Complete Guide To Working Remotely As A Web Developer
Remote work is a topic that I am passionate about as it has enabled me to explore new places and cultures as a digital nomad. I appreciate the versatility of remote work as there are numerous opportunities available online, no matter what your skills or interests are. There isn’t just one way to do it, and you’re sure to find something that suits your needs.
Now, of all the range of possibilities, working remotely as a web developer is probably the most famous. Because web pages are the basis of the digital world and the need for people who can build them is increasing.
If you are always looking for logic in everything, you like technology and you are good at creating things from scratch, web development is likely for you. Of course, I do not want you to leave suddenly just because it is a profession in demand and booming. The truth is that there are many ins and outs and you need to prepare very well, but above all enjoy what you do.
Although web development is on everyone’s lips, there are still people who don’t know what it is about. Others do have some ideas but have doubts about training or access to online jobs in this sector. That’s why I wrote this article in which I’m going to tell you everything about remote work as a web developer, from how the market moves to where to train or how much you can earn.
we start.
What does a web developer do
Let’s start with clarifying the role of a web developer. Essentially, a web developer is responsible for designing and building websites. While it may seem straightforward, the job entails much more than just creating web pages.
As a professional in this field, you will work with three foundational computer languages: HTML, CSS, and Javascript. These languages are essential for creating all types of web pages. HTML is responsible for organizing the content, CSS handles the page’s visual design, and Javascript adds dynamic elements like interactive effects and animations. Javascript is the only language that is considered a programming language, while the others are hypertext and style languages respectively.
If you have no idea about the world of web development, surely the above sounds like another language to you, but believe me when I tell you that it will be the basis of your work.
Areas of web development
The world of web development is so big that there are three categories to try to better describe the work of each professional. So, you might work like this:
- Front-end web developer: deals with everything that we can see from web pages. This includes content structure, usability, user experience, mobile adaptation, etc. In technical terms, he is the one who is on the client’s side and must ensure that the design of the web can be carried out functionally.
- Back-end web developer: we could say that he is the person who is behind the scenes taking care of everything that we do not see, but he is essential for a web page to work. It works with databases, servers and hosting, and applications, among others.
- Full-stack web developer: In theory, she is a professional who is proficient in both front-end and back-end and can take over an entire web project. And I say theoretically because most full-stacks have dedicated themselves first to one of the two branches above and then learned the basics of the other, without going too deep. After all, each environment has its challenges and complexities, so it is very difficult to be an expert in everything and to become a good full-stack you need many years of experience.
Although these three are the essential categories, I find it interesting to mention a fourth: web design. This would be a branch of graphic design dedicated exclusively to the creative and visual parts of web pages. However, it is quite common for companies to hire web designers who work hand in hand with developers. It is an option that may be for you if the world of web pages attracts your attention, but you do not want to write a single line of code and you only want to show off your artistic side.
The web development job market
When I tell you that web developers are one of the most sought-after professionals in today’s market, I’m not just talking. If you enter any job website, I bet you what you want is that on the first page, you find an ad looking for a web developer. Infojobs, LinkedIn, UpWork, Workana. You can try anywhere, you will see that the demand is there.
In addition to job portals, some studies give us exciting data. For example, according to the Radiography of Vacancies in the Technology Sector, for instance in Spain, web development is the specialty with the most positions to be filled, reaching 40,000 vacancies. For its part, the Inter-American Development Bank estimates that by 2025, Latin America will require 1,200,000 professionals in the area.
How much does a web developer earn?
The question on everyone’s mind: what is the salary of a web developer? It is a significant factor to consider when starting in this profession. The answer varies based on several factors, such as your level of experience, whether you specialize in a particular area and the country in which you work. However, with the rise of remote work, location is becoming less of a determining factor.
I understand that you may be interested in specific figures, so here are some relevant numbers. In Spain, a junior web developer can expect to earn an annual salary between €21,000 and €25,000. As you progress to a senior level, you may aim for a salary of up to €40,000. In the United States, things get better, because the range is between $55,000 and $110,000 per year. But I’m not going to lie to you, to aspire to those salaries you must find a company that is willing to hire you remotely and allows you to make your career with them in a stable way.
Now, the best thing about web development is that you don’t need to be in a specific place nor are you dependent on getting a contract with anyone. You can work on your own as a freelance, choosing your clients and dedicating yourself to the projects that excite you. Thus, the rules and rates are set by you. For example, for a web page, you can charge from $200 up to $5000 or even more, depending on the level of complexity. Not bad, right?
How to train as a web developer remotely
A few years ago, most web developers were computer or software engineers, but today the market has changed dramatically. Companies are not too interested in where you studied or what degree you have, but rather in what you know and what you are capable of doing. In addition, the internet did its thing, and not only is it not necessary to go to university, but you also do not have to physically attend any academy, since you have all the knowledge at the distance of a click. I tell you the main options.
Bootcamps
These programs have become one of the most popular alternatives in recent times. These are intensive training that lasts from ten to twenty-four weeks and in which participants go from having no idea of web development to being ready to launch into the job market. The advantage (or disadvantage, depending on how you see it) is that they require an exclusive dedication of at least half a day and some extra hours on your own. These don’t work for everyone, but they are a fast, efficient, and challenging way to learn.
Online courses
If the Bootcamp seems too much for you, you can also find hundreds of web development courses on the internet. Some work synchronously and have start and end dates with times you have to stick to. Others are recorded and you can buy them and follow them at your own pace. It is a matter of doing a little research on which one best suits your goals and your budget. Do you want specific recommendations? Try Udemy, Crehana, or Domestika, they all have great alternatives for beginners.
Online academies
In addition to the options for general course websites, academies that specialize in the tech sector have emerged. You can find both bootcamps and short courses, but also longer programs, such as master’s degrees, or even complete degrees. Among the most famous are CoderHouse, Keep Coding, IronHack, Código Facilito, and Platzi.
Youtube
Never underestimate YouTube when it comes to learning. Here are a bunch of free videos and neatly arranged video series that you can train yourself as a developer with. Of course, most likely you will only acquire basic knowledge, but they will serve as a basis for familiarizing yourself with the information and later taking a paid course.
Some recommendations if you want to be a web developer
Although web development professionals are highly sought after by companies worldwide, there is also competition in the industry. Therefore, you must work on improving your profile, and to do so I give you five recommendations that I think are essential:
Specialize
This is the best thing you can do to stand out. And it is that the world of web development is huge; there are hundreds of technologies, many programming languages, and several work methodologies to achieve very different objectives. The best thing is that, once you master the basics, you specialize in a specific aspect.
To do this, pay attention to market demands, look at what companies are looking for, and also take into account what you like best or where you feel most comfortable. This way you will stop being a generalist to become an expert in something specific, which will boost your professional profile.
Stay updated
In web development, everything moves at a thousand kilometers per hour, and if you don’t care, your knowledge can become obsolete. Therefore, updates are not an option, but a necessity for you to keep up with what’s new. Here, if you don’t advance, you go backward.
Create your portfolio
Let your work speak for you and make a portfolio in which you show your best creations. At first, you can fill it with websites that you have created as a practice and then add client projects, as long as they allow it. In this way, you will document your career and you will have a cover letter that can become a magnet for potential employers and clients.
Learn English
In the technological environment, English is like reading: knowing it is not too special, but not knowing it is very serious. The best training and books are in that language, and countries like the United States, Canada, or England are among those that pay web developers the most. Undoubtedly, speaking English will open the doors to more and better opportunities, so you should not leave it as a pending task.
Work on your soft skills
Don’t think that because the basis of remote work as a web developer is writing code and creating pages, you don’t need soft skills. Quite the opposite. In this work environment, teamwork is very important, so you must have good communication skills. It is also key that you manage your time well since your day-to-day will be very busy and you need to know how to organize yourself.
Common questions about working as a web developer
I have already told you (almost) everything you need to know to work remotely as a web developer. However, there are still some questions that you are sure to ask yourself and I will answer them here.
Is a web developer the same as a programmer?
The quick answer is no, but it must be qualified. To work as a web developer it is necessary to know how to program, since even if you dedicate yourself only to the front-end part, you have to know some programming language. On the other hand, a programmer can dedicate himself to environments that have nothing to do with web development, such as the creation of mobile apps, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, among others.
In short, every web developer is a programmer, but not every programmer is a web developer.
How long can it take to become a web developer?
The amount of time it takes to learn how to build fully functional websites depends on your level of dedication. If you are willing to commit to intensive learning, you can be ready in about three months. However, if you only have a couple of hours a day to dedicate to learning, it may take seven or eight months to become proficient. Remember that no expert was trained in a day and to be successful in this you must prepare well.
What programming language is most in demand?
HTML5, CSS, and JavaScript are the foundation of the front end, but it can be very useful if you train in one of the so-called frameworks, such as React and Angular. Regarding back-end development, the greatest demand is in Java, Python, PHP, C, and Ruby.
Work remotely as a web developer and become a digital nomad
I believe I have provided you with all the information you need. It’s clear that working remotely as a web developer is a secure option and you can acquire all the necessary skills from the comfort of your own home. Furthermore, it’s an excellent profession for those who wish to become digital nomads, as it is highly lucrative and allows for the option of remote employment or working independently at your own pace.
That’s all from me. I’d like to hear from you now. Have you considered pursuing a career in web development? What are your thoughts on the future of the tech industry? I’m interested in hearing your opinion and expectations about this field. I believe that the potential for growth is immense and the opportunities are constantly expanding.
