What is a JavaScript developer?
A JavaScript developer is someone who uses JavaScript—a very popular language—to make websites and apps. They make web pages interactive and fun, like letting you play games online or showing maps that you can interact with.
Duties and responsibilities
JavaScript developers write code that needs to work well and be easy to understand. They build new apps and features, make sure everything works properly, and update things to make them better. They also work with other team members to plan and finish projects on time.
Work environment
JavaScript developers can work almost anywhere—from big offices to the comfort of their own homes. This flexibility is thanks to the tech industry’s growing acceptance of remote work. The job often involves focusing on one project at a time, which sometimes means tight deadlines and a bit of pressure, but there’s also plenty of room for creativity and new ideas.
Typical work hours
Most JavaScript developers work standard hours from 9 AM to 5 PM, but they might need to put in extra time when a project is due or if something urgent pops up. The tech field is also cool about flexible hours, so many can adjust their schedules to fit their lives better.
How to become a JavaScript developer
Thinking about making websites and apps that people love to use? Becoming a JavaScript developer might be the perfect path for you! Here’s how you can start your journey to become one of these coding pros:
Step 1: Start with the basics
First things first, finish high school. It’s good to have a background in math, computer science, and how data is managed because these will help you later.
Step 2: Earn a bachelor’s degree
Most developers go to college and get a degree in computer science or something related. This helps you understand how computers and software work. You’ll learn about how to organize data, design software, and even get started with JavaScript and other coding languages.
Step 3: Learn JavaScript and more
Being great at JavaScript is key, but you should also know HTML and CSS. If you can, learn some server-side languages like Python or Java too. You can find lots of courses online to learn these.
Step 4: Practice by doing
You need to practice to get good at coding. You can do internships, join co-op programs, or work on your own coding projects. Make sure to show off your projects in a portfolio—that’s what can get you a job.
Step 5: Get certified
Getting a certification isn’t a must, but it can help you stand out. There are many online places where you can get certified in JavaScript and other tech skills.
Step 6: Apply for jobs
Once you’ve learned the skills and built up some experience, start applying for jobs. Make sure your resume talks about your coding skills and include a link to your portfolio. Also, get ready for technical interviews where you’ll show off your problem-solving skills.
How much do JavaScript developers make?
JavaScript developer salaries will vary by experience, industry, education, location, and organization size. The complexity of projects undertaken, level of coding expertise, and knowledge of various JavaScript libraries and frameworks can also impact their compensation.
Highest paying industries
- Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services: $104,300
- Information Services: $99,730
- Finance and Insurance: $98,260
- Manufacturing: $95,120
- Healthcare and Social Assistance: $92,350
Highest paying states
- California: $115,320
- Washington: $114,460
- New York: $113,750
- Massachusetts: $112,560
- New Jersey: $108,930
The average national salary for a Javascript Developer is:
$91,797
Types of JavaScript developers
Wondering what you can do as a JavaScript developer? There are several cool paths you can take, depending on what part of web and app development excites you the most. Here’s a quick look at some common types:
Front-end developer
These developers make the parts of websites and apps that you actually see and use. They use JavaScript along with HTML and CSS to create everything you interact with online, like buttons, menus, and animations. Companies really value those who can use JavaScript to make websites look good and work smoothly.
Back-end developer
While front-end developers handle the visible parts of a website, back-end developers work on the server side. They use JavaScript, often with Node.js, to make sure the server, applications, and databases run properly, helping the website operate smoothly behind the scenes.
Full-stack developer
If you want to know everything from the front end to the back end, this is the way to go. Full-stack developers are skilled in both front-end and back-end technologies, which makes them super versatile. They use JavaScript a lot, as it’s key to handling both the user-facing side and the technical backend efficiently.
JavaScript framework specialist
Some developers choose to specialize in specific JavaScript frameworks—tools that help them build applications faster. Popular ones include Angular, React, and Vue.js. These specialists know their frameworks inside out, allowing them to build complex features more efficiently and improve how a web application performs.
Top skills for JavaScript developers
Want to be a JavaScript developer? Here are the must-have skills that can help you shine in this role:
Problem-solving skills
You’ll often face tricky problems while coding. Being good at figuring out solutions quickly and efficiently is key to making software that works well and is easy to use.
JavaScript expertise
Obviously, you need to be great at JavaScript! But, you should also understand other programming languages like HTML, CSS, and SQL. Knowing these will make you much more capable and versatile.
Communication skills
Whether you’re working with a team, talking to clients, or explaining a tough problem, clear communication is crucial. You need to share your ideas and solutions effectively, making sure everyone’s on the same page.
Tech tool know-how
Get comfortable with the tools of the trade. This includes everything from code editors and version control systems to debugging tools. These tools help you write, test, and fix your code faster and better.
UI/UX design
Understanding how users interact with software is super important. If you know how to make applications both look good and work smoothly, you’ll be a big asset to any project. This is about making sure the software is not just functional but also enjoyable to use.
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Browse our national database of JavaScript developer job openings and apply today
JavaScript developer career path options
Wondering where a career in JavaScript development can take you? There’s a whole world of possibilities! Here’s a roadmap of where you can go:
Senior developer
After gaining experience, you might step up to become a senior developer. In this role, you’ll handle more complex projects and guide newer developers. You’ll need to know your stuff technically and be ready to take on bigger challenges.
Lead developer or architect
As you keep growing, you could become a lead developer or an architect. These positions involve making big decisions that affect the whole project and possibly the entire company. It’s about having a strategic vision and making sure everything runs smoothly.
Management roles
If leading is your thing, you can move into management. Roles like team lead, technical lead, or IT manager let you use both your tech skills and your ability to manage people and projects. And if you aim really high, you could become a director of engineering or even a chief technology officer (CTO).
Specialized roles
Love gaming or shopping online? You might specialize in areas like virtual reality gaming, financial technology, or e-commerce. These roles let you focus on specific industries where you can use JavaScript to create amazing things.
Going solo
With plenty of experience and good contacts, you could work as a freelancer or consultant. This path gives you flexibility and the chance to earn well, though it comes with the challenges of working for yourself. And if you’re really ambitious, you could start your own software development company.
Similar job titles
Position trends and outlook for JavaScript developers
- Ease of use: JavaScript is perfect for creating fun, interactive websites and apps that work on any device. There’s a big demand for these developers because everyone wants websites that are easy to use and look great on both phones and computers.
- Hot tools: Frameworks like React, Angular, and Vue.js are especially popular because they help developers build cool stuff faster and better. Node.js has changed the game by letting JavaScript developers also handle server-side coding.
- New opportunities: There’s a lot happening with JavaScript in cutting-edge areas like the Internet of Things, AI, virtual reality, and blockchain. These trends are exciting because they mean developers need to keep learning and adapting, which keeps the job fresh and interesting.
Employment projections
The future looks bright for JavaScript developers! The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the number of web developer jobs, including JavaScript roles, to jump by 23% through 2031. This growth is way faster than most other jobs. More companies want to sell online and make their websites better, so they need skilled developers to make that happen.
JavaScript developer career tips
Master the JavaScript ecosystem
JavaScript isn’t just about writing code; it’s about understanding the whole ecosystem. Get to know different tools like Node.js, React, Angular, and Vue. These tools will help you build better websites and apps, and make you a key player on any development team.
Become a bug hunter
Bugs are part of coding. Learn how to find them, understand why they happen, and fix them quickly. Good testing and debugging skills can save you and your team a lot of time.
Practice clean coding
Write code that is easy to read and easy to maintain. Organize your code well, use clear names for variables, and comment on your code to explain why you did what you did. Clean code is easier for you and others to work on.
Create a portfolio
Show off what you can do with a portfolio. Include any projects you’ve worked on, like apps or websites. It doesn’t matter if they were for school, a job, or just for fun. Your portfolio shows off your skills better than just a resume.
Network with other developers
Join groups and meet other people who do what you do. Networking can lead to job opportunities and friendships. Here are a few places to start:
- JavaScript Society
- Frontend Developer Love
- Egghead.io Community
- Women Who Code
Never stop learning
Technology changes fast, especially in web development. Stay up-to-date by:
- Joining coding bootcamps
- Reading blogs and forums
- Attending webinars and workshops
- Getting certifications
Consider certifications
Getting certified can help your resume stand out. Look into certifications for JavaScript or other specific technologies you enjoy working with, like:
- Certified JavaScript Developer – International JavaScript Institute
- Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) – JavaScript
- React – The Complete Guide (incl Hooks, React Router, Redux) – Udemy
Where the JavaScript developer jobs are
Top employers
- Microsoft
- Amazon
- IBM
Top states
- California
- New York
- Texas
- Washington
- Massachusetts
Top job sites
- zengig
- Indeed
- SimplyHired
- Monster
FAQs
What educational background do JavaScript developers need?
An undergraduate degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field is typically expected. Being proficient in JavaScript is essential, as you will be using it to develop interactive web applications. Additional qualifications can include an understanding of HTML, CSS, and other relevant software development tools.
What are typical day-to-day tasks for JavaScript developers?
Day-to-day tasks include designing and implementing testing processes, resolving system glitches, fostering efficient coding practices, engaging in peer reviews, and team meetings to discuss the advancement of projects. Their role may also involve collaborating with clients or other departments to establish project objectives and fine-tune software features.
What technical skills are most important for JavaScript developers?
Proficiency in JavaScript and its various libraries and frameworks is key. Knowledge of HTML, CSS, AJAX, and other web technologies is also important. Experience with debugging and benchmarking software is beneficial, as are skills in version control systems such as Git. Additionally, a fundamental understanding of web security practices is typically desired.
What soft skills are beneficial for JavaScript developers?
Strong problem-solving ability is a central aspect of this profession, as is attention to detail. Other useful soft skills include time management, teamwork, and excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. They’ll often need to explain complex information to people who don’t have their technical expertise, so the ability to break down difficult concepts is beneficial.
Are there any certifications for JavaScript developers?
Certifications in JavaScript, specific libraries, or other web technologies can aid in career advancement or set you apart in a pool of candidates. Vendor-specific certifications offered by companies like Microsoft may also grant an edge over other candidates.
Can JavaScript developers work remotely?
Yes, many companies allow their developers to work remotely. The nature of this job makes it highly suitable for remote work, as long as they have the proper software tools and a reliable internet connection. The ability to communicate effectively with teammates and clients across digital platforms is crucial in these circumstances.
What is the work environment usually like for JavaScript developers?
Developers typically work in an office setting, often as part of a software development team. However, the specific work environment can vary greatly depending on the company and the specific project they are working on. They may find themselves in a fast-paced startup or a more laid-back corporate environment. As mentioned earlier, remote work is also a common aspect of this profession.
What challenges does a JavaScript developer commonly face?
Challenges include staying up-to-date with evolving technologies and languages, understanding and aligning with client requirements, solving complex coding issues, and accomplishing tasks within project deadlines. Additionally, striking a balance between functionality and user-friendliness in the applications they develop can often be a challenge.
Is a JavaScript developer a suitable job for someone who prefers independent work?
While coding does involve a fair deal of independent work, collaboration is a significant aspect of almost all developer roles. They’ll frequently need to cooperate with other team members to discuss ideas, troubleshoot issues, and coordinate tasks. However, depending on the size and structure of their team, they may have more or less independence in their daily work.
What are some common misconceptions about JavaScript developers?
A common misconception about this profession is that it’s purely solitary work. While developers do spend a significant amount of time working alone, team collaboration and communication are also critical aspects of the job. Additionally, some people may underestimate the need for creativity in this role. Creating efficient, user-friendly applications often requires innovative solutions and unique approaches.