Many individuals contemplate careers in the technology arena, as is the case with many individuals across the United States. If that is the case, you may be pondering several questions. Among them may be “what is a web developer?”
Basic Definition of Web Developer
A web developer is a type of programmer who specializes in the development and implementation of applications and structures for the internet. Specifically, web developers typically build websites for their employers or clients. Web developers typically work for firms that specialize in web building and design, for corporations and other organizations, or on a freelance basis.
Specific Work Performed by a Web Developer
Generally speaking, a web developer typically works in one of three or a combination of specific tiers. These are:
- Front-end web development – involves the building and implementation of what is known as server-side frameworks. These include the delivery of content and scripts to a client or for the benefit of an employer. Frameworks include HTML, JavaScript, CSS, ReactsJs, AngularJS, Perl, Python, Ruby, PHP, Java, ASP, ASP.NET and Node.js.
- Back-end web development – focuses on the essential interaction between crucial server-side frameworks. Also, a back-end web developer may work on interactions with a web server and a database system.
- Overall web building and development project coordination – a web developer can have a more expansive role in a particular web development and web design project. A web developer may act as what essentially is an overall project manager.
Educational and Licensing Requirements
In the United States, as is the case around the globe, there are no mandated educational or licensure requirements associated with becoming a web developer. With that said, there are colleges, universities, and other organizations that offer coursework and training on different aspects of web development.
With that said, there are some training and learning opportunities that a person who desires to be a web developer should consider undertaking. Specifically, a person interested in becoming a web developer should obtain suitable training and hands-on experience in these areas:
- HTML, XHTML, JavaScript, and jQuery
- Server or client-side architecture
- programming, coding, scripting in one of the different server-side languages or frameworks in use today
Web Developer Occupational Outlook
The job outlook for web developers is bright, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Between now and 2028, the number of available web developer positions is projected to expand by 13 percent. This is a rate of growth that the Bureau of Labor Statistics classifies as being “much faster” than what other professions and occupations will experience during this period.
At present, about 160,500 web developers are working in the United States. That number is expected to increase by almost 30,000 by 2028. The typical entry-level web developer has an associate’s degree. With that noted, a degree is not required. Moreover, a good percentage of people who become web developers don’t have associate’s degrees specifically related to web development. The median income for a United States web developer is $69,430 per year. This breaks down to about $33.38 per hour.
In the final analysis, hands-on experience is a crucial element of becoming a successful web developer. This can be obtained in several ways, including working for a web development and design firm or even diving into some simpler web development projects on your own.
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