There are nearly two billion websites on the Internet, many of which require development and maintenance. Enter: web developers.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS.gov), “Web developers design and create websites. They are responsible for the look of the site. They are also responsible for the site’s technical aspects, such as its performance and capacity, which are measures of a website’s speed and how much traffic the site can handle.”1

The fulfilling and in-demand world of web development is booming, and countless opportunities are available to analytical, creative individuals with strong interpersonal skills. Whether you are looking to transition to a career you are passionate about, or just starting out, a future in web development should be at the top of your list. Here’s why:

  1. The job market is growing. When pursuing a career, understanding your job outlook is essential. Fortunately, potential web developers can breathe easy. The projected job growth for web developers from 2019 to 2029 is eight percent – twice as fast as the average growth rate for all occupations.1 But that’s not all. A career in web development opens doors to jobs around the world and the ability to work remotely (an important consideration due to COVID-19).
  2. Web development is a team sport. Just because web developers have the ability to work remotely doesn’t mean they work in isolation. Collaboration is key to a successful career in web development. In fact, web developers typically work in teams comprised of experienced, knowledgeable professionals. Beyond your workplace you can take advantage of a supportive community of web developers who share code, ideas, and endeavors.
  3. Your earning potential is strong. Because the job market for web developers is so solid (the size of this occupation was 174,300 jobs in 2019), employers want to hire the best of the best. And that means competitive compensation. The 2019 median pay for a web developer was $73,760 per year or $35.46 per hour. 1 *
  4. It’s creative; it’s exciting! Web development is constantly evolving. Between new emergent technologies and developing technologies, you will never feel stagnant in your career. As an added bonus, there are multiple specialties you can pursue.
  5. Certificates can validate your skills. Apprehensive about pursuing a career in web development because you don’t possess a degree? Toss those fears aside. Times are changing, and employers are not necessarily using a one-size-fits-all checklist to vet applicants. In fact, according to CNBC, companies like Google, Apple, and Hilton no longer require employees to have a college degree.2 So, what can you do to set yourself apart from other candidates? Build and validate your skills. You can do this by enrolling in a program like Computer Systems Institute’s (CSI) Networking Career Program, Concentration in Web Development, which will teach you the core skills required to support the whole process of developing a web application. You will be able to build a portfolio you can be proud of, while preparing for the following certification exams, all of which will confirm your abilities to potential employers:
– Microsoft Exam: Programming in HTML5 with JavaScript and CSS3
– Python Institute Exam: PCAP – Certified Associate in Python Programming
– The Linux Foundation: OpenJS Node.js Application Developer
– W3schools: SQL Developer

Ready to learn more about web development? Fill out the form on this page, or contact CSI directly at 1-888-910-5060 or admissions@csinow.edu.

*Please Note: You are not guaranteed to earn $73,760 per year or $35.46 per hour as a web developer. These figures represent the wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than $73,760 per year or $35.46 per hour and half earned less, according to wage data from the BLS.gov Occupational Employment Statistics survey. Your earning potential will vary based on your location, education, and experience.

1 “Web Developers : Occupational Outlook Handbook,” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, September 1, 2020), https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/web-developers.htm.

2 Courtney Connley, “Google, Apple and 12 Other Companies That No Longer Require Employees to Have a College Degree,” CNBC (CNBC, October 8, 2018), https://www.cnbc.com/2018/08/16/15-companies-that-no-longer-require-employees-to-have-a-college-degree.html.