WordPress Developer Career Guide

What is a WordPress developer?

A WordPress developer is someone who makes websites using WordPress, a popular tool that’s free for anyone to use. WordPress is super popular for making websites, which means WordPress developers are in demand. These developers create unique sites that fit what different clients want by using special themes and plugins—think of these as customizable pieces that make each website special.

Duties and responsibilities

Here are the main things WordPress developers work on:

• Building websites for clients using WordPress
• Writing code in languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP to create themes and plugins
• Fixing problems, making sure the websites run smoothly, and updating the software when needed
• They might also help clients understand how to use their websites and fix issues when they come up

Work environment

WordPress developers can work in many places—like tech companies, digital agencies, or by themselves as freelancers. Since all you need is the internet to do the job, many WordPress developers work from home or anywhere they like. The job often involves working with others, especially on big projects, and sometimes explaining tech stuff to people who aren’t tech experts.

Typical work hours

Their schedules can be pretty flexible, especially for freelancers or those who work remotely. Most of the time, they work regular hours during the week, but sometimes they might need to work more to meet deadlines or fix urgent problems. WordPress keeps changing and getting new features, so developers often learn new things on their own time to stay sharp.

---

How to become a WordPress developer

Becoming a WordPress developer means you get to build websites that lots of people will use! It’s a job that needs you to keep learning and be creative. Here’s how you can start:

Step 1: Learn the basics of web development

First off, you need to get the hang of web development basics. This means learning HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. These are the building blocks for making websites. There are lots of free and paid courses online where you can start, like:

• Johns Hopkins University’s HTML, CSS, and Javascript for Web Developers covers coding websites that work well on any device.
• Coursera’s HTML and CSS in Depth taught by Meta staff includes how to make sites look good and work fast.
• Udemy’s The Complete Web Development Bootcamp helps you learn a bunch and build projects that you can show off in your portfolio. 
• Skillshare’s Modern JavaScript for Beginners includes everything needed to get you coding like a pro.
• Unlocking Power With Code dives deep into WordPress. 

Step 2: Get to know PHP and MySQL

WordPress uses PHP (a language for making web pages interactive) and MySQL (a system to manage all the data). You’ll need to understand these well to make cool themes and plugins for WordPress.

Step 3: Dive deep into WordPress

Next, really dig into WordPress. Learn how it works from the inside out. Get familiar with how to install it, set it up, and tweak it to do what you want. There’s a ton of guides and the WordPress community is huge—get involved!

Step 4: Master version control

Knowing how to use version control systems like Git is a must. It helps you keep track of your work and collaborate with others without messing up. Platforms like GitHub and Bitbucket are part of the daily tools you’ll use.

Step 5: Build a portfolio

As you learn, start putting together a portfolio. This is just a collection of your work that shows off what you can do. Include everything cool you’ve built, especially stuff that shows you can handle what clients need.

Step 6: Keep learning and stay updated

Web tech changes fast! Keep up with new tools, trends, and updates in WordPress. Read blogs, watch tutorials, and maybe even go to tech meetups or conferences.

---

How much do WordPress developers make?

The salary of a WordPress developer can differ significantly depending on several factors, including the level of experience. Developers with more experience and a comprehensive range of skills, such as proficiency in PHP, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, will likely earn more than those with fewer skills and experience.

The industry in which they work also plays a part in determining salary. For example, developers working in industries that rely heavily on a robust online presence or e-commerce, like retail, technology, or marketing, may earn more.

Geographic location is another critical factor. Developers in cities with a higher cost of living and a strong tech industry, such as San Francisco or New York, often earn more than those in other areas. However, as many work remotely, location can sometimes be less of a factor.

Finally, education and certification can influence their salary. While many successful developers are self-taught, having a degree in a related field like computer science or web development, or possessing specific certifications, can increase earning power.

Browse WordPress developer salary data by market

---

Types of WordPress developers

If you’re thinking about a career in WordPress development, there are several paths you can take depending on what you like doing and your skills. Here’s a breakdown of the different types of WordPress developers:

WordPress theme developer

These developers focus on how a website looks and works. They use PHP, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create themes that make websites look great and function smoothly according to what clients want.

WordPress plugin developer

If you like adding cool features to websites, this could be for you. Plugin developers create software that adds specific functions to websites, like SEO tools or shopping features. This job requires good coding skills and knowing how to make software work well with WordPress.

WordPress front-end developer

This role is all about making the part of the website that users interact with. Using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and sometimes PHP, front-end developers make sure the website looks awesome and is easy to use across different devices.

WordPress back-end developer

These developers work on the parts of a website that you don’t see but are crucial for the website to function. They deal with databases and server stuff, using PHP, SQL, and other languages to make sure the website runs fast and can handle lots of visitors.

WordPress full-stack developer

Full-stack developers know how to do everything from the front end to the back end. They can create custom themes and plugins and work on the server side of things. This is for someone who really wants to get into all parts of building and managing WordPress sites.

WordPress security developer

Security is super important for websites. These developers focus on keeping sites safe from hackers. They update software, monitor for threats, and fix security issues.

---

Top skills for WordPress developers

Being a WordPress developer means you have a big role in shaping websites that many people use every day. Here are some key skills you should have if you want to be great at this job:

Proficiency in PHP

PHP is super important because it’s the main language used by WordPress. It helps you make, change, and improve themes and plugins to give every website its own look and feel.

HTML and CSS knowledge

These are the basics of any website. HTML sets up the structure, and CSS makes it look good. Knowing these well lets you tweak themes, design cool layouts, and make sure sites work well on all types of devices.

Understanding SQL and JavaScript

SQL is used to manage the data in WordPress databases, like adding or pulling info. JavaScript makes websites interactive and fun by adding features that users can click on and engage with.

Grasp of SEO principles

Your site needs to be easy for search engines like Google to find and rank. Knowing SEO means you can set up sites to load fast, use the right keywords, and get seen by more people.

Problem-solving skills

---

WordPress developer career path

Junior or entry-level developer

When you’re just starting, you’ll likely work on smaller parts of bigger projects. This is your chance to learn the basics of WordPress like how to tweak themes and plugins, and make sure the websites you work on perform well. You’ll usually have more experienced developers guiding you.

Mid-level or senior WordPress developer

As you gain experience and build a solid portfolio, you can move up to handling more complex projects. This might include setting up entire websites, making sure they’re optimized for search engines, and adding features from other services. Senior developers also take on tougher problems and can help mentor newer developers.

Lead WordPress developer or team leader

With even more experience, you might lead a team of developers. This role goes beyond just coding—you’ll manage entire projects from start to finish and make important decisions about how things get done.

Specialization or management roles

As a seasoned developer, you might choose to specialize in areas like e-commerce or become a guru in optimizing sites for better search engine rankings. Or, you could move into management roles like project manager or tech lead.

Freelancing or entrepreneurship

Many WordPress developers eventually decide to work for themselves as freelancers or start their own web development companies. This path gives you the freedom to choose your projects and work on your terms.

---

Similar job titles

• Front End Developer
• Full Stack Developer
• PHP Developer
• Web Designer
• Web Developer

---

Position trends and outlook for WordPress developers

Employment projections for WordPress developers

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics groups WordPress developers with Web Developers and Digital Designers and predicts a 23% job growth through 2031, which is much faster than the average for all jobs. This boom is largely due to more businesses expanding into e-commerce and the growing use of mobile devices.

---

WordPress developer career tips

Stay updated with WordPress changes

WordPress is always evolving, so keeping up with the latest updates, themes, plugins, and practices is key to delivering top-notch work that meets your clients’ expectations.

Master relevant programming languages

While WordPress makes some aspects of web development easier, you still need a solid grip on languages like PHP, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. These skills let you customize themes, build plugins, and tackle tricky problems during projects.

Understand SEO principles

Websites need to be visible on search engines to succeed. Knowing SEO basics can help you create sites that not only look good but also rank well, boosting your clients’ online presence.

Build a professional network

Connecting with other developers can open up new learning opportunities and potential collaborations. Consider joining groups like:

• WordPress Foundation
• The WordPress Developer Club
• Local WordPress meetups

Pay attention to user experience

The success of a website heavily depends on how easy and pleasant it is to use. Make sure the sites you develop are attractive, intuitive, and user-friendly by applying UX design principles and testing the sites regularly.

Implement continuous learning

Web technology moves fast, so staying informed on new technologies, trends, and WordPress features is crucial. Areas to focus on might include:

• Advanced WordPress techniques
• Responsive design
• Emerging programming languages or frameworks
• Web accessibility standards

Prioritize website security

Security is critical. Make sure you understand the best practices for keeping WordPress sites secure, such as performing regular updates, using strong passwords, and installing trusted security plugins.

Develop problem-solving skills

Problem-solving is at the heart of what you do as a WordPress developer. Approach challenges with a clear, analytical mindset, always ready to explore multiple solutions to any issue.

---

FAQs