Do you ever wonder how the websites you use every day are made? What makes surfing the site such a seamless experience? And why do your favorite apps and sites look the way they do? A career in front end development can answer all of these questions for you\u2014and it can also land you a competitive salary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for web developers is $77,200 per year. However, this figure only tells a part of the story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To give you a better idea of what to expect as a front end developer, we\u2019ll be exploring the realities of working in the web development field, including everyday responsibilities, career opportunities, and, of course, a salary range.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
As the name suggests, front end developers work on the front end<\/em> of an app or website\u2014in other words, the parts that users can see when they access said website. If a visitor can click it, share it, or otherwise interact with it, a front end web developer likely had a hand in its creation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This branch of web development is a fascinating intersection of creativity and logical thinking. Front end developers combine their knowledge of programming languages with an eye for design and usability. The result? Well-crafted websites that are both functional and visibly appealing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether you\u2019re a freelancer or an in-house web developer, you\u2019ll be in charge of various aspects of a website\u2019s front-facing design. In a typical workday as a front end developer, you might find yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n By doing all of this and more, front end web developers bring incredible value to companies with online presences (in other words, all modern businesses). First impressions are everything, and a site visitor\u2019s first impression is almost always<\/em> curated by a front end developer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the most crucial skills for a front end developer is understanding computer programming languages. The most frequently used languages are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re interested in pursuing a career in front end web development, exploring these coding languages is a terrific place to start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No matter where you look for front end development salaries, the numbers are promising.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As mentioned, the BLS lists a median salary of $77,200\/year. However, it\u2019s worth noting that the Bureau lumps all web developers and digital designers together. The job listing website Indeed has a distinct category for front end developers; they list a higher annual average of $92,930\/year. Some sources even report median salaries above $100,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These discrepancies are to be expected. Exact salaries are difficult to predict, as factors like location, experience, and industry all play a role. The bottom line? Web developers are generally well-compensated for their hard work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Beyond the reasonable salary, front end development positions often include bonus opportunities, giving you the ability to earn even more. Developers report an average yearly bonus of $4,500. What\u2019s more, comprehensive benefits packages are also standard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Learning all the necessary skills for front end development takes time and effort. While you don\u2019t necessarily need to go to college to work as a front end developer, completing a four-year undergraduate program is becoming the minimum degree for the industry. Four years is a long time, so it\u2019s natural to wonder if it\u2019s worth pursuing web development as a full-time career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In many cases, the answer is a resounding \u201cyes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you consider that the median household income in the US is $67,521 (as of 2020), the average front end developer salary is certainly appealing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Besides the above-average salary, other benefits of working as a front end developer include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Remote work possibilities \u2013 Because all you need to work as a web developer is a computer and a stable Internet connection, you can base yourself from anywhere in the world. Remote work also allows you to live in lower cost-of-living areas, making your web developer salary stretch even further.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Overall, if you have a knack for coding and an interest in crafting websites, becoming a front end developer could be worth it. It may not be the most lucrative career in the tech industry, but it\u2019s a rewarding path that presents plenty of opportunities to learn and grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because front end development relies on a laundry list of transferable skills, transitioning into another higher-paying role is always a possibility. Here are some of the potential paths you could follow as an ambitious web developer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re open to learning new programming languages like C++ and Java, you can use your familiarity with coding to make the switch to computer programming. Like front end developers, computer programmers write and test code. However, instead of working on the front end, these professionals are more likely to work on the back end of software programs, such as firewalls and network security. If you\u2019re not familiar with internet security and wonder \u201cWhat is a firewall<\/a>,\u201d you can rely on our resource center<\/a> to help protect your data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The median salary for computer programmers is $93,000\/year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Are you more of a big picture person? Becoming a software engineer or developer may be the next logical step in your web developer career. Software developers plan out programs and apps before handing them off to programmers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Software development explores the creativity and logic of web development on a larger scale. The median salary for software developers is $110,140\/year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Of course, you don\u2019t have to branch out into other careers. If you love what you do as a front end developer, you can stay in your role to grow your knowledge and your salary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As you gain experience and climb the ranks, you can reach the upper levels of web developer salary. The top 10% of earners in the field\u2014usually those in senior positions\u2014can earn more than $146,430 per year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Aside from taking what you\u2019ve learned and applying it to a similar career, you can increase your earning potential by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether you\u2019re looking into a career on the front end or you\u2019re a longtime web developer, one thing\u2019s for sure: You need the right tools for the job. That\u2019s why many front end devs use WordPress, the leading CMS platform.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFront End Developer Roles and Responsibilities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Programming Languages for Front End Developers<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Salary Expectations for Front End Developers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Is Becoming a Front End Developer Worth It?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Potential Career Paths for a Front End Developer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Computer Programmer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Software Developer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Senior Front End Developer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How to Earn More as a Front End Developer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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WP Engine: Another Way to Impress as a Front End Developer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n