Web developers write in a language all their own

How much money can you make?

What type of training will it take?

And what does the job actually entail?

Read on to find out whether this is the job for you

What will I be doing all day?

A web developer builds and maintains websites, and is an expert in software programs, web applications, and web programming languages. A web developer will plan the layout of a website based on the client’s needs, making it as visually appealing and user-friendly as possible; program the code that makes the website work; and test and update it to ensure it functions.

What kind of training do I need?

There is no required degree or license to become a web developer. Some web developers receive a bachelor’s degree in web development or computer science, while others may take a 12-week course. Still others are self-taught, learning through online forums and experience.

Do I have the personality for it?

A good web developer is creative, patient, a good communicator and team worker, a problem-solver, and able to independently self-educate to keep up to date with the constantly evolving industry.

What kind of career options do I have?

A web developer may either work as an employee at a company’s tech department or as a freelancer. Different types of web developers include:

Front-End Developer — A front-end developer codes the front end of a website, implementing the website’s design and creating an interface that is user-friendly and easy to navigate.

Back-End Developer — A back-end developer builds the technology that enables all of the front-end components of the website to work.

Full-Stack Developer — The full-stack developer is in charge of the big picture, looking at all of the elements that go into the web development process, and determining best strategy and practices.

JavaScript Developer — This kind of developer works with JavaScript, a programming language that is universally supported across web browsers, allowing these developers to both create and alter websites, both at the front and back ends.

What can I expect to make?

A web developer typically earns $80,000 to $120,000, although salaries can climb to $250,000 and more. The field is a growing one, with a high earning potential.

TALES FROM THE TRENCHES

YOSSI HOFFMAN

Williamsburg, NY

CEO, Founder and Director, Forwardslash NY, Brooklyn, NY

Years in Field: 15

My Typical Day at Work

Our company has expertise in both creating online digital marketing presences and building custom digital products. We’re a full-scale digital agency, which means we help companies strategize, design, and develop their web presence or tech product. We manage and develop the complex systems our clients need to run their business or start-up product efficiently and effectively.

While I started off in the profession doing all the web development work myself, today I manage a team of 52 employees with a collective talent expertise in all of the different aspects of the website and systems development process. Our team specializes in all aspects of what it takes to deliver robust projects, from product ownership, strategy, documentation, management, design, and development. Our dev teams include specialists in front-end development (building the design and user experience), back-end development, and quality assurance (QA). I base my business model on the concept that true excellence happens when you have the right people working in the right jobs, so that each can focus on what they do best.

When a new client comes to us, we start by doing a full review of their company and strategizing what tech systems they need to build in order to improve their operations and advance their business. We assign a project owner to their case, whose job is to effectively become a part of the client’s team, working for them to ensure the entire process runs smoothly. And we choose our specialty staff for each aspect of the digital systems development, according to their customized needs — starting with a digital web strategist.

As CEO of the company, my own responsibilities involve developing client relationships, ensuring smooth operations, managing employees, and working on business growth and innovation.