Starting a Career in WordPress Development: Opportunities for Newcomers

By Chevas Balloun

Last Updated: April 9th 2024

Image showing a person working on WordPress development

Too Long; Didn't Read:

WordPress dominates the CMS market, powering over 835 million websites. With 661 new WordPress sites daily, opportunities for WordPress developers are abundant. Skills in themes, plugins, and responsive design are key, with an average annual income of $68,000. The future of WordPress promises further growth and technological advancements.

Have you heard about WordPress? It's killing it in the CMS game, like straight up dominating with a whopping 64.3% market share among websites using a CMS. That's insane! With over 835 million websites rocking WordPress, it's basically running the internet.

If you're trying to make it as a developer, getting a solid handle on WordPress is a total power move.

I mean, 661 new WordPress sites pop up every single day, so the demand is off the charts.

The WordPress ecosystem is stacked with over 60k plugins, making it the go-to platform for building all kinds of websites.

It's not just some small-time player either – WordPress fuels 14.7% of the top sites worldwide, including heavy hitters like NBC and the NFL. This growth isn't slowing down anytime soon.

WordPress is the real deal for businesses and individuals who want a versatile and user-friendly interface.

With its massive collection of themes and plugins, it leaves other platforms like Joomla and Drupal in the dust. If you're looking to break into web dev, the rise of WordPress means plenty of career opportunities.

Its market dominance isn't just luck – it's got powerful features like killer SEO and optimized mobile responsiveness.

Pursuing a career in WordPress development means working with a cutting-edge platform, and the job prospects are booming.

WordPress developers are in high demand, and the field is poised for even more growth in the future. So, if you're trying to make moves in the web dev world, getting familiar with WordPress is the way to go.

Table of Contents

  • Understanding The Basics of WordPress
  • The Role of a WordPress Developer
  • Skills Required for a WordPress Developer
  • Career Opportunities for WordPress Developers
  • Path to Becoming a WordPress Developer: Education and Certification
  • Conclusion: The Future of WordPress Development
  • Frequently Asked Questions

Check out next:

  • Unlock the secrets to WordPress development, a pathway brimming with opportunities for tech enthusiasts eager to shape the digital landscape.

Understanding The Basics of WordPress

(Up)

Getting the fundamentals of WordPress down is like learning your ABCs before you can spit some fire rhymes. It's a dope content management system (CMS) that powers over 40% of all websites on the web, including a ton of sites covered by the WordPress tutorial crew.

Understanding this platform is clutch, 'cause it uses a User Role system and gives you the freedom to rock WordPress.com for a hosted setup or WordPress.org for more control.

  • Themes - The visual drip, themes dictate how your WordPress site looks. With mad options in the WP directory, personalizing your site is a breeze.
  • Plugins - Enhance the game with over 55,000 options, decking out your site with everything from SEO optimizations to security measures.
  • Widgets - Level up the user experience by adding content blocks like calendars to sidebars, making navigation smoother and more user-friendly.
  • Menus - Streamline site accessibility by building intuitive navigation structures, significantly improving the user experience.
  • Posts and Pages - The core content, with posts displayed in reverse chronological order for dynamic updates and pages hosting evergreen content.

WordPress runs on a PHP backend with a MySQL database, and devs looking to level up their skills have tons of resources.

The WordPress Essentials Video Training Course, for instance, is up-to-date with the latest WP version and gives beginners a chill, bite-sized intro.

Comprehensive guides on the WordPress Codex and dev handbooks break down core concepts like the WordPress Loop, template hierarchy, and the REST API.

Understanding WordPress is to get the "incredible power of its flexibility and extensibility." With a solid foundation, devs can innovate within WordPress's framework, utilizing its full capabilities to build unique and dope digital spaces.

Fill this form to download the Bootcamp Syllabus

And learn about Nucamp's Coding Bootcamps and why aspiring developers choose us.

The Role of a WordPress Developer

(Up)

Let me break it down for you about these WordPress devs. They're like the MVPs of building and tweaking websites on WordPress - that platform that powers a whopping 40% of all sites on the web.

These homies juggle multiple roles, from coding dope themes and plugins to customizing WordPress' core features and keeping sites secure and running smooth.

Here's what a typical day might look like for one of these devs:

  • Designing slick, responsive themes and plugins that are tailored to fit the client's vibe.
  • Managing updates and backups to keep everything running tight and averting any data loss drama.
  • Implementing performance boosts and SEO wizardry to augment that site visibility and functionality.
  • Serving as the tech guru, helping clients navigate their WordPress sites like a pro.
  • Maintaining their skills on fleek by staying up-to-date with the latest WordPress trends and updates.

These WordPress devs are like the backbone of the tech world, making up a huge chunk of web developers out there.

Their skills don't just shape how content looks but also elevate the whole user experience and keep websites running smooth. The career path for a WordPress dev can range from freelancing to landing sick gigs at tech companies, with top roles like Lead Developer or WordPress Project Manager.

To reach those heights, they gotta keep expanding their skills and leveling up their game. According to Glassdoor, the average WordPress dev rakes in around $68,000 a year - not too shabby for their dope expertise.

With WordPress still ruling as the go-to CMS, the demand for these skilled devs is only gonna keep rising, solidifying their crucial role in shaping the digital realm.

Skills Required for a WordPress Developer

(Up)

Wanna be a badass WordPress dev? It's all about mastering the tech skills. You gotta know your HTML, CSS, and PHP game on point, 'cause that's what powers like 43.2% of all WordPress sites.

TestGorilla says it's crucial. But that's just the basics, my dude.

To really slay it, you need to level up with JavaScript for those sick interactive elements, and get down with version control tools like Git.

Building custom WordPress themes and plugins is where it's at. A ton of devs are doing it, so you better get on that grind. And don't sleep on SEO, either.

DevSkiller says you gotta understand how to rank on search engines for that sweet online visibility. Oh, and with everyone using their phones these days, responsive design is a must-have skill if you want your sites looking fly on any device.

But it's not just about the coding skills.

Problem-solving, communication, and project management are key. Devs get hyped about solving complex sh*t, so you gotta have that puzzle-solving mindset. And WP ERP reminds us that you gotta stay curious and keep learning, 'cause WordPress is always evolving.

Being able to explain tech stuff clearly and manage projects like a boss is what separates the real ones from the wannabes.

In short, to crush it as a WordPress dev, you need that perfect blend of technical wizardry and solid soft skills.

It's not just about writing dope code; it's about strategic communication, never-ending curiosity, and a straight-up addiction to problem-solving. That's the secret sauce for growth and innovation in this fast-paced world of web dev.

Fill this form to download the Bootcamp Syllabus

And learn about Nucamp's Coding Bootcamps and why aspiring developers choose us.

Career Opportunities for WordPress Developers

(Up)

The WordPress dev scene is lit, and it's only getting hotter! With over 40% of websites powered by WordPress, there's a massive demand for devs who can sling code and make dope websites with this platform.

The job growth for web devs and digital designers, including those who specialize in WordPress, is skyrocketing faster than your favorite rapper's Insta followers.

Remote WordPress Devs in the US are raking in an average of $84,542 per year as of December 2023! That's some serious bread! While the pay may vary depending on where you're based, being a WordPress wizard opens doors to all kinds of industries, from tech startups and web dev agencies to non-profit orgs.

The freelance WordPress dev hustle is where it's really poppin'! Platforms like Upwork are flooded with gigs for WordPress freelancers.

You can be your own boss, pick your clients, and work on projects that match your skills and interests. WordPress dev isn't just about building websites; it's about creating dope plugins and themes tailored to clients' needs.

It's a never-ending journey of learning and leveling up your skills. Whether you're a full-time dev or a freelancer, the WordPress job market is a goldmine for anyone looking to make it big.

Path to Becoming a WordPress Developer: Education and Certification

(Up)

If you're trying to get into the WordPress game, you gotta start with the right education and certification. That's the key to showing everyone you know your stuff.

Did you know that a whopping 455 million websites are using WordPress? That's like 43% of the entire internet! It's a massive playground for developers like you.

For the newbies out there, there are tons of dope online courses to get you up to speed.

They'll teach you everything from building websites from scratch to customizing them and managing the whole shebang. Courses like "WordPress for Beginners – Master WordPress Quickly" on Udemy and "How to Make a WordPress Website - Elementor Page Builder" are highly recommended for their comprehensive content and hands-on learning approach.

Perfect for both beginners and seasoned developers alike.

But if you're really serious about proving your skills, you gotta go for those WordPress developer certification programs.

That's the golden ticket to getting recognized in the industry. The WordPress training courses recommended by the experts are way more in-depth than just watching random blogs and videos.

You'll want to check out the practical curriculums offered by platforms like WP Apprentice and WP101. They're known for their solid foundational training and being super beginner-friendly.

Investing in a well-structured online training program can save you a ton of time and headaches down the road.

And for even more help, Coursera has some killer courses like Build a Full Website using WordPress and other specialized WordPress development programs, including some accredited by top universities.

These resources go hand-in-hand with the official WordPress Codex, which is like the ultimate guide and technical reference for everything WordPress. As Jessica Davis, a seasoned WordPress developer, says,

"Certifications can prove to be a key differentiator in the job market,"

so combining formal education with industry-recognized certifications is the way to go.

It'll give you the skills and the competitive edge you need to land those sweet WordPress development gigs.

Fill this form to download the Bootcamp Syllabus

And learn about Nucamp's Coding Bootcamps and why aspiring developers choose us.

Conclusion: The Future of WordPress Development

(Up)

Let me break it down for you about what's poppin' in the WordPress scene for 2023. This shiz is gonna be lit, no cap.

WordPress is already a major player, rocking a massive 43% market share in the CMS game.

But it's only gonna get bigger and better. The new trends in WordPress development are crazy fire.

They're leveling up the Gutenberg editor with some sick block-based editing capabilities, making content management a breeze.

Experts are predicting that WordPress is gonna crush the competition even harder this year.

With dope new features like machine learning, voice search optimization, and headless CMS, it's gonna be a game-changer. Plus, the rise of drag-and-drop builders and the growth of WooCommerce mean that WordPress devs gotta step up their game and learn some next-level skills.

  • Mastering headless CMS architectures for slick rendering across all platforms
  • Getting good at block-based theme development to keep up with the Gutenberg evolution
  • Staying ahead of AI-driven SEO strategies to make your content pop
  • Learning JavaScript frameworks like React for a sick Gutenberg experience

In the words of WordPress co-founder Matt Mullenweg, "WordPress will keep democratizing publishing, one website at a time." It's clear that WordPress development is here to stay, and it's gonna be crucial for anyone who wants to make it big in the tech world.

The real MVPs are gonna be the ones who level up their skills and embrace emerging technologies early. If you wanna be part of the crew shaping the future of the internet, you gotta get familiar with WordPress CMS through Nucamp's resources and get ready for a career that's straight-up fire.

Frequently Asked Questions

(Up)

What are the career opportunities for WordPress developers?

The career opportunities for WordPress developers are vast and diverse, with a growing demand in employment for web developers specializing in WordPress. As of the latest reports, WordPress powers over 40% of websites on the internet, leading to increased job prospects for skilled developers. Average earnings for WordPress developers are around $68,000 annually, with opportunities ranging from freelance work to positions within tech firms.

What skills are required for a WordPress developer?

Thriving as a WordPress developer requires a comprehensive skill set including proficiency in HTML, CSS, PHP, JavaScript, Git, and SEO. Soft skills like problem-solving, communication, and project management are equally vital. A blend of technical and soft skills positions an individual for success in the competitive digital landscape of WordPress development.

How can one start a career in WordPress development?

Entering the world of WordPress development starts with the right education and certification. Courses like 'WordPress for Beginners – Master WordPress Quickly' and 'How to Make a WordPress Website - Elementor Page Builder' are recommended for beginners. Additionally, aspiring developers should consider certification programs provided by platforms like WP Apprentice and WP101 to establish credibility and skill in the field.

What is the future outlook for WordPress development?

The future of WordPress development looks promising, with an anticipated increase in market share and integration of emerging technologies like AI-driven SEO, headless CMS architectures, and JavaScript frameworks. Skills in these areas will be crucial for WordPress developers to stay competitive in the evolving landscape. WordPress is set to democratize publishing further and continue as a foundational platform in the web creation space.

You may be interested in the following topics as well:

N

Chevas Balloun

Director of Marketing & Brand

Chevas has spent over 15 years inventing brands, designing interfaces, and driving engagement for companies like Microsoft. He is a practiced writer, a productivity app inventor, board game designer, and has a builder-mentality drives entrepreneurship.