Is Web Development a Good Career?

Many people who aspire to be a web developer ask themselves this question, and for good reason.

Web developer jobs are typically skill-based in comparison to IT and computer programmer jobs, which require credentials like a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. In Australia, you can work as a web developer without formal education as long as you are able to demonstrate your technical competency to your prospective employers. There is also a wide range of certification training classes available that may substitute for formal education. These classes may also be highly regarded by companies. If you can prove that you possess the skills these companies need, you can land an entry-level web developer position and grow from there.

In this post, we’ll share the other reasons why web development is a good career option for you, this year and beyond.

What does a Web Developer Do?

Web developers create and maintain the operation of websites, web applications, computer animations, content management systems and file transfer software programs, to name the most common ones, by using different coding languages and web development principles.

What is the Job Outlook for Web Developers?

Web development is currently one of the fastest-growing careers with a positive job outlook. The employment opportunities in this field are estimated to grow by 20.5% in 2023. The top three regions for employment as a web developer are New South Wales with 40.7%, Victoria with 28.2%, and Queensland with 13%. Recent reports also show that there are around 8,600 web developers in the country, 79% of whom are employed full time working 42 hours weekly on average.

The average weekly pay of web developers in Australia is about A$1,600, while the average salary per annum ranges from A$36,000 to A$74,500. Rates can be higher or lower depending on the developer’s skill set, skill level rating, years of experience, or other specialties, such as web design, product research and design, or usability and network security configuration.

What are the Benefits of Becoming a Web Developer?

Aside from a positive job outlook, a career in web development offers you plenty of benefits, including:

1. Unlimited demand.

Regardless of industry or size, all businesses today need a website or new features to add to their existing website. There are no signs that this huge demand for developers will slow down soon. In fact, approximately 1 million jobs related to Web Development and Computer Science were posted in 2018 without anyone applying for them!

2. Huge earning potential.

Web companies offer above-average compensation packages to attract highly qualified web developers. While salaries will vary based on your area of expertise, being a web developer alone means you are very likely to secure a job with huge earning potential, whether you are a generalist or specialist.

3. Easily branch out into other tech-related jobs.

Working in the web development industry leads to many opportunities for you to explore other tech-related roles. You can train yourself to become a multi-skilled professional who can design websites and script software applications as well. By learning these transferable skills, you will find it easier to transition from one sector to another.

For example, if you want to enter the mobile sector, you need to learn how to code iOS/Android applications. This skill is particularly attractive to mobile tech companies who are seeking new ways to interact or engage with their consumers. Some companies now invest in chat bots and AI-enabled assistants, such as Google Home, Bixby, Siri, or Amazon Echo. Mobile app development is one specialisation that can boost the value of any web developer.

4. You can be a master of one.

Web development offers you plenty of specialisations to choose from if you would rather focus on one area. Whether you want to specialise in any coding language like CSS/HTML or JavaScript, mobile app development or custom plugins, a career in web development can pave the way for you to become the expert in your chosen field.

5. Opportunity for freelance work.

Some freelance web developers not only enjoy a higher income but also greater work-life balance. They are not tied to fixed salary grades or work schedules, unlike their employed counterparts. They set their price depending on the requirements of their clients. Lastly, they also have the opportunity to choose their projects and eventually, build their own web development agency. We do need to mention one risk of going freelance – lower level of job security – as the work is usually on a per-project basis

How Do I Become a Web Developer?

The path to becoming a web developer is not as hard as you might think. You can choose between 6 months of crash course learning versus 4 to 5 years of formal education. There are countless resources that can help you learn the knowledge and skills that employers require from a web developer. Below are some of our tips on how you can become one:

1. Figure Out Which Type of Web Development You Want to Master.

Web developer jobs are generally divided into two categories: frontend web development and backend web development. The skills required for each category may vary. Check out our skill checklist below:

Frontend Web Development

  • HTML & CSS
  • JavaScript
  • Design Patterns
  • Responsive Design
  • JavaScript frameworks and/or libraries, such as jQuery, AngularJS, and ReactJS

Backend Web Development

  • HTML, CSS, JavaScript
  • Web frameworks, such as NodeJS, Ruby on Rails (and Ruby)
  • Git and GitHub

Read more: What are the Differences between Frontend and Backend Web Development?

2. Learn How to Code.

While you can learn how to code in a university or community college, you can also teach yourself from your own home. Here are our recommendations:

  • Learn the trifecta of coding languages: HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Plenty of free and paid courses are available online, such as w3schools and Codecademy.
  • Find and join a group of web developers for feedback and advice. You can find developers from diverse backgrounds at Stack Overflow and GitHub. These are online communities where web developers can post the projects they’re working on and receive comments on their work.
  • Work as an apprentice to build your portfolio. Either take on a small web development project offered by a friend or work as an apprentice so you can practice your skills while building your portfolio at the same time.

3. Choose the Type of Web Developer You Want to Be.

Do you want to be a freelance web developer or a full-time web developer? Consider the pros and cons of these options before you venture out into the real world. If you want greater job security and career advancement, a full-time, office-based job may be suited for you. But if you want to start your own business and be your own boss in the future, it may be better for you to choose the freelancing route.

An Exciting Future in Web Development Awaits You

The Internet shows no signs of stopping or slowing down its growth, which makes web development an exciting and stable career choice. With an increasing number of companies looking for competent web developers, now is the perfect time for you to brush up on your skills so you can become qualified for the role.

While the training and skills we mentioned are the basics for starting out in either frontend or backend web development, remember that your motivation and personal discipline are just as important as your coding knowledge and skills. As with any career, you must show initiative when it comes to learning and taking on new responsibilities. It also helps to have a passion for web development to make your journey more fulfilling.

Web developers play a very important role in our world today. They are the people behind the online platforms and systems that we use on a daily basis. If you want to use your analytical skills and coding knowledge to serve millions of users and consumers worldwide and get financially rewarded for it, then web development may be the best career for you.