Web Developer
A web developer is a professional responsible for designing and building websites that align with client specifications and design principles. These developers create the visual and functional aspects of websites, including layout, graphics, and user interfaces. They typically work in diverse environments such as software firms, advertising agencies, government organizations, and educational institutions, with some opting for self-employment. The role demands a combination of creativity, technical skills, and effective communication, as developers must collaborate with clients and team members to deliver projects that meet business needs.
Daily responsibilities often include planning website architecture, coding, and ensuring the site functions properly across various devices and browsers. Web developers should be proficient in coding languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and may use tools such as WYSIWYG editors for ease of design. While formal education isn't strictly required, obtaining certifications and building a strong portfolio are crucial for employment prospects. The earnings for web developers can vary significantly based on their employment status, experience, and client base, with opportunities for advancement in related fields such as graphic design and information technology.
Web Developer
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Arts, A/V Technology & Communications, Information Technology
Interests: Web Design, Computer languages, Computers, Art, Marketing
Earnings (Yearly Median): $80,730 per year $38.81 per hour
Employment & Outlook: 16% (Much faster than average)
Entry-Level Education Bachelor's degree
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job-Training None
Overview
Sphere of Work. Website developers generate the final look of a website according to the client’s wishes and needs and the principles of the overarching design theme. These developers create websites' public appearance, organizing functionality, and design principles or interfaces. Website developers brainstorm the creative and technical design of websites. They design a basic webpage structure or architecture and select fonts, colors, graphics, and other visual elements to apply creatively to that architecture.
Work Environment. Having a company or organizational website has become nearly universal. Web developers work in many settings, including software or graphic design firms, advertising agencies, and large and small corporations. They may also be employed in government, hospitals, schools, colleges, and many types of organizations. Some are self-employed. In larger firms or departments, the website developer is part of a creative and technical team that shares website responsibility. They spend their days working on computers. The forty-hour work week is most prevalent, although sometimes developers must work long hours to meet deadlines.
Occupation Interest. Designing websites requires creativity, color and design skills, technical knowledge of computer code languages and software, and strong organizational skills. Developers must also communicate effectively with team members and clients. They must keep up with technology and trends and be willing to update websites as necessary. They are fast, creative problem-solvers who understand the needs of businesses and their clients. Many also enjoy the competition inherent in their industry.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. Sometimes, web developers begin work by acquiring a domain name and a suitable website host provider. Other projects might consist of updating an existing website. These and other details are usually worked out during client meetings and may be discussed with colleagues.
Planning a new site's structure or architecture is one of the most essential steps. Before beginning work on the page, the developer compiles a list of all the necessary components, including databases, shopping carts, calendars, and directories. They then decide how each element will best fit into the website's overall structure.
The website developer next creates an attractive layout for individual pages. This might involve coding a cascading style sheet (CSS), which allows colors, fonts, and other aesthetic elements to be automatically applied to all pages. The developer imports files, such as the company logo, graphics, and navigational buttons, to the website and arranges them in the layout. Sometimes, the website developer creates these graphics files.
The website developer might then add computer programming language to make the page dynamic, mapping out illustrations, adding hyperlinks to text, and so on. Alternatively, they might create the site in a WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) editor that requires less technical knowledge. The website developer ensures that links work properly and that the site displays correctly on various monitors and browsers. When the developer is satisfied with the work and the client approves it, the developer publishes the website online. In some situations, the website developer or administrator executes all the technical aspects of building the page. This frees the website developer to spend more time on design, creative considerations, and creating original graphics or multimedia displays. Additional responsibilities of a website developer sometimes include website maintenance, depending on the client’s expectations.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Web developers typically work in offices or studios alone or with other developers and programmers. They spend long hours working at a computer. Self-employed web developers frequently work out of home offices.
Human Environment. Most web developers either report to art directors or technical managers. They may supervise part-time staff or interns. They work on teams that include illustrators, photographers, videographers, copywriters, and programmers. Web developers who work for a large company or organization may interact with marketing and advertising specialists and the many different people who are responsible for web content. Self-employed web developers necessarily are the sole point of contact for clients.
Technological Environment. Web developers should be familiar with HTML, CSS, WYSIWYG editors, and other basic coding languages and tools, such as JavaScript, SQL, and Flash. They should be comfortable using art creation and graphic design programs, basic office software, and various operating systems, browsers, and displays. Developers must use scanners, printers, digital cameras, smartphones, and other electronic equipment. Those with more substantive programming should learn more specialized skills in other programs. Some developers need to be familiar with web analytics, while others may need to know computer animation and modeling programs.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. Aspiring web developers may benefit from a college preparatory program emphasizing language and literature, mathematics, speech communication, and computer science, and additional electives in graphic design, the arts, and other subjects that develop the imagination. Learning new techniques and computer programs outside of school hours is essential. Prospective web developers should consider volunteer or part-time work designing websites for local individuals and businesses.
Postsecondary. Employers require no specific postsecondary degree or certificate; however, most employers prefer some type of certification. Building a professional portfolio is vital. Many learning opportunities meet individual employment needs and provide the education needed to prepare an attractive portfolio. Web design programs are offered through college continuing education programs and in business, technical, and commercial art schools.
Students may opt instead for an associate’s or bachelor’s degree program in graphic design with an emphasis on web design. They can also pursue an undergraduate degree in computer science or information technology, with additional courses in art and design. Disciplines such as business or marketing can also be advantageous areas of study for aspiring web developers. Independent study in website design, internships, workshops offered by software developers, and distance education courses are other options.
Earning and Advancement
Earnings greatly depend on whether a website developer works for an organization or is self-employed. Earnings for self-employed web developers depend on the number of clients.
Related Occupations
− Computer & Information Systems Manager
− Computer Security Specialist
− Computer-Control Tool Programmer
− Electronic Commerce Specialist
− Information Technology Project Manager
− Network & Computer Systems Administrator
Bibliography
"Web Developers." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 6 Sept. 2023, www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/web-developers.htm. Accessed 28 Sept. 2023.