what is a front-end developer?
As a front-end developer, you build the front-end or client-side of a website or software application. However, unlike other developers, you take an artistic and pragmatic approach instead of focusing on the technical aspects. That means your code will determine how the web design is implemented on the internet. Website pages often combine structure, design, content, data and functionality; without a front-end developer to create a user-friendly page, users cannot navigate the functions. Essentially, your job is to transform the web layout to help users access the functions they need by packaging the technical side in the back-end.
what does a front-end developer do?
As a front-end developer, you work on various projects centred on the website's appearance and user experience for end-users. For instance, you could turn websites into intuitive and visually appealing sites. You also create purpose-built landing pages for running contests, niche marketing and advertising campaigns. A front-end developer uses graphic design tools to create website prototypes and code editing tools. Front-end developers work in various industries to develop functional websites for their employers.
Would working as a front-end developer in IT or tech suit your artistic and creative skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a front-end developer role.
average salary of a front-end developer
According to National Careers, the salary of a front-end developer ranges from £20,000 to £50,000 annually. Entry-level positions usually attract lower salaries due to the experience level and scope of the role. Experienced front-end developers earn more due to the transferrable skills they bring to the role. Apart from wages, your compensation package includes various allowances like medical or house allowances. Some companies also pay overtime wages and end-year bonuses to their employees.
how to increase your salary as a front-end developer
As a front-end developer, your earnings depend on your duties and the skills you possess. Hence, you can boost your compensation package by improving your educational qualifications or acquiring additional certifications that strengthen your skills. For instance, a certificate in programming languages improves your prospects.
Large companies often pay more due to the specialised skills the roles demand. You can seek employment in a big organisation to improve your salary prospects. While small companies pay less, you are likely to gain additional skills since you will juggle numerous tasks. Moving to an urban location can also boost your compensation package. Major cities have a high demand for developers, and the pay is better than small towns due to the high cost of living.
types of front-end developers
Some of the types of front-end developers include:
- user interface and user experience designers: as a front-end developer, you can focus on user experience (UX) and user interface (UI). In UI, you improve the visual aspects of a website design, while UX involves user testing to ensure a seamless user experience.
- web designer: as a front-end web designer, your focus is on improving web design and requires minimal coding. You ensure elements like alignment and balance are considered when developing the web layout.
- wordpress developer: a front-end developer specialising in WordPress platforms can help clients create unique blogs by incorporating various themes from the platform.
- mobile developer: your job is to create functional applications with attractive designs. You also ensure the mobile apps work seamlessly to improve the user experience.
working as a front-end developer
As a front-end developer, you incorporate your artistic and design skills into your work. Let's look at the tasks and work environment of front-end developers.
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front-end developer job description
Some of the roles of a front-end developer include:
- turning designs into functional web pages: as a front-end developer, you use design ideas from graphics designers and replicate them using HTML and CSS to create functional web pages. HTML establishes the layout and structure, while CSS is effective in styling web pages.
- maintaining proper website themes and colours: as a front-end developer, you will work alongside web designers and marketing teams to determine the best themes and website colour schemes. You also ensure the colour schemes are balanced and coordinated throughout the websites.
- improving website navigation: front-end developers often create links to help users navigate websites or external sites. Apart from building the code that enables you to add links throughout the web pages, you need to ensure the links take users to the desired sites or locations on the website.
- optimising websites for mobile: as a front-end developer, you ensure users can access a website from any device. The web page design must maintain its appearance on small screens with the expected site speed. Users should also access all the features from mobile devices.
- content optimisation: as a front-end developer, you ensure content is well displayed on a website by optimising the web page structure. You can also boost the website's visibility by ensuring the content follows search engine optimisation guidelines and best practices.
- testing and updating front-end components: your job is to implement new front-end components on websites. You also regularly test the websites for bugs to ensure they work perfectly.
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work environment
As a front-end developer, you will mainly work in an office environment and spend most of the day on a computer or in meetings with other developers. Most companies develop creative workspaces for web developers to keep them motivated. For instance, some employers offer interactive spaces for brainstorming and coding spaces with various lighting features to keep the creative juices flowing. A front-end developer can also work remotely and accomplish their responsibilities without going to the office. The job doesn't involve travelling unless you are attending a conference.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on your work projects and employer, your colleagues may includes different developers such as back-end developers, full-stack developers and mobile developers. You are also likely to work close to ux designers, web developers, graphic designers and other specialists, including software engineers, cloud engineer post, project managers and system analysts.
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work schedule
As a front-end developer, your work schedule depends on your employer and the projects. When working full-time, the job duties cover 39 hours a week. You often have to work outside office hours to complete urgent projects and meet deadlines. Part-time and remote work opportunities are available in small start-ups that don't require complex web development work. Some front-end developers are freelancers who work on short-term contracts before moving to the next employer.
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job outlook
Becoming a front-end developer establishes your career in web development. You can improve your skills and take up senior roles or move to other technology roles. If you enjoy the planning and brainstorming stages of front-end development, you have the potential to move into management roles. While you won't be coding, you will lead teams of front-end developers on various projects. When you have deep knowledge in front-end development, you can become a consultant or lecture web development students in colleges and universities.
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advantages of finding a front-end developer job through randstad
Finding your front-end developer job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a front-end developer is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
education and skills
You can become a front-end developer through the following ways:
- learning programming languages: if you want to excel as a front-end developer, you need exceptional coding skills. Hence, you should be familiar with coding languages relevant to front-end development. Attend coding boot camps or learn from online courses.
- university/college: join the career by undertaking a bachelor's degree in web development or software engineering. Alternatively, find a diploma course on web design and development to learn front-end development concepts.
- apprenticeship: an apprenticeship course on web design and development helps you learn on the job as you attend college. It gives you the practical experience necessary for working in the field.
- work experience: as a front-end developer, you need work experience to get a job. You can validate your expertise through coding challenges or building your projects and using them as your portfolio.
skills and competencies
Apart from technical expertise, you need a lot of other skills (soft skills) to excel as a front-end developer.
- curiosity: the website development landscape is constantly evolving, and you need to keep learning and stay on track with the emerging front-end components and tools. With curiosity, you will be inspired to research the trends and implement them in your work.
- empathy: since you are developing a brand's visual image, the goal isn't to decorate it with various graphics or colours. You need to be mindful of how others perceive the colours and the graphics. Empathy allows you to put yourself in the users' shoes.
- problem-solving skills: the work of a front-end developer comes with various challenges, and you need problem-solving skills to help you break down the issue and find a solution.
- collaboration and team skills: you work alongside a team of developers and collaborate with back-end developers to ensure a website works properly. Team skills help you maintain a positive relationship.
FAQs
FAQs about working as a front-end developer
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what does a front-end developer do?
A front-end developer makes technology products and websites visually appealing. They also ensure users can navigate seamlessly.
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what is the front-end developer salary?
The salary of a front-end developer ranges from £20,000 to £50,000 per year, depending on the experience level.
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what is a front-end web developer?
A front-end web developer improves the functionality of a website by making it visually appealing and user-friendly.
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is a front-end developer a good career?
Becoming a front-end developer is an exciting career if you are creative. The profession also has numerous growth opportunities.
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what is the highest paying job in the IT field?
The highest paying IT jobs in the UK are Dev Ops engineering and software engineering.
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how do I apply for a front-end developer vacancy?
Applying for a front-end developer job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
