What Does a WordPress Developer Do? How to Build a Career

Key takeaways

A WordPress developer is a full-stack web developer who builds websites using WordPress, a popular open-source content management system.

• JavaScript is widely used in WordPress development and is the most popular programming language among developers worldwide [1].

• Typical responsibilities of a WordPress developer include designing and developing new features and functions, maintaining the architecture of a website, and writing, testing, and debugging code.

• You can become a WordPress developer by familiarizing yourself with WordPress, gaining essential skills, building a portfolio, and earning relevant credentials.

Explore the role of a WordPress developer and how you can become one in just three steps. If you're ready to get started, consider enrolling in the Web Design for Everybody: Basics of Web Development and Coding Specialization. You'll have the opportunity to build a foundation in web design by learning to design and create websites and building a responsive and accessible web portfolio using HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript. No prior experience is required.

What is WordPress?

WordPress is an open-source content management system (CMS) used to build websites. It is the leading website builder globally, with 42.2 percent of all websites using WordPress, representing 59.6 percent of the CMS market share [2]. Although the software is free, many people hire professional WordPress developers for high-quality website design and development. 

What is a WordPress developer?

A WordPress developer is a type of web developer. They specialize in building websites with WordPress. They are also full-stack developers, meaning they can develop the front-end and back-end of a website. A WordPress developer may be hired to enhance the WordPress software or build a custom website for a client. 

Where do WordPress developers work?

A WordPress developer can be employed by a company or choose to be a freelance developer. For those seeking freelance opportunities, several job-seeking platforms exist to connect WordPress developers and potential clients; for example, WordPress Jobs (the official WordPress jobs listing platform) and Codeable.io. You also have options if you are an aspiring WordPress developer who is not interested in freelancing. Examples of organizations that employ WordPress developers include software development companies, digital marketing agencies, and software-as-a-service (SaaS) management businesses. 

WordPress developer job outlook

As the fastest-growing CMS for over a decade, WordPress has secured its place in the market [3]. The job market WordPress developers belong to is also experiencing rapid growth. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of web developers and digital designers is expected to grow 7 percent from 2023 to 2033, which is faster than the average for all jobs. That statistic represents an average of 14,500 job openings yearly [4]. 

WordPress website developer factoid

All WordPress developers are web developers and designers. The skills you gain in becoming a WordPress developer can also help you succeed in other web development roles.

How much does a WordPress developer make?

Glassdoor reports the average WordPress developer base salary to be $70,000 per year [5]. Additional pay, such as commissions and profit sharing, is estimated to be an average of $17,000 per year. Combining the average salary with the additional pay brings the estimated average total wage for WordPress developers to $87,000 per year [5]. 

Read more: Web Developer Salary Guide

What does a WordPress developer do?

Typical responsibilities of a WordPress developer include:

• Designing and developing new features and functions

• Translating client requirements into technical specifications

• Implementing and maintaining the architecture of a website

• Writing, testing, and debugging code

Related WordPress developer jobs

WordPress developers are web developers who specialize in WordPress infrastructure and tools. Many roles exist that are similar to WordPress developers. A few examples of related roles include:

• Software developers: Like web developers, software developers are programmers. Instead of (or in addition to) web development, they create computer software and applications.

• User experience (UX) designers: UX design refers to the process of curating the interaction between users and websites or other software products. UX designers are software developers who focus on the UX of a website or application.

• Full-stack developers: Any programmer, regardless of specialization, is considered a full-stack developer if they can create a minimum viable product on their own. Full-stack developers can identify errors between the front and back end and resolve them using both disciplines.

• User interface (UI) developers: UI designers and developers combine creative design and technical skills to craft the visual elements of a website or application.

How to become a WordPress developer

Get into this career with these three steps.

1. Familiarize yourself with WordPress.

You can start using WordPress before you've mastered front-end and back-end development. WordPress is accessible to beginners, making it a popular choice for those who want to make a website themselves but don't have any coding experience.

It's similar to how an aspiring photographer is likely to purchase a camera before graduating from a photography class. You can learn about the basics and build a foundational knowledge of the software while learning how to manage more advanced development. 

2. Gain the essential skills.

WordPress is popular, in part, because it requires minimal technical proficiency from users. In contrast, professional WordPress developers must possess both web development and web design skills. The list below outlines a few of the most important disciplines for a WordPress developer to master.

Programming languages. As a WordPress developer, there are four primary languages you will need to learn.

• HTML (hypertext markup language): Enables you to structure a website by organizing content like headers, footers, and sidebars

• CSS (cascading style sheets): Allows you to apply stylistic elements like text color, border thickness, and image alignment to your HTML structure

• PHP (hypertext preprocessor): The back-end scripting language for WordPress and 71.4 percent of websites in which the language is known [6]

• JavaScript: A crucial skill not only for WordPress developers but also the most popular programming language used by developers worldwide [1]. It is used extensively in WordPress development to create dynamic functionalities. 

You can learn HTML, CSS, and JavaScript all at once by earning a certificate from Johns Hopkins University:

Some more essential skills to know besides programming languages:

• Plugin development: Plugins are packaged extensions of code that enhance the features and functionality of WordPress. WordPress developers create custom plugins based on client requirements.

• Database management: Database management enables users to store, maintain, and control access to pertinent data. WordPress uses a database management system called MySQL.

• Digital marketing: WordPress developers often utilize search engine optimization (SEO) and other digital marketing techniques to increase site traffic and quality.

• Web design and development: Since WordPress developers work extensively on UX and UI, they need excellent web design and development skills. A WordPress developer's responsibility is to ensure the website they build is functional, responsive, aesthetically pleasing, and accessible to all users. 

• Familiarity with popular development tools: Familiarizing yourself with popular development tools is helpful regardless of the type of developer you want to become. A few of the tools most commonly used by developers worldwide are GitHub, Markdown File, GitLab, and Jira [7].

3. Enhance your resume for WordPress development companies.

It's necessary to establish your competitiveness as a job candidate regardless of the demand for your desired occupation. Educational backgrounds for those working in WordPress development roles range from a high school diploma to a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. Higher education is a great way to gain the skills to excel in an entry-level role. However, it isn't the only way to build expertise and showcase your abilities to employers. 

Earn a Professional Certificate.

Another way to demonstrate professional experience to employers is with relevant certifications. If you’re unsure where to begin, try browsing job listings to discover in-demand qualifications. For example, a WordPress developer who wants to enhance their UX skills may pursue a Professional Certificate from an industry expert like Google:

Build a portfolio.

A portfolio is a collection of your best work. If you have experience with WordPress or web development, consider compiling the projects that best communicate your technical ability. You can then send your portfolio along with your resume to prospective employers. It's okay if you have yet to create anything for your professional portfolio. You can get started with an online course like Introduction to Accessible Web Development, a Guided Project that navigates you through the process of creating an accessible custom component with ARIA. 

Learn more about web development with our free resources

Get insights into in-demand skills and career trends by subscribing to our LinkedIn newsletter, Career Chat. Then, learn more about WordPress and web development with these free resources:

• Watch on YouTube: Web Development Skills: Ultimate Guide for Beginners

• Follow a tutorial: How to Add Google Analytics to WordPress

• Learn the lingo: Web Development Terms and Definitions 

Whether you want to develop a new skill, get comfortable with an in-demand technology, or advance your abilities, keep growing with a Coursera Plus subscription. You’ll get access to over 10,000 flexible courses. 

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