How to become a Web Developer
Web developers design, create, produce and maintain websites using relevant software packages.
Personal requirements for a Web Developer
- Creative
- Aptitude for technical tasks
- Good communication skills
- Able to work as part of a team
- Committed to understanding new technology and upgrading skills
Education & Training for a Web Developer
You can work as a web developer without formal qualifications. You will probably get some informal training on the job. Skills may be developed through practice and experience. Entry to this occupation may be improved if you have qualifications. You may like to consider a VET qualification. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information.You can also become a web developer through a traineeship. Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10. Alternatively, you can become a web developer by completing a degree in information technology or communication design with a major in web development, web design or multimedia. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your Senior Secondary Certificate of Education. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English and mathematics are normally required. Applicants may also be required to submit a folio of work or attend an interview. Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact the institutions you are interested in for more information.
Additional information
Membership of the Australian Computer Society is available to those who hold, or are working towards, suitable qualifications. There is a range of membership types available, allowing progression through the various levels as a member's career develops.
Duties & Tasks of a Web Developer
Web developers:
- Talk with clients and discuss ideas to get a clear understanding of their requirements
- Develop website content
- Manage the image and copyrights of the company on the internet
- Decide on the design aspects of the website, including the use of graphics, links and forms
- Ensure text and graphic elements mesh together as a cohesive, eye-catching work
- Develop custom programs to extend the functionality of websites
- Talk with writers, designers, system administrators and other IT staff to ensure the website will fulfil its purpose
- Maintain or update the website once it is completed by adding new content, illustrations or features
- Coordinate other people, such as designers and writers, to help maintain the website.
Tasks
- Designs, develops and integrates computer code with other specialised inputs, such as image files, audio files and scripting languages, to produce, maintain and support web sites.
- Analyses, designs and develops internet sites applying a mixture of artistry and creativity with software programming and scripting languages and interfacing with operating environments.
- Communicates with network specialists regarding web-related issues, such as security and hosting web sites, to control and enforce internet and web server security, space allocation, user access, business continuity, web site backup and disaster recovery planning.
- Assists in analysing, specifying and developing internet strategies, web-based methodologies and development plans.
Working conditions for a Web Developer
Web developers are often required to travel locally, nationally and internationally to meet clients and other people working on particular projects, such as designers and systems specialists. Working conditions can be stressful at times, especially when deadlines need to be met.
Employment Opportunities for a Web Developer
Web developers work in IT-specific industries and other industries requiring IT expertise. With experience, there are opportunities for self-employment.
Specializations
Web Developer
Web developers design, create, produce and maintain websites using relevant software packages.
Average age
33 years
Future Growth
Very strong
Gender Share
17% female
Average full-time
42 hours
Weekly Pay
$1,596
Skill level rating
Very high skill
Unemployment
Lower unemployment
Full-Time Share
79% Full-Time
Employment Size
8,600 workers
Employment by state
ACT: 2.9%
NSW: 35.5%
NT: 0.3%
QLD: 16.7%
SA: 4.8%
TAS: 1.2%
VIC: 32.2%
WA: 6.4%
Age brackets
15-19: 0.9%
20-24: 9.1%
25-34: 47.4%
35-44: 29.2%
45-54: 9.4%
55-59: 2.4%
60-64: 1.1%
65 and Over: 0.6%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 12.7%
Bachelor degree: 47.6%
Certificate III/IV: 5.4%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 19.2%
Year 10 and below: 1.4%
Year 11: 1%
Year 12: 12.7%
