Being a web developer means you are the designer and curator, creating and maintaining websites for an employer. Your job is to present your employer’s products and services with an appealing visual layout that entices visitors to inquire for more information while browsing on the site. You are the point of contact in ensuring the site runs smoothly and is updated according to the needs of the business. Maintaining a consistent and effective web presence is the primary focus for this role.
Employers lean on web developers as webmasters, providing them with the content and direction they want displayed online. You follow the guidelines, designing and maintaining sites to function smoothly at all times.
Web developer salaries start between $83,000-$114,000, increasing steadily to $140,000 in most major markets after five years. Web developers are more versatile and specialized than web content administrators. Open source web developers are even more sought after as specialists comfortable with using those framework tools.
These jobs are in demand throughout the U.S., especially in states like California, Texas, New York and Illinois.
As a web developer, you are an important piece of the employer’s online strategy and goals. You may meet often with managers who will explain what is required to help deliver the proper branding and messaging for the business. This may require creating a new website from scratch, or working to improve an existing one. It will be your job to ensure that all company websites work properly on different web browsers on both desktop and mobile device operating systems. You may be responsible for facilitating the user experience on the site. It may be necessary for you to write or edit content regularly or on a case-by-case basis.
This is a full-time position that will likely require being on call during off-hours should something necessitate immediate action. You would be reporting to the upper management in marketing, or to executives directly. Freelance and contract work are also common in this position.
Your job as a web developer will require a constant overview of the organization’s websites so that everything is running smoothly.
Some of your daily tasks will include things like:
Web developers are in demand by a variety of organizations, no matter the size. Any company with at least one website may have a need for a developer and designer to help administer the necessary day-to-day tasks. These can include offices, banks, e-commerce sites, non-profits, technology firms, banks, hotels and many more.
Growth in online shopping and web-based information sharing has created more opportunities for American employers to hire dependable web developers.
Web developers may enter the workforce with a degree or diploma from a computer science or developer program. Learning on the job is critical to improving performance and aptitude for further progression to more senior roles. It helps to be flexible and patient in order to succeed in this role because of the unpredictability involved with designing and managing websites.
Skills that are transferable across web developer jobs:
Becoming a web developer doesn’t follow one set path. Having a degree or diploma in a computer science or developer program helps establish knowledge. The evolving skill sets for web developers could be driven further by earning certifications offered by certain organizations or vocational schools. Some web developer jobs may focus more on experience than academic credentials.
Certifications offered by Adobe and Microsoft are widely recognized and accepted. Others that focus on HTML5 or particular design principles may be helpful in shoring up for a more well-rounded skill set. Tools are widely available and fairly inexpensive, providing plenty of opportunity for personal growth.
Web developers are called upon to preserve a company’s web presence, making them vital to its image online. The role’s importance gives employers the impetus to hire knowledgeable and effective developers to deliver on their strategic vision. It could also be a job that leads to growth toward more specialized roles, like a software engineer, app developer or lead designer.
Does web development sound like the right career for you? Contact us today to submit your resume and get started.