Entering a new career takes a lot of preparation,before you jump into a new career, it’s important to consider the path ahead. Can your new industry offer you ample opportunities and stability? How likely are you to get hired after you’ve graduated from your chosen program or bootcamp?

The average base salary for a web developer in the United States is $77,623 per year. Of course, salary varies depending on location, years of experience and the specific skills you bring to the table.

Those who can build and maintain websites, apps, and software have a crucial role to play in today’s technology-driven world—and this is reflected in the web development job market. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of web developers is projected to grow a whopping 23% and 25% for software developers from 2021 to 2031—much faster than the average.

Becoming a web developer typically involves the following steps:

Learn the basics of programming: If you’re new to programming, start with the fundamentals of programming languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. These languages are essential for web development and will give you a solid foundation for more complex programming concepts.

Choose a specialization: Web development includes several specializations, including front-end, back-end, and full-stack development. Front-end developers focus on designing and building the user interface, while back-end developers focus on server-side programming and databases. Full-stack developers work on both front-end and back-end development. Choose a specialization based on your interests and career goals.

Learn a programming language: To become a web developer, you’ll need to learn at least one programming language. Popular languages for web development include JavaScript, Python, Ruby, PHP, and Java. Start by learning the basics of your chosen language and then progress to more advanced topics.

Build a portfolio: Building a portfolio of web development projects is essential to showcase your skills to potential employers. Create a portfolio website and include links to your projects, including both personal and professional work.

Practice, practice, practice: The more you practice, the better you’ll become. Join online communities, participate in open-source projects, and attend meetups and conferences to learn from other developers.

Keep up with industry trends: Web development is a rapidly changing field, so it’s essential to stay up-to-date with new technologies, tools, and trends. Follow blogs, attend webinars and conferences, and read industry publications to stay informed.

Look for job opportunities: Once you have a portfolio of projects and some experience, start looking for job opportunities in your chosen field. Check job boards and company websites for openings, and network with other developers to find potential job leads.

Remember, becoming a web developer takes time and dedication, but with hard work and practice, you can achieve your career goals.