web developer.

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Web development is one of the most popular and rapidly growing industries in the world. Due to demand, this position draws a median average annual salary of $90,000 in New Zealand. Entry-level positions start at $75,000 per year, while most experienced workers make up to $125,000 per year.

factors that affect web developer pay

As with any career, various factors impact the salary of a web developer. This includes areas of expertise; web developers who specialises in certain areas of web design can earn more. Previous work experience and a strong work portfolio will also help you negotiate for higher pay, as do other credentials in the form of education and technical proficiency.

Of course, where you choose to work also makes an impact on your salary range because some states and cities pay higher or lower than others.

Because “web developer” is an umbrella term, there are several different categories that web developers fall under that are named based on factors like the area of expertise and skill level. Generally, web developers fall into three main specializations, which are frontend, backend, and full-stack. However, there are also subtypes, and these include:

• Frontend developer
• Backend developer
• Full-stack developer
• WordPress developer
• Mobile web developer
• Web security developer

If you’re interested in entering the field of web development, it's important to know what to expect in the job, your possible work environment, your job responsibilities, your work schedule, and the general job outlook.

duties and responsibilities

• Designing, building, and maintaining websites and software applications
• Using content creation tools, scripting languages, management tools, applications, and digital media to build websites or to create relevant web content
• Directing or performing timely and necessary website updates
• Effectively consulting with other teams to prioritize needs, to resolve any ongoing conflicts, to develop content for different criteria, and to generate solutions best suited for avoiding future problems
• Demonstrating a strong understanding of UI, cross-browser compatibility, and general web functions and best practices
• Proactively backing up files from the web to local directories to prime them for recovery if needed, as well as to making sure no data is ever lost
• Using customer feedback to identify problems and to refer them to the appropriate team/personnel for correction
• Monitoring site traffic and implementing best practices to organically increase this traffic
• Keeping a strong grasp on web security principles and how these can apply to E-commerce applications

work environment

A web developer’s environment used to be mostly office-based. However, more and more employees are nowadays working remotely, and this includes web developers that typically only need their computers to do the work. There are also many freelance web developers who work from home and follow their own schedules.

work schedule

Like many full-time employees, web developers follow the standard nine-to-five work schedule for five days a week, often completing the usual 40 hours. However, there are plenty of exceptions because working long hours/overtime or coming in on the weekend to meet a deadline is common. Some companies allow shorter workweeks and/or flexible schedules for web developers. However, following business hours and going overtime is very common, especially when a big project is due. Of course, freelance web developers often work on their own time and don’t follow the typical nine-to-five schedule.

In some settings, a person can start as a web developer with no more than a high school diploma. That said, for many jobs, you need at least a Certificate in Information Technology or a bachelor’s degree to advance in the field and get more opportunities. This is because many high school classes cover the basics of web and graphic design, and you can already start a freelance career once you gain a level of expertise in these. Note that more detail-oriented positions will require at least a bachelor’s degree in courses like computer programming, computer science, or anything related.

web developer certificates

Certifications are not necessary when pursuing a job as a web developer although they do help. With certifications, you can make yourself more marketable to employers, especially for certain areas.

web developer experience

If you don’t have a bachelor’s degree and have started work as a freelance web developer, your previous experience and portfolio is your leverage when finding more work. An original, professional portfolio is essential for web developers who use it to find projects. However, if you’re looking for a more traditional position in a company, then gaining experience through an internship helps you more.

For example, those looking to enter web development in a company benefit from an internship in a tech firm. Lastly, mid-level positions in web development typically require at least five years of relevant work experience.

skills & competencies

There are a few skill areas that will help you get ahead as a web developer.

high attention to detail

When coding, the smallest typo can have a significant impact on a website’s functionality or, worse, can lead to a 404. As a web developer, you must ensure that you don’t miss any key details. You also need to know how to look for problems and where to look for them when troubleshooting. This takes patience and laser focus.

multitasking

Projects are seldom handled in one work session, which is why you need to show you’re capable of juggling multiple tasks all at the same time without sacrificing quality work. You also need to ensure that you don’t miss deadlines and that you know what to prioritize and when to prioritize it.

problem-solving

In addition to looking attractive, websites must be functional. As a developer, you should make sure that the client’s vision looks good and is easy to manage when you create a website

creativity

Developers are also responsible for finding the most elegant solution for both the client and user. This satisfaction takes creativity. The longer you work as a web developer, the more you realize that there are always multiple solutions to a problem and that it’s up to you to find the best one.

communication

While there are moments when you have to work alone, you also need to communicate with stakeholders and team members throughout the projects to ensure that everyone is aware of how the process is going. Additionally, remain open to ideas, insights, and suggestions from your teammates and clients. Promoting open lines of communication is incredibly helpful in this line of work.

read below to find out more working as a web developer. 

If you fancy computer programming and are up for the challenge, then the field of web development is perfect for you. Not only will you learn technical skills that serve you in other industries, but you'll also be in a challenging but exciting position that continuously hones you.

Since web development is a high-demand and growing field, there are also plenty of opportunities for growth and career progression. The work itself is barely physical, making it less stressful than jobs involving manual labour. This makes web development a great fit for people who wish to learn relevant skills while also securing a stable job that provides plenty of room for growth.

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