Learn how to become a web developer in 2022 whether you have a degree or not.
So you want to become a web developer? That’s great! We happen to think web development (and design) is critical in today’s digital world.
As businesses rely more on websites — and their overall online presence — to reconnect with their customers and the community, web development is a career that’s becoming something like a necessity for businesses large and small all around the world.
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Thankfully, there are several ways you can accomplish your goal of becoming a web developer, and a degree isn’t always and end all be all. Some aspiring web developers enter the field with a bachelor’s degree, while others start by enrolling in a coding bootcamp or self-guided course.
One reason we’re placing an emphasis on not always needing a degree is because, well, if we can additional debt then we’re going to do it.
If you’re still having doubts about whether you should pursue web development as a career or not, let’s consider what that role looks like from the day-to-day responsibilities to its average salary.
IS WEB DEVELOPMENT A GOOD CAREER 2022:
Becoming a web developer today could be satisfying and lucrative depending on what you choose to specialize in. According to an article published by University of the People, “Web developers are in high demand, and that demand is expected to grow” over the next few years.
To further support this, the Bureau of Labor Statistics says that employment of web developers is projected to grow 13% from 2020 to 2030 — much faster than the average.
Looking at the job market and projected employment growth, we think the answer is pretty clear. Now is an excellent time to become a web developer! Now more than ever, technology is pivotal to how we work, connect with loved ones, access healthcare, shop…and the list goes on. If you’re thinking about joining this exciting industry and building the technology of the future, we say go for it.
>> READ MORE: Career Foundry’s “How to Become a Web Developer in 2022 — Everything You Need to Know”
Salary Expectations:
According to Glassdoor, the salary of a web developer these days ranges from $49k–110k per year for a role based in Los Angeles, CA. The salary data collected on Glassdoor says that the average full-stack web developer salary is $105,813.
We’ll get into the types of web developers in a bit because we recognize that not everyone will go down the path of full-stack web development.
General Responsibilities & Skills of a Web Developer:
A good Web Developer must: (1) Write working code (2) Write code that works correctly (3) Respect timelines and deadlines (4) Follow web development best practices (5) Write code that is easily maintained and enhanced and (6) Collaborate with their team.
Additional skills and responsibilities include:
• Design and develop websites and website applications
• Developers use various programming languages to manage site functionality, implement desired features, and make the site secure
• Project management and planning skills
• Design skills, including UX design
• Application and website programming languages
How many years does it take to become a Web Developer:
This depends on whether you decide to get a degree, or a certificate. What you choose to develop your skills will dictate how long it takes to become a web developer (and if you actually start putting your skills to use in a career role).
Generally speaking, you can expect to “get” the web development process from about 3 to 6 months (maybe even less). You should be building your first major project in about 6 months, give or take a few months.
In about 12 to 18 months, you could find yourself in a position to apply for your first role! This will depend on how skilled you’ve become and if you have projects in your portfolio to demonstrate your capabilities.
For more insight on the education and duration of becoming a working web developer, check out the Hackr.Io article here.
WHAT TYPE OF WEB DEVELOPMENT WILL YOU SPECIALIZE IN:
There are 3 specializations in web development: frontend, backend, and full-stack developer. Before you start your search for the best education path to become a web developer, figure out what interests you the most.
Front-End Developer
A Front-End Developer works on the “client-side” of web development, meaning any portion of the site or app that users interact with. This can include a site’s layout, design, and the way users interact with it.
Back-End Developer
A Back-End Developer works on the “server-side” of web development. This is focused on the way a site functions and can include databases, servers, networks and hosting, and more.
Full-Stack Developer
A Full-Stack Developer is familiar with both front-and back-end development and works with both sides of a website.
>> READ MORE: BrainStation’s “How to Become a Web Developer”
Entry-Level Web Developer
Web developers who just embarking on their careers can expect to learn a lot on their first job. At first, entry-level developers might work on small assignments, like repairing broken code, before being assigned specific features to develop on their own. The projects they work on will likely grow in complexity over time as they gain their team’s trust.
Similar to their more experienced counterparts, entry-level web developers might find work at an agency, in the computer systems design industry or in-house at a specific company.
>> READ MORE: Check out this 4-step guide on how to become a web developer for more information!
TO SUMMARIZE:
• Focus on mastering a core set of 5 technologies: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React, Next.js(Source)
• Learn know how to build servers using a modern back-end framework and how to develop custom APIs and serve static websites and files.
• Use job boards and freelance sites to take on small projects and create your online portfolio.
If you’re about to enter college or are already in college and are interested in a career in web development, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field may help prepare you for a job as a web developer.
Again, a degree isn’t always a requirement, but it can help you gain fundamental knowledge about the field and provide exposure to programming languages that you otherwise would have to figure out yourself.
While the journey to becoming a web developer could have its challenges, we place in under the category of one job that’s easy to pick up with no prior experience or education at all.
You can get started right now, and in a few weeks or months of study and practice, you’ll have a working understanding of how to develop a website! Use our tips in this article to figure out where to start, and you’ll be well on your way to accomplishing your goal of developing websites!
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