Is web development a good career choice? To answer that, let’s consider where the field might be in 8-10 years. Understanding the potential future can help us gauge if it’s a lucrative career path and what kind of tasks it involves.
Let’s look at the present and future prospects for web developers
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 16% growth in demand for web developers from 2022 to 2032.
- According to Indeed, the average annual salary for web developers in the United States is $79,676.
Simplilearn ranks Front-End Developers and Full-Stack Developers as the 8th and 9th highest-paying tech jobs, giving us an idea of their career and salary potential.
However, a good career isn’t just about money. It also involves factors like work-life balance, opportunities for career growth, the work environment, and company culture.
Understanding the daily life and responsibilities of a web developer can help us determine whether it’s truly a good career choice or not.
Life of a Web Developer
If a web developer is employed at a company, they usually collaborate with a team. Teams typically handle two main parts: frontend and backend development. Developers often specialize in one, but some are skilled in both, known as full-stack developers.
Their tasks vary depending on the project, including creating new websites, updating existing ones, fixing bugs, and ensuring smooth operation. They also develop new features to integrate with different apps and databases and prioritize security and speed optimization.
In addition, web developers need to regularly update their skills to keep up with new technology trends. This means they’re always learning and adapting to stay current.
Benefits of Becoming a Web Developer
I previously mentioned that the salary of web developers is high because businesses are increasingly focusing on their online presence. With advancing technology, the demand for web developers continues to rise. It’s hard to find any well-known business or brand that doesn’t have a website.
Web developers often have the option to work remotely since their work is done online. This means they can work from home or anywhere with internet access and a computer. Tools like Trello and Jira make team collaboration easier, so web developers can work remotely if their companies permit it.
Compared to other fields, the programming and web development communities are much larger and more active. So, if you encounter an error or bug in your project, chances are someone else has faced it before and found a solution. Websites like Stack Overflow, GitHub, and Hashnode are great resources for troubleshooting.
With ChatGPT available, problem-solving becomes even easier with the right prompt. Additionally, web developers have many opportunities to expand their network, such as being active on LinkedIn, contributing to open-source projects, and attending industry events. This networking can provide insights into industry trends and job opportunities.
Full Stack Web Developer Career Path
Becoming a junior full-stack web developer typically takes around 6 months to 1 year. During this period, you start with the basics of HTML and CSS. Next, you dive into JavaScript, which is essential for web development and can take 6-8 months or even a year to grasp.
To become a full-stack developer, you need to learn both frontend and backend development. Additionally, you understand databases and APIs. APIs act as a connection or a bridge between the front end and backend, while databases store and organize data in a structured way. Learning about databases and APIs can also take roughly 1 month. We have a detailed blog on how to become a full stack developer
Front End Web Developer Career Path
Many people confuse front end developers with website designers, thinking they’re the same. However, there’s a distinction between the two.
A front end developer focuses on adding functionality to a website and ensuring it works smoothly. Meanwhile, a website designer, often known as a UI (user interface) designer, is responsible for enhancing the website’s aesthetics—choosing colors, fonts, layout, and section placement.
The website designer creates a design using tools like Figma or Adobe XD and provides the file to the front end developer, who then implements the design and adds functionality to the website accordingly.
To become a front end developer, start by learning HTML and CSS. After mastering CSS, explore CSS frameworks such as Tailwind or Bootstrap, and CSS preprocessors like Sass, LESS, and Stylus.
Next, explore JavaScript. Once you’re comfortable with its basics, you can progress to learning JavaScript frameworks or libraries like React and Angular. Additionally, it’s essential to pick up other skills like using GitHub, understanding Browser Developer Tools, and working with Package Managers.
By mastering these skills, you’ll become an efficient front end developer.
Backend Web Developer Career Path
To start your journey as a Backend Web Developer, begin by mastering a programming language. You can choose JavaScript runtime Node.js, or explore other programming languages like Python, Java, or PHP.
Afterwards, dive into databases. There are two main types: SQL and NoSQL. Understanding both is essential for managing and storing data effectively. Security is crucial, so learn about Authentication and Authorization to keep user data safe on your server or backend.
Finally, explore RESTful and GraphQL APIs. These are vital for seamless communication between the frontend and backend of your applications.
By acquiring these skills, you’ll be well-equipped to begin your career as a junior backend web developer.
Exploring Side Hustles and Freelancing as a Web Developer
As a web developer, you’re not limited to just working for a company. You can also set up your own side hustle by offering your services on freelancing platforms or selling your projects on marketplaces.
The demand for web developers is growing rapidly on platforms like Upwork and Fiverr. By creating an account and starting your service there, you can earn money by taking on client projects or selling website templates on sites like ThemeForest or Creative Market.
Additionally, you can share your web development skills with others by creating online courses or starting a YouTube channel, opening up another avenue for earning income.
Is web development a good career choice?
yes, becoming a web developer is a good choice if you enjoy it. It’s not just a respectable profession, but it also offers good earning potential. Plus, you can make extra money through web development services on the side. We hope you find our blog helpful!
