Job Description
Do you have a passion for bringing form and function together online? A position as a Front-End Web Developer might be the strategic, face-paced role perfect for you.
Front-End Web Developers execute concepts designed by the creative team by building user-friendly websites and mobile apps. By using their knowledge of computer coding and superior user experience (UX), Front-End Web Developers help create the e-commerce platforms customers use to buy a company’s goods and services.
A Front-End Web Developer must be able to create seamless UX for a variety of platforms. Websites and mobile apps are commonplace projects, but Front-End Web Developers must also be versatile enough to implement good UX for other interactive media, including mobile games, digital menus, rich video, and more.
Mastering many digital tools and programming languages is vital for any Front-End Web Developer. They must also be strong communicators, working closely with the creative team to make sure their work adheres to brand standards while observing UX best practices. Also, it would be helpful to have a strong background in search engine optimization (SEO).
Typical Duties and Responsibilities
- Plan the structure and layout of webpages
- Create UX optimized for desktop and mobile use
- Balance aesthetic and functional design choices
- Maintain brand standards through web design
- Build novel features designed to improve UX
- Use various markup languages to write websites
- Work with back-end developers to troubleshoot website code
- Create wireframes and mockups to present to Art Directors and clients
- Receive and implement feedback from internal and client reviews
Education and Background
This position requires a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. Candidates with extensive work experience may not require a degree, but formal training of some sort is always mandatory.
Skills and Competencies
- Expertise in CSS, JavaScript, TML, and jQuery
- Understanding of crucial web and visual design elements
- Solid knowledge of adaptive and responsive design
- Understanding of server-side CSS
- Knowledge of SEO best practices
- Solid communication skills
- Experience using graphic design tools, such as Adobe Creative Cloud
- Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
- Ability to thrive under tight deadlines
Compensation
According to Payscale the median annual salary of a Front-End Web Developer with
1 Year of Experience:
- Orlando, Florida: $104,000
- Tampa, Florida: $100,000
- Jacksonville, Florida: $114,000
- Miami, Florida: $110,000
- Atlanta, Georgia: $113,000
- Chicago, Illinois: $100,000
- Houston, Texas: $105,000
- Los Angeles, California: $110,000
- New York City, New York: $115,000
- Seattle, Washington: $110,000
- Overall: $109,000
5 Years of Experience:
- Orlando, Florida: $119,000
- Tampa, Florida: $105,000
- Jacksonville, Florida: $135,000
- Miami, Florida: $114,000
- Atlanta, Georgia: $121,000
- Chicago, Illinois: $125,000
- Houston, Texas: $135,000
- Los Angeles, California: $120,000
- New York City, New York: $125,000
- Seattle, Washington: $114,000
- Overall: $120,000
Similar Titles
- Front-End Engineer
- Front-End Web Designer
- Front-End JavaScript Developer
- Mobile/Tablet Front-End Web Developer
- CSS/HTML Developer
Career Path
The road to becoming a Front-End Web Developer can take a couple of different directions.
Considerable experience using programming languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript is necessary to landing a Front-End Web Developer role. To formalize their training and help master these essential skills, candidates may earn a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. Many colleges and universities offer certification courses in front-end development, as well.
Candidates with extensive work experience (and the portfolio to prove it) may not require a formal degree or certification, but this is the exception, not the rule.
Position Trends
More and more businesses want their e-commerce platforms to stand out from the competition. Templated websites aren’t cutting it anymore, and Front-End Web Developers will be there to build better platforms for their clients. As long as our online and offline lives continue to merge, companies will require user-friendly websites to drive sales and connect with consumers.
Job Outlook
The demand for all Web Developers is projected to grow dramatically over the next four years. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment opportunities for web developers in every industry will increase 26 percent through 2024 — a much higher rate than the national average.
Typical Hours
The work hours for a Front-End Web Developer are typically from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday in an office setting. However, longer or different hours may, at times, be necessary.
Where You Can Find Jobs
- 4 Corner Resources
- Career Builder
- Glassdoor
- Indeed
- Monster
Are You Interested in Becoming a Front-End Web Developer?
We will connect you to one of our headhunters or recruiters to see if you are a perfect fit for one of our job openings. If a job opening does not suit you, we will always keep you in mind as new positions open up. We have vast experience connecting professionals with some of the most well-known organizations in the country. Your next job or career path can be right around the corner. Check out our latest job openings and our blog for career advice.
Feel free to contact us at any time.