for major corporations.
Would working as a front end developer suit your technology skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a front end developer role.
view jobs near youaverage front end developer salary
In 2021, web developer salaries averaged $79,890 per year. On the lower end, web developers earned $38,550 each year, and the top 10% of salaries reached $168,200. These salaries may come with employee benefits, such as health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and stock options.
Your chosen field influences your salary. Web developers who worked in software publishing in 2021 earned an average of $150,040 per year. Conversely, developers who worked for retailers, advertisers, and public relations teams earned a little over $60,000. You can switch industries if you're not satisfied with your pay, but you may have to learn new skill sets.
Employers periodically offer overtime hours, particularly if you're close to a project deadline. You may have to work on nights or weekends, but overtime hours come with higher pay rates. If you perform well, you may receive tips and bonuses, but some companies issue bonuses only when the entire team does well.
Learning more programming languages, working with major corporations, having an impressive resume, and earning several years of experience may entitle you to higher salaries. Be prepared to research the median salary in your region and highlight your achievements during the negotiation process.
types of front end developer
Front end developers can specialize in different industries, such as insurance, computer systems, finance, and education. You could also focus on building desktop or mobile websites or both. Each type requires a different skill set because mobile and desktop users have different needs. For example, smaller screens need large, simple text whereas traditional websites have more flexibility.
Some front end developers are full stack developers, meaning that they offer back end development as well. Many companies seek out full stack developers because you can work with both sides of the project, offering convenience and consistency.
working as a front end developer
Front end developers master software and programming languages, making them essential players in today's technology-focused world. Learn more about the necessary education and qualifications, plus your work environment.
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front end developer job description
What does a front end developer do? Front end developers look at websites and think: "How can I make this more appealing and easier to use?" Responsive web design is one of your priorities. Visitors shouldn't have to use the "right" device; instead, the website should cater to them. You ensure that sites automatically adjust to different devices and browser sizes, providing easy access.
Likewise, you decide whether your client needs a static or dynamic website. A static website looks the same for every visitor, which works for companies that don't need customized content, but some operations need dynamic sites that adjust to their viewers. For example, a real estate website needs to show different properties according to the visitor's location.
Social media and high-speed internet have reduced people's attention spans. They want information immediately, and if they can't find it, they'll jump to a competitor's site. You figure out how to grab their attention and keep them browsing for as long as possible. If it takes too long to find a certain page, you discover how to reduce the clicks. When sites look tedious, you make them more engaging.
You'll also design website layouts with clean, organized content and work with the right software for your project. Like the site itself, your coding will be clear and concise so that others can understand the code after you leave. Sometimes, you use code that someone else wrote; other times, you start from the beginning.
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front end developer work environment
Front end developers work indoors in office settings. You could work directly for one business and have an office in their building. A company could also temporarily contract you and ask you to visit their location for the project's entire duration. Either way, you'll have to commute.
You could also serve multiple clients as a freelancer. Since you work online, you could set up a home office although you might have occasional face-to-face meetings with your customers. You could also buy or rent a building or an office in a public workspace, which may have a cafeteria and meeting rooms.
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who are your colleagues?
If you're part of a company's in-house team, you'll likely work with fellow front end developers, plus back end developers. Other colleagues could include graphic designers, app builders, IT workers, software engineers, and additional technology experts. Developers who work for single businesses may also interact with supervisors, CEOs, HR managers, secretaries, customer service representatives, cafeteria workers, payroll managers, and other employees. Periodically, you may interact with developers at networking events and conferences.
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work schedule
Front end developers who work for in-house teams usually work 40 hours a week during regular business hours. However, your employer could ask you to work on nights and weekends when a project runs behind, a client requests changes, or you have a deadline approaching. You can expect to get paid time off for major holidays.
Freelancing hours can vary. Generally, you choose your own hours, which may include early mornings, nights, and weekends. You could also choose to work regular 9-to-5 hours if you prefer the structure. At times, you may have to work overtime, but freelancers usually don't receive overtime pay.
You may complete work activities outside of your regular hours, such as learning new software and programming languages, joining online groups, attending conferences, networking with industry leaders, and managing your LinkedIn profile. Freelancers also spend unpaid time searching for clients.
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job outlook for front end developer
Front end developers join an in-demand field because every operation with a website needs your services. Without you, websites would be clunky, slow, and difficult to use. You also help businesses compete in the mobile age by perfecting their sites for tablets and smartphones. With your knowledge, they could double or triple their conversion rates.
As you learn more about programming and software, you'll become increasingly valuable. Earning years of experience also makes you a sought-after expert in your field. You could start mentoring other developers and seek jobs from high-paying clients, such as retail and restaurant chains. More prestigious jobs also come with better benefits packages.
Related roles include JavaScript developers, full stack web developers, back-end software engineers, PHP developers, and software development architects. If you enjoy working with software and programming languages, you could build a career out of working with one program. Clients will seek you out because they need your expertise.
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benefits of working for randstad as a front end developer
Working through Randstad offers you a range of benefits:
- being paid weekly
- flexibility
- always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
- many training opportunities
- a range of jobs in your area
Want a permanent contract? But you wonder why it would be interesting for you to work with a staffing company? A temporary job as a front end developer is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
front end developer skills and education
Some employers accept front end developers with an associate degree, but they often prefer applicants with a bachelor's degree in a technology field. Your bachelor's degree shows HR managers that you have extensive technical expertise. Similarly, earning a master's degree could impress businesses that offer high salaries.
Freelancers don't always need specific degrees because many clients look at your portfolio instead of your education. In fact, you might get away with just having a high school diploma. However, earning a bachelor's degree still enables you to provide the best service. Your degree also helps you find jobs if you decide to work for a company later on.
Whatever the case, you'll need training in software and programming languages. A coding boot camp provides the skills that you need with an accelerated program. You can also find online classes that don't offer a degree but teach you everything you need to get started.
Since technology develops rapidly, front end developers need to continue their education throughout their careers. Periodically, you'll take more online classes, read books, attend lectures, and read industry news. Your up-to-date knowledge keeps your services in demand as companies adapt to these updates.
skills and competencies
Mainly, front end developers work with code. Most front end developers need to master HTML, CSS, and JavaScript because they provide the foundation for most websites. You should also learn these skills and programming languages.
- DOM manipulation
- Node.js
- SQL
- NoSQL
- AJAX
You may not need them for every job, but Python, AngularJS, SASS, XML, Ruby, and PHP are other libraries and extensions that supplement your knowledge.
Likewise, you'll need to use source code software, such as Notepad and Visual Studio. Learn how to use multiple programs because your client might want you to use a specific one. However, some customers give you more flexibility.
Additionally, front end developers understand graphic design fundamentals. You know what makes a website layout appealing and use software to outline your plan. Copywriters and graphic designers may create the content for your page, but you give them the framework. You'll also create and test prototypes before completing the project.
Front end developers also need strong communication skills. You work with clients to build their ideal websites while making suggestions and pointing out potential issues. Clients expect you to respond to them promptly and professionally whenever they reach out.
FAQs about working as a front end developer
Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about front end developers.
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is a front end developer a graphic designer?
While front end developers know how to use graphic design programs, you typically don't create graphics or videos, choose color schemes, or develop logos and branding. Instead, you plan functional website layouts and work with graphic designers to make an appealing site. Occasionally, you could make visual suggestions that make the site more attractive.
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what is the difference between front end and back end developers?
Front end developers build the website that you see in front of you whereas back end developers keep everything running behind the scenes. You'll acquire back end developer knowledge throughout your career and possibly become a full stack developer who does everything. However, people who work solely as front end developers still provide valuable, specialized services.
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what programming languages do front end developers need to know?
Every front end developer needs to learn how to use CSS, HTML, and JavaScript because they're the building blocks of the Internet. Supplementing your knowledge with other languages, extensions, and libraries gives you access to more jobs and refines your foundational knowledge. You'll learn new skills throughout your career as technology continues to advance.
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do front end developers design mobile apps?
You don't fully design mobile apps, but you'll refine them so that they're easy to access on smart devices. You may work with app developers if your client has recently entered the mobile field.
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can front end developers make decent money?
While beginner developers in low-paying industries could make about $30,000, you could earn over $100,000 if you advance to a high-paying industry and earn years of knowledge and experience. Freelancers may earn more because you can set your own prices and potentially earn tips. Companies may offer bonuses when your team performs well, especially around the holidays.
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how do I find a job as a front end developer?
Applying for a front end developer job is easy create a Randstad profile and search our front end developer jobs for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV. If you do not have a resume, no worries. Just check out our resume builder. This state of the art tool will help you to create your own resume. Need help with your application? Check out all our job-hunting tips!
