What Does a WordPress Developer Do?
A WordPress developer designs, implements, and manages websites using the WordPress platform. They are responsible for both front-end and back-end development, including creating custom themes and plugins, optimizing performance, and ensuring website security. Their work involves writing clean, responsive code in languages such as PHP, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and integrating content and media to create a cohesive digital experience.
These developers collaborate closely with designers, marketers, and other stakeholders to transform design mockups and business requirements into functional websites. Whether building a brand-new site from scratch or enhancing an existing one, WordPress developers strike a balance between technical precision and user experience to ensure the website is intuitive, secure, and high-performing.
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WordPress Developer Core Responsibilities
- Build custom WordPress themes and plugins based on business and design specifications
- Maintain and update existing WordPress websites, ensuring consistent performance and uptime
- Optimize website performance through image compression, caching strategies, and minimized code
- Implement responsive designs for optimal viewing across all device types
- Integrate third-party APIs, tools, and plugins to enhance site functionality
- Troubleshoot bugs and compatibility issues across browsers and platforms
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams including UI/UX designers, content strategists, and marketers
- Ensure website security through regular updates, backups, and malware protection strategies
- Manage site migrations, version control, and deployment in staging and production environments
- Stay up to date with WordPress core updates, new features, and industry trends
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Proficiency in PHP, JavaScript, HTML5, and CSS3
- Experience with WordPress core, plugin architecture, and theme development
- Familiarity with MySQL or similar relational databases
- Knowledge of Git or other version control systems
- Understanding of cross-browser compatibility and responsive web design
- Comfortable working with debugging tools and browser developer consoles
- Experience with CMS customization and third-party integrations (e.g., Mailchimp, HubSpot, CRMs)
Soft skills
- Strong problem-solving and debugging abilities
- Excellent communication and collaboration with non-technical stakeholders
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in fast-paced environments
- Attention to detail with a commitment to clean, well-documented code
- Flexibility in adapting to evolving technical requirements
Educational requirements
- Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in computer science, web development, or related field (preferred but not required)
- Comparable bootcamp or proven portfolio of WordPress development work may substitute for formal education
Certifications
Not typically required, but certifications in WordPress development or front-end technologies (e.g., via Coursera, Udemy, or W3C) may be beneficial.
WordPress Developer Preferred Qualifications
- Experience building WooCommerce-enabled eCommerce sites
- Familiarity with modern front-end frameworks like React or Vue within WP environments
- Knowledge of accessibility standards (WCAG)
- Experience using website builders like Elementor or WPBakery
- Working knowledge of SEO best practices and schema markup
- Exposure to multilingual site development (WPML or Polylang)
WordPress Developer Compensation
While many software developer roles are full-time positions, the WordPress community is dominated by an active freelance community of WordPress specialists. This means there is no one size fits all approach and WordPress coding jobs can be filled via one-time projects, part-time hourly rates, or full-time salary positions. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a WordPress Developer is:
$84,212
Total compensation will vary greatly by skill set, geography, and type of employment. A WordPress freelancer will charge anywhere from $5-$175 per hour, with the average around $70 per hour. The highest-paid developers are generally located in the United States and Western Europe, while the lowest-paid freelancers reside in locations such as the Philippines, Ukraine, and Latin America.
Full-time WordPress developers expect a competitive salary, flexible work schedules, generous vacation time, paid holidays, paid sick leave, medical insurance, 401k programs, and sufficient time for continuing education and community participation, such as WordPress’ Five for the Future or WordPress core contributions.
Sample WordPress Developer Job Descriptions
Including the right content in your job description is essential when hiring a WordPress developer. The following examples can serve as templates for attracting the best available talent for your team.
Example #1: Junior
Position Overview
A junior WordPress developer supports the creation and maintenance of WordPress-based websites under the guidance of senior developers or technical leads. This entry-level role is ideal for individuals who have a solid foundation in web development and are eager to grow their skills in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
Junior WordPress Developer Responsibilities
- Assist in the development and customization of WordPress themes and templates
- Implement content changes and style updates using HTML, CSS, and the WordPress editor
- Test websites across browsers and devices to ensure responsive design and functionality
- Install and configure plugins under supervision
- Help troubleshoot bugs and assist with basic site maintenance
- Contribute to website migrations and version control procedures
- Stay current with WordPress platform updates and changes
Junior WordPress Developer Requirements
Hard skills
- Basic understanding of PHP, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
- Familiarity with the WordPress dashboard and core functionality
- Understanding of responsive design principles
- Exposure to debugging tools and browser developer consoles
Soft skills
- Willingness to learn and adapt quickly
- Attention to detail in coding and testing
- Ability to follow technical instructions
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
Educational requirements
- Associate or bachelor’s degree in computer science, web development, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
Certifications
Optional: Completion of a WordPress development bootcamp or certificate program
Junior WordPress Developer Preferred Qualifications
- Exposure to SEO best practices or Google Analytics
- Hands-on experience with page builders like Elementor or Beaver Builder
- Basic familiarity with version control (e.g., Git)
Sample #2: Mid-level
Position Overview
A mid-level WordPress developer designs, builds, and manages WordPress websites independently or as part of a small development team. This role is ideal for developers who are comfortable managing full website builds, customizing plugins, and optimizing site performance.
Mid-Level WordPress Developer Responsibilities
- Develop custom WordPress themes and plugins according to project specs
- Manage all aspects of the WordPress CMS, including setup, security, and backups
- Optimize sites for speed, SEO, and cross-device performance
- Implement third-party integrations (e.g., APIs, CRM tools, email platforms)
- Troubleshoot bugs and resolve technical issues with minimal supervision
- Collaborate with designers and marketers to bring web content to life
- Maintain documentation and contribute to code repositories
Mid-Level WordPress Developer Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency in PHP, JavaScript, HTML5, and CSS3
- Experience building and customizing themes and plugins
- Working knowledge of MySQL and database management
- Comfort with Git and staging/deployment workflows
- Understanding of web accessibility and mobile-first design
Soft skills
- Strong time management and prioritization abilities
- Ability to communicate technical information clearly
- Problem-solving mindset with attention to detail
- Self-motivation and accountability in independent work
Educational requirements
Bachelor’s degree in computer science, web development, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
Certifications
Optional: Certification in advanced WordPress development or SEO best practices
Mid-Level WordPress Developer Preferred Qualifications
- Knowledge of schema markup and technical SEO
- Experience with WooCommerce or eCommerce platforms
- Familiarity with React or Vue.js in headless WordPress environments
- Background in multilingual site setup (e.g., WPML)
Example #3: Senior
Position Overview
A senior WordPress developer leads complex development initiatives and mentors junior team members. This role requires deep technical expertise in WordPress architecture, performance tuning, and secure development practices, with the ability to drive strategy and innovation.
Senior WordPress Developer Responsibilities
- Architect scalable, secure WordPress sites from the ground up
- Lead development projects, from planning to deployment and maintenance
- Customize and extend core WordPress functionality using advanced PHP and JavaScript
- Oversee plugin and theme development, ensuring clean, reusable code
- Optimize website performance through caching, CDN configuration, and database tuning
- Perform code reviews and provide mentorship to junior and mid-level developers
- Collaborate with stakeholders on technical strategy and feature prioritization
- Stay informed on emerging technologies and implement best practices
Senior WordPress Developer Requirements
Hard skills
- Advanced proficiency in PHP, JavaScript (including frameworks like React), HTML, and CSS
- Deep understanding of WordPress core, hooks, APIs, and security protocols
- Experience leading complex integrations with third-party tools and APIs
- Mastery of Git, CI/CD, and deployment best practices
- Knowledge of performance optimization and scalability strategies
Soft skills
- Leadership and team mentorship capabilities
- Excellent communication with technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Strong project management and decision-making skills
- Proactive approach to solving business and technical challenges
Educational requirements
Bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, or related discipline (or substantial equivalent experience)
Certifications
Optional: Advanced certification in WordPress development, security, or cloud hosting platforms (e.g., WP Engine, AWS)
Senior WordPress Developer Preferred Qualifications
- Deep familiarity with web accessibility (WCAG) and compliance standards
- Experience with headless WordPress architecture and REST APIs
- Proven ability to manage enterprise-level sites or multisite networks
- Background in agile development methodologies