Overview
WordPress is one of the most popular content management systems (CMS) in the world, powering more than 43.2% of all websites on the internet. (W3Techs, 2022). As a result, there is a high demand for skilled WordPress developers who can build and maintain websites using this platform.
But is a career as a WordPress developer a good choice? In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of becoming a WordPress developer to help you decide if it’s the right career path for you.
Pros of Being a WordPress Developer
There are several benefits to pursuing a career as a WordPress developer:
- High Demand for Skills: As mentioned earlier, WordPress is used by a significant portion of websites on the internet, which means there is a constant demand for skilled WordPress developers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of web developers is projected to grow by 8% from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations.
- Good Pay: WordPress developers can earn good salaries, especially if they have advanced skills and experience. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a WordPress developer in the United States is around $75,000 per year.
- Flexibility: Many WordPress developers work as freelancers or as part of a remote team, which allows for a high degree of flexibility in terms of work location and schedule. This can be especially appealing for those who value work-life balance or have other commitments outside of work.
- Opportunity for Growth: The field of web development is constantly evolving, with new technologies and frameworks being developed all the time. This means that there is always the opportunity to learn new skills and advance your career as a WordPress developer.
Cons of Being a WordPress Developer
While there are many positive aspects to a career as a WordPress developer, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider:
- Competition: Because WordPress is so widely used, there is a lot of competition for jobs and projects. This means that you may need to work hard to stand out from other candidates and establish yourself as a valuable asset to potential clients or employers.
- Learning Curve: WordPress is a powerful and flexible platform, but it can also be complex and requires a certain amount of technical skill to use effectively. This means that you may need to invest time and effort into learning the ins and outs of WordPress development in order to succeed in this field.
- Staying Up-to-Date: As mentioned earlier, the field of web development is constantly evolving. This means that you’ll need to stay up-to-date on new technologies and best practices in order to remain competitive and in demand as a WordPress developer.
- Freelance vs. Full-Time: While the flexibility of freelance work can be appealing, it can also come with its own set of challenges. As a freelancer, you’ll need to be proactive about finding and securing projects, and you may not have the same level of job security or benefits that come with a full-time position.
What is the salary of a WordPress developer?
According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a WordPress developer in the United States is around $75,000 per year. However, it’s important to note that salary can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including your level of experience, the company you work for, your location, and your specific skills and expertise.
For example, a WordPress developer with several years of experience working for a large company in a major city may earn significantly more than a junior developer working for a small business in a rural area.
It’s also worth noting that WordPress developers who work as freelancers or contractors may have the ability to negotiate their own rates, which can be higher or lower than the average salary depending on the specific project and the demand for their skills.
Conclusion
A career as a WordPress developer can be a rewarding and lucrative choice, but it’s important to carefully consider the pros and cons before making the decision to pursue it. If you have a passion for web development, enjoy problem-solving and learning new technologies, and are willing to put in the time and effort to succeed, then a career as a WordPress developer could be a good fit for you.
