More than 45% of internet websites are WordPress. So it is not surprising that the demand for qualified WordPress developers is always high.
Today, we’ll discuss this promising profession. What is a WordPress developer? What are their everyday responsibilities? You will find everything you need to make an informed opinion about your future as a developer in this area.
Job Description
What is WordPress?
When WordPress was released, it was simply a thing to help users publish their thoughts online. Over time, it has evolved into a popular blogging platform that favored international acclaim.
In the early 2000s, this platform pioneered various website formatting features, such as previews and in-line images, contributing to its reputation.
When the blogging craze came out, so did plenty of new features. Then, the functionality and popularity of the site increased. Fast forward to nowadays, and WordPress is one go-to for virtually all web-building activities.
What Are WordPress Developers?
WordPress developers are skilled professionals who work with programming languages to make custom WordPress plugins, themes, and modules.
These developers typically work on improving the software or work with customers to update, customize, manage, or create a WordPress site.
Unlike traditional website developers who develop websites from scratch, WordPress developers use WordPress-powered websites to integrate them and make and develop plugins. They also can work on the WP topic development.
These developers help their companies or customers to create a web that meets the exact objectives and needs.
To give you a better idea of the responsibilities of WordPress developers, we will take a closer look at some of their day-to-day activities below.
What Are the Responsibilities of WordPress Developers?
Here are some of the common responsibilities of a WordPress developer:
- Spend time consulting with their customers to review projects.
- Design the structure of websites.
- Create or update WordPress themes.
- Monitor the performance of websites.
- WP plugin development and configuration.
- Create a website’s back end and front end.
- Come out with solutions for WordPress issues.
As a WordPress developer, you may have many other responsibilities, depending on your company and industry.
Where Do WordPress Developers Work?
As a WP developer, you can land a job at a company or choose to be a freelance developer.
If you are looking for freelance opportunities, many job-seeking platforms exist to connect you and potential clients, such as WordPress and Codeable.io.
If you are one aspiring WP developer who is not interested in freelancing, you will also have many choices.
Many organizations employ WP developers, such as digital marketing agencies, SaaS (software as a service) management businesses, and software development companies.
Education Requirements
Education requirements may vary depending on the companies and industries.
Most employers require their applicants to hold a bachelor’s or associate’s degree from a university or college as the standard educational requirement.
Other requirements might include competency in CSS, JavaScript, HTML, and WordPress. Also, many courses give you practical knowledge related to this field.
We recommend getting a certificate. Although it is optional, it is recommended as it will give you some advantages when applying for a job.
Essential Skills
Like any other profession, the success of a WordPress developer cannot be without essential skills.
Tech Skills
- HTML
- CSS
- PHP
- JavaScript
- Mobile First!
Marketing Skills
- Knowing Your Audience
- SEO Competence
- Selling
Management Skills
- Planning
- Delegation
Soft Skills
- Communication
- Open-Mindedness
- Problem-solving skills
Essential Tools
Building plugins, applications, and themes in WordPress usually require various tools, and we will list the best tools available for WordPress devs. These tools are divided by category for more straightforward navigation:
Plugin and Theme Development Tools
- Developer
- Theme Check
- Monster Widget
- RTL Tester
- WP-CLI
- Generate WP
- Duplicator
- Roots.io
- Trellis
- Bedrock
- Sage
Design Tools
- Fontello
- Font Awesome
- Uilang
- Sketch
Starter Themes and Frameworks
- Underscores
- WordPress Plugin Boilerplate
Browser Extensions
- Chrome Developer Tools
- MeasureIt
- What WordPress Theme Is That
- WordPress Site Manager
Code Editors and Ides
- Atom
- CodeKit/Nova
- Sublime Text Editor
Local WordPress Development Environments
- XAMPP/WAMP/MAMP
- InstantWP
- VVV
Productivity and Collaboration
- Trello
- Asana
- Basecamp
- TimeDoctor
- Slack
- Toggl
Job Outlook
Developers of WordPress have a good job outlook based on WordPress’s important role.
The US Labor Statistics Bureau does not track the evolution of WordPress developer employment opportunities, but its statistics for web developers can estimate the job outlook of professionals in the WordPress development field.
As predicted by the US BLS, the number of experts for the production of the website will rise by 13% until 2028. This growth rate is considered much faster than normal.
Salary
WP developers in the United States receive an average salary of $65,841 a year. This salary is equivalent to $31.65 per hour, $1,266 per week, or $5,486 per month.
The average salary of these professionals mainly ranges from $48,000 to $77,500, with top earners earning up to $95,000 annually across the USA.
There is no way to know exactly how much salary you will receive because it depends on factors, such as location, years of experience, and qualifications.
Advantages and Disadvantages
- Interesting work.
- Salary and benefits.
- Mentoring opportunities.
- Opportunity to work from home.
- Many platforms provide support.
- Opportunities to build relationships.
- Ideal for developers just starting out.
- Can be told “no” a lot.
- Difficult to take time off.
- Pressure and rapid deadlines.
FAQs
What Are the Pros and Cons of Learning WordPress?
Pros
- Immersive and structured program.
- Quick start to a new profession.
- Learn to collaborate with others.
- Instructors, Mentors, and peers are at your fingertips.
- Options for both online and in-person boot camps.
- Build a robust professional network in the technology field.
Cons
- Fast-paced learning style.
- Require hard work and motivation
- Stay up to date with evolving web techs.
Are WordPress Developers Real Developers?
In the past, many assumed that WordPress developers were not really developers. But with the advent of powerful WP frameworks and development tools, it is clear that WP developers are real developers. It is a very popular CMS (content management system) utilized by countless websites.
How to Become a WordPress Developer?
The path to becoming one successful WordPress developer is not as difficult as many expect. If you don’t know where to start, consider the step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Learning Foundational Programming Languages.
WordPress is styled and developed using programming languages like CSS and HTML. You can learn them through online courses and boot camps.
Step 2: Join a Short-Term Boot Camp Specializing in Website Development.
Website development contains WP development. So enrolling in one short-term website development boot camp will give you the required skills to master WP.
Step 3: Practice
You will have to put in your best efforts if you want to become a skilled WP developer. We recommend taking on challenging projects for spending time each day to practice or learn more about WP.
Step 4: Get Experience
Most WP developer jobs require at least one year of experience. As a result, you should take on entry-level jobs or internships before applying for intermediate developer positions.
Is WordPress Easy to Learn?
The answer is yes. WordPress is relatively easy to learn, as long as you practice regularly. Committing several hours per day is wise until you have mastered it.
What Are Related Roles to WordPress Developers?
WP developers are website developers who specialize in WordPress tools and infrastructure. Many roles exist that are similar to WP developers, including:
- Software developers
- Full-stack developers
- UX (User Experience) designers
- UI (User Interface) developers
- App developers
- IT specialists
- SEO specialists
- Web designers
- Database administrators
How Long Does It Take to Develop WP Development Skills?
You cannot learn how to play the piano or electric guitar well overnight, and the same goes for WordPress. Different stages of development and experience will take various periods:
- Seasoned WordPress Developers. It will take at least two years and constant education, and full-time work to take on regular WordPress coding projects.
- Entry-Level WordPress Developers: It usually lasts from half a year to a year of continuous education and reading about the platform, with 10 to 20 hours of taking on practice on development projects weekly.
- Basic WordPress Users: Much longer
How Many Types of WP Devs Are There?
Following are the 3 main types of WordPress developers:
These professionals make custom themes for their customers, often improving a web by making a specific feel or look that matches clients’ needs.
Theme developers may publicize their themes without cost on the Theme Directory. They may also sell their themes on other third-party sites.
These experts create custom plugins for their employers and clients. Those plugins are used to edit or optimize the functionality of the WordPress web.
Plugin developers sometimes release their plugins for others to use for free in the Theme Directory. On the other hand, they may also offer their works for sale on other third-party sites.
These professionals will be responsible for managing the WP core, including the software available on this platform.
They will review and optimize code even though WordPress hires its own developer team. Core developers usually make or recommend adjustments for the WordPress core.
Does WordPress Developer Need Coding?
WordPress’ accessible and easy interface means average users do not require coding experience. However, developers require at least one programming language knowledge to do more advanced actions.
For instance, a client may request one unique feature or design on their web.
Does WordPress Developer Need Coding?
It is not required coding skills to build a WordPress website.
It is a user-friendly system, and you have full customization freedom because of the various themes, plugins, and settings available.
Career Advice
WordPress development is an excellent profession if you are interested in web development. It is considered a promising career, and no one can doubt that.
You can begin your WP career as a freelancer, part-time, or full-time, as WordPress offers it all!
Gaining a degree in coding or one related field will help you develop the needed skills to get into WordPress development roles after graduation. Post-secondary education in one related field can also offer credentials on your resume.