How to Become a Front-End Developer: A Guide to Training, Certifications, and Salary

A front-end developer, also known as a front-end web developer, is a highly skilled professional responsible for creating the user interface of a website. Once a web designer creates the interface, the front-end developer takes over by leveraging coding languages like CSS, HTML, and JavaScript to ensure the design works seamlessly online.

Before we go any further, let’s outline the differences between a front-end developer, a back-end developer, and a full-stack developer.

Front-End vs Back-End vs Full-Stack Development

Simply put, front-end developers are responsible for creating the components that users view and interact with on a website or application. On the other hand, back-end developers focus on behind-the-scenes tasks like infrastructure and database management. Full-stack developers are experts in all aspects of the design process, capable of managing a project from start to finish.

Additionally, there are full-stack engineers who are experienced project managers and skilled full-stack developers. These professionals are adept at configuring, managing, and maintaining computer networks and systems.

How to Start a Career in Front-End Development

If you’re interested in pursuing a career in front-end development, here are the steps you need to take:

Step 1: Get a Degree or Take Online Courses

While it’s not always necessary to have a degree in front-end development, it can be helpful to learn from knowledgeable individuals in a controlled setting. You can also take online courses to learn the basics of front-end development.

Step 2: Learn HTML, CSS, and JavaScript

HTML, CSS, and JavaScript are the three essential elements that make up a website you see on the internet. These languages should be learned first to lay the groundwork for becoming a front-end developer. It’s best to learn one language at a time before moving on to the next.

Step 3: Build an Online Portfolio

As a front-end developer, your ability to create engaging and user-friendly websites is key to your success. Building a portfolio is a simple way to showcase your skills to potential employers. Start by creating a few unique projects that demonstrate your creativity and technical abilities. You can also take inspiration from other front-end developer portfolios to see what works and what doesn’t. Then, build your own website to showcase your work and make it easy for others to find and admire.

Step 4: Apply for an Internship

Once you’ve built a portfolio, it’s time to pursue an internship. As a junior front-end developer or intern, you’ll typically work under more experienced developers. This is a great way to learn new skills, get hands-on experience, and make valuable connections in the industry. While internships may pay less than full-time positions, they often require fewer qualifications, making them an ideal starting point for those new to front-end development.

Step 5: Get a Job

After building your portfolio and gaining experience through internships, it’s time to start looking for your first job as a front-end developer. Be open-minded and don’t limit yourself to just one company or type of role. Look for opportunities that align with your interests and goals. Remember, the world of front-end development is constantly evolving, and being willing to adapt and learn new skills can help you stand out from the competition.

Expected Front-End Developer Salary Range

Now that you know how to become a front-end developer, it’s time to get to the good stuff. How much should you expect to earn as a front-end developer?

Front-End Developer Salary Expectations

Like most jobs, front-end developers’ salaries will depend on where they live, their skill level, and the company they choose to work for. However, you can expect to earn around $100,000. That is about $8333 monthly, $1,388 weekly, and $277 daily.

Tips for Building a Career in Front-End Development

As you start your front-end development career, here are some things to note.

Practice
Never stop learning
Join a developers’ community.

Front-end development is a dynamic field that requires constant learning and practice to stay on top of the game. As the old adage goes, “Practice makes perfect.” This means that the more you practice, the better you become at it. To improve your understanding of front-end development, you need to engage in regular practice sessions, not just superficial ones.

In addition to practice, it’s crucial never to stop learning. Zig Ziglar once said, “If you are not willing to learn, no one can help you. If you are determined to learn, no one can stop you.” This is particularly true in the field of front-end development and programming, where new technologies, tools, syntax, and techniques emerge continuously. Keeping up with the latest trends and updates is essential to avoid falling behind.

To stay current and learn new skills, it’s also beneficial to join a community of developers. You can join and connect with active developer communities such as freeCodeCamp and other local groups in your area. By doing so, you’ll always stay updated and gain new insights into front-end development, as well as receive support from other like-minded individuals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, building a career in front-end development can be a rewarding experience. To be successful in this field, it’s essential to be passionate and build things that interest you. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things, as this is how you’ll learn and grow your skills. Remember that competition is high, so focus on building a solid foundation of knowledge and skills to progress smoothly in your career.