How to Become a WordPress Developer and What It Is

Examine the next article to learn more about the duties, compensation, and roles of a WordPress developer.

Websites can be created using WordPress, an open-source content management system (CMS). 43 percent of all websites on the internet, according to a 2022 study by W3 Techs, utilise WordPress [1]. Despite the fact that the software is open-source, many people hire skilled WordPress developers to create high-quality websites. The function of a WordPress developer is discussed in the following article, along with a three-step process for becoming one.

A WordPress developer is what?

One kind of web developer is a WordPress developer. They are experts in using WordPress to create websites. They can create both the front end and the back end of a website because they are full-stack developers. The WordPress software can be improved, or a client's unique website can be created, by hiring a WordPress developer.

What businesses hire WordPress developers?

A WordPress developer has the option of working for a business or working independently. WordPress developers can find freelancing opportunities on a number of job-searching websites, including Codeable.io and WordPress Jobs (the official WordPress jobs listing platform). If you want to become a WordPress developer but are not interested in freelancing, you also have possibilities. Software development firms, digital marketing consultancies, and SaaS management corporations are a few examples of companies that hire WordPress developers.

Job prospects for WordPress developers

For the past 12 years, WordPress has been the CMS with the fastest growth [1]. WordPress developers are part of an employment industry that is expanding quickly. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that between 2020 and 2030, the employment of web developers and digital designers will increase by 13%. According to that figure, there are typically 17,900 job opportunities per year [2].

Did you?know?

Web designers and developers are common among WordPress developers. The abilities you develop as a WordPress developer may also be useful in other web development positions.

What does a developer of WordPress do?

• A WordPress developer's typical duties include:
• Designing and creating fresh features and capabilities
• Converting client needs into technological requirements
• Putting in place and maintaining a website's architecture
• Coding, testing, and bug-fixing

How much money is made by a WordPress developer?

According to Glassdoor, the average yearly wage for WordPress developers is $64,245 as of June 2022. Estimated yearly compensation for commissions and profit-sharing arrangements is $23,504. The estimated annual total pay for WordPress developers is $87,749 when the median wage and average supplemental compensation are added together [3].

Associated roles

Web developers who specialist in WordPress infrastructure and technologies are known as WordPress developers. Similar jobs to WordPress developers are numerous. Several instances of comparable roles are as follows:

• Computer programmers: Software developers are programmers, just as web developers. Instead of (or in addition to) developing websites, they produce software and applications for computers.
• Designers of the user experience (UX): The practise of enhancing user engagement with websites or other software products is known as user experience design (UX). Software developers that are UX designers concentrate on the user experience of a website or application.
• Complete developers: Any programmer who can independently produce a minimum viable product is regarded as a full-stack developer, regardless of their area of specialization. Inconsistencies between the front end and back end can be found by full-stack developers.

Three steps to becoming a WordPress developer

1. Become familiar with WordPress.

Before you have mastered front-end and back-end development, you can start utilising WordPress. WordPress is a popular alternative for people who wish to create their own website but don't have any coding skills because it is user-friendly for beginners. It's comparable to the likelihood that a prospective photographer will buy a camera before finishing a photography course. While learning how to oversee more complex development, you can gain knowledge of the fundamentals and establish a solid basis for the product.

2. Acquire the necessary abilities.

WordPress is well-liked in part because it requires just little technical knowledge from users. Professional WordPress developers, however, need to be proficient in both web development and site design. the record.

PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES:?As a WordPress developer, there are four primary languages you will need to learn.

1. First, you can build a website by arranging material into headers, footers, and sidebars using the hypertext markup language (HTML).
2. Next, you can add stylistic components to your HTML structure using cascading style sheets (CSS), such as font color, border thickness, and picture alignment.
3. The following language you should master if you want to work as a WordPress developer is PHP: hypertext preprocessor. The majority of websites (where the language is known) and WordPress both use it as their back-end scripting language [4].
4. In addition to being an essential ability for WordPress developers, JavaScript is also the most widely used programming language globally [5]. WordPress developer makes full use of it to provide dynamic functionalities.

You can learn HTML, CSS, and JavaScript all at once by earning a certificate from John Hopkins University.

1. Plugin creation: Plugins are packaged additions of the WordPress code that improve its features and operation. WordPress programmers produce unique plugins in response to client requests.
2. Database administration: Users are able to save, maintain, and manage access to relevant data thanks to database management. WordPress makes use of MySQL, a database management programme.
3. Digital advertising: To enhance site traffic and quality, WordPress developers frequently use search engine optimization (SEO) and other digital marketing strategies.
4. Web development and design: WordPress developers require good web design and development skills because they focus heavily on UX and UI. It is the duty of a WordPress developer to make sure the website they create is usable, responsive, appealing to the eye, and open to all users.
5. Knowledge of well-known development tools: No matter what, getting to know common development tools is beneficial onal Certificate from an organization to improve their UX skills.

3. Make your resume better.

In order to be considered for a job, you must demonstrate your competitiveness, regardless of how popular your preferred profession may be. WordPress developers' educational backgrounds range from a high school diploma to a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. The ability to succeed in an entry-level position can be acquired through higher education. It's not the only approach, though, to gain knowledge and demonstrate your skills to potential employers.

Earn a certificate of professional status.

Employers can also be convinced of your professional experience by your applicable credentials. If you're not sure where to start, look through job postings to find desirable skills. A WordPress developer, for instance, may seek a Professional Certificate from an organization to improve their UX skills.

Construct a portfolio.

Your best work is compiled in a portfolio. If you have knowledge of WordPress or web development, think about gathering the projects that most effectively showcase your technical proficiency. Then you can send your portfolio and resume to potential employers. If you haven't yet produced anything for your professional portfolio, that's okay. Start by enrolling in an online course like Introduction to Accessible Web Development, which includes a Guided Project that walks you through the creation of an accessible custom component using ARIA.