WordPress is a widely used open-source content management system (CMS) that enables the creation of websites. According to a recent study by W3 Techs, WordPress powers about 43% of websites on the Web in 2022.
Although WordPress software is free to use, many individuals opt to hire WordPress developers to design and develop their websites to a high standard. In this article, we will delve into what is a WordPress developer and outline three simple steps to becoming one.
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Who Exactly is a WordPress Developer?
A web developer who specializes in creating websites with WordPress is known as a WordPress developer. They are proficient in full-stack development, which means they can handle both the back-end and front-end of a website.
WordPress developer’s role may involve improving the functionality of the WordPress software or developing a bespoke website for a client according to their unique specifications.
Where Do WordPress Developers Work?
Building websites using WordPress is a popular field of expertise among web developers. WordPress developers are proficient in full-stack web development and specialize in utilizing the WordPress platform. These professionals can either choose to work as freelancers or be employed by various organizations that require WordPress development services.
For freelancers, WordPress Jobs and Codeable.io are some of the most popular platforms where they can find clients. Meanwhile, digital marketing agencies, software development companies, and SaaS management businesses are some organizations that may hire WordPress developers.
WordPress Developer Job Outlook
WordPress has been the fastest-growing content management system for 12 consecutive years, establishing itself as a prominent player in the market. Correspondingly, the job market for WordPress developers is also rapidly expanding.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of digital designers and web developers is projected to increase by 13 percent from 2020 to 2030, resulting in an estimated average of 17k job openings annually.
What Is The Role Of A WordPress Developer?
As a skilled professional, a WordPress developer has a range of crucial responsibilities. Their duties may include developing and designing new website features and functions, converting the requirements of their clients into technical specifications, overseeing website architecture maintenance, and performing rigorous code writing, debugging, and testing.
These efforts all contribute to ensuring the website functions optimally, providing a seamless user experience, and ensuring that the website is up-to-date with the latest technological trends.
Salary Of A WordPress Developer
According to Glassdoor’s June 2022 report, the average annual salary for a WordPress developer is $64,245. On top of this base salary, additional pay in the form of profit sharing and commissions is estimated to be around $23,504 per year.
When combined, the median salary and additional pay typically result in an estimated annual wage of $87,749 for WordPress developers.
Other Roles
WordPress developers specialize in developing websites using WordPress tools and infrastructures. While there are several roles that share similarities with WordPress developers, including software developers, UX designers, full-stack developers, and UI developers.
- Software developers are the kind of programmers who develop computer applications and software, in addition to (or instead of) web development.
- UX designers concentrate on enhancing the interaction between users and software products, such as websites or applications. Their primary focus is on improving the user experience of a website or application.
- Full-stack developers are programmers who can create a minimum viable product on their own, regardless of their specialization. It is within their skill set to detect and resolve errors that may occur between the front-end and back-end of a website or application.
- UI development requires a unique blend of creativity and technical prowess to bring website and application visuals to life
Three Steps to Kickstarting Your Career as a WordPress Developer
Get Acquainted With WordPress.
If you’re new to front-end and back-end development, don’t worry. WordPress is a user-friendly platform that’s easy to learn. Even if you don’t have coding experience, you can still create a website using WordPress.
It’s like how a budding photographer might buy a camera before taking a photography course. By familiarizing yourself with the software, you can gain a basic understanding and build your skills as you progress to more advanced development.
Acquire The Necessary Competencies.
Although WordPress is user-friendly and doesn’t require advanced technical expertise, becoming a proficient WordPress developer demands a mix of web development and design skills. Below are some of the critical proficiencies that a WordPress developer should acquire.
Programming languages. A WordPress developer needs to master four primary languages.
- To begin, hypertext markup language (HTML) is essential for organizing content on a website, such as footers, headers, and sidebars.
- Cascading style sheets (CSS) is the next language that you should learn to style elements like border thickness, text color, and image alignment on your HTML structure.
- PHP, Hypertext Preprocessor is another essential language for WordPress developers. It is the scripting language that powers WordPress and is used by 77.9 percent of all known websites.
- JavaScript is an essential proficiency for developers working with WordPress, and it is also the most widely-used programming language across the globe. It plays a vital role in the development of WordPress, enabling the creation of dynamic functionalities that enhance user experience.
Enhance Your Resume
In the competitive job market, standing out as a candidate is essential, even in high-demand fields like WordPress development. While a Bsc in Computer Science is a common educational background for this type of role, it’s not the only way to acquire the necessary skills.
Even a high school diploma can be a starting point for building expertise and demonstrating your abilities to potential employers. To impress hiring managers, it’s important to enhance your resume and highlight your strengths and achievements.
Obtaining Relevant Certifications
A useful approach to showcase your professional experience to potential employers is by obtaining relevant certifications. A good way to start is by exploring job postings to identify in-demand qualifications. For instance, a WordPress developer who seeks to improve their UX skills could pursue a Certificate course from a reputable industry expert, such as Google.
Showcase Your Top Work
Creating a portfolio is an effective way to showcase your top work. If you have experience in Web development and WordPress, consider gathering your best projects that demonstrate your technical skills. Once you have compiled your portfolio, you can submit it alongside your resume to potential employers. Don’t worry if you haven’t yet developed anything to include in your professional portfolio.
