Here's what you need to know if you’re looking to expand into the great opportunities that await skilled front-end developers today.
In This Article
Front-End Development Roles in Today’s Job Market
Finding Open Positions as a Frontend Web Designer
Skills and Technologies in Front End Development
Advancing Your Front-End Development Career
When it comes to creating websites and related applications, the role of the front-end developer is key. Front-end developers are responsible for ensuring the user interface of the site or application—the part that customers and consumers interact with—provides a seamless, appealing experience that they can easily navigate.
And since the user experience is a vital tool in winning over and retaining customers, the front-end developer is essential to the technical success of any organization they work for. That means people who can successfully handle this role are more in demand than ever.
Here's what you need to know if you’re looking to expand into the great opportunities that await skilled front-end developers today.
<h2 id="roles">Front-End Development Roles in Today’s Job Market</h2>
There is strong and continuing demand for technically skilled front-end developers at all levels — from junior front-end engineer to mid-career software development team lead to senior software engineer, and beyond. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics sees this role as expanding over the next decade by 8% per year, which is faster than average.
The role pays well, around $92,000 on average, or about $45 per hour or more. Some front-end developers make easily over six figures. And since websites and apps are needed across all industries and fields, web developers and digital software designers can pursue work in a wide range of organizations, especially those that create software platforms or rely heavily on their online presence.
<h2 id="frontend">Finding Open Positions as a Frontend Web Designer</h2>
Front-end engineers find ample positions at traditional tech companies like Meta, Google and Amazon, software-specific organizations such as DocuSign, SaaS platforms such as Twilio, as well as organizations large enough to employ a large front-end and back-end tech team, such as Netflix.
For those who want to work in-person at a tech company that produces digital web interfaces, locations such as San Jose and San Francisco continue to be popular places to relocate if you’re a staff software engineer. But increasingly, remote work-from-home opportunities are easier than ever to find, meaning you can also work from just about anywhere.
TIP: Stay alert to job opportunities in this rapidly moving field by using job platforms (such as inTulsa’s Career Seeker), browsing featured roles, and setting up frontend developer job alerts for positions such as lead software engineer so you can jump on opportunities to pursue new positions as they open up.
<h2 id="skills">Skills and Technologies in Front End Development</h2>
As a software engineer with a specialized, design and function-oriented focus, the front-end developer uses a variety of web-building languages to design ways for users to interact with a website or app. To do well in this field, you’ll need to display the following skills to prospective employers:
Proficiency in web development programs
Programs such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript form the foundation of front-end engineering work. Together, these three form the essential backbone of friendly, attractive user-facing designs and well-thought-out websites. You’ll also need to be familiar with front-end frameworks and libraries, such as React, Angular, and Vue. These tools help create consistent, efficient performance when working with CSS and JavaScript.
Understanding of responsive web design and mobile optimization
Successful engineers of user-facing software and apps understand the importance of incorporating design features that are simple and pleasant for users to navigate. You’ll need a strong awareness of user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) principles, as well as an ability to maintain good version control (through programs such as Git), so you can manage changes to sites and apps without having to start from scratch.
Problem-solving skills
Designing, maintaining, and updating websites and mobile applications is bound to involve challenges that push your technical skills to the edge. Bugs might crop up, or requests from users may not match the current front-end design. Stakeholders may have expectations that need to be managed. You’ll find it helpful to be creative and focused as you solve problems to deliver a great user experience.
Collaboration and teamwork
As with many other types of tech roles, software engineers don’t normally work alone. As a web developer, you’ll coordinate your daily tasks with other team members, including graphic designers, copywriters, back-end developers, and others. You may need to fill in stakeholders or collaborate with third-party teams too. Effective communication skills are essential.
Commitment to ongoing learning
With tech platforms, software, and other aspects of website and app development in constant evolution, savvy front-end tech designers regularly keep up with evolving technologies in the field. A love of learning is a plus even at the entry level, and you’ll see a payoff in how this continuing education positions you for promotion and new opportunities in your career path.
<h2 id="career">Advancing Your Front-End Development Career</h2>
Front-end developing will continue to be a strong need for many companies. To keep your career going strong, first establish a strong foundation in the basic essentials. A computer science or software engineering degree will give you that reliable understanding in tools such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, as well as the user design principles you need to master.
Build on that educational foundation through gaining real-life experience through internships, freelance work, and entry-level positions. Use those experiences to create an impressive portfolio that showcases your development skills, successful website and app projects.
Who you know is also important, as many job opportunities come through word of mouth. Don’t neglect the importance of expanding your network through professional development courses, industry organizations, and technical communities. Leverage meaningful job search strategies such as keeping your LinkedIn profile current, highlighting key accomplishments, and staying up-to-date on ways to connect with others in your field.
Keep in mind, front-end engineering can lead you in appealing directions as you grow your career. Stay alert for opportunities to step into senior front-end developer and management roles by committing to become a reliable, effective leader of teams.
Grow Your Career in Project Management through the inTulsa Talent Network
Front-end developers are much-needed and valued in the tech field, and opportunities for a thriving career await you. If you love giving users a great experience, are passionate about designing websites and apps, and aren’t afraid to tackle problems and work in a team setting, this career can be a good fit. Focus on continuing to learn all you can, building your portfolio, and looking for new opportunities to grow.
Looking for a career in front-end development in Tulsa? Sign up for the inTulsa Talent Network! Simply create an account and upload your resume, and you’ll enjoy access to all the latest job opportunities. You can even set up custom job alerts to stay in-the-know as you continue your career search.
