WordPress developers design, implement, and manage websites using WordPress, a free, open-source content management system (CMS). They are responsible for both front-end and back-end development — everything from plug-ins to security updates. WordPress developers establish and guide website architecture, so sites are attractive and user-friendly. They are responsible for WordPress training as well as troubleshooting and resolving website problems for clients and co-workers. WordPress developers can work for many industries, including graphic design agencies, marketing firms, and computer systems design firms.
How to Hire a WordPress Developer
There are a number of initial considerations when hiring a WordPress Developer.
- Complexity: Do you need a senior developer, or will mid, or even junior-level skills suffice?
- Duration: Is this a one-time project, or an indefinite need?
- Management: Do you have the time and expertise to effectively direct the development effort?
- Recruiting: Do you have the knowledge, tools, and resources to source, interview, and hire for this role?
- Urgency: Will the developer(s) solve a pressing need, or a future project?
- Headcount: Do you have room for a new W2 employee, or should you consider alternative options?
The answers to these questions will determine the best route to take for securing your new hire. These aren’t one-size-fits-all answers, and will often change due to timing or a situational change within the same company, department, and team.
Fortunately, a variety of great options exist for every scenario, no matter how unique. For hiring a WordPress Developer, we recommend the following options:
- Use a professional recruiting firm with relevant experience. When working with 4 Corner Resources or another top tier staffing company the heavy lifting is done for you. We source, screen, recruit, and deliver only the most qualified candidate(s); saving you significant time and effort along the way. This is generally the best route to take when:
- You need to bring in temporary, contract, or contract-to-hire resources you intend to manage
- You’re hiring direct employees but aren’t able to recruit effectively or efficiently with your internal staff
- Time is of the essence
- Hire directly by leveraging CareerBuilder, LinkedIn, or both. These premier job sites will allow you to quickly post your open position to be seen by a massive audience of qualified candidates, with resumes delivered directly to your inbox. We recommend this option when:
- You’re hiring a direct employee
- You have internal resources with the time and experience to properly screen and assess applicants
- Hire a freelancer through Fiverr or Toptal. The freelance, or gig economy continues to grow, with more talent available every today. Not every position is ideal for the freelance marketplace, but a WordPress Developer is often a great fit. We recommend this option when:
- Your need is project-based
- You don’t need an employee to be onsite, or to work a specific schedule
- You’re hiring for expertise your team isn’t qualified to manage or direct
If you aren’t sure which path is best, schedule a discovery call today with our seasoned recruiting professionals. The 4 Corner team is on standby to help you find the best fit for your unique hiring need.
Sample job description #1
Responsibilities
ABC Company is seeking to hire a WordPress Developer. This position will work closely with leaders and project managers to ensure our projects meet specified requirements, timelines, and budgets. We are a fast paced, execution driven organization company. Responsibilities include:
- The WordPress Developer will research, design, and implement technical specifications for projects based on user requirements as indicated in scope of work, wireframes, and sitemap documents
- Lead a small team
- Ensure projects are built to meet performance, security, and functional requirements
- The WordPress Developer will oversee the development and maintenance of websites, intranets, applications, and other custom programming assignments as applicable
- Develop new programs, analyze current programs and processes, and making recommendations
- A WordPress Developer will provide analysis or current programs which includes performance, diagnosis, troubleshooting of problem programs, and designing solutions to problematic programming
- Perform backend/database programming for key projects
- The WordPress Developer will stay up to date on industry standards and incorporate them appropriately
- Assist with testing, debugging, documentation, and overall quality assurance of projects
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in Information Systems, Computer Science, related field, or equivalent industry work experience
- At least 5-7+ years of experience with WordPress development experience
- Experience leading a team or mentoring engineers
- Seeking enterprise level experience
- Advanced knowledge and development experience in PHP, CSS/HTML, JavaScript, jQuery (and/or similar JS libraries), MySQL (or other database management systems)
- ASP, and web servers (ISS/Apache) is a plus
- Extensive experience in custom web application development
- Ability to understand business requirements and the non-technical reasoning behind a decisions or position, and the present a clear, rational argument in favor of a proposed solution
- Advanced troubleshooting and debugging skills
- Ability to clearly and effectively communicate technical solutions to non-technical people
- Strong communication skills and attention to detail
Sample job description #2
As a WordPress Developer, you will be responsible for coding web sites as well as quality assurance, testing, and developing fixes.
Responsibilities
- Coding web sites to adhere to designs supporting internal business requirements or external customers
- Troubleshoot and resolve application issues, providing diagnostic, and analytical support
- Conducts performance analysis and recommends improvements
- Ensure work complies with policy and standards
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in a related Information Technology field preferred
Required experience
- Minimum 2 years experience with WordPress development and administration
- Experience developing websites in other CMS tools
- Knowledge of standard software development concepts, practices, and procedures
- Ability to multitask and plan proactively, as well as accomplish goals in a timely manner
- Demonstrate strong oral/written communication and listening skills
- Proficiency in presenting information to end users and business
- Demonstrates close attention to details and accuracy
- Ability to work with minimal direction, yet able to work collaboratively in a team environment
Preferred experience
- Experience with React/React Native JavaScript frameworks
- Microsoft .NET Framework/.NET Core
- Working with REST APIs
- Working with MS SQL Server or other relational databases
Sample job description #3
ABC Company is seeking a WordPress Developer to work in our Washington DC office supporting the IT Operations and Maintenance contract
We are a rapidly growing company that considers our employees and teams to be our most important assets. Our team environment provides opportunities for growth to individuals who are motivated to excel. We are situated in Merrifield, VA — well positioned for most commutes within the (City) area. Our newly renovated office spaces are first in class facilitating a teamwork environment. We also offer opportunities for telework and have some of the most interesting, advanced IT business in the DC area. Our growing program works with the most forward leaning technologies and extraordinary customers who are thought and action leaders in within the AI/ML domain. We offer a highly competitive compensation and benefits package to the right person for this position.
General description:
The ideal candidate will familiarize themselves with WordPress environment. Take on work assignments to maintain and enhance the WordPress environment. An ability to work closely with the customer to develop requirements and user stories. Willingness to take on challenges and changing priorities. Be willing to learn new processes and technology to broaden their scope of responsibilities and their ability to work independently.
Required skills:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or related field, or equivalent experience
- 2 to 3 years development experience with WordPress
- Experience working with a variety of WordPress plugins
- Supported the use of custom WordPress themes and plugin development
- Experience with PHP development and PHP frameworks
- Working knowledge of SQL, JavaScript, HTML, and CSS
- Working knowledge of front and backend development
- Familiarity with code versioning tools (GitHub)
- Ability to manage multiple projects and deliverables simultaneously
- Desire to learn and take on new challenges
Desired skills:
- Experience setting up development environments
- Working knowledge of AWS Cloud Computing Services
- Familiarity of ITSM tools (ServiceNow)
- Knowledge of security controls
- Understanding of Section 508 guidelines
- Ability to develop user stories to address user requirements
- Working knowledge of Linux
- Understanding of agile development tools, especially Micro Focus ALM suite
Average salary and compensation
The average salary for a WordPress developer is $71,650 in the United States. Position salary will vary based on experience, education, company size, industry, and market.
| Location | Salary Low | Salary High |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix, Arizona | $71,250 | $96,400 |
| Los Angeles, California | $80,400 | $108,750 |
| Denver, Colorado | $67,000 | $90,650 |
| Washington, DC | $81,600 | $110,400 |
| Miami, Florida | $66,700 | $90,250 |
| Orlando, Florida | $61,500 | $83,200 |
| Tampa, Florida | $62,100 | $84,050 |
| Atlanta, Georgia | $65,150 | $88,150 |
| Chicago, Illinois | $74,900 | $101,350 |
| Boston, Massachusetts | $81,000 | $109,600 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota | $64,550 | $87,350 |
| New York City, New York | $85,250 | $115,350 |
| Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | $69,450 | $93,950 |
| Dallas, Texas | $67,600 | $91,450 |
| Houston, Texas | $67,000 | $90,650 |
| Seattle, Washington | $77,950 | $105,450 |
| National Average | $60,900 | $82,400 |
Sample interview questions
- Can you describe what a plugin is for WordPress?
- Where is the content stored?
- What’s the difference between Posts and Pages?
- What are hooks? What are their functions?
- What’s an action hook?
- What a filter hook?
- How would you go about enabling debug mode?
- What’s taxonomy?
- How many default tables are in WordPress?
